The Jammu and Kashmir police have&nbsp;started a recruitment rally for the women of Kashmir valley. A three day-long rally was held in RTC Ground in Humhama in Budgam District where hundreds of women participated in this recruitment rally. The first day was kept for the women from Central Kashmir, the second day for North Kashmir and the last day was for the women from South Kashmir.

Around 1,300 women&nbsp;will&nbsp;be recruited into police services during this rally including 650&nbsp;from the Jammu division, with the same number expected to join from the Kashmir division. The rally in Jammu was held two years ago while due to Covid, the Kashmir rally was postponed.

''The sanction for two women battalions was approved, We started the process in 2019 and today is the first stage of the recruitment in Kashmir valley. Jammu recruitment was done before the covid. We started a three day recruitment rally for the Kashmir zone, and started with Central Kashmir and then North Kashmir and today South Kashmir. In one battalion we have to recruit 650 females",&nbsp;said Danish Rana, ADGP Co-ordination.

The women who had come for the rally were excited to don the uniform and work for the country. Some even saying that they are not scared to be part of police in the valley at all.

''I am so happy to be here, I have so many dreams and I hope I&nbsp;will make them come true. I always wanted to join police services, I am not scared at all. I want to work for the society and people and I am feeling very proud that I have come here. I have full support from my family", said Munazah Farooq, aspirant.

Some of the aspirants also said that wearing the uniform has been their dream and now its seems to be coming true.

''I have always wanted to wear uniform and work for the country. I have full support from family and that's why i am here. I am feeling very happy'', said Manjeet Singh.

There will be a written exam for the candidates who qualify in the first round. The third leg of this rally will be help in Leh&nbsp;and Kargil.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have started a recruitment rally for the women of Kashmir valley. A three day-long rally was held in RTC Ground in Humhama in Budgam District where hundreds of women participated in this recruitment rally.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have started a recruitment rally for the women of Kashmir valley. A three day-long rally was held in RTC Ground in Humhama in Budgam District where hundreds of women participated in this recruitment rally. The first day was kept for the women from Central Kashmir, the second day for North Kashmir and the last day was for the women from South Kashmir. Around 1,300 women will be recruited into police services during this rally including 650 from the Jammu division, with the same number expected to join from the Kashmir division. The rally in Jammu was held two years ago while due to Covid, the Kashmir rally was postponed. ''The sanction for two women battalions was approved, We started the process in 2019 and today is the first stage of the recruitment in Kashmir valley. Jammu recruitment was done before the covid. We started a three day recruitment rally for the Kashmir zone, and started with Central Kashmir and then North Kashmir and today South Kashmir. In one battalion we have to recruit 650 females", said Danish Rana, ADGP Co-ordination. The women who had come for the rally were excited to don the uniform and work for the country. Some even saying that they are not scared to be part of police in the valley at all. ''I am so happy to be here, I have so many dreams and I hope I will make them come true. I always wanted to join police services, I am not scared at all. I want to work for the society and people and I am feeling very proud that I have come here. I have full support from my family", said Munazah Farooq, aspirant. Some of the aspirants also said that wearing the uniform has been their dream and now its seems to be coming true. ''I have always wanted to wear uniform and work for the country. I have full support from family and that's why i am here. I am feeling very happy'', said Manjeet Singh. There will be a written exam for the candidates who qualify in the first round. The third leg of this rally will be help in Leh and Kargil.

J&K police hold recruitment rally for women in Kashmir to fill 1,300 posts

In a surprise move, the Jammu and Kashmir government&nbsp;today cancelled the residential accommodation of "Darbar Move" employees in Jammu and Srinagar depending on their location. The order, which was issued by the government stated that all the employees will have to vacate their accommodation within three&nbsp;weeks.

"Cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Srinagar as indicated at Annexure-A to this order who are stationed at Jammu, and cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Jammu as per Annexure-B to this order who are stationed at Srinagar," said the Government order.

Earlier this month, The LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha had said that the&nbsp;administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual ''Darbar Move''.

The government had also said that with this move, both Jammu and Srinagar secretariats will work for all 12 months. It also mentioned that the government&nbsp;would&nbsp;save on millions of rupees by this decision.&nbsp;

The practice of Darbar Move was started by the Maharaja of Kashmir, Gulab Singh in the year 1872. The administration would work from Jammu during the six months of winter while the same would be shifted to Srinagar during the summers. As part of this practice, all the offices including the Raj Bhawan, the Civil Secretariat and many other departments would shift after six months.&nbsp;

In a surprise move, the Jammu and Kashmir government today cancelled the residential accommodation of "Darbar Move" employees in Jammu and Srinagar depending on their location.

In a surprise move, the Jammu and Kashmir government today cancelled the residential accommodation of "Darbar Move" employees in Jammu and Srinagar depending on their location. The order, which was issued by the government stated that all the employees will have to vacate their accommodation within three weeks. "Cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Srinagar as indicated at Annexure-A to this order who are stationed at Jammu, and cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers/officials at Jammu as per Annexure-B to this order who are stationed at Srinagar," said the Government order. Earlier this month, The LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha had said that the administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual ''Darbar Move''. The government had also said that with this move, both Jammu and Srinagar secretariats will work for all 12 months. It also mentioned that the government would save on millions of rupees by this decision. The practice of Darbar Move was started by the Maharaja of Kashmir, Gulab Singh in the year 1872. The administration would work from Jammu during the six months of winter while the same would be shifted to Srinagar during the summers. As part of this practice, all the offices including the Raj Bhawan, the Civil Secretariat and many other departments would shift after six months.

