The protest was led by CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, who strongly condemned the actions of the United States, describing them as a blatant violation of international law.

Addressing the media, Tarigami said the US has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. He demanded that the United States immediately send back the President of Venezuela and his wife to their country and issue an apology to the people of Venezuela and the world at large.

Tarigami termed the US action as unlawful and aggressive, stating that such interventions undermine global peace and sovereignty of nations. He said international norms and laws are being openly violated under the garb of geopolitical interests.

The CPI(M) leader said progressive and democratic forces across the world must raise their voice against such acts, warning that silence would only encourage further violations of international law.

Party workers participating in the protest raised slogans against US policies and called for respect for sovereignty, non interference and adherence to international legal frameworks. [KNT]

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Speaking to reporters, Rana said the Government of India would eventually have no option but to restore a united Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed claims made by a BJP MLA suggesting that Jammu could be carved out as a separate state, calling such assertions imaginary and misleading.

Rana said no such demand for a separate Jammu state has emerged from the Pir Panjal or Chenab regions. He maintained that people from these areas continue to identify with a united Jammu and Kashmir and have not raised any demand for bifurcation.

Highlighting the historical context, the minister said Jammu and Kashmir was once a full-fledged state, parts of which were later occupied by Pakistan and China, while Ladakh was subsequently separated. He expressed confidence that the political situation would change and that Ladakh would once again be part of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said history and ground realities cannot be altered permanently and asserted that the aspiration for unity among the people would ultimately prevail. [KNT]

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The calendars highlight prominent tourist destinations and tourism-related infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulating the concerned departments, the Chief Minister observed that such initiatives would contribute significantly to the promotion and wider publicity of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential.

“These calendars are not merely annual publications; they are visual narratives of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and evolving tourism infrastructure,” he observed.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the official website of the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir. The portal has been designed to publicise tourism events and destinations, maintain digital archives, and provide comprehensive information related to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The website also integrates useful links to Jammu Tourism, JKTDC, J&K Cable Car Corporation and other allied organisations, offering all relevant information on a single platform.

The Chief Minister said a modern, dynamic digital presence is crucial for effective outreach. “The new Tourism Kashmir website would be informative and will serve as a comprehensive, single-window platform for tourists and stakeholders alike,” he said.

Also, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Integrated Skiing Course at Gulmarg and Sonamarg, comprising two batches of 32 and 25 trainees respectively. He was informed that the basic skiing course has a duration of 14 days and is aimed for trainees in the age group of 12 to 18 years.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad, who is also MD JKCCC, Director Tourism Jammu Dr Vikas Gupta, Managing Director J&K Tourism Development Corporation Shreya Singhal, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

The post CM Omar Abdullah unveils 2026 tourism, JKCCC calendars; launches Tourism Kashmir Website, skiing courses appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The protest call was linked to MBBS admissions at the SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence, with the Sangharsh Samiti alleging religious bias by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in the admission of non-Hindu students. The group has demanded rescission of the admission process or closure of the medical college, while also threatening escalation through signature campaigns and boycotts.

Officials said hundreds of police personnel, led by senior officers, were deployed outside the Civil Secretariat to prevent any law and order situation. A police official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that no protesters would be allowed to come anywhere near the Secretariat premises.

Leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti have also alleged misuse of shrine funds and have sought intervention from BJP leaders and the Lt Governor. Right wing organizations have raised objections to the admission process, attempting to project it as a contentious issue.

However, the government has categorically stated that all admissions at the medical college have been carried out strictly on the basis of merit and not on the basis of religion. Officials reiterated that the selection process follows prescribed norms and regulations applicable to medical admissions.

Authorities said the situation remained under control, with security arrangements put in place as a precautionary measure to maintain public order in the high security zone. [KNT]

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Officials said vehicular traffic was thrown open for even Heavy Motor Vehicles after road conditions improved, enabling smooth passage along the vital NH44, which serves as the primary all-weather link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. Traffic is being allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar sides in a regulated manner to ensure safety.

Commuters were advised to follow lane discipline and adhere to traffic instructions while travelling on the highway, particularly at vulnerable stretches prone to weather related disruptions. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and traffic flow will be reviewed depending on prevailing conditions.

