Dr Farooq Abdullah said good governance and effective administration require a strong, active and empowered opposition that can highlight public grievances and hold the government accountable.

He said the role of the opposition in a democracy is not confined to criticism alone, but also includes representing public aspirations, reviewing government policies and safeguarding constitutional and democratic values.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said that suppressing the voice of the opposition, refusing to tolerate dissent and denying people the right to raise their legitimate concerns undermines the very spirit of democracy and renders claims of good governance meaningless. He stressed that a strong democratic system rests on freedom of expression, respect for differing opinions, public participation and institutional accountability, adding that any departure from these fundamental principles is detrimental to democracy.

He expressed concern over the alleged use of intimidation, pressure and excessive force to silence dissenting voices and create an atmosphere of fear.

Dr Farooq Abdullah observed that the approach being adopted to suppress people’s voices in the national capital today reminds one of the treatment that the people of Kashmir have faced over the years. He said that silencing public voices, restricting dissent and ignoring legitimate demands do not resolve problems but instead widen the gap between the people and those in power. The strength of democracy, he said, lies in ensuring that every citizen has the freedom to express their views and pursue their rights through peaceful and constitutional means.

He said that the vote is a valuable trust placed by the people and the foundation of democracy. Ensuring transparency in the electoral process, restoring public confidence and safeguarding the credibility of democratic institutions are therefore essential.

Dr Farooq Abdullah further reiterated that the National Conference would not compromise on the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party would continue its efforts to secure the legitimate constitutional rights of the people, strengthen democratic institutions and achieve the restoration of statehood.

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The programme aimed to highlight the importance of comprehensive pain management and improving the quality of life of patients living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Approximately 130 delegates attended the CME, including consultants from various medical and surgical specialities, postgraduate residents, and healthcare professionals from district hospitals and private institutions. The event provided a valuable platform for interdisciplinary learning and the exchange of clinical experiences in palliative care and cancer pain management.

A dedicated palliative care file was inaugurated on the occasion, underscoring the importance of strengthening palliative care services and promoting a more systematic approach to the care of patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.

The programme was held under the guidance of Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean, GMC Jammu. The organising team comprised Dr. Rajesh Mahajan, Organising Chairperson; Dr. Madan Katoch, Co-Chairperson; Dr. Naine Bhadrala, Organising Secretary; Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Scientific Chairperson; Dr. Shruti Gupta and Dr. Neha Sharma, Co-Organising Secretaries; and Dr. Anju Jamwal, Dr. Renu Wakhloo, and Dr. Ajay Gupta, Scientific Advisors.

The scientific programme featured expert lectures and interactive panel discussions on pain assessment, cancer pain management, appropriate opioid use, holistic palliative care, and the role of nurses in supportive care. The discussions emphasised compassionate communication, individualised treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach to alleviating physical, psychological, social, and spiritual suffering.

Dr. Jasmine Chaudhary and Dr. Heena Saini served as anchors for the programme, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of the scientific sessions. A poster competition was also organised on the theme “The Last Chapter Can Still Be Beautiful,” highlighting the importance of dignity, comfort, compassion, and quality of life, even during the final stages of life. The competition encouraged students and residents to express their understanding of palliative care through creative and scientific presentations.

The CME concluded with a renewed commitment to integrating palliative care into routine clinical practice and ensuring timely pain relief, compassionate support, and dignified care for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.

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The demonstrations brought together workers of the Congress, National Conference and PDP at Srinagar and several district headquarters. Protesters raised slogans against the BJP-led Centre and CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while police prevented the Srinagar gathering from proceeding towards the main road.

INDIA bloc parties took out similar protest marches at several district headquarters in the Valley.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary questioned whether the situation today was any less serious than during the Emergency, referring to the curbs in Delhi amid CJP’s call for protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Terming the detention of CJP leaders wrong, he emphasised the need to safeguard democratic rights and uphold the freedom of institutions.

“Detention of CJP leaders is wrong and should not happen. It is their right. There are serious allegations against Gyanesh Kumar, and these allegations have been substantiated by the reported file noting of two other members of ECI”, he said.  

The deputy CM was responding to the detention of top leaders of CJP including Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka and attempts to prevent people from reaching the protest site in Delhi.

Stressing the need for a transparent electoral process and a strong democracy, the deputy chief minister said the CEC should resign on moral grounds to uphold public confidence in the electoral system.

BJP activists staged a protest in Jammu against the Congress, burnt an effigy of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and demanded his resignation over the controversy surrounding the party’s Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who was dismissed by JNU over alleged sexual harassment.

The protest, organised by the BJP’s women’s wing, was led by Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma and attended by several party MLAs, including Chandra Prakash Ganga, Narinder Singh, Yudhvir Sethi, Devinder Kumar Manyal, Arvind Gupta, Mohan Lal and Vikram Randhawa, besides former minister Priya Sethi.

However, police stopped them, following which BJP leaders and workers staged a sit-in protest.

J&K BJP president Sat Sharma accused the Congress of being anti-women and criticised the party over its position on the proposed law providing one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies.

BJP MLA Ganga accused the Congress and opposition parties of attempting to create anarchy in the country, alleging that they are using electoral issues to divert attention from development.

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Reacting to reports of detention of several youths demanding resignation of the chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged bunglings in deleting people from the voter list, internet restrictions and curbs on public movement in Delhi, Omar wrote on X, “Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on New Jammu & Kashmir.” Mehbooba, in a separate statement, alleged that the restrictions reflected a pattern of suppressing protests and subsequently claiming that no dissent had taken place.