J&K government cancels government accommodation for 'Darbar Move' employees

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men. One of the girls has been traced by Jammu and Kashmir police and handed over to the family.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>The Sikh community took out many protests In Srinagar demanding the other two girls to be traced and handed over to the families. They also demanded for a change in conversion laws. The issue is also in the notice of Lieutenant&nbsp;Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the home ministry. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The family of a Sikh girl in Srinagar's Rainawari area of downtown filed a report with the police saying their&nbsp;daughter was abducted. The police later arrested both the daughter and her husband. When produced in the court, the judge decided that the girl is an adult and has the right to go wherever she wishes to. Although the man was taken into custody while the girl was taken by her parents.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Soon after the judge's direction, the Sikh&nbsp;community took out protests in Srinagar alleging that the decision&nbsp;was biased. They also allege that the parents of the girl were not allowed inside the courtroom while the man's family was. Police say ''the matter is being investigated''.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The father of the girl said that we are under a lot of stress and there is no one to listen to our problems. He says the government should provide us security so that we feel safe.<o:p></o:p>

''This girl is a minor, she just turned 18 two months ago, last year she had brain surgery after she developed a clot. We had repair work going on, and he was working as a labourer here renovating my house. He knocked on my door, he pushed and kicked me and took my girl away. He said if you shout I will kill you with my pistol. There was a car waiting outside and He took my girl away. We went to the police in the early morning. And later police said we have traced the girl from the jungle and took her to the women police station. They didn't allow us to meet until they took us to court. And they didn't even allow us to enter the courtroom. They gave us the girl at 11;30 pm. We don't&nbsp;feel safe and no one listens to us.'' said Rajinder Singh Bali, father of the girl.<o:p></o:p>

Akali Dal Leader and Delhi Gurdwara committee&nbsp;president, MS Sirsa flew down to Srinagar&nbsp;to take stock of the situation.

He, while speaking to the media said. ''four girls have been forcefully&nbsp;converted, an 18-year-old girl was married to a middle aged man and we were told that she married of her own choice. The district judiciary also did not&nbsp;give any justice, he didn't even allow the parents of the girls to come inside the courtroom. The middle-aged man's whole relatives were inside the courtroom so that the girl was under pressure to give her statement against the parents. Leaders of our community world wide have condemned this act. We have written to the governor also, not only asking the government to handover these girls back to their families but also bring in changes&nbsp;in the law. We are sad that the majority community is not standing with us right now. ''<o:p></o:p>

While the Sikh community leaders and members said that if the government doesn't&nbsp;take action in&nbsp;these cases, the youth of the community will tackle the situation themselves.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

''Two girls were taken to court after their statement, they were converted. One is an 18-year-old girl who was taken by a 45-year-old man, who had twice married before. We want this to stop. We have a very small population, around 60 thousand. The brotherhood between the majority committee has always been there and we want them to intervene and return our daughters. We want conversion laws to be made here too. The girl's family wasn't allowed to come inside the court. We appeal to the leaders here also to come forward to stop these things. If the government doesn't&nbsp;do anything our youth are ready to tackle the situation. Baldev Singh, President Sikh Committee, Srinagar.<o:p></o:p>

The members of the majority community also came forward and were seen protesting and asking the government to handover the girls to their parents as soon as possible.

&nbsp;''We are protesting here even if I am alone with my daughter here. We will protest even if there are not many people. We want Sikh girl back at any cost. Sikh brothers have stayed with us through thick and thin and we will too. I am a common citizen and I couldn't see my Sikh brothers and sisters protesting alone. We all should protest for this. These Sikhs are the same who came to our rescue during floods,'' said a local citizen.&nbsp;

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men.

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men. One of the girls has been traced by Jammu and Kashmir police and handed over to the family. The Sikh community took out many protests In Srinagar demanding the other two girls to be traced and handed over to the families. They also demanded for a change in conversion laws. The issue is also in the notice of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the home ministry. The family of a Sikh girl in Srinagar's Rainawari area of downtown filed a report with the police saying their daughter was abducted. The police later arrested both the daughter and her husband. When produced in the court, the judge decided that the girl is an adult and has the right to go wherever she wishes to. Although the man was taken into custody while the girl was taken by her parents. Soon after the judge's direction, the Sikh community took out protests in Srinagar alleging that the decision was biased. They also allege that the parents of the girl were not allowed inside the courtroom while the man's family was. Police say ''the matter is being investigated''. The father of the girl said that we are under a lot of stress and there is no one to listen to our problems. He says the government should provide us security so that we feel safe. ''This girl is a minor, she just turned 18 two months ago, last year she had brain surgery after she developed a clot. We had repair work going on, and he was working as a labourer here renovating my house. He knocked on my door, he pushed and kicked me and took my girl away. He said if you shout I will kill you with my pistol. There was a car waiting outside and He took my girl away. We went to the police in the early morning. And later police said we have traced the girl from the jungle and took her to the women police station. They didn't allow us to meet until they took us to court. And they didn't even allow us to enter the courtroom. They gave us the girl at 11;30 pm. We don't feel safe and no one listens to us.'' said Rajinder Singh Bali, father of the girl. Akali Dal Leader and Delhi Gurdwara committee president, MS Sirsa flew down to Srinagar to take stock of the situation. He, while speaking to the media said. ''four girls have been forcefully converted, an 18-year-old girl was married to a middle aged man and we were told that she married of her own choice. The district judiciary also did not give any justice, he didn't even allow the parents of the girls to come inside the courtroom. The middle-aged man's whole relatives were inside the courtroom so that the girl was under pressure to give her statement against the parents. Leaders of our community world wide have condemned this act. We have written to the governor also, not only asking the government to handover these girls back to their families but also bring in changes in the law. We are sad that the majority community is not standing with us right now. '' While the Sikh community leaders and members said that if the government doesn't take action in these cases, the youth of the community will tackle the situation themselves. ''Two girls were taken to court after their statement, they were converted. One is an 18-year-old girl who was taken by a 45-year-old man, who had twice married before. We want this to stop. We have a very small population, around 60 thousand. The brotherhood between the majority committee has always been there and we want them to intervene and return our daughters. We want conversion laws to be made here too. The girl's family wasn't allowed to come inside the court. We appeal to the leaders here also to come forward to stop these things. If the government doesn't do anything our youth are ready to tackle the situation. Baldev Singh, President Sikh Committee, Srinagar. The members of the majority community also came forward and were seen protesting and asking the government to handover the girls to their parents as soon as possible. ''We are protesting here even if I am alone with my daughter here. We will protest even if there are not many people. We want Sikh girl back at any cost. Sikh brothers have stayed with us through thick and thin and we will too. I am a common citizen and I couldn't see my Sikh brothers and sisters protesting alone. We all should protest for this. These Sikhs are the same who came to our rescue during floods,'' said a local citizen.

Alleged conversion snowballing into a controversy in Kashmir valley

Floating gardens, islands, and houseboats are all things we've heard of, but Kashmir's famous Dal Lake has a floating post office. It's the only floating post office in the whole world.&nbsp;

This two-centuries-old floating post office was started in the British era and continues to deliver letters and couriers to the people living on the lake. The delivery of the post is done by a postman while travelling in a shikara.