The reopening for HMV has brought relief to transporters, as the highway frequently faces interruptions during winter due to snowfall, rain and landslides. [KNT]

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The Union Power Minister, who was on a two-day visit to J&K for inspection of power projects in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, stated this while responding to media queries in Kishtwar about Pakistan’s objections to different hydro-electric projects in J&K.

“The Prime Minister has already given a clear message to Pakistan that the Indus Water Treaty has been kept in abeyance and now its objections will not be acknowledged. The Prime Minister has made it clear that the water of the Chenab and other rivers will be used to serve the interests of our country as much as possible. We don’t have any other concern (vis-à-vis Pakistan’s objections),” Khattar said.

In the same breath, he said, “Whether it is related to power generation or use of water for irrigation or other purposes, for us, the interests of our country, its people, and the farmers will reign supreme, and we will give precedence to that, as per our requirements.”

Regarding the Ratle power project controversy that “some anti-national people” were employed there, the Union Power Minister said that he had not received any complaint in writing so far on that account. “We will take cognisance if we get it (complaint in writing),” he stated.

With regard to power projects in J&K, Khattar asserted that the issues plaguing all the projects were resolved, and they (projects) were progressing smoothly.

Stating that it was the first visit by the Union Power Minister after putting the IWT in abeyance, he said that work on Ratle, Salal, and Sawalkote projects was being brought on track.

“Directions have been issued to complete them in time. Their completion will benefit J&K and the entire country with the addition to the power generation,” the Union Power Minister said.

Meanwhile, following inspection of three projects of Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP) Limited, Khattar also issued directions to commission the Pakal Dul and Kiru projects by December 2026 and the Kwar project by March 2028.

Earlier today, he inspected three projects of Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP) Limited, namely Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), and Kwar (540 MW). He also held a review meeting with the project heads and contractors.

The CMD, NHPC, briefed Khattar in detail on various aspects of the three under-construction projects.

The Union Minister also interacted with local residents and workers at various work sites and patiently listened to their issues. After reviewing all the works, the Minister appreciated the personnel and workers for working under challenging conditions and wished them well.

Khattar, who concluded his two-day visit to J&K on Monday, January 5, 2026, had reviewed the Salal, Sawalkot, and Ratle projects on Sunday.

Late Sunday evening, the Minister also inspected NHPC’s Dulhasti Power Station at Kishtwar.

At Dulhasti Power Station, he was received by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Projects), and Ramesh Mukhiya, Managing Director, CVPP, and other officials of NHPC and CVPP.

The post IWT in Abeyance: Pakistan already given message by PM: Union Power Minister Manohar Lal appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

While addressing the meeting, Sat Sharma stressed that the BJP’s strength lies in its disciplined cadre and strong grassroots connect, which distinguishes it from other political parties.

He stated that the BJP believes in politics of performance and accountability, not in empty slogans or misleading promises. He urged party workers to act as effective links between the government and the people, ensuring that the welfare schemes and developmental initiatives launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reach the last person standing in the queue, said a press release.

He further remarked that while opposition parties thrive on confusion and negativity, the BJP continues to deliver development, stability, and transparent governance.

Sat Sharma reiterated that the BJP remains firmly committed to addressing issues related to infrastructure, public security, education, employment, and holistic regional development.

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As per a press release, the party has also objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the rural employment scheme. The agitation will include gheraos of state assemblies, four zonal rallies, district-level fasts and dharnas, panchayat-level chaupals etc.

Working President Raman Bhalla strongly emphasised over rejuvenating  the organisation at booth level and urged district presidents to get connected with the people  at grass root level ensuring that  people’s problems are highlighted  for resolution. He also stressed for involving frontal organisations including   Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, NSUI and all Cells  which are an important part of Congress party who always remained  at the forefront to contribute towards  serving  people  and strengthening the party.

All the district presidents ensured  that they under the leadership of PCC President Tariq Hameed Karra will work  vigorously  to strengthen the organisation and will reach  every  nook and corner of J&K with the party’s programmes  and  pro-people policies and further strengthening the party in their respective districts.

Earlier, Karra chaired a  meeting of newly appointed  District Presidents of J&K, held at PCC HQ Jammu in which the current political situation was discussed. Karra congratulated the newly appointed District Presidents and  wished them great success in their new role and expressed confident that their experience and dedication will further strengthen the organization in J&K.