After submitting a memorandum yesterday to President Draupadi Murmu by leaders of the India bloc, Omar Abdullah had sought resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Omar joined the INDIA bloc leaders in meeting the President.

He said that the “Delimitation exercise in J&K before the Assembly elections was designed to subvert democracy. We have been the first victims of vote chori.” He blasted the ECI “for its complicity in rigging elections”.

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti in a post on X said “Today’s Delhi is a chilling reminder of Kashmir after the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. People were locked in their homes, the internet was shut down, and an entire region was placed under siege. The BJP then brazenly claimed that nobody had protested”.

“Today, with Delhi under siege, trains halted and roads to Jantar Mantar sealed, they may repeat the same lie, claiming that nobody protested against Gyanesh Kumar”, she said.

“First crush the protest, then deny it ever happened. This is how enforced silence is passed off as consent”, Mehbooba added.

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Kabir had made the remark during an event in Kishtwar, prompting a controversy over his description of Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir’s Kokernag area in 2016.

Defending his statement, the PDP leader termed it his personal opinion and invoked democratic freedom of expression, while also referring to alleged past interactions between BJP leaders and Wani’s family.

When questioned by reporters regarding his choice of words, Kabir maintained that his statement was a personal opinion. He argued that his perspective was protected under the principles of democracy, asserting that individuals have the freedom to express their own views on such matters.

Reacting sharply to the controversy, Ravinder Sharma, chief spokesman of the Congress in J&K, said “A terrorist is a terrorist and Congress has never minced words nor deeds in sternly dealing with terrorism”.

“Some parties and leaders change their stance to remain in power with opposite poles”, Sharma added in an obvious reference to BJP.

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Focus on Implementation Science and Cancer Care:

A major component of the workshopwas led by Dr. Ashutosh Gupta Principal GMC Jammu &   Dr. Jyotsna Suri, HOD Pathology, Nodal Officer Multi Disciplinary Research Unit GMC Jammu. The ICMR team Included Dr. Nisha Jose, Senior Program officer & Senior Scientist, Dr. Pramit Gosh Senior scientist & Dr. Bhawana Sirohi, Medical Director and Senior Medical Oncologist, BALCO Medical Centre Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Dr. Supriya Malik, ICMR Expert NCI Jhajjar & Dr. Bisavjit Dubashi, HOD Medical Oncology JIPMER, Puducherry. The session focused on understanding the practical challenges involved in implementing health interventions and the importance of designing programmes that are responsive to local needs.Another important session was dedicated to Data Management and the RED Cap Platform, conducted by Dr. Pulkit Verma, Program Officer, Data Management, ICMR Headquarters. The session highlighted the importance of robust data collection, management and monitoring systems in generating reliable evidence and evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.

Strengthening Breast Cancer Survival:

A key focus of the workshop was the development of a proposal aimed at improving breast cancer survival in Jammu & Kashmir.The initiative seeks to address challenges across the breast cancer care pathway, including awareness, early detection, screening, timely diagnosis, appropriate referral and access to treatment. The proposal development exercise brought stakeholders together to identify potential areas where evidence-based interventions can have a measurable impact on patient outcomes.

Integrated Screening of Major Cancers:

Another major component of the workshop was the proposed strategy for prevention and screening of breast, oral, cervical and gastric cancers.The integrated approach is intended to strengthen population-level cancer prevention and early detection while making optimum use of existing health-system resources. Participants discussed strategies for identifying high-risk populations, strengthening screening services and establishing effective referral pathways for individuals requiring further investigation.

ICMR–GMC Jammu Collaboration:

The organisation of the workshop at Government Medical College, Jammu, provided an important platform for interaction between national-level research and programme experts and healthcare professionals working in the region.The participation of ICMR experts, senior officials of the UT administration, academic leadership of GMC Jammu and other stakeholders demonstrated the importance of institutional collaboration and multidisciplinary engagement in developing effective public-health programmes.The workshop is expected to contribute to the development of scientifically sound proposals and implementation frameworks that can subsequently support stronger cancer prevention, screening and care initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Way Forward:

The outcomes of the workshop will contribute towards:

* Strengthening cancer prevention and awareness activities.

* Improving population-based screening for major cancers.

* Promoting early detection and timely diagnosis.

* Strengthening referral and care-continuum mechanisms.

* Improving breast cancer treatment pathways and survival.

* Developing evidence-based and locally adaptable intervention packages.

* Strengthening data management and monitoring through appropriate digital platforms.

* Generating implementation evidence that can guide future cancer-control programmes.

* Enhancing coordination between research institutions, government departments, medical colleges and healthcare delivery systems.

A Significant Step Towards Better Cancer Outcomes:

The ICMR workshop marks an important step towards developing a coordinated, evidence-based and locally responsive cancer-control strategy for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, programme managers and healthcare stakeholders, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between research evidence and healthcare implementation and ensure that advances in cancer prevention and care translate into tangible benefits for patients and communities.The central objective remains clear: to detect cancer earlier, ensure timely access to appropriate care, strengthen the continuum of cancer services and ultimately improve survival and quality of life for people affected by cancer in the region.

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The protestors, wearing black bands and carrying black flags, burnt the effigy of Home Minister Amit Shah.

Led by senior leaders of PCC and DCC Jammu Urban & Jammu Rural, the large number of Congress, Mahila  Workers and Frontal Wing leaders took out a  strong protest demonstration at Shaheedi Chowk Jammu leading to a minor scuffle with a heavy contingent of Police, who prevented their march. The protestors raised slogans and bore black batches to observe black day blaming Modi Govt. and Home Minister Amit Shah of indulging in a dictatorial attitude through police to crush the peaceful movement to “Save democracy” launched by Congress and other opposition.