All the services of the post office are available at this floating post office on Dal Lake while being afloat. They use a special seal of a shikara along with a boatman to put it on the envelope.&nbsp;

"This is a 200-year-old post office that served from before the Maharaja's reign to the British era. It was finally called a floating post office. There is no change in the number of posts sent around. We don't have time to talk when there is a tourist influx. Thousands of people visit this post office to take pictures. They can buy special covers, postcards and stamps from here. The letter is delivered to the houseboat by the postman, who hires a Shikara. This has been going on for years and is still going on," according to Farooq Ahmad, the Post Master.

 
<img alt="floating post office" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e04c3a6-392b-4c5c-933d-f805d0f0be12" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_Image.jpg" />

Mohd Ismail worked as a postman for India Post for many years. He has been delivering letters every day to people living on the lake. It is time-consuming to take a shikara and go to different houseboats, but the charm of doing so is what he likes the most.&nbsp;

"I have been delivering letters in Dal Lake for ten years. It's so good for my health to breathe fresh air on the lake. I deliver around 100-150 letters a day. There is also a CRPF camp within the lake, which receives a lot of letters that I deliver. It takes me hours to deliver these letters. "I start at 11 am and finish at 5:30 pm," Mohd Ismail explained.

Locals who live on or near the lake claim that the internet and social media have had a significant impact on letter writing and sending.But some people miss it as it used to be emotional to receive or send a letter in earlier times.&nbsp;

"This post office has been there for a long time. It is so easy for houseboat owners to receive and send letters. People have shifted to email and social networks for now and the art of letter writing has gone down. It was a wonderful feeling to receive or send a letter, and it was even more wonderful to open a letter and read it.I miss it all, said Noor Mohammad, the owner of a houseboat. 
 
The floating post office has a collection of old stamps and used to have a small museum in one of the rooms, which was damaged in the 2014 floods.

Floating gardens, islands, and houseboats are all things we've heard of, but Kashmir's famous Dal Lake has a floating post office. It's the only floating post office in the whole world.

Floating gardens, islands, and houseboats are all things we've heard of, but Kashmir's famous Dal Lake has a floating post office. It's the only floating post office in the whole world. This two-centuries-old floating post office was started in the British era and continues to deliver letters and couriers to the people living on the lake. The delivery of the post is done by a postman while travelling in a shikara. All the services of the post office are available at this floating post office on Dal Lake while being afloat. They use a special seal of a shikara along with a boatman to put it on the envelope. "This is a 200-year-old post office that served from before the Maharaja's reign to the British era. It was finally called a floating post office. There is no change in the number of posts sent around. We don't have time to talk when there is a tourist influx. Thousands of people visit this post office to take pictures. They can buy special covers, postcards and stamps from here. The letter is delivered to the houseboat by the postman, who hires a Shikara. This has been going on for years and is still going on," according to Farooq Ahmad, the Post Master. Mohd Ismail worked as a postman for India Post for many years. He has been delivering letters every day to people living on the lake. It is time-consuming to take a shikara and go to different houseboats, but the charm of doing so is what he likes the most. "I have been delivering letters in Dal Lake for ten years. It's so good for my health to breathe fresh air on the lake. I deliver around 100-150 letters a day. There is also a CRPF camp within the lake, which receives a lot of letters that I deliver. It takes me hours to deliver these letters. "I start at 11 am and finish at 5:30 pm," Mohd Ismail explained. Locals who live on or near the lake claim that the internet and social media have had a significant impact on letter writing and sending.But some people miss it as it used to be emotional to receive or send a letter in earlier times. "This post office has been there for a long time. It is so easy for houseboat owners to receive and send letters. People have shifted to email and social networks for now and the art of letter writing has gone down. It was a wonderful feeling to receive or send a letter, and it was even more wonderful to open a letter and read it.I miss it all, said Noor Mohammad, the owner of a houseboat. The floating post office has a collection of old stamps and used to have a small museum in one of the rooms, which was damaged in the 2014 floods.

World's only floating post office in Kashmir: Delivering letters since 200 years

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore area. The operation started on Sunday&nbsp;evening and lasted the whole night. In the morning security forces retrieved three terrorist bodies from the encounter site.

The operation has been a huge success for the forces as they managed to kill one of the most wanted terrorists in Kashmir Valley. Mudasir Pandit, commander of Lashkar-e&nbsp;-Toiba was killed in the gunfight along with two other terrorists.&nbsp;

''This operation was launched last night in Sopore. It was a joint operation and our field commanders supervised it personally. Three&nbsp;deadly terrorists were killed. They were all commander ranks and were instrumental in many attacks. Since June 2019, Mudasir Pandit was an active LeT commander. He has killed four&nbsp;civilians, nine&nbsp;security forces personnel, two&nbsp;ex-militants, three&nbsp;sarpanches, and two&nbsp;Hurriyat and separatists,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh.

The other two terrorists killed in the encounter were Khurshid Ahmad Mir and a foreign terrorist.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site.

''Khurshid Ahmad Mir was another commander, he was from Sopore only and was active since May 2020 with LeT. He has killed seven&nbsp;security forces and five&nbsp;civilians. He was involved in many attacks and killings along with Mudasir Pandit,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh.

Police say that after putting up wanted posters of these terrorists in different districts of Kashmir Valley, they have been getting calls and messages from locals about the presence of terrorists in these areas.&nbsp;

''Two major attacks have happened in three&nbsp;months. We installed posters in Sopore of these terrorists and put up rewards too. We kept getting information from locals and their support. I want to thank locals for supporting us in killing these militants.'' said IG Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

However, the Indian army said that they are trying to break the cycle of violence in the Kashmir Valley.

''These are the people who spill the blood of Kashmiris. They want to keep the cycle of violence going on. We want to break the cycle of violence. We have to stop supporting these elements. We are pained when old parents of these youth appealed to them to return back,'' said H S Saha, Lt Gen, Kilo Force.&nbsp;

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore area. The operation started on Sunday evening and lasted the whole night. In the morning security forces retrieved three terrorist bodies from the encounter site.