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A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the memorial, led by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C Northern Command, and Lt Gen P K Mishra, GOC White Knight Corps, along with local legislators, veterans, and family members of fallen soldiers.

Honorary Captain Bana Singh (Retd), Param Vir Chakra awardee, and Chinta Devi, wife of late Naib Subedar Sub Chunni Lal, were also honoured for their service and sacrifice.

The ceremony included the lighting of a torch symbolising the eternal glory of the fallen.

The motorcycle rally was ceremonially flagged off by Honorary Captain Bana Singh and Chinta Devi. Senior Army officers rode alongside the bikers from Udhampur to Nagrota in the first leg of the rally, demonstrating solidarity with veterans.

Covering around 740 km, the Dhruva Motorcycle Rally will pass through the Pir Panjal region in the White Knight Corps zone and conclude at a mega ex-servicemen rally in Rajouri on January 13.

Along the route, wreath-laying ceremonies will be held at war memorials, while ‘Aarogya Rakshak’ medical teams will conduct health camps for ex-servicemen, including the distribution of blood pressure monitoring devices to senior veterans.

The rally underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to veterans’ welfare and its ethos of “Service Beyond Uniform”.

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The advisory highlights that prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It added that cold-related disruptions like power outages, frozen water pipes, and dead vehicle batteries can further endanger lives.

According to GMC Jammu, hypothermia—a condition in which the body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C)—is among the most dangerous consequences of extreme cold and can prove fatal if not addressed promptly. The advisory notes that frostbite, which causes damage to body tissues due to freezing, can occur rapidly, especially in exposed body parts like fingers, toes, ears and the nose.

“Cold weather causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce it, leading to serious medical emergencies if early signs are ignored,” the advisory states.

Another significant concern, as per the KNO flagged by health authorities, is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur when people improperly use secondary heating sources such as coal burners, gas heaters, or generators in poorly ventilated spaces during power outages.

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable during extreme cold. These include elderly persons, especially those lacking adequate heating, food or warm clothing, people staying outdoors for long durations, such as homeless individuals, hikers or workers, individuals consuming excessive alcohol or illicit drugs and infants sleeping in inadequately heated rooms

The advisory also cites statistics indicating that nearly 50% of cold-related injuries occur among people above 60 years of age, over 75% involve males, and around 20% take place inside homes.

Health experts at GMC Jammu urged people to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of hypothermia appear. These include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion or disorientation, memory loss, drowsiness and extreme fatigue

“Preventing hypothermia is far easier than treating it,” the advisory stressed.

For suspected hypothermia cases, the advisory recommends: moving the affected person to a warm, dry place, removing wet clothing and covering the person with blankets, warming the body slowly, starting from the core, avoiding rapid warming of arms and legs, as it may push cold blood toward the heart and trigger cardiac complications, providing warm drinks if the person is conscious

For frostbite, GMC Jammu advised shifting the patient to a warm environment, immersing the affected limb in warm (not hot) water until normal colour returns, removing tight clothing or jewellery from the affected area and avoiding rubbing or massaging frozen skin

The advisory also outlined a range of safety precautions, urging residents to: stay indoors during extreme cold spells, check on elderly neighbours and bring pets indoors, keep flashlights and extra batteries ready and avoid using candles due to fire risk, ensure proper insulation of water pipes to prevent freezing, use heating appliances cautiously and maintain adequate ventilation

Motorists have been advised to winterise their vehicles before travel by: Checking battery strength, antifreeze levels, tyre pressure and brakes, keeping fuel tanks near full to prevent ice formation, carrying a winter survival kit including blankets, flashlights, high-calorie food, water and a fully charged mobile phone

Drivers were also advised to clear snow and frost from windshields, headlamps and signal lights, use winter-grade washer fluid, and replace worn wiper blades to ensure visibility.

GMC Jammu recommended wearing layered clothing to retain body heat effectively, including Thermal inner layers, Windproof and waterproof outerwear, Warm hats, gloves, face masks and insulated boots

It appealed to the public to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and assist vulnerable individuals during the winter season.

“We wish a happy and healthy winter season to all. Collective awareness and timely precautions can save lives,”

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