Talking to reporters Raman Bhalla, working president of PCC, lashed out at the “dictatorial mindset” of Modi-Shah Government “who are crushing the dissent in the country against  the Vote Chori”.

He said the LOP Rahul Gandhi and around 300 MPs were peacefully marching in Delhi, who were roughed up and detained in a brutal manner. This shows the frustration of the BJP Government but Congress and INDIA Block leaders and workers will continue their fight to save democracy and right to vote of  all citizens. He alleged that the Modi-Shah regime has discredited the electoral system in the largest democracy of the World and there is need to check and streamline the system to save the Right to Vote of every citizen and  free and fair elections through ballot paper under an impartial election commission by removing Gyanesh Kumar.

Former Minister & DCC President Jammu Urban Yogesh Sawhney termed the actions of the Modi Government as utter frustration due to the mass movement of congress and joint opposition. The people have come on streets and will force e CEC to step down and to save  their precious vote. We are solidly behind our leadership Shri Rahul Gandhi to  safeguard the democracy.

Chief Spokesperson  Ravinder Sharma(EX-MLC) lashed out at the Modi Government for  “imposing an undeclared  Emergency in the country” out of the fear of public upsurge over the  Vote Chori and illegal deletion of over 13 crores of voters through SIR against which the struggle launched by LOP Rahul Gandhi   has become a  Mass Movement  of people .

Prominent those who took part in the protest include  Former Legislators Th. Balbir Singh, Ved Mahajan, Indu Pawar, Sr. PCC leaders , Rajnish Sharma , Hari Singh Chib, Th. Manmohan Singh, Vinod Sharma, Kanta Bhan, Shashi Sharma, Namrata Sharma, Amrit Bali, Satish Sharma,  Suresh Dogra, Vijay Sharma (Seva Dal Chief),,  Zahida Khan, Sanjeev Panda, Rajvir Singh , Kapil Singh, , Ex-Corporator  Dwarka Choudhary, Pritam Singh, Vijay  Malhotra, Ajay Lakhotra, Adv. Jatin Raina,  Michael Wazir, Pawan Bhagat, Zahoor Tantrey, Sohit Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Vijayant Pathania,  Sandeep Dogra, Atul Sharma, Asha Chandan, Anuradha Sharma, Latish Sharma,Mangal Bral,  Raj Kumar, Gurmeet Singh, Prem Sharma, Sunita Sharma, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Yash Pal, Ram Magotra, Harjeet Singh Bagi, Janak Mehra (Prabhu Ji), Jagdish Raj,Parthiv Chauhan, Rakesh Digra,  Prem Ji, Atul Sharma Rehan Malik, Rehan Mir, Sahil Malik, Mohd Aarif,  Meena. Sujid, Narayan Dass, Gurvinder Singh, Suk Ram, Charan Jieet Chib, Amit Tandan, Neeraj, Pritam Singh, Dr. Narmil Singh, Sanjeev Kattal, Praveen Singh, Satish Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Baldev Singh, Puran Kundal, Parshotam Balouria, Kiran Devi, Neelam Devi, Jagdish Chander, Atif Saroori, Sharif Saroori, Ranjeet Singh Manhas,, Gurmeet Singh, Lekh Raj, Sikander Khan, Jai Mal, Vijay Malotra, Rishu  Kumar Mehra, Bhushan Kumar, Praveen Singh,, Gurdeep Singh Jasbeer Singh, Praveen Kumar.

Meanwhile  several senior congress leaders including former ministers Jugal Kishore Sharma, Jagjeevan Lal, Ex-MLA Mamtaz Khan, DCC President Ajay Salalia and Bhupinder Sngh Jamwal  and Raj Kumar & Tariq Bhat of National Conference, OM Parakash of CPM and various others were detained  at Police Station Katra and at different places  before the scheduled protest of the INDIA Block parties in Reasi District today.

This was disclosed  by PCC Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma here today. He termed the action of police  as “arbitrary  and illegal” and said that such dictatorial policies will be opposed tooth and nail to save democracy. He said that before detention  the  leaders and workers held protests at  Balni Gate on Katra-Reasi Road as part of save democracy.

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Notified following its approval by the Council of Ministers, the policy establishes a clear, investor-friendly and time-bound framework for expanding the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across households, commercial establishments, industries and the transport sector.

The policy envisages phased expansion of City Gas Distribution networks across all 20 districts of J&K, bringing cleaner and reliable natural gas closer to consumers while supporting the transition away from conventional fuels.

A key focus of the policy is to simplify and accelerate project implementation through single-window, time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for establishing CNG stations and standardised Right of Way norms. It also provides for priority gas connectivity to major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama, to support industrial growth and improve access to reliable energy.

The expansion of PNG and CNG infrastructure is expected to provide safer, cleaner and more affordable energy options, help reduce fuel costs, improve industrial efficiency and competitiveness, and encourage greater investment in the emerging clean-energy sector.

The policy also provides an impetus to local employment, apprenticeships and skill development, creating new opportunities in the construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution infrastructure and associated services.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma and the Department on the notification of the policy, describing it as an important step towards cleaner growth, sustainable development and a modern energy ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.

“The City Gas Distribution Policy will help expand clean and reliable energy access while creating an enabling environment for industry and investment. It is an important step towards building a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy future for J&K,” the Chief Minister said.

