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Tag: anantnag

  • Srinagar-Jammu Highway Closed Only For 8 Hours This Winter: Officers To CS

    Srinagar-Jammu Highway Closed Only For 8 Hours This Winter: Officers To CS

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    JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the status of development of different roads and Highways connecting different parts of the UT.

    The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, PWD; Secretary, Transport; Deputy Commissioner, Ramban; Transport Commissioner, Representatives from NHAI and other concerned officers.

    Dr Mehta impressed upon the officers to ensure that there is smooth movement of traffic on the National Highway during these winters. He asked them to be ever ready with requisite men and machinery to deal with the weather vagaries. He stressed on minimising disruptions and ensuring that traffic movement remains uninterrupted throughout the year. He reiterated that traffic on this National Highway should move in both ways after 15th March as much of the bridges and tunnels being constructed would get completed by then.

    He enjoined upon the officers focus on the difficult stretches between Banihal and Ramban. He urged them to take instant measures in case of inclement weather. He took note of the under construction bridges at Maitra, Ramban and one at Jaiswal. He passed on directions to the concerned to accelerate the pace of work so that these vital connections are completed soon.

    The Chief Secretary stressed on developing roads leading to the tourist spots of Mantalai and Sanasar. He maintained that the better road links to these places would give boost to the tourism there as these places have great potential as tourist destinations.

    He also reviewed the status of roads developed under Bharat Mala programme and its allied infrastructure. He enquired about different roads and bridges taken up by the PWD for construction in the length and breadth of the UT.

    The Chief Secretary stressed on developing the internal roads in both the cities. He remarked that the face of any region are its roads. He made out that road networks facilitate development of whole regions besides adding to the beauty and aesthetics of the city. He urged the concerned Departments not only to just maintain city roads but develop them on modern lines too.

    He directed face lift of the entry point of UT at Lakhanpur in district Kathua. He remarked that it should be attractive befitting the pace of progress and development.

    Dr Mehta directed the traffic police to strictly maintain lane discipline on the road and take all the steps against the violators including e-Challaning. He asked them to act tough on those resort to road side parking and disrupt others.

    The meeting was informed that this winter the Sgr-Jmu National Highway remained closed for just 8 hours in total as against 220 hours in previous winter. No full day was lost in last two years due to closure of NH. It was further given out that in order to ensure movement of traffic on both the sides of the Highway the T5 tunnel would be dedicated to public on 15th of March and Jaiswal bridge on 15th of February this year.

    Moreover it was said that the pace on other road projects is smooth and would be completed oin a given time frame.

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    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • CS Stresses On Protection Of Forest Lands, Livelihoods From Forests

    CS Stresses On Protection Of Forest Lands, Livelihoods From Forests

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    JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday chaired the 22nd meeting of the Steering Committee of J&K Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) to review the implementation of Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for FY 2022-23 and to consider the APOs for FY 2023-24.

    Administrative Secretaries of Departments of Forests; Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Revenue; Tribal Affairs; Planning; Secretary in Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare participated besides many senior officers and HoDs from the Forest Department.

    Some of the officers participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

    The Chief Secretary directed the Forest Department to complete digitalization of boundaries of all forests of Jammu & Kashmir within a year. He directed constitution of joint teams comprising officers from Revenue, Forest, Tourism, RDD, PRI representatives and other stakeholders concerned to facilitate this process.

    He enjoined upon them to utilize the latest technology like CORS and GIS in culminating the process scientifically in a time-bound manner. He also underscored the need of fixing boundary pillars demarcating the forest land in the shortest possible time to ensure protection of forest land from encroachment.

    Dr Mehta also came up with a concept for utilization of biomass from forests, like lantana and pine needles with the involvement of Self Help Groups. While creating sustainable livelihood for communities living around forests, it will also be helpful in removal of potential fire hazards like pine needles and other inflammatory materials.

    The Chief Secretary stressed on involvement of Panchayats in all afforestation works. Meeting the demands of the forest dependent communities for water, fodder and non-timber forest produce should be main objective of all afforestation works. This will ensure that they become willing partner in protection and conservation of forests, he added.

    While reviewing the work proposals relating to Gharana Wetland reserve, the Chief Secretary directed the Wildlife Protection Department to make it one of the most important tourist attractions of Jammu. He directed that a comprehensive study should be carried out about the habitat and avifauna of Gharana Wetland for its better protection and development. He also emphasized on making arrangements for dissemination of information with visitors and nature lovers so that the visits happen to be a source of infotainment. He told them to look into the potential of developing as a cluster with Border village of Schetgarh so that both are offered as package to the visitors.