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore area. The operation started on Sunday evening and lasted the whole night. In the morning security forces retrieved three terrorist bodies from the encounter site. The operation has been a huge success for the forces as they managed to kill one of the most wanted terrorists in Kashmir Valley. Mudasir Pandit, commander of Lashkar-e -Toiba was killed in the gunfight along with two other terrorists. ''This operation was launched last night in Sopore. It was a joint operation and our field commanders supervised it personally. Three deadly terrorists were killed. They were all commander ranks and were instrumental in many attacks. Since June 2019, Mudasir Pandit was an active LeT commander. He has killed four civilians, nine security forces personnel, two ex-militants, three sarpanches, and two Hurriyat and separatists,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh. The other two terrorists killed in the encounter were Khurshid Ahmad Mir and a foreign terrorist. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site. ''Khurshid Ahmad Mir was another commander, he was from Sopore only and was active since May 2020 with LeT. He has killed seven security forces and five civilians. He was involved in many attacks and killings along with Mudasir Pandit,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh. Police say that after putting up wanted posters of these terrorists in different districts of Kashmir Valley, they have been getting calls and messages from locals about the presence of terrorists in these areas. ''Two major attacks have happened in three months. We installed posters in Sopore of these terrorists and put up rewards too. We kept getting information from locals and their support. I want to thank locals for supporting us in killing these militants.'' said IG Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. However, the Indian army said that they are trying to break the cycle of violence in the Kashmir Valley. ''These are the people who spill the blood of Kashmiris. They want to keep the cycle of violence going on. We want to break the cycle of violence. We have to stop supporting these elements. We are pained when old parents of these youth appealed to them to return back,'' said H S Saha, Lt Gen, Kilo Force.

Top LeT commander killed along with two other terrorists in Kashmir

On International Yoga Day, scores of celebrations were held across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Huge participation of the local youth was seen in these events across the Valley.

Army, Police, CRPF, politicians, students&nbsp;and civilians organised events across to celebrate the day.

Due to the pandemic, SOP's were followed while celebrating the day. Last year all events were cancelled due to the pandemic. In Srinagar's famous Nehru Park in the middle of the Dal lake, youngsters held yoga sessions with the help of the Indian Army.&nbsp;

''Being a sports person, I think yoga is most important. We practice Yoga every day. I am happy to see people participating. It's not popular in Kashmir but I am happy to see people showing interest. I hope in the future this culture is promoted. Since the epidemic started we are seeing a rise in cases of depression, anxiety and suicides, I was also suffering from anxiety and being a sportsperson, It's very hard for you when you go for competitions. Yoga helps me calm down,'' said Afreen Haider, instructor.&nbsp;

The youngsters in Kashmir Valley say for mental relaxation, yoga is one of the most important exercises. The participation this time was huge and people responded in a very positive way. &nbsp;

''We want to spread a message of peace and harmony through yoga, we believe that yoga is not only an exercise or yoga is more to do with religion. It's more of mental fitness. I would say the youth should develop healthy habits&nbsp;and involve themselves in sports activities,&nbsp;'' said Faiz Dijjoo, organiser.&nbsp;

The pandemic has left everyone with anxiety and depression. People across the world were confined to their homes which led to a lot of mental pressure. The student community feels that to relieve yourself of the pressure, yoga is an important exercise. &nbsp;

''Yoga is very important for us, It's good for both mental and physical fitness. We have witnessed a pandemic and people are sitting at home. No one is able to go to work and schools are shut. We request people to do yoga for good mental and physical health. It helps us to overcome depression,” said 'Samreen Khan, a student.&nbsp;

Participation of the youngsters was applauded by the administration of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

On International Yoga Day, scores of celebrations were held across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Huge participation of the local youth was seen in these events across the Valley.

On International Yoga Day, scores of celebrations were held across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Huge participation of the local youth was seen in these events across the Valley. Army, Police, CRPF, politicians, students and civilians organised events across to celebrate the day. Due to the pandemic, SOP's were followed while celebrating the day. Last year all events were cancelled due to the pandemic. In Srinagar's famous Nehru Park in the middle of the Dal lake, youngsters held yoga sessions with the help of the Indian Army. ''Being a sports person, I think yoga is most important. We practice Yoga every day. I am happy to see people participating. It's not popular in Kashmir but I am happy to see people showing interest. I hope in the future this culture is promoted. Since the epidemic started we are seeing a rise in cases of depression, anxiety and suicides, I was also suffering from anxiety and being a sportsperson, It's very hard for you when you go for competitions. Yoga helps me calm down,'' said Afreen Haider, instructor. The youngsters in Kashmir Valley say for mental relaxation, yoga is one of the most important exercises. The participation this time was huge and people responded in a very positive way. ''We want to spread a message of peace and harmony through yoga, we believe that yoga is not only an exercise or yoga is more to do with religion. It's more of mental fitness. I would say the youth should develop healthy habits and involve themselves in sports activities, '' said Faiz Dijjoo, organiser. The pandemic has left everyone with anxiety and depression. People across the world were confined to their homes which led to a lot of mental pressure. The student community feels that to relieve yourself of the pressure, yoga is an important exercise. ''Yoga is very important for us, It's good for both mental and physical fitness. We have witnessed a pandemic and people are sitting at home. No one is able to go to work and schools are shut. We request people to do yoga for good mental and physical health. It helps us to overcome depression,” said 'Samreen Khan, a student. Participation of the youngsters was applauded by the administration of Jammu and Kashmir.

International Yoga Day celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country.&nbsp;

With this step, the farmers would benefit monetarily and also their produce will not get damaged while waiting for the buyers.&nbsp;

''About cherry, this year our government has earmarked a separate budget for cherry transportation, and we have done an MoU with GO airlines recently. We have taken up with the government to provide subsidies also. Normally our production is 14 thousand metric tonnes or more but we are expecting higher this year. Production is more and there is little disease among the fruit trees. “ said Aijaz Ahmad, Director Horticulture.
</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><img alt="J&amp;K" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99b19047-3148-4d63-b012-9692f7ef7e11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Slide1.jpg" /></div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">The Kashmiri cherries are famous across the world and there is a high demand for them. The farmers say they will benefit if the government helps them to sell the produce or market it. Due to COVID-19 they had to incur huge losses last year.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
“The produce is good and the market is good too. Our whole produce was wasted last year but this year it’s been good, traffic is moving. If the government takes our produce, it will benefit farmers a lot” said Gulzar Ahmad, Farmer.