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Of the 3,885 applications sponsored to banks, 1,332 have been sanctioned and 1,054 disbursed by the end of September 2026. 

Sharing details in a press release issued here today, spokesman of the Department stated that the department is working with lead banks and other financial institutions to widen access to this facility. “The funds are meant to help craftspeople set up independent units and buy raw material and tools in a sector that remains heavily labour-intensive,” he said.

The spokesman further stated that the beneficiaries also receive interest subvention of 7% on a tapering basis for five years, designed to help new units become self-sustaining. “Since the credit limit was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh in 2020, in line with the Wool Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts Policy, more than 10,000 craftsmen have taken loans totalling ₹151 crore,” he said. 

Over the same period, the department has provided interest subvention of ₹19 crore to support these unit-holders, he added.

The scheme is aimed at reducing dependence on informal credit and giving traditional crafts a more stable financial footing. By easing access to formal loans for tools, raw material and small production units, the department hopes to help artisans and weavers expand output, retain younger craftspeople in the trade and strengthen Kashmir’s handloom and handicraft economy.

Artisans and weavers can apply online at singlewindow.jk.gov.in to avail the benefits of the scheme. Common Service Centres set up across districts are available to help with registration. 

The spokesman urged the financial institutions and lead banks to treat the craft sector as under priority lending and extend timely, hassle-free credit so that small unit-holders can build a stronger and more self-reliant base.

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The arrested accused have been identified as Vansh Sharma, son of Yog Raj, resident of Palli, Bari Brahmana, District Samba, and Yogeshwar Singh, son of Jatinder Singh, resident of Pali Tanda, Bari Brahmana.

During investigation Vansh Sharma has emerged as an alleged associate of Vikas Salthia @ Vicky Khouff and Rohit Kumar @ Makhan, persons linked with an alleged weapon-supply network and criminal activities in the Jammu region.

Investigation has further revealed alleged links of Vansh Sharma with Punjab-based gangsters. They had plans  to procure illegal weapons and to carry out a targeted attack in Punjab.

Further investigation is underway to establish the complete network, identify other associates

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The operation was carried out as part of the investigation into NDPS case FIR No.302/2026 U/S 8/21/22/27A/29 NDPS Act & 111 BNS registered at Police Station Bahu Fort on 03.10.2026 in which Police had recovered the Heroin Like Substance and arrested the accused Ankush Kumar S/o Anitesh R/o Rajiv Nagar Narwal.

During the investigation, police developed the backward linkage of the case, leading to the identification of the lady drug  peddler. Acting on the information, a police team of PP Narwal successfully arrested the backward linkage accused lady identified as Deepa W/o Arjun R/o Rajiv Nagar Narwal .

The successful operation highlights the sustained efforts of Jammu Police to identify and dismantle the entire supply chain by tracing  the supplier and the recipients involved in narcotics trafficking.

Further investigation of the case is going on.

SSP Jammu has appealed to the public to actively support the anti-drug campaign by sharing credible information about drug trafficking or suspicious activities with the nearest police station. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

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The meeting besides the ACS, PWD and Chairperson, IWAI was attended by the respective Divisional Commissioners; Secretary, Transport; GGM, IPRCL and several other officers from the concerned departments and these agencies.

The Chief Secretary directed the Divisional Commissioners to undertake periodic review of the progress of National Waterway projects in their respective divisions and make occasional on-site visits to facilitate quick resolution of issues and smooth execution of works.

He observed that most of the issues confronting the projects are minor and resolvable and should be addressed promptly by the concerned Divisional Administrations in coordination with the executing agencies.

Dulloo also underscored the tourism and urban mobility potential of the National Waterways, observing that river cruises could emerge as a major attraction for visitors while providing an alternative mode of transport in congested urban areas.

He stressed that development of waterways, should be planned to promote river-based tourism, facilitate passenger movement and help reduce pressure on the road network, while ensuring a safe, attractive and sustainable experience for both tourists and commuters.

He called upon IPRCL and IWAI to work strictly against the prescribed timelines and ensure that the necessary infrastructure, navigation facilities and supporting river ecosystem are put in place so that the waterways are ready for public use by next year.

The Chairperson, IWAI, Sushil Kumar Lohani while speaking in the meeting revealed that three major National Waterways including Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84)  are being targeted for operationalisation during FY 2026–27. He added that the Jhelum National Waterway extends 110 km from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake; the Chenab waterway covers 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor; while the Ravi waterway extends 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.

The Chief Secretary was apprised of the substantial progress achieved on NW-49 (Jhelum), where a 106-km river cruise route from Sangam to Wular Lake has been proposed, covering important locations including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.

Moreover it was given out that a work order has been issued for 10 hybrid electric catamarans with a capacity of 20 passengers each, at a cost of Rs.66.11 crore. The vessel designs have been approved and construction is underway, with delivery targeted by March 2027.

It was further informed that all 52 navigational HDPE buoys required for the Jhelum waterway have been delivered, while six of the eight concrete pontoons/jetties have already been cast and are targeted for completion by December 2026.

Additionally the construction of eight passenger/tourist terminal facilities at Sangam, Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Byopar Mandal Ghat, Chattabal Weir, Sumbal and Gund Prang has also commenced, with the works targeted for completion by June 2027. The terminals are being designed with a local Kashmiri architectural character while incorporating modern structural and utility features.