    PCCF (HoFF), Dr. Mohit Gera apprised the Committee about the main activities of the Department. Under “Green Jammu and Kashmir Drive”, a record number of plants are being planted with the people’s participation under the campaign “Har Gaon Hariyali”. In the current year, against the target of 1.35 crore, department is making all efforts to plant 1.50 crore, of which about 0.90 crore plants have already been planted. He also informed about the initiatives taken to protect the forest areas through digitalization of boundaries involving Forest (Territorial) and Settlement and Demarcation Divisions and preparation of digital maps.

    CEO, J&K CAMPA, Sarvesh Rai made a detailed presentation covering actions taken on the decisions of the Committee in its last meeting, progress of implementation of the approved APO of 2022-23 and proposed APOs for the financial year 2023-24. He informed that against the current year’s target of rehabilitation of degraded forests of 15000 ha area, 8108 ha with planting of 59.70 Lakh plants have already been covered. Winter planting in temperate zone is in progress and targets for the year are likely to be achieved in full.

    The meeting was informed that the APOs of FY 2023-24 envisage afforestation of 13,719 ha area through assisted natural and artificial regeneration with planting of about 90.00 lakh plants. APOs also include proposals for eco-restoration of ecologically sensitive areas like Patnitop-Nathatop and areas with southern slopes etc.

    Later on the Chief Secretary released publications titled “Har Gaon Hariyali under Green Jammu & Kashmir Drive” and “Digitization of Forests: Strengthening of Forest Protection and Management” by Forest Department, “Pollinators: Nature’s Miracle Workers” by J&K Biodiversity Council, and “Key Wildlife Species: Kishtwar High Altitude National Park” by Wildlife Protection Department.

    After detailed deliberations on all aspects of the proposals, the Committee approved APOs for next financial year 2023-24 with an outlay of Rs274.00 Cr for its submission to the National Authority, (MoEF&CC), Government of India for their final approval.

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    #Stresses #Protection #Forest #Lands #Livelihoods #Forests

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Why Muskan Sawhny’s JKAS Is Not an Ordinary Feat?

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    by Maleeha Sofi

    SRINAGAR: Beating all the odds, Muskan Sawhny cracked Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) examination in her first attempt. The daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver, Sawhny Jr managed to crack the examination without any coaching and with the help of the internet. She secured 1016.50 marks.

    Muskan is from Jammu proper and has completed her initial studies at Activity Public Higher Secondary School. She pursued her higher education in Science at Government Higher Secondary, Mubarak Mandi. She graduated in non-medical with Geology and Geography as optional subjects. She has been the district topper in National Youth Parliament- 2019. She gives tuition and works as a presenter at All India Radio to generate extra income for her and her family.

    “I have not prepared for a long time. I started preparation after my graduation,” Muskan said. She focused more on learning from people. “When JKPSC advertised these posts in 2021, I knew I had to do it, but I had not started preparations yet.”

    With self-study, she appeared for the examination with the belief that the civil services exams do not need you to know everything, but to understand the basics. Given the first attempt, she was not sure about the success.

    “I studied religiously during exams as I had very less time,” she said. She did the smart study and hard work.

    The major factor that helped her to stay focused was the financial conditions of her family. This was the key factor that prevented her from getting into any coaching centre. She said she chose to study with the help of a few books and the internet only. “I had no proper guidance about books, so I selected a few compact ones and the internet helped me a lot,” she asserted.

    Muskan
    Muskan Sawhny JKAS

    Muskan said she studied usually during the night hours to stay focused without distractions. Being a debater, she is well aware of the current affairs that helped her achieve this feat. One of the major tricks that have helped her to qualify for the exam is ‘managing time’.

    “I did not share with anyone that I am planning for JKAS except my family and some close friends and teachers,” she said. She has been supported emotionally by her family and her friends even in her studies. The struggle to make a living with her father and uncle has inspired her to achieve success. She considers her parents as her role model.

    Her life motto is ‘this too shall pass,’ and she believes this helps her face every hardship. While suggesting aspirants she said, “optimism and faith can help you find God, let alone pass an examination.” She aims to go for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the future.

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    #Muskan #Sawhnys #JKAS #Ordinary #Feat

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Kashmir Tweed To Get GI Registration

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    SRINAGAR: The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom has submitted the dossier for registration of Kashmir Tweed to Intellectual Property India, Chennai, an apex-level organization for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.

