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Lays foundation for key tourism projects, flags off cyclothon in Gulmarg

Gulmarg: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his government’s resolve to reestablish Gulmarg as a premier global golf destination, promising focused attention on golfing infrastructure, international-level tournaments and tourism-friendly facilities.

According to an official press release, speaking at an award ceremony for golfers and hoteliers at the Gulmarg Golf Championship, the Chief Minister—who also holds the Tourism portfolio—said, “We want to make Gulmarg a world-class golf destination once again. Special attention will be given to golf, golf infrastructure, and tournaments so that Jammu and Kashmir can be marketed as a pre-eminent golfing destination across the globe.”

Acknowledging the effort required, Omar Abdullah said the necessary investment is justified given the economic and tourism potential of Gulmarg. “These are high-spending tourists who don’t just play golf—they stay in hotels, go sightseeing, and shop. It’s about creating a holistic experience that brings them back year after year,” he remarked.

He recalled the past glory of Gulmarg Golf Course, once a favourite among India’s top golfers. “The names of the most iconic professional and amateur golfers still adorn the walls of the Gulmarg Club. Sadly, the decline in the situation led to neglect. But we are determined to bring it back,” he said.

The Chief Minister lauded the role of the local MLA and emphasized the need for a tourist-friendly attitude towards visitors. “We must see every tourist not as a one-time visitor, but as a potential repeat guest. Their satisfaction should be our benchmark,” he asserted, stressing the need to cater to every kind of visitor—from golfers and horse riders to winter sports lovers and those who simply wish to relax in hotels.

Earlier in the day, CM Omar Abdullah inspected the newly constructed Gulmarg Convention Center, describing it as a “magnificent property” with an auditorium, meeting halls, guest rooms, and dining spaces. He floated the idea of introducing evening leisure options such as cinema screenings, coffee shops, and restaurants to make Gulmarg an “all-encompassing destination.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the Chief Minister revealed that the government is actively considering the establishment of a Jammu and Kashmir Golf Development Authority to manage and maintain all major golf courses across the Union Territory—including Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and venues like Sidhra in Jammu. “We need dedicated synergy and professional upkeep of our greens and fairways. There should be a clear distinction between fairways and roughs,” he added.

Commending his father and former CM Dr. Farooq Abdullah—a passionate golfer and someone who has built the golf infrastructure in J&K, he said that he would love to do something good for this sport.

The Chief Minister also commended MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, the driving force behind the tournament, expressing hope that such initiatives will become a recurring feature in Gulmarg’s tourism calendar.

Later, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a 726-meter ski drag lift at Kongdoori, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹6.84 crore. He also laid the foundation for the development and beautification of the water body, popularly known as Seven Springs at Kongdoori, with the project costing ₹50 lakh.

At Kongdoori, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah interacted with tourists and enquired about their holiday experience in Kashmir. The visitors expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for his proactive role and leadership in reviving tourism in the region.

A group of ponywalas also called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of various concerns, particularly the reopening of tourist spots in and around Gulmarg. The Chief Minister assured them that all the issues raised would be addressed in a phased manner.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Gulmarg Convention Centre to inspect the ongoing works. He urged officials to expedite the remaining tasks and ensure the centre is made operational at the earliest to boost tourism and facilitate major events.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off the Cyclothon, encouraging youth participation in sports and promoting eco-friendly tourism across the Valley.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah, Javed Riyaz Bedar, Mubarak Gul, and Tanveer Sadiq; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla; Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority; and other concerned officials.

Ready to recommend dissolution of J&K Assembly if statehood is restored: CM

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said he has no objections if the Legislative Assembly has to be dissolved and fresh elections are to be conducted after statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.

“I have read in a newspaper that statehood will be restored but assembly elections would have to be held afresh. Let them do it, who has stopped them,” Abdullah told reporters at Gulmarg, 52 kilometres from here.

Abdullah, who was sworn in as the first chief minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year, said that statehood is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I know where the story has come from. I know who planted the story in a newspaper here…. it was planted only to scare the MLAs. This statehood is not for any MLA or the government. This statehood is for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and we MLAs will not be an obstacle in it.

“If the MLAs are being threatened with the dissolution of the Assembly for the restoration of statehood, then do it. The day the state is established again, the next day we will go to the governor and recommend the dissolution of the Assembly. Don’t try to scare us … statehood is our right and give it (back) to us. Stop planting stories in newspapers, it won’t work,” he added.(PTI)

Gulmarg Golf Course set for grand revival after decade-long lull

The deserted and abandoned historic Gulmarg Golf Course is all set for a revival after years of neglect, as J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated by the end of year, it will be able to host full-scale tournaments.

Speaking at an event in Gulmarg, Chief Minister Omar acknowledged the years of neglect that had pushed the course into disrepair, saying, given the run-down condition of the venue, it felt that Golf could never be played here again.