On NW-26 (Chenab), it was informed that the cruise route has been identified for initial development between the identified terminal locations, while terminal land at Reasi and Akhnoor has been handed over to IWAI. On NW-84 (Ravi), a cruise route has been identified at Sohar in Jammu, with terminal land at Satwain near Ranjit Sagar Dam being processed for development.

For the same, it was elucidated that the civil works for three concrete pontoons across the Chenab and Ravi waterways are under casting and are targeted for completion by December 2026, while DPRs for the associated onshore facilities have been finalised.

On the land and site-readiness front, it was informed by rhe GGM, IPRCL, Deepak that all the 11 identified land parcels for terminal development have been transferred to the Transport Department and formally handed over to IWAI. In addition to that the sites on the Jhelum, besides Manda in Akhnoor and Talwara in Reasi, have been handed over for their development. The remaining parcel at Domar/Satwain in Kathua is being processed with the concerned authorities.

The Chief Secretary was also apprised of the issues requiring coordinated intervention of various UT departments, including modification of overhead HT/LT power lines to meet navigation safety clearances, removal of coffer dams, shifting of electrical poles, provision of permanent water and power connections, wastewater disposal arrangements and widening of approach roads to terminal sites.

The development of the National Waterways is expected to provide a new dimension to river-based tourism, passenger mobility and sustainable inland water transport in J&K, besides creating opportunities for local economic activity and enhancing the tourism potential of the regions connected by these waterways.

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The meeting besides ACS, Power was attended by Commissioner Secretary, S&T; MD, JPDCL/KPDCL;  Chief Engineers; CEO, JAKEDA and other concerned officers. Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing.

The Chief Secretary while taking appraisal of the progress directed the Power Development Department (PDD) and implementing agencies to address the bottlenecks affecting the pace of installations, with particular focus on bank financing, availability and distribution of vendors, metering and expeditious execution of PPAs.

Taking note of the high rejection rate of bank loans, the Chief Secretary directed the Discoms to take up all rejected loan cases with the concerned banks, ascertain the reasons for rejection and resolve the issues instantly so that eligible consumers are not denied the benefits of the rooftop solar programme due to avoidable financing bottlenecks.

The Chief Secretary also directed the Discoms to proportionately distribute vendors across districts to ensure adequate availability of service providers and accelerate the pace of rooftop solar installations.

He also took a detailed appraisal from the concerned Deputy Commissioners regarding district-wise progress, seeking details of the impediments hampering achievement of assigned targets and calling for their resolution through coordinated intervention of the concerned agencies.

The meeting was informed by the ACS, PDD, Ashwani Kumar that J&K has achieved 55.24 per cent of its target under PM Surya Ghar, with 46,133 residential rooftops installed against the UT target of 83,500 installations by March 31, 2027. The achievement is higher than the national progress of 50.80 per cent.

While explaining the MD, KPDCL, Mehmood Ahmad Shah highlighted that of the total installations, 17,809 have been completed in JPDCL areas with a capacity of 62.69 MW, while 28,324 installations have been completed in KPDCL areas with a capacity of 102.55 MW, taking the cumulative installed rooftop solar capacity in J&K to 165.24 MW.

The meeting was informed that ₹344.14 crore of Central subsidy and ₹13 crore of UT subsidy have so far been credited to beneficiaries. Against the 83,500 target, 89,680 applications have been received, with 82,591 applicants who had selected vendors, 69,460 consumer agreements uploaded and 42,686 rooftop systems commissioned.

It was further divulged that around 75 per cent of rooftop solar installations in KPDCL areas are dependent on bank financing. Of the 61,566 loan applications submitted, 17,416 cases have been rejected, including 14,232 in KPDCL areas. Meanwhile, 38,773 cases have been sanctioned and disbursed, while another 5,367 cases are under process.

Reviewing the solarization of Government buildings, the meeting was informed by Commissioner Secretary, S&T, Babila Rakwal that against a total CAPEX target of 12,994 Government buildings, 8,850 buildings have already been solarized, with a combined capacity of 95.64 MW.

This includes 4,793 buildings covered under PM Surya Ghar and hybrid projects with a capacity of 41.50 MW, besides 4,057 buildings solarized under the ongoing programme with a capacity of 54.14 MW, she added.

The remaining projects are also at various stages of implementation, with materials supplied to 1,300 buildings, 943 sites under active implementation and surveys underway for another 1,901 buildings.

Under the RESCO mode, the CEO, JAKEDA, PN Dhar detailed out that it has proposed solarization of 8,000 Government buildings with a cumulative capacity of 152 MW, with work orders already placed for 5,185 buildings.Moreover it was given out that NHPC has proposed solarization of 1,500 Government buildings with a capacity of 23 MW under this arrangement.

It was also highlighted that a Power Purchase Agreement for 8 MW has already been signed for the Health and Medical Education Department in Jammu, while the solarization survey of School Education Department buildings in Jammu is underway.

The Chief Secretary directed JAKEDA to take up installation of meters with the respective Discoms simultaneously, so that metering does not become a bottleneck after installation of rooftop solar systems on Government buildings.

He, in turn, directed the PDD to ensure installation of smart meters forthwith, facilitating early commissioning and functioning of the solar rooftop systems already installed on Government buildings.

The Chief Secretary also called upon the concerned departments to complete the requisite PPAs expeditiously, stressing that administrative and procedural formalities should move in tandem with physical implementation to ensure that completed solar assets become operational without delay.

He further advised JAKEDA to accord greater focus to the RESCO mode of solarization, observing that the progress under this component is slow and needs to be accelerated through closer monitoring and timely resolution of implementation issues.