    The Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, (H&H) Kashmir, while commenting on the downswing of the centuries old craft of Weaving of Tweed said that the GI certification of Kashmir Tweed, will give a fresh impetus to the craft. The primary goal of registering it is to seek protection for Tweed of Kashmir, which further promotes and pushes it to grow on a global scale.

    “The department felt it necessary to get Kashmir Tweed recognized on National and International markets owing to its uniqueness of having 100 per cent wool unlike the one produced in the rest of the country where it has also the blend of viscose, said Director H&H adding that Tweed cloth is available across the globe, in Kashmir, it has been in the market for centuries.

    Initially produced in parts of south Kashmir, mostly in the Pulwama district, a number of areas in Kashmir periphery adopted this art to manage the requirements of the UT. Tweed is being produced in parts of north and central Kashmir like Bandipore and Budgam as well. “There is not much difference between the famous Harris Tweed and the Kashmir Tweed, however Kashmir Tweed could not have much presence in the global markets because of processing deficiencies and branding”, said Director H&H. By registering Kashmir Tweed for GI it is expected that all the stakeholders involved shall get benefitted, he added.

    UT of J&K already has two major facilities for processing of the wool, one at UNDP under the ambit of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir and another facility at JKI which has been at fore front in ensuring a sustained supply of raw material as well as manufacturing of Tweed in the valley.

    The Handicrafts and Handloom Department has been facilitating the promotion of GI-tagged products symbolizing the empowerment of the artisans. These initiatives are aimed to help recognize and promote age-old crafts and methods that are otherwise in danger of being lost due to urbanization and industrialization.

    So far seven major crafts from Kashmir namely Kani Shawl, Pashmina, Sozni, Paper-Machie, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, and Hand Knotted Carpets have already been GI certified. Besides, the process of GI registration of seven more crafts viz., Kashmir Namda, Wagguv, Shikara, Gabba, Kashmir Willow Bat, Crewel and Chain Stitch is already under process and the dossier for GI certification of all these crafts has been submitted with the GI authorities in Chennai.

    The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom from last 2 years has been continuously upgrading the testing and labelling facilities for GI certification of different crafts and because of the aggressive promotion of GI certification of different crafts by the Department, a huge number of manufacturers and exporters are approaching the department for testing and labelling of the GI certified products.

    The Department is also in process of launching the QR-Code-based GI labelling of 6 crafts as QR-Code-GI labelling for Carpets was already initiated, and additionally, non-GI crafts will also be brought under the ambit of QR code Labeling, said Director H&H.

    Moreover, the visitors have also shown much interest in purchasing exclusive GI-certified crafts post these efforts of promoting Geographical Indication throughout the country and away.

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    #Kashmir #Tweed #Registration

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • AC Gives Nod To LG’s Rolling Cultural And Sports Trophies For Employees

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    JAMMU: The Administrative Council (AC) which met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha gave its approval to Lieutenant Governor’s Rolling Cultural and Sports Trophies for government employees.

    Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor and Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K attended the meeting.

    This initiative is part of the overall policy of Government to promote sporting activities, on one hand, and HR welfare policy of the Government, on the other hand. The sports events are expected to inculcate values like competition, discipline, teamwork and will lead to overall personality development of the employees. As part of the initiative, exclusive teams shall be formed for female employees to encourage them also. It will also act as an vent to the employees who work in taxing environment besides improving skills to tackle challenging jobs in hand.

    Under the initiative, the Culture Department, in association with the General Administration Department, shall also organize cultural activities viz. debates, poetry, quiz and painting competitions etc. spanning across a calendar year to promote creativity among the employees, on the one hand, and local culture, on the other hand.

    The AC approved the proposal of participation of employees in scores of sporting disciplines viz. cricket, football, volleyball, table tennis, hockey etc. which shall be organised in close association of the General Administration Department and the Youth Services and Sports Department (J&K Sports Council).

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    #Nod #LGs #Rolling #Cultural #Sports #Trophies #Employees

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Refurbished Polo View Readying By Next Month, Trader Concerns Remain

    Refurbished Polo View Readying By Next Month, Trader Concerns Remain

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    by Aasiya Nazir

    SRINAGAR: The recasting and re-modelling of British era Polo View market has led the 35-odd traders to book losses in 2022. The project is part of the Smart City Srinagar project.

    The exquisite flower shops, magnificent shawl outlets, the shops donning  papier machie items, restaurants, and many other stores are all bearing the brunt of the market’s redevelopment, which is going on to turn the roadway into a concrete sitting space.

    Earlier, the market had its own parking space to provide a hassle-free experience to commuters and visitors.