CM hailed recent restoration efforts as a major turnaround, crediting the local administration and Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah for their dedication. “Nine holes have already been readied for the sport, and the remaining nine will be completed in the next one to two months,” he announced, adding that the government is fully invested in transforming the course into a venue of national and international repute.

He further revealed that by the end of this year, the course is expected to be fully operational and ready to host major tournaments. “The remaining issues will be corrected and next year, we will begin organizing events at national and international levels”, he said.

Meanwhile, MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah, who has been actively involved in the revival drive, described the course as one of Gulmarg’s Unique Selling Points (USPs) and a powerful draw for high-end tourists.

“This is one of the USPs of Gulmarg. We promise that within the next two years, it will be a world-class course. We aim to bring it to international standards because this is not a normal golf course. It is a gem of our tourism infrastructure,” he stated.

The scenic backdrop of the Pir Panjal range, alpine meadows, and crisp mountain air makes Gulmarg an ideal destination for golfing, he said. “The scenery you see here, you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Golfers love this course not just for the game, but for the experience”.

Recognizing golf as a high-end tourism activity, MLA Shah said the initiative is also economically strategic. “A golfer is considered to be the highest spending tourist. So, if we attract more golfers here, our local tourism sector, hoteliers, guides will greatly benefit”.

The MLA revealed plans for establishing a Golf Academy in Gulmarg to promote the sport among local youth. “We will sponsor children from our schools so they can learn golf. Golf is ageless. It’s excellent for health and we want to cultivate that culture here”.

Notably, the Gulmarg Golf Course, built in 1890, is the second highest green golf course in the world.

Ganderbal: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the newly constructed Community Marriage Hall and laid the foundation stone for a 50-meter span steel trussed girder bridge in Ganderbal.

He dedicated the Community Marriage Hall at Duderhama, Ganderbal to the public which has been constructed at a cost of Rs 4.15 crore and the facility is meant to serve as an important and affordable venue for weddings and other community events, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the local population.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to build people-centric infrastructure that promotes social wellbeing. “This marriage hall is not just a building, but a step toward making community life more inclusive and accessible,” he said.

Later, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of a 50-meter span steel trussed girder bridge over Nallah Sindh at Ahanger Mohalla, Gadoora. The Rs 7.56 crore project is expected to significantly enhance local connectivity and facilitate smooth movement between habitations on either side of the Nallah.

Highlighting the importance of the bridge, the Chief Minister stated, “Bridges don’t just connect places, they connect people and opportunities. This bridge will significantly improve access, reduce travel time, and ensure smoother mobility for residents.”

Senior district officers, engineers, and a large number of local residents were present at both the events and expressed appreciation for the developmental initiatives undertaken by the government in their area.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B) Department Kashmir Sajjad Ahmed Naqeeb and other concerned officials.

Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated an outreach office called ‘Raabta’ here to ensure efficient grievance redressal and informed decision-making through data-driven monitoring and strategic communication.

Derived from Arabic, Raabta is an Urdu word and it means connection.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Abdullah inaugurated the Chief Minister’s Public Service and Outreach Office at Canal Road in Jammu.

This is the second such office in Jammu and Kashmir after the launch of the first Raabta office in Srinagar in November 2022. The platform is aimed at enhancing citizen-government interaction and fostering responsive governance.

“Today, I inaugurated the Raabta office which will help people get their issues resolved without any delay. After Kashmir, this office has now been inaugurated in Jammu and people must take advantage of it. The people of Jammu can benefit from this,” Abdullah told reporters here.

He said the Raabta office in Kashmir is doing very well. “So, we decided to open this office in Jammu as well. Officers will be present here.

“People can submit their representations both online and offline. We will try to get the work done in less time,” he added.

The chief minister said the Raabta office in Jammu is a new step towards bringing the government closer to the people. “We remain committed to strengthening grassroots connections and ensuring every voice is heard,” he said.

“We will be receiving online memorandums and other issues here. People can also come in person to present their memorandums,” he added.

The chief minister said he would also visit the office to hold interactions, as the Darbar Move is currently in Srinagar.

On the delay in resolving issues, he said, “There is a delay as there is a timeframe involved in government processes.”

Choudhary said the cell would help provide solutions to the people’s problems at their doorstep.

“This office has been opened to communicate with the public and listen to their problems. Only then can those problems be solved. Raabta is a way of connecting with people,” Choudhary told reporters.

He said the government aims to address public issues and demonstrate that the government elected by the people is working for the very purpose it was chosen.

Abdullah hit out at People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone for their “utter failure” to raise the issue of reservation in recruitment when they had the opportunity.

Replying to a question about criticism by Mufti and Lone over the cabinet sub-committee on reservations in recruitment, Abdullah said Mehbooba Mufti had banned her party leaders from talking about it during previous elections when she needed votes.

