The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir's Social Welfare Minister, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday voiced strong opposition to the rule that ties financial assistance for marriage to a girl’s educational background. She assured that the government will soon review the order that made passing the 8th standard a prerequisite for receiving marriage aid.

Speaking to reporters, the minister stressed that marriage is a personal and sacred matter and should never be linked to someone’s academic achievements. “A rule like this creates unnecessary hurdles for underprivileged girls. We objected to it when it was introduced, and we still believe it goes against the spirit of welfare,” Itoo said.

The contentious rule, introduced two years ago under the LG-led administration, required girls to have passed the 8th standard in order to be eligible for financial support from the government’s marriage assistance scheme.

Sakina Itoo said that the brunt of such restrictions is borne by families already battling poverty. “The aim of our welfare schemes is to provide dignity, not discrimination. Linking education to marriage aid is unfair to the most vulnerable,” she said, adding that the policy was out of step with the government’s commitment to social equity.

She recalled that the scheme, initially offering Rs. 50,000 in aid, was later increased to Rs. 75,000 when Omar Abdullah became Chief Minister, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on economically weaker sections. “We know what struggles poor families go through during the marriage season. We want to stand by them, not set obstacles,” the minister added.

Assuring action, Sakina Itoo confirmed that the Social Welfare Department will soon re-examine the order. “We are working to remove any unjust clauses. Our focus is to ensure that every deserving girl, regardless of her schooling, can marry with dignity and that no family feels abandoned,” she said.

SRINAGAR — In a significant fillip to road connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, the Government of India has approved Mughal Road and Karnah valley tunnel projects.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways today approved 19 projects, including Peer Ki Gali and Sadhna tunnel projects, at an estimated cost of Rs 10637 crore.

According to a communiqué from the Ministry, the MoRTH has approved construction of two tunnel projects, three flyovers, four bridges and 10 other works in J&K.

The two key projects sanctioned are the 9-kilometre-long Peer Ki Gali and the 7-kilometre-long Sadhna tunnels, involving a total cost of Rs 7160 crore.

While the Peer Ki Gali tunnel will ensure year-round connectivity along the Mughal Road—linking the Kashmir Valley with Pir Panjal—the Sadhna tunnel will provide uninterrupted road access to the strategically vital Karnah Valley, located near the Line of Control.

According to documents, the MoRTH will hold a meeting with the Ministry of Defence over these two projects.

The detailed project reports (DPRs) will be transferred immediately from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The flyover projects approved are the four-lane Pantha Chowk flyover (Rs 105 crore), four-lane Magam flyover on Narbal-Gulmarg section of National Highway-701 (Rs 445 crore) and four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora junction (Rs 700 crore).

The MoRTH has also approved the construction/improvement of Trehgam-Chamkot road involving a cost of Rs 966 crore.

LG expressed gratitude to PM, Gadkari

Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning these projects.

“Extremely grateful to Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon'ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for giving approval to 19 mega road and tunnel projects for J&K UT worth Rs. 10,637 Crore,” LG said, in a post on his official X handle.

He said major approved projects include construction of Peer Ki Gali tunnel, Sadhana tunnel, Zaznar Shopian section of NH-701A, 4-L flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora, Trehgam Chamkote section of NH-701, 4-Lane Magam Flyover on Narbal-Gulmarg section & Qazigund Bypass & other projects.

He said many of these strategically important projects will improve logistical support and troops' mobility.

“Projects will improve Infrastructure in UT & connect various tourist destinations. Construction of tunnels will reduce the travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity & spur economic growth,” he posted.

My government got these projects approved: CM

In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his government has got road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10,600 crore approved by the Centre.

“In a major achievement, my government has got ₹10,600 crores worth of road & tunnel projects approved by the Union Government. I’m grateful to PM @narendramodi ji & Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari ji for their continued support as we try to steer J&K on a path of progress, development & connectivity,” he posted.

SRINAGAR — In a late-night development that threatened to disrupt public order, Srinagar Police have detained two individuals for affixing foreign flags, reportedly those of the United States and Israel, in the Balhama area of Srinagar. The act, carried out under the cover of darkness, is being seen as a deliberate provocation intended to disturb communal harmony and public peace.

Acting swiftly on credible inputs and visual evidence, the police launched an investigation using multiple surveillance techniques and extensive ground-level verification. The inquiry led to the identification and questioning of six to seven suspects, following which the involvement of three individuals was confirmed.

The accused have been identified as Mohsin Ali Dar, son of Ali Mohammad, resident of Balhama; Bilal Ahmad Dar, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, resident of Dar Mohalla, Balhama and Amir Ali Dar, son of Manzoor Hussain, resident of Khazir Mohalla, Balhama.

Out of the three, two individuals have been detained, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the third. Authorities have assured that no stone will be left unturned in bringing all those involved to justice.

A senior police official told the news agency KNT that the action appears to be a premeditated attempt to provoke public sentiment and spread an anti-social narrative in the sensitive region. “Such acts are aimed at creating unrest and undermining peace. We have initiated legal proceedings under relevant provisions of law,” the official said.

He added, “The timely intervention by the police has prevented what could have escalated into a larger public disturbance. Residents in the area expressed concern and called for strict action against those involved in such disruptive behaviour.”

As investigations continue, Srinagar Police have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and communal harmony in the region.