The government has tied up with a private airline to lift the produce from Kashmir and send it across various cities of the country. Farmers expect it would help them in a big way.&nbsp;

“The produce this year is good but the market should retain. If we are able to send it across, we will be benefitted. The government is saying we will take the produce at less cost and sell it. We are getting good rates.” Said Mohd Ayub, Farmer.&nbsp;

With this farmers expect that the government will come to their help with other crops as well. Apple, almond and walnut growers hope that the government will come up with some scheme for them too.&nbsp;
</div>

Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country.

Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country. With this step, the farmers would benefit monetarily and also their produce will not get damaged while waiting for the buyers. ''About cherry, this year our government has earmarked a separate budget for cherry transportation, and we have done an MoU with GO airlines recently. We have taken up with the government to provide subsidies also. Normally our production is 14 thousand metric tonnes or more but we are expecting higher this year. Production is more and there is little disease among the fruit trees. “ said Aijaz Ahmad, Director Horticulture. The Kashmiri cherries are famous across the world and there is a high demand for them. The farmers say they will benefit if the government helps them to sell the produce or market it. Due to COVID-19 they had to incur huge losses last year. “The produce is good and the market is good too. Our whole produce was wasted last year but this year it’s been good, traffic is moving. If the government takes our produce, it will benefit farmers a lot” said Gulzar Ahmad, Farmer. The government has tied up with a private airline to lift the produce from Kashmir and send it across various cities of the country. Farmers expect it would help them in a big way. “The produce this year is good but the market should retain. If we are able to send it across, we will be benefitted. The government is saying we will take the produce at less cost and sell it. We are getting good rates.” Said Mohd Ayub, Farmer. With this farmers expect that the government will come to their help with other crops as well. Apple, almond and walnut growers hope that the government will come up with some scheme for them too.

Bumper cherry crop in Kashmir Valley, government to airlift produce to help farmers

Kashmir's tourism industry has been completely shattered due to Covid's second wave and lockdown. However, now, with cases finally coming down, the industry is now slowly opening and tourist arrivals have begun, with stakeholders hoping for a good summer season.&nbsp;

With the government allowing all hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg to open and making sure that all covid protocols are followed,&nbsp;the hotels and houseboats around the Dal lake are opening too. Tourists could be seen taking shikara rides around the lake and enjoying pleasant weather.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-residents-bring-back-a-dead-lake-in-srinagar-391441" hreflang="en">Local residents bring back a dead lake in Srinagar</a>

The tourist department along with the stakeholders are providing huge discounts to people arriving in Kashmir. Some hotels have slashed their prices by 50 per cent.&nbsp;

''Overall experience was very nice, Main areas are still under the lockdown as we have been here for the last ten days, Srinagar is opening slowly but gardens are yet to open. Apart from this, Pahalgam and Gulmarg are open, the gondola was shut but we have noticed that there aren't many covid cases here. Because of the lockdown since last one year, it has affected the business and we got a lot of cheap deals. Five star hotels are giving 50 per cent off, it's all because everything was shut," said Rounak, a tourist from Mumbai from WION.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/specially-abled-hold-cricket-matches-across-valley-to-help-relieve-stress-amid-covid-19-391591" hreflang="en">Specially-abled hold cricket matches across valley to help relieve stress amid COVID-19</a>

While many tourists in the valley requested the government to open the gardens in the entire valley so that tourists can enjoy the beauty.''It was a very nice experience but gardens like tulips and Shalimar are not open yet. If people start coming I am sure they will open everything. And we have noticed that there are very few covid cases and I think the government should open the place now," said Forum R, a tourist.&nbsp;

All the tourists arriving in the valley are being asked for their vaccination certificates as well as the test results of COVID-19. Tourists have also been asked to make sure that they follow all the Covid protocol.&nbsp;

''To come here in Covid, we started our journey from Rajasthan. We got our RT-PCR test, our antigen test, and all permission and E-pass. It's a wonderful experience here and we are very excited. People are welcoming. It's a positive way and cases are getting down, everyone is getting back to business and that's important.'' said Manoj Kumar, another tourist.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the Kashmir valley and the government is slowly opening areas that were closed due to lockdown.&nbsp;

''We started from Jaipur from 12, we went to Leh and then came here. Cases are coming down and things should open for the tourists, the experience was really good. We don't see any risk and we have followed all covid protocols. It was a very wonderful experience. It's very important to open all the businesses as people depend on them.'' said Sarvind Yadav, a tourist from WION.

The lifting of restrictions in the valley has brought smiles to the faces of tourism stakeholders. They are hoping that arrivals will increase in the coming days. The stakeholders however are requesting the tourists to get vaccinated before the arrival and also get the test done before travelling.&nbsp;

''By God's grace, things are improving, but we have to win the war against the pandemic. We appeal to tourists to come here after being vaccinated, we won't allow them to take shikara rides without being vaccinated. We check the certificates first and then take them around. We ourselves got vaccinated. Tourists should come and we are hopeful they will. We have to keep our distance, wash ourselves and make sure to follow all covid protocols," said Abdul Razak, a shikara owner.&nbsp;

With the decrease in covid cases in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, tourism Industry is finally opening its door for tourists and they expect that within next few weeks there would be a revival of tourism in Kashmir valley.

Kashmir's tourism industry has been completely shattered due to Covid's second wave and lockdown. However, now, with cases finally coming down, the industry is now slowly opening and tourist arrivals have begun, with stakeholders hoping for a good summer season.