“When Mehbooba Mufti needed votes, she strictly banned her party members from even talking about reservation… When contesting elections from Anantnag and needing votes from Rajouri and Poonch, why did she not talk about reservation then? Sajjad Lone was close to the government for five years when all this was happening,” he said.

Abdullah said he and others were evicted from their government houses and their security was reduced while he (Lone) was staying in a government house. “Why did he not talk about reservation then?” he said.

The chief minister said his cabinet had sent the report to the law department after the sub-committee submitted its report on reservation within six months.

“This was the first time such progress had been made. If I had to waste time, I would have given six more months to the sub-committee.

“What would they have done then? Did they have any way to force me to complete this report in six months?” he questioned.

He said the cabinet has accepted the subcommittee’s report and sent it to the Law Department for their comments. “After receiving it back from the Law Department, further action will be taken,” he said.

Srinagar: Heatwave continued in Kashmir as Srinagar witnessed the hottest June day in two decades on Friday, forcing a change in school timing across the valley, an official said.

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees Celsius on Friday — 6.3 degrees above the normal, the official said.

The hottest-ever June temperature in Srinagar was recorded on June 25, 2005, when the mercury soared to 36.5 degrees Celsius.

Most parts of Kashmir recorded above normal day temperatures.

Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir in Kulgam district, recorded a maximum of 34.5 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the seasonal average, while the mercury in Kokernag town settled at a maximum of 33.6 degrees, 6.4 degrees above the normal, officials said.

Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a high of 30 degrees Celsius — 5.2 degrees above the normal.

Gulmarg tourist resort was the coldest place in the valley at 25.2 degrees Celsius, still 5.2 degrees above the normal.

The Met office has said the heat wave will continue at scattered places in the valley on Saturday.

Meanwhile, authorities in Kashmir changed the timing across schools from Saturday.

Timings now in schools within the municipal limits of Srinagar would be from 8 am to 1 pm, while for those outside, it would be from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm.

Srinagar: In a special gesture, Iran has lifted airspace restrictions for three charter flights to evacuate about 1,000 Indian nationals, mostly students, from the Iranian city of Mashhad.

Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, said more evacuation flights could be operated in the coming days to bring back Indians if required.

The Indian nationals were moved to Mashad from Tehran following Israeli attacks on the Iranian capital city. The evacuation flights, to be operated by Iranian airline Mahan, are being arranged by New Delhi.

India launched Operation Sindhu on Wednesday to bring back its nationals from Iran and Israel in view of the precarious security situation arising out of Iran-Israel hostilities.

The first chartered flight carrying Indians are set to land in Delhi on Friday evening.

“We consider Indians as our own people. Iran’s airspace is closed but because of this issue, we are making arrangements to open it for the safe passage of Indian nationals,” Hosseini said at a media briefing.

“We consider Indian nationals to be our own people. They are like Iranians,” he said.

“About 1,000 Indians who were relocated from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashad will be evacuated to New Delhi on three charter flights,” Hosseini said.

“The first flight will land tonight at the New Delhi airport and there will be two more flights on Saturday,” he said.

The Iranian diplomat said more such flights could be arranged in the coming days if required.

Hosseini said Tehran is in close contact with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian embassy in Tehran to ensure safe evacuation of Indian nationals.

“We are arranging for the safe passage of Indians who want to leave via air or via road through third countries, or directly from Iran,” he said.

The Iranian diplomat also said that all Indians in Iran are safe. At the same time, he said a few Indian students sustained injuries after an Israeli air strike hit a students dormitory in Tehran a few days back.

A total of 110 Indian students were brought back to India on Thursday after they were moved from Iran to Armenia through land border crossing.

Hosseini said about 10,000 Indians are living in Iran and those wishing to return home are being evacuated.

The Israel-Iran military hostilities began over a week back.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Students Association Friday said that three Mahan Air flights will bring Indian students back to New Delhi from Mashhad.

A total of 1,000 students will be returning on these special flights. Despite the closure of airspace, a special exception has been granted for the evacuation of Indian students. Around 500 Kashmiri students are among those returning.

Speaking about flight timings, JKSA said, “The flights are scheduled to arrive on Friday night at 11:30 PM IST, Saturday morning at 10:00 AM IST, and Saturday evening at 4:30 PM IST.” He added that, as these are special flights, the timings may be subject to change.

Regarding arrangements for travel from Delhi to Srinagar, he stated, “Transportation has been arranged. Deluxe AC buses are ready at Delhi Airport. Students will be directly ferried from Delhi Airport to TRC Srinagar.”

Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani also informed the Association that transport facilities are in place at Delhi Airport and all relevant departments have been duly informed.

JKSA further said that all students from the first batch of Kashmiri evacuees stranded in Iran have now safely reached the Kashmir Valley on Friday morning, bringing relief to their anxious families.