    As per the Smart City Mission, the market would be decorated by installing benches on the stretch, which has been made a no-vehicle zone. The market would come up as a model for the redevelopment of other such markets in the city. The government has already spent Rs 5 crore.

    The traders are unsure if the market’s mighty Chinars would survive.

    Chinar Development Officer, Tariq ul Habib, said the laid guidelines suggest that no construction work can undertaken at a place nearby a Chinar.

    “There has to be a 40 feet demarcation at a place beholding Chinar where construction work has to be taken up,” he said.

    A shop owner said, “Customers are unable to park their cars. They have to park their cars somewhere else and walk to shop here which creates a problem for them. It is causing loss to our business.”

    A parking space on one side of the market’s shops has now been turned into a road. Earlier, the shoppers as well as the owners used to park their vehicles in that space to access the market.

    With the parking gone, the footfall to the market has significantly nosedived. The lack of parking space is adding to the mess. If the customers park cars nearby, they attract fines.

    Mohammad Amin, a shop owner at Polo-View Lane said, “Since the Smart City initiative began, we have undergone significant losses. We have met with the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar and other relevant authorities multiple times during the past year.”

    The deadline for completion of the Polo-View market is the end of February 2023.

    Chief Engineer Smart City Mission Iftikhar Kakroo said that they area aware of the issues the traders have flagged. “The traffic that was passing through the Polo View is now diverted from a new road behind the same market,” he said. “Power distribution lines that were over ground have gone underground.”

    In terms of reports of the slow speed of work, Kakroo said that the endeavour is at its finishing phase, as the path tiles are being laid. “For this venture, we were able to arrange for the activity to be done without hindering traffic movement,” he said, noting that the work will be concluded by the end of February.

    Kakroo asserted that the store owners are supporting us and to their advantage each advancement is being monitored vigilantly in order to forestall any complications.

    Regarding the parking conditions, he declared that a detailed parking plan is established throughout the region. “Chosen spots have been pinpointed to circumvent the parking dilemma for the retailers,” he continued, affirming that in the past the path was utilised there for parking objectives.

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    #Refurbished #Polo #View #Readying #Month #Trader #Concerns #Remain

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Teacher Who Managed Entry Into Education Department On Fake Documents Terminated

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    SRINAGAR: School Education Department Kashmir has terminated a teacher who had managed to get entry into the department 13 years ago by producing fake posting and appointment orders.

    According to an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency KNO chief education officer Srinagar in a letter in November 2022 has reported that the service book of a ‘imposter’ working as teacher in government school reveal an entry to the effect that he has been appointed as teacher in 2009 under RBA category, after being selected by the JK Service Selection Board.”

    “In order to ascertain the genuineness of his appointment order, the original order issued by DSEK on December-12-2009 appointment Service Selection Board were verified and it has been and found that his name does not figure anywhere in the original appointment order nor original select list of JKSSB,” the order reads.

    It reads the delinquent ‘teacher’ was placed under suspension and attached to DSEK and he had failed to report to the directorate, in compliance with the ibid order.

    It reads the matter got enquired by the Joint Director (Central) who has conducted an in-depth enquiry and reported that the appointment order showing to have been issued in favour of some other two teachers and is fake and forged and the fraudster he has managed his entry in the department by producing fake appointment order.

    “He therefore has deceived the authorities, while drawing illegal wages from the government exchequer.”

    “The ‘delinquent teacher’ has responded to the show cause notice and submitted the reply January-10-2023 through speed post, which was thoroughly examined and found devoid of merit for reconsideration,” it reads.

    It reads the appointment order purportedly issued in favour of the ‘fraudster’ being not issued by DSEK is treated to be null and void and non-est in the eyes of law.”

    “Consequently, any benefit derived out of the said fake Order shall be immediately recovered and criminal proceedings shall be initiated against the said person,” it reads.

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    #Teacher #Managed #Entry #Education #Department #Fake #Documents #Terminated

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • BJY Largely Succeeded In Fighting Narrative Of Hatred In Country: Rahul Gandhi

    BJY Largely Succeeded In Fighting Narrative Of Hatred In Country: Rahul Gandhi

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    SRINAGAR:  Congress leader and Member Parliament Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said that Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY) has largely succeeded to fight against the narrative of hatred spread across the country and bring the folks together yet again.

    “Let me tell you that we have been able to bring the people across the country together yet again through BJY. There were a lot of lessons for us in the Yatra and we have learnt a lot after meeting people of various shades during our journey,” news agency KNO quoted Rahul as having said.