The Chief Secretary called for time-bound action and close inter-agency coordination to sustain the momentum of solarization, stressing that bottlenecks related to financing, vendor availability, metering, PPAs and project execution should be resolved promptly to translate the growing pipeline of rooftop solar projects into commissioned assets.

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The newly inaugurated facilities include a 50-metre × 25-metre, 10-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool, an all-weather heated training and toddler swimming pool, and a modern indoor gymnastics hall equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the new facilities would provide young people with opportunities to take up sports beyond traditional disciplines and enable them to train throughout the year.

“Through this facility, we are trying to provide students with new sports milieu. For example, there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool in Kashmir for the first time. Now, there is an arrangement for heating, which will be done through solar energy so that children can practice and train here for 12 months a year,” he said.

The main swimming pool, constructed at a cost of ₹19.96 crore, is equipped with 10 competition lanes, diving platforms at 1, 3 and 5 metres, modern filtration, circulation and disinfection systems, changing rooms, washrooms, storage lockers and spectator seating for 300 people. The facility has been developed to support competitive swimming, diving and other aquatic sports.

The ₹5.35-crore training and toddler swimming pool facility has been designed for year-round use, with a heating system, indoor lap pool, child-friendly toddler pool, anti-skid pool decking, modern filtration and disinfection systems, and supporting changing and shower facilities. The facility is intended to cater to athletes, students and the wider community, including winter training.

The ₹5.04-crore gymnastics hall, spread over 36 metres × 21 metres with a 10-metre height, has been equipped with modern gymnastics equipment. The facility is expected to provide a dedicated platform for gymnastics training and coaching in Kashmir, where the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council has been conducting coaching camps and working towards developing a dedicated Gymnastics Academy.

Referring to the new gymnastics’ facility, the Chief Minister said there was considerable interest among children in Kashmir in taking up the sport, but the lack of dedicated infrastructure had limited opportunities.

“Generally, when we talk about gymnastics in Jammu and Kashmir, we only talk about Jammu. However, our children are interested in it and want to do it in Kashmir. But due to the lack of infrastructure, they could not do it,” he said.

“A magnificent indoor gymnastics hall was inaugurated today. In the same way, we will keep adding more sports so that we can give our children options and alternatives. And they can also develop an interest in new sports,” the Chief Minister added.

During the inauguration, the Chief Minister witnessed live swimming and gymnastics demonstrations by sports persons and trainees at the newly developed facilities.

The new infrastructure is aimed at strengthening grassroots participation, widening access to professional coaching and creating better pathways for young athletes to progress to national and international competitions. The all-weather aquatic facilities will also enable sustained training during the winter months.

Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary J&K Sports Council Tazayun Mukhtar Kawoosa, besides students, sportspersons and other concerned officers, were present on the occasion.

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The special drive will be conducted at all Polling Stations across Jammu and Kashmir from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both days, providing eligible citizens with an accessible opportunity to enroll themselves as voters and update or correct their electoral particulars.

The announcement was made during a review meeting chaired by the CEO with District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) to review and finalize arrangements for the special drive.

Sanjeev Verma directed the election machinery to ensure extensive outreach and effective facilitation so that no eligible citizen remains outside the electoral rolls.

As part of the initiative, weekend voter enrolment and facilitation drives will be organized regularly, providing citizens with a convenient opportunity to approach their nearest Polling Station for enrolment and updation of electoral details.

The CEO directed DEOs and EROs/AEROs to undertake extensive institutional and public outreach to create awareness about the initiative. He also called for regular ground-level updates through official social media platforms, with posts carrying relevant Polling Station, Assembly Constituency and District details to enable citizens to easily access information regarding the facilities available in their respective areas.

During the two days drive, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will remain stationed at all Polling Stations from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to assist citizens with the submission of Forms 6, 7 and 8 and facilitate enrolment, deletion and correction/updation of electoral details. Citizens will be provided assistance for both physical submission of forms and digital submission through the Voter Helpline App.

The CEO further directed BLOs to undertake door-to-door outreach to identify and assist eligible citizens who may have been left out of the electoral rolls, with particular focus on youth, first-time voters, women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and other eligible citizens requiring assistance.

Urging citizens to make full use of the initiative, Sanjeev Verma called upon all eligible persons to visit their nearest Polling Station on October 10 or 11 and avail the enrolment and facilitation services available there. He emphasised the importance of active citizen participation in ensuring that the electoral rolls remain complete accurate and inclusive.

The Election Department has reiterated its commitment to making voter enrolment more accessible at the grassroots level and ensuring that every eligible citizen has a convenient opportunity to become part of the electoral process.

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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Omar said the government would take a call on the expansion after the GST Council meeting and consultations with the party president.

Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the council of ministers cannot exceed one-tenth of the 90-member Legislative Assembly, capping its strength at nine. J&K currently has six ministers, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary.

There are three vacancies in the ministry. The Congress, which was a pre-poll alliance partner of the ruling NC, has so far not joined Omar’s council of ministers on the plea that they will continue to support the government from outside till the time J&K’s statehood was restored.

It is to be seen whether the Congress agrees to share power with the NC or continues to support Omar from outside.

The expansion has been pending for months, with the Chief Minister earlier indicating timelines that were deferred.

On the recent administrative changes, Omar said some transfers had been ordered by the elected government while others were carried out by the Lieutenant Governor, adding that the government would work with the officers posted in various departments.

Regarding the pending recruitment rules for Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), the Chief Minister said the rules were almost ready and being given final shape.