Iran Coordinator of Jammu and Kashmir Students Association Faizan Ali said, “While some students reached yesterday, the rest, who were travelling in deluxe buses from Delhi, have also arrived today.”

“We are grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs and all those involved in ensuring their safe and timely return. The successful evacuation marks a relief for their families back home, who were anxiously awaiting their arrival,” Faizan added.

J&K govt facilitates safe return of residents, students from Iran

The Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate the safe return of the residents, including students, from Iran, ensuring smooth transportation to their hometowns.

The responsibility for organizing and overseeing the transit facilities has been entrusted to Minister Satish Sharma, who is keenly monitoring the entire operation, an official statement issued here said.

As the first group of students arrived back home after a long and exhausting journey from Iran, the J&K administration facilitated their travel with super deluxe buses. The returnees were warmly received at the Jammu and Srinagar locations by a team of officers and officials deputed by the Transport Department, said the statement.

It said that for different batches of these residents and students arriving at Delhi Airport, Super deluxe buses of Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) have been stationed at the arrival points to receive them. These buses, equipped with essential facilities, will ensure a comfortable and dignified journey for the returning persons to various districts across the Union Territory.

Satish Sharma directed the RTC officials to deploy an adequate number of well-maintained deluxe buses for the exclusive purpose of transporting the students, ensuring that none face any inconvenience upon arrival, said the the official statement.

The Minister also interacted with officials and students, seeking feedback about the arrangements besides assuring resolution of any immediate concern, said the statement.

 

 

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday evening held a detailed meeting with Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to discuss strategic measures for strengthening the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

The one-on-one meeting focused on a broad range of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure, promoting heritage and cultural sites, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities, an official press release informed.

It said both leaders underscored the significance of tourism as a key driver of economic growth and cultural exchange in the region.

During the interaction, Union Minister Shekhawat emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that such engagements reflect “our collective commitment to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a global tourism destination that celebrates its culture, nature, and people.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed appreciation for the Centre’s continued support and reiterated the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s resolve to revive and reimagine the tourism sector to unlock its full potential for inclusive development.

 

Samba: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the newly constructed college complex of Government Degree College (GDC) Purmandal in Samba district.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Vijaypur Chander Parkash Ganga, MLA Gulabgarh Er Khurshid Ahmad, Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education Department Shantmanu, ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Director Colleges, Deputy Commissioner Samba and Principal of GDC Purmandal, an official press release informed.

It said in his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the occasion as a proud and fortunate moment, marking a significant milestone for higher education in the region.

The Chief Minister lauded Minister Sakeena Itoo for her consistent efforts and commitment in both the health and education sectors, particularly in the appointment of new doctors and assistant professors, and in the upgradation of schools.

Responding to the memorandum of demands presented by the students, the Chief Minister assured appropriate action, especially regarding the introduction of new academic courses.

He emphasized the critical importance of health and higher education in the sustained development of any society.

“We want the Jammu region to evolve into a hub for tourism—especially religious tourism—which will transform the lives of local communities,” he said.

He also assured that demands related to road development in the area would be prioritized.

“I will not consider my mission fulfilled until the day students from outside J&K come here to pursue their education. Today, many of our students are compelled to study outside the state, and during global crises, they face great difficulties,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister for facilitating the safe return of students from J&K who were studying in Iran, and assured parents of continued efforts to ensure student safety abroad.

He further committed to upgrading government schools in Jammu and Kashmir to improved standards, underlining the government’s dedication to strengthening the education sector.

“Government jobs alone cannot eliminate unemployment. Real change will come when our students are trained in world-class skills. And we will not stop until our goals for the youth are fully implemented” he asserted.

The Chief Minister also expressed hope that on his next visit, the college will offer more streams and will rank among the top educational institutions of Jammu and Kashmir.

On the occasion, CM Omar Abdullah also handed over keys of five buses—donated by J&K Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative—to five Government Degree Colleges in Jammu division.

Commending J&K bank for the initiative, he said J&K Bank plays a vital role in J&K’s economy, and he is glad it’s also supporting educational infrastructure—initiatives like these will surely benefit students.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary expressed gratitude to CM Omar Abdullah and Minister Sakina Itoo for ensuring the establishment of a GDC in a remote area like Purmandal, calling it a transformative step for the local population.

Minister for Higher Education Sakina Itoo congratulated the local community on the completion of the college building, recalling that the foundation stone was laid by the Chief Minister in 2013.

She informed that over 500 assistant professors have recently been appointed to strengthen the higher education framework in the Union Territory.

Appreciating the launch of five college buses, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to introducing more subjects and constructing a hostel for students at the college.

“The younger generation must take the lead in fighting social evils like drug abuse,” she urged.

Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Shantmanu, highlighted the major features of the GDC campus, which includes plans for a four-storey academic block, a large playground and landscaped surroundings.