Kashmir's tourism industry has been completely shattered due to Covid's second wave and lockdown. However, now, with cases finally coming down, the industry is now slowly opening and tourist arrivals have begun, with stakeholders hoping for a good summer season. With the government allowing all hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg to open and making sure that all covid protocols are followed, the hotels and houseboats around the Dal lake are opening too. Tourists could be seen taking shikara rides around the lake and enjoying pleasant weather. Also read | Local residents bring back a dead lake in Srinagar The tourist department along with the stakeholders are providing huge discounts to people arriving in Kashmir. Some hotels have slashed their prices by 50 per cent. ''Overall experience was very nice, Main areas are still under the lockdown as we have been here for the last ten days, Srinagar is opening slowly but gardens are yet to open. Apart from this, Pahalgam and Gulmarg are open, the gondola was shut but we have noticed that there aren't many covid cases here. Because of the lockdown since last one year, it has affected the business and we got a lot of cheap deals. Five star hotels are giving 50 per cent off, it's all because everything was shut," said Rounak, a tourist from Mumbai from WION. Also read | Specially-abled hold cricket matches across valley to help relieve stress amid COVID-19 While many tourists in the valley requested the government to open the gardens in the entire valley so that tourists can enjoy the beauty.''It was a very nice experience but gardens like tulips and Shalimar are not open yet. If people start coming I am sure they will open everything. And we have noticed that there are very few covid cases and I think the government should open the place now," said Forum R, a tourist. All the tourists arriving in the valley are being asked for their vaccination certificates as well as the test results of COVID-19. Tourists have also been asked to make sure that they follow all the Covid protocol. ''To come here in Covid, we started our journey from Rajasthan. We got our RT-PCR test, our antigen test, and all permission and E-pass. It's a wonderful experience here and we are very excited. People are welcoming. It's a positive way and cases are getting down, everyone is getting back to business and that's important.'' said Manoj Kumar, another tourist. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the Kashmir valley and the government is slowly opening areas that were closed due to lockdown. ''We started from Jaipur from 12, we went to Leh and then came here. Cases are coming down and things should open for the tourists, the experience was really good. We don't see any risk and we have followed all covid protocols. It was a very wonderful experience. It's very important to open all the businesses as people depend on them.'' said Sarvind Yadav, a tourist from WION. The lifting of restrictions in the valley has brought smiles to the faces of tourism stakeholders. They are hoping that arrivals will increase in the coming days. The stakeholders however are requesting the tourists to get vaccinated before the arrival and also get the test done before travelling. ''By God's grace, things are improving, but we have to win the war against the pandemic. We appeal to tourists to come here after being vaccinated, we won't allow them to take shikara rides without being vaccinated. We check the certificates first and then take them around. We ourselves got vaccinated. Tourists should come and we are hopeful they will. We have to keep our distance, wash ourselves and make sure to follow all covid protocols," said Abdul Razak, a shikara owner. With the decrease in covid cases in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, tourism Industry is finally opening its door for tourists and they expect that within next few weeks there would be a revival of tourism in Kashmir valley.

Tourist arrivals start in Kashmir, stakeholders expect revival of industry

As covid has wreaked havoc on the minds of everyone, it has affected specially-abled people more. And to overcome the mental pressures, a group of specially-abled people in Kashmir has come out to ease their tensions by holding cricket matches across the Valley.&nbsp;

These specially-abled people have made a group where they are motivating people with special abilities to join and play a sport. They have started with cricket and are being appreciated by everyone.&nbsp;

''There is a lot of stress among people these days and more because of covid. And people with special abilities are more stressed about work and sitting idle at home. Sports is one such thing which will help in reducing the stress level. There is a lot of scope in sports and I want to send across a message to all the people with special abilities to come out of their homes, there will be issues in the beginning but we all need to make such efforts. '' said Danish Ahmad, a sportsman.&nbsp;

<img alt="SA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc5ee133-1c53-4001-b2d4-3de2e6dd3aa9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SA.JPG" />

These sports activities are inspiring hundreds of specially-abled to come out of their homes and be a part of these matches. Physical fitness among the specially abled is more important to develop their strengths.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956">EXCLUSIVE | Marnus Labuschagne Interview&nbsp;</a>

''A lot of people are getting inspired by watching us, and I want everyone to come forward and play. Sports are important for everyone. A person remains fit. I want everyone who is stressed, specially-abled or involved in drugs, to come and play sports, it takes away all your tensions. '' said Sheikh Zaid, a sportsperson. &nbsp;

This whole group was brought together by Wasim Feroz, a specially-abled person himself. Wasim put all his efforts to make sure people from every district join and start playing these sports. He dreams of making it into a big club with thousands of specially-abled people.&nbsp;

''I made a WhatsApp group called Unique person group where I added specially-abled people. We started sharing our stories. We all came together as we are all physically challenged and we understand each other better. I was a player myself in the Nationals of Wheelchair basketball team of Jammu and Kashmir. I started talking to people from outside Kashmir who helped me with new ideas. We have been on it since last one year,'' says Wasim Feroz, President Wheelchair Cricket Association.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-world-test-championship-final-details-of-wtc-prize-money-announced-391411" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC World Test Championship Final - Details of WTC prize money announced</a>

<img alt="SA " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46f1ad5a-cb9c-4411-a376-03a604d36695" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SA-2.JPG" />

These specially-abled players are spending their own money to sponsor these activities. They are hoping that the government will come forward and help them in making it better for people with special abilities.&nbsp;

''We appeal to people with special abilities to come forward and show their talent. We also appeal to the Lt Governor and administration that we want to organise a big tournament in the valley and we have no funds for it. Whatever we have done so far has been on our own. We want them to support us so that we can make it a success,'' said Tariq Ahmad, Organiser.&nbsp;

As covid has wreaked havoc on the minds of everyone, it has affected specially-abled people more. And to overcome the mental pressures, a group of specially-abled people in Kashmir has come out to ease their tensions by holding cricket matches across the Valley.

As covid has wreaked havoc on the minds of everyone, it has affected specially-abled people more. And to overcome the mental pressures, a group of specially-abled people in Kashmir has come out to ease their tensions by holding cricket matches across the Valley. These specially-abled people have made a group where they are motivating people with special abilities to join and play a sport. They have started with cricket and are being appreciated by everyone. ''There is a lot of stress among people these days and more because of covid. And people with special abilities are more stressed about work and sitting idle at home. Sports is one such thing which will help in reducing the stress level. There is a lot of scope in sports and I want to send across a message to all the people with special abilities to come out of their homes, there will be issues in the beginning but we all need to make such efforts. '' said Danish Ahmad, a sportsman. These sports activities are inspiring hundreds of specially-abled to come out of their homes and be a part of these matches. Physical fitness among the specially abled is more important to develop their strengths. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE | Marnus Labuschagne Interview ''A lot of people are getting inspired by watching us, and I want everyone to come forward and play. Sports are important for everyone. A person remains fit. I want everyone who is stressed, specially-abled or involved in drugs, to come and play sports, it takes away all your tensions. '' said Sheikh Zaid, a sportsperson. This whole group was brought together by Wasim Feroz, a specially-abled person himself. Wasim put all his efforts to make sure people from every district join and start playing these sports. He dreams of making it into a big club with thousands of specially-abled people. ''I made a WhatsApp group called Unique person group where I added specially-abled people. We started sharing our stories. We all came together as we are all physically challenged and we understand each other better. I was a player myself in the Nationals of Wheelchair basketball team of Jammu and Kashmir. I started talking to people from outside Kashmir who helped me with new ideas. We have been on it since last one year,'' says Wasim Feroz, President Wheelchair Cricket Association. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC World Test Championship Final - Details of WTC prize money announced These specially-abled players are spending their own money to sponsor these activities. They are hoping that the government will come forward and help them in making it better for people with special abilities. ''We appeal to people with special abilities to come forward and show their talent. We also appeal to the Lt Governor and administration that we want to organise a big tournament in the valley and we have no funds for it. Whatever we have done so far has been on our own. We want them to support us so that we can make it a success,'' said Tariq Ahmad, Organiser.