“There were some contradictions between the rules that had been framed and those proposed. These contradictions are being removed,” he said, adding that the government did not want to rush the process and face difficulties during implementation.

He said the recruitment rules were expected to be notified soon.

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A Special NIA Court in Jammu has declared a wanted terror accused, who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan, a proclaimed offender following an application filed by the National Investigation Agency.

Nazir Hussain, a resident of Hari village in Poonch district, is wanted in a terror conspiracy case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following the recovery of several grenades from an overground worker in the Surankote area of the border district in October 2024.

The investigation revealed that the grenade consignment had allegedly been sent from across the border by Hussain, who is also known by several aliases, including Ali Khan, Nasir, Naziru and Shaheen, to carry out blasts.

Special judge (NIA), Jammu, Prem Sagar after hearing the NIA plea on October 1 declared Hussain a a proclaimed offender under Section 84 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

According to the court order, non-bailable warrants of arrest had earlier been issued against the accused. However, the warrants could not be executed as the accused was not found at his residence and, according to the execution report submitted by the NIA, had absconded to Pakistan.

The court noted that despite efforts by the prosecution, including publication of notices in newspapers and the official gazette of J&K, the accused had not appeared or surrendered, making it clear that the accused had deliberately evaded arrest.

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Avny Lavasa posted as secretary, tourism department.

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The achievement puts Ladakh in the spotlight as the country’s first Union Territory to complete the exercise, while Kishtwar has earned the distinction of becoming the first district in India to finish population enumeration for the upcoming census.

Despite all kinds of hardships and challenges, from the areas along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan to the areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Population Enumeration process in the snow-bound areas of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh has successfully been completed, on Tuesday said Amit Sharma, Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO).

The population enumeration exercise for Census 2027 has been successfully completed in the designated snow-bound areas of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, marking a significant operational milestone ahead of the national census.

The exercise covered a total of 5,292 Enumeration Blocks (EBs), including 4,597 in Jammu & Kashmir and 695 in Ladakh. The operation required extensive advance preparation, specialised field arrangements and close coordination with district administrations and Special Charges.

The snow-bound population enumeration was preceded by self-enumeration from August 17 to 31, 2026, followed by field operations from September 1 to 30, 2026.

In Ladakh, the entire Union Territory was covered during the September exercise, with 695 Enumeration Blocks completed — 367 in Leh and 328 in Kargil. With the completion of population enumeration in Ladakh, it became the first Union Territory in the country to complete population enumeration for Census 2027.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the snow-bound operation covered 16 districts and 95 Charges. Doda recorded the highest number of completed enumeration blocks at 798, followed by Kishtwar with 602, Ramban with 418, Anantnag with 377, Baramulla with 359, Reasi with 345, and Udhampur with 313.

Kishtwar district, which was declared fully snow-bound, has become the first district in the country to complete population enumeration for Census 2027.

Amit Sharma appreciated the coordinated efforts of district administrations, Census officials, special charges, enumerators and supervisors, besides acknowledging the cooperation extended by local residents.

He said the successful completion of the exercise across difficult and remote terrain demonstrated the preparedness of the Census machinery and the effectiveness of field-level arrangements put in place for areas where geographical and climatic conditions require a separate enumeration schedule.

The operation was supported by an extensive preparatory exercise, with nodal officers and district coordinators deployed across districts for field training, preparation and demarcation of enumeration blocks, distribution of census kits and ensuring that prescribed manuals reached the concerned Charges.

The successful completion of the snow-bound enumeration is expected to provide an important foundation for the next stages of Census 2027 in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

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The CBI registered the instant case on 06.10.2026 against the said accused based on a complaint, wherein it was alleged that the accused Fireman demanded a bribe of Rs.40,000 from the complainant for processing and issuance of the Fire & Emergency Services NOC for his hotel at Katra. After negotiation, the accused agreed to accept Rs.15,000 from the complainant, CBI said.

The CBI laid a trap on 06.10.2026 and caught the accused red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs.15,000 from the complainant.

Investigation in the case is continuing.

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MLA, Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department Vikramjit Singh besides others were present on the occasion.

The project is being executed by the J&K Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (JK SICOP) and aims to enhance the overall ambience of the premises while creating additional facilities for the visitors and stakeholders. The initiative is also expected to generate additional revenue for Jammu & Kashmir Industries Limited (JKI), thereby contributing towards its financial sustainability and institutional revival.

During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the JKI showroom within the premises of Government Silk Factory, which showcased a wide range of products made from renowned mulberry silk and local wool which is integral to the region’s cultural and textile heritage. While appreciating the quality, design and originality of the products, the Deputy Chief Minister commended JKI for its efforts in preserving traditional skills, especially those related to the world-famous Kashmiri mulberry silk.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the project reflects the Government’s commitment to modernisation and optimum utilisation of existing industrial assets, strengthening the institutional infrastructure of public sector undertakings and exploring avenues for revenue generation through productive use of available resources. He emphasised the JKI officials to work with dedication and enhance the production and subsequent sales for overall development of the organization. He asked them to continue their efforts in promoting local crafts, which are vital for the region’s economic growth and employment generation. 

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Lal Chowk  highlighted the importance of preserving and upgrading the infrastructure of the Government Silk Weaving Factory, Rajbagh, given its significance in promotion of the region’s traditional silk industry and preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich textile heritage.

Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce highlighted that the employees of any organization plays a vital role in shaping its future. He stressed upon the JKI employees to work with integrity and sense of responsibility which will directly contribute to the progress of our industries and the prosperity of our society.