    He said that there is no scope for hatred in the country as Congress believes in spreading the message of love. “Our endeavour is to open the shops of love across J&K that has been made a scapegoat of politics,” Rahul said. “Through BJY we have largely been able to fight the disastrous narrative of hatred spread by the BJP in the country.”

    He said that primary focus of Congress is to get Statehood and Assembly restored in J&K. Asked if BJY was apolitical, why he was continuously targeting BJP, Rahul said that since Congress is the grand old political party, there will surely be a bit of politics in his speeches during the Yatra. “When KPs, farmers and unemployed youth would meet me during the Yatra and hope that I will definitely rake up their issues, there would obviously be a problem for me if I don’t talk about them,” the Congress leader said. He said there was not even a tinge of hatred for anybody including PM Narendera Modi. “I am not afraid of anybody so why should I have hatred for anyone,” he asid.

    He said J&K youth are suffering from depression and discomfort. “We are here to listen to them and understand their issue,” he said, adding that media too has been suppressed to an extent as if Yatra is not happening at all.

    To a query about Lal Singh, Rahul said that Singh supported Yatra and Congress appreciates that. “As far as Ghulam Nabi Azad, 90 per cent of his supporters and party men were on our stage. I would like to tender my apology if we have hurt Azad or Lal Singh,” Rahul said. On there are reports that crores are being spent for his BJY, Rahul said that to tarnish his image, BJP and RSS spent thousands of crores and yet didn’t succeed. “I want to tell BJP that money can’t burry the truth which has a nasty habit of come out. BJP has started to understand this reality gradually,” he said. Pertinently, Rahul led BJY will enter Srinagar on January 30.

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    #BJY #Largely #Succeeded #Fighting #Narrative #Hatred #Country #Rahul #Gandhi

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Five Youth Prevented From Joining Militancy: Police

    Five Youth Prevented From Joining Militancy: Police

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    SRINAGAR: Police on Tuesday claimed to have rescued five youth Including Juveniles from joining militancy in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

    Quoting a police handout news agency GNS reported that unearthing a major activity of militants to misguide the youth and entice them to join militan ranks,Baramulla police along with army 29 RR has succeeded in rescuing 5 youths including 2 juveniles (identity protected) from joining militant ranks.

    According to police spokesman, as per information received from reliable sources, it was learnt that some youngsters are being inticed by militant handlers from pakistan to join militant organizations. On receiving this input SFs first traced these youth and they were subjected to sustained questioning with the help of their parents. On their disclosure it was learnt that these youth were in touch with militant handlers in pakistan through social media to get recruited in militant outfits. Militant handlers were trying to radicalize the minds of these boys. These boys all in their teenage have now been handed over to parents after proper counselling.

    JK Police and Indian Army are firm on their resolve to defeat all nefarious designs of enemy to misguide and radicalize the youth of Kashmir, he said.

    Parents are requested to keep vigil on activities of their children and cooperate with Police, reads the statement.

    Previous articleUrmila Matondkar Joins Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra In Jammu
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    #Youth #Prevented #Joining #Militancy #Police

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Urmila Matondkar Joins Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra In Jammu

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    SRINAGAR: Actor-politician Urmila Matondkar on Tuesday joined the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi is leading the foot march, which is now in its last phase.

    “When stars join, the journey becomes brighter,” the grand old party tweeted in Hindi.

    Ever since the party’s march started in September, many prominent faces – outside of the Congress – have been a part of the grand old party’s foot march. Actors, including Pooja Bhatt, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, veteran army officers have walked alongside Rahul Gandhi. In Delhi, Kamal Haasan joined the foot march last month.

    Urmila Matondar also posted a video on social media that showed her walking with Gandhi. “Walk for Unity, Affinity, Equality and Fraternity (sic),” she tweeted.

    Before the march, she posted a video message, where she can be heard saying: “In this winter chill, I am addressing you from Jammu. In a short while from now, I will be joining the Yatra. Indian unity is the spirit that has been carried along during this Yatra. All of us have created this India and we have to help it grow. For me, this Yatra is more for the society than politics. The world is functional with love, not hate,” she can be heard saying in the clip.

    Throughout the Kanyakumari to Kashmir Yatra, Rahul Gandhi has been saying that his party aims to counter the hatred spread by the ruling party in an attack on the BJP and the RSS. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, however, on Sunday had said that “India is not broken that it needs Congress to unite it”.

    On Monday, Rahul Gandhi met Kashmiri Pandits and also raised the issue of statehood during one of the addresses.



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    #Urmila #Matondkar #Joins #Rahul #Gandhis #Bharat #Jodo #Yatra #Jammu

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )