On Sunday, May 2nd, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of around 3,622 Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar International Airport to Saudi Arabia. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present at the airport and interacted with the pilgrims, wishing them a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage. This year, 11 flights will operate between May 4th and May 15th, facilitating the pilgrims' journey, who will be received by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah. This event was praised for its successful organization and the support of all stakeholders, as recognized by the Lieutenant Governor.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir bids farewell to the first batch of Hajj pilgrims, personally ensuring their smooth departure from the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. The 178 pilgrims were sent off with well wishes for a safe journey and fulfilling spiritual experience. The Chief Minister also expressed hope for peace and prosperity in the region and the pilgrims expressed gratitude for the elaborate arrangements made for their convenience.
In the midst of the peak tourist season, a young pony ride operator became a hero when he tried to save the life of a tourist during a terrorist attack at Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow in Kashmir. Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local Kashmiri Muslim, was shot dead while attempting to shield the tourist and even trying to snatch the attackers' guns. The heartbroken father of Shah demands justice for those responsible, while the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised his bravery and promised to support the family. This shocking and tragic story highlights the ongoing violence and turmoil in the region.
In the wake of the tragic landslide and flash floods in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property in the Union Territory. He also announced plans to review the ongoing restoration efforts later in the day. This natural calamity has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the region and the urgent need for sustained disaster management measures.
A group of 27 students from Government Degree College Sogam in Jammu and Kashmir were headed for a picnic when their bus met with an accident near Handwara. Unfortunately, two students lost their lives and 21 others were injured in the tragic incident. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where one more student succumbed to their injuries. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
In a historic move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents a budget of Rs 1.12 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to bring peace and prosperity to the region. The budget includes provisions for ways and means advances and overdrafts, highlighting the fiscal constraints faced by the region. Despite challenges, the Chief Minister is optimistic about J&K's future and envisions it as a key contributor to India's development by 2047.
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the introduction of a new hydropower policy during his budget presentation in the legislative assembly. The policy aims to harness the Union Territory's vast hydro potential of 20,000 MW, attract private investment, and drive sustainable energy growth. Abdullah also highlighted the government's efforts to expand the consumer base and improve metering, billing, and collection to strengthen the power sector. These initiatives, along with the development of new projects, will help J&K achieve self-sufficiency in energy and become a power exporter by 2027-28.
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents the first budget of the union territory after six years, calling it a roadmap for economic growth and a true reflection of its people's aspirations. The CM also credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their support in various sectors. In his budget speech, CM Abdullah emphasizes the resilience and determination of the region and pledges to transform it into a modern, progressive, and economically vibrant one.
In a groundbreaking budget presentation, chief minister Omar Abdullah announced several key initiatives for Jammu and Kashmir, including free ridership for women on public transport, support for women entrepreneurs, free electricity for Antyodaya families, and zero stamp duty on property transfer to blood relatives. These measures aim to enhance women's mobility, workforce participation, and economic independence, provide financial relief, reduce inheritance disputes, and improve food security for vulnerable communities in the UT. The government has also prioritized the power sector and plans to reduce AT&C losses and promote sustainable energy in the state.
In a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Draupadi Murmu bestowed the Arjuna Award upon para-archer Rakesh Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar, who hails from Reasi district, is the third para-archer to receive this prestigious award, and his exceptional performance in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo made him a top contender. He represented India at the Paralympics and has a world ranking of No. 1 in compound archery. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have both congratulated Kumar on his achievement.