Specially-abled hold cricket matches across valley to help relieve stress amid COVID-19

When people decide to bring change, anything is possible. An initiative started by the locals of Srinagar city's Gill Kadal area to clean a dead lake and bring it back to life has finally paid off.

In the middle of the old city,&nbsp;Khushalsar lake was gasping for survival and had turned into a marshy land, making it difficult for locals to even breathe in the area.&nbsp;

However, in the last four months, the locals in the area took it upon themselves to start the process of cleaning the lake. Around 1,000 trucks of garbage have already been taken out and more is being cleared out.&nbsp;However, the lake looks alive again.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-with-39-wives-and-127-children-dies-in-india-due-to-hypertension-391434">Man with 39 wives dies in India due to hypertension</a>

Manzoor Wagnoo started the campaign and got everyone on board. He started with the locals and later involved the government to help them in cleaning this lake.&nbsp;

''The most important thing is that in Kashmir,&nbsp;most water bodies are in shambles. I took this initiative with the word Ehsaas. People were walking over the lake as it was dead. I went the next day and met with the locals to discuss the plan. People over there said that many have come and wanted to do this but no one stayed for beyond a couple of days. I literally with folded hands asked them to give me some time,"&nbsp;said Manzoor Wangnoo, social worker.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caught-120-paintings-of-monet-modiglani-went-missing-in-1970s-replaced-with-fakes-391395" hreflang="en">Caught!: 120 paintings of Monet, Modiglani went missing in 1970s, replaced with fakes</a>

"I thought it was not a small job, I sought an appointment with Div Com and he was extremely helpful. He asked me to start work the following day. We started the work in February. Just a few days ago we threw open this lake and can you believe we took a shikara ride in this lake after thirty years. The whole water body was choked. Tourists in the old days used to come to take a shikara ride in this lake and there was a beautiful bird sanctuary, the children would swim there and we had a special fish called golden fish which I will make sure is found in it again."&nbsp;

People living around the lake had given up because&nbsp;they thought it would be impossible to bring it back to life. Some locals also said that in their childhood days, they would drink water from this lake and catch fish too.&nbsp;

''I have been living here for the last 50 years, we live right on the banks of this lake, I remember we used to fish here in my childhood and I have caught fish of 3 kgs in this lake, we used to drink this water but now you can't even touch the water. This place used to stink like anything, we would not come out in the gardens as there was so much stink,'' said Mohd Yousuf, a local.&nbsp;

The locals in the area donated money from their own pockets to clean this lake.&nbsp;

''We have initiated this here with the help of Manzoor Wagnoo. This was in a very bad state. People had started walking over it, It used to stink and there were animals all over it. Manzoor came here and brought us all together, we all donated money for the cleaning of this lake,'' said Mohd Maqbool, a local.&nbsp;

The government has been helping the locals in this initiative as well and have now started to clean the other portion of the lake called Gilsar.

''In Khushalsar, the initiative was taken by the locals there, it's a lake which is a part of Dal. There were huge piles of garbage dumped over years. We managed to take out 20 trucks of Garbage every day. We, under the support of Srinagar smart city, have supported this project. After the khushalsar, wehave started working on Gilsar lake too. Significant work has been done on both the lake and we are sure to bring them back to its earlier glory. We are reviving old water channels,'' said Athar Amin, Commissioner Srinagar SMC.&nbsp;

He also appreciated the locals for taking such initiatives and helping the government in reviving these water bodies. ''People are taking initiative which is encouraging for us also. if these water bodies are cleaned today and people start dumping garbage again won't serve the purpose, but people are starting to take these initiatives and we are extremely happy about it,'' added Athar Amin, Commissioner Srinagar SMC.&nbsp;

When people decide to bring change, anything is possible. An initiative started by the locals of Srinagar city's Gill Kadal area to clean a dead lake and bring it back to life has finally paid off.