  Managing Director JKI, Managing Director JKSICOP, Director Finance, I&C Department, Director Planning, I&C department and other senior officers of the Department were also present on the occasion.

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The shed, constructed on a flood basin in Sopore area, was demolished during a drive carried out by a team of the Revenue Department, the officials said.

They said the structure was erected on state land in violation of government regulations.

The officials said family members of Guru, who was convicted in the 2001 Parliament attack case and executed in February 2013, allegedly built and occupied the structure.

The property known as Dairy Farm, near Gulnar Park, was built on government land which was cited as the reason for the demolition. Notices had already been served for eviction, while security deployment was witnessed in the area.

The demolition operation was carried out under official administrative supervision, with a magistrate, revenue officials and other concerned authorities present at the site.

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The meeting was attended by the Addl. CEO, SMVDSB; SSP Reasi; Commandant, CRPF; Joint CEO, SMVDSB; SDM Katra; SDM Bhawan; SP Katra; Asstt. CEOs, SMVDSB; SDPO Katra; SDPO Railway; and representatives of the Army, Fire and Emergency Services, SDRF, IB and other allied agencies.

Expecting a heavy rush of devotees during the Navratra festival, both at the Holy Shrine and at the Katra base camp, the CEO called for close coordination among all stakeholders. He urged concerted action on multiple fronts to ensure a hassle-free yatra in the days ahead.

          As per the directions of the Hon’ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, J&K UT), the CEO underlined the importance of disaster management readiness, including fire fighting arrangements and mock drills. He directed SDRF personnel to work closely with the Board’s Disaster Management Task Force to keep vulnerable areas under watch and strengthen crowd management capabilities.

The CEO instructed that public announcements be made regularly, and that joint beat monitoring be carried out to decongest crowds and set up designated holding areas. He emphasised that essential rescue equipment must be kept ready in all sectors, and called for a stronger communication network through the wireless sets and improved infrastructure for seamless coordination.

The CEO stressed the effective utilization of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to strengthen real-time monitoring, coordination and prompt response during the yatra. He reiterated that possession of a valid RFID card is mandatory for every pilgrim undertaking the pilgrimage. To ensure strict compliance, additional handheld RFID scanners will be deployed at key locations, supported by adequate manpower for verification and monitoring.

The meeting also reviewed measures for strengthening the verification of Pithoo and Ponywallas to prevent impersonation and ensure that only duly registered and genuine service providers are permitted to operate along the track.

Sanitation, drinking water facilities and illumination of dark spots in Katra were also reviewed, with directions to make necessary improvements to ensure the safety, convenience and smooth movement of pilgrims.

The SSP Reasi and the Commandant, CRPF presented the detailed security grid already in place and described the measures to be implemented en route to the Holy Shrine, including the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and a multi-tier security grid comprising the police, CRPF, and other paramilitary forces.

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Under the initiative, land has been approved for installation of BSNL mobile towers in underserved areas of Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the initiative would help extend reliable connectivity to remote and border communities and ensure that geographical location does not become a barrier to access to digital services and opportunities.

The infrastructure is being developed under the USOF to expand 4G network coverage and achieve telecom saturation in areas that remain underserved.

The initiative is expected to strengthen access to online education, e-governance services and emergency communications, besides improving digital inclusion for residents of rural, remote and border areas.

The provision of dedicated land for telecom infrastructure is also aimed at facilitating faster deployment of mobile towers in difficult and geographically challenging locations, thereby helping bridge the digital divide across Jammu and Kashmir.

The initiative reflects the Government’s focus on extending the benefits of digital connectivity to communities in far-flung areas and strengthening communication infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

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The explosive devices were noticed by a patrolling party of the Army near the border fence at Basooni Top around 9.50 am, the officials said.

They said the area was immediately cordoned off and later both the landmines were destroyed in a controlled explosion by the Army’s Bomb Disposal Squad without causing any damage.

As part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system, the forward areas along the LoC are planted with landmines which generally get washed away by heavy rains and are subsequently found and destroyed.

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At present, solar plants with a total capacity of 1745 KWp (1.745 MW) are successfully generating electricity at 5 major depots of Jammu Division. This includes the platforms of Jammu Station, Booking Office, Parcel House to the huge 1 MW plant installed at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station, where the energy needs of the Railways are being met by sunlight.

Taking this journey of solar energy forward, 18 new solar plants with a capacity of 808 KWp are now being installed in the division. After commissioning of these new plants, the total solar power capacity of Jammu Division will increase to 2553 KWp (2.55 MW).

Giving information in this regard, Vishal Rathi, Sr. Divisional Electrical Engineer, said that, “Work on the new plant of 450 KWp capacity at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra has been started by M/s Sankalp Realmart Pvt. Ltd. from 12th September 2026, which will be completed by December 2026. Along with this, work on 13 plants of 358 KWp capacity at Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur Station will also start soon.”

There will be a reduction of thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually, which is equivalent to planting thousands of trees. This will realize the dream of clean air and a green Railway.

The use of solar energy will save the Railways lakhs of rupees annually on electricity bills. This amount will be utilized to further improve passenger amenities.

With its own electricity and energy, dependence on the power grid will be reduced and 24×7 uninterrupted power supply will be ensured in railway premises.

Expressing happiness over this historic achievement of Jammu Division, Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu, said, “Our goal is not just to operate trains, but to take Indian Railways towards a clean, green and sustainable future. Every station of Jammu Division will be illuminated with solar energy in the coming times and we will fulfill our responsibility towards the environment with full dedication.”

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