When people decide to bring change, anything is possible. An initiative started by the locals of Srinagar city's Gill Kadal area to clean a dead lake and bring it back to life has finally paid off. In the middle of the old city, Khushalsar lake was gasping for survival and had turned into a marshy land, making it difficult for locals to even breathe in the area. However, in the last four months, the locals in the area took it upon themselves to start the process of cleaning the lake. Around 1,000 trucks of garbage have already been taken out and more is being cleared out. However, the lake looks alive again. Also read | Man with 39 wives dies in India due to hypertension Manzoor Wagnoo started the campaign and got everyone on board. He started with the locals and later involved the government to help them in cleaning this lake. ''The most important thing is that in Kashmir, most water bodies are in shambles. I took this initiative with the word Ehsaas. People were walking over the lake as it was dead. I went the next day and met with the locals to discuss the plan. People over there said that many have come and wanted to do this but no one stayed for beyond a couple of days. I literally with folded hands asked them to give me some time," said Manzoor Wangnoo, social worker. Also read | Caught!: 120 paintings of Monet, Modiglani went missing in 1970s, replaced with fakes "I thought it was not a small job, I sought an appointment with Div Com and he was extremely helpful. He asked me to start work the following day. We started the work in February. Just a few days ago we threw open this lake and can you believe we took a shikara ride in this lake after thirty years. The whole water body was choked. Tourists in the old days used to come to take a shikara ride in this lake and there was a beautiful bird sanctuary, the children would swim there and we had a special fish called golden fish which I will make sure is found in it again." People living around the lake had given up because they thought it would be impossible to bring it back to life. Some locals also said that in their childhood days, they would drink water from this lake and catch fish too. ''I have been living here for the last 50 years, we live right on the banks of this lake, I remember we used to fish here in my childhood and I have caught fish of 3 kgs in this lake, we used to drink this water but now you can't even touch the water. This place used to stink like anything, we would not come out in the gardens as there was so much stink,'' said Mohd Yousuf, a local. The locals in the area donated money from their own pockets to clean this lake. ''We have initiated this here with the help of Manzoor Wagnoo. This was in a very bad state. People had started walking over it, It used to stink and there were animals all over it. Manzoor came here and brought us all together, we all donated money for the cleaning of this lake,'' said Mohd Maqbool, a local. The government has been helping the locals in this initiative as well and have now started to clean the other portion of the lake called Gilsar. ''In Khushalsar, the initiative was taken by the locals there, it's a lake which is a part of Dal. There were huge piles of garbage dumped over years. We managed to take out 20 trucks of Garbage every day. We, under the support of Srinagar smart city, have supported this project. After the khushalsar, wehave started working on Gilsar lake too. Significant work has been done on both the lake and we are sure to bring them back to its earlier glory. We are reviving old water channels,'' said Athar Amin, Commissioner Srinagar SMC. He also appreciated the locals for taking such initiatives and helping the government in reviving these water bodies. ''People are taking initiative which is encouraging for us also. if these water bodies are cleaned today and people start dumping garbage again won't serve the purpose, but people are starting to take these initiatives and we are extremely happy about it,'' added Athar Amin, Commissioner Srinagar SMC.

Local residents bring back a dead lake in Srinagar

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Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley.

However, under the smart city project,&nbsp;local Kashmiri artists have been allowed to showcase their talent on the walls, flyovers and subways in the Srinagar city. This is the first time artists have been given am opportunity to highlight their work.

Artists in the valley say that this is the first time that their work will be put up in public spaces for people to see.&nbsp;''I am happy about the fact that we have been given space to showcase our talent, we are making paintings and people are appreciating it. They are happy to see our work, those who are artists should keep painting and never give up. Never lose heart. This requires a lot of patience. It's a god's gift...", an artist, Mohd Sadiq told WION.

"There&nbsp;are no galleries here, there is no scope. Even Ladakh has a gallery but we don't, students who study art also have nowhere to showcase their work. Some of them become painters and a friend of mine who was a gold medalist is working as a mason as there was&nbsp;no scope and career for artists,”&nbsp;Sadiq added.

The paintings on the walls in the city mostly depict the culture of the Kashmir valley. They have painted Kashmir's famous hill stations, shawls,&nbsp;temples, houseboats and shikaras among many things.

"We are thankful that we are able to work on these walls. There is so much work for people outside the UT but here artists have no work. We have made shawls, house boats, artisans, ski players, temples, and shikaras in these spaces. I am extremely happy about it . And&nbsp;when people stop while we are working here to take pictures and videos of our work, it&nbsp;feels&nbsp;very good. Art is a god's gift and it's a talent you are born with,” another artist,&nbsp;Abdul Rashid told WION.

In the absence of valid platforms for art display, many creative minds in Kashmir have had to struggle. Due to this, they were unable to make inlays in public reach.&nbsp;Many artists want the government to intervene so that youngsters don't&nbsp;lose the hope of becoming artists or choosing it as their career.&nbsp;

''Something has to be done for the students who study art for 5 years.They should have some scope and some mode of earning. The government should do something. Otherwise people studying art will lose interest and there would be no artists,” Sadiq added.

The purpose of these paintings and artworks across the Srinagar&nbsp;city is not only for the beautification of the area but also for creating spaces for these artists to showcase their talent.&nbsp;
</div>

Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley.

Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley. However, under the smart city project, local Kashmiri artists have been allowed to showcase their talent on the walls, flyovers and subways in the Srinagar city. This is the first time artists have been given am opportunity to highlight their work. Artists in the valley say that this is the first time that their work will be put up in public spaces for people to see. ''I am happy about the fact that we have been given space to showcase our talent, we are making paintings and people are appreciating it. They are happy to see our work, those who are artists should keep painting and never give up. Never lose heart. This requires a lot of patience. It's a god's gift...", an artist, Mohd Sadiq told WION. "There are no galleries here, there is no scope. Even Ladakh has a gallery but we don't, students who study art also have nowhere to showcase their work. Some of them become painters and a friend of mine who was a gold medalist is working as a mason as there was no scope and career for artists,” Sadiq added. The paintings on the walls in the city mostly depict the culture of the Kashmir valley. They have painted Kashmir's famous hill stations, shawls, temples, houseboats and shikaras among many things. "We are thankful that we are able to work on these walls. There is so much work for people outside the UT but here artists have no work. We have made shawls, house boats, artisans, ski players, temples, and shikaras in these spaces. I am extremely happy about it . And when people stop while we are working here to take pictures and videos of our work, it feels very good. Art is a god's gift and it's a talent you are born with,” another artist, Abdul Rashid told WION. In the absence of valid platforms for art display, many creative minds in Kashmir have had to struggle. Due to this, they were unable to make inlays in public reach. Many artists want the government to intervene so that youngsters don't lose the hope of becoming artists or choosing it as their career. ''Something has to be done for the students who study art for 5 years.They should have some scope and some mode of earning. The government should do something. Otherwise people studying art will lose interest and there would be no artists,” Sadiq added. The purpose of these paintings and artworks across the Srinagar city is not only for the beautification of the area but also for creating spaces for these artists to showcase their talent.

In absence of art galleries, Kashmiri artists paint public spaces to showcase their work

Tourism is one of the biggest industries of the Kashmir Valley and it has been incurring losses in crores due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a>. However, now that the covid positive patients are&nbsp;decreasing in the valley, the tourism department along with the health department are on a mission to vaccinate each individual related to this industry.&nbsp;

Special vaccination drives are being done for the tourism stakeholders in the valley —&nbsp;around 80 per cent people in the city and&nbsp;90 per cent in the hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg — have been vaccinated.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-madras-alumni-contribute-2-million-for-covid-19-relief-efforts-in-india-389935" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India</a>

"We are expecting the situation to improve and things to come back to normal. Cases are coming down and we are expecting in the near future there will certainly be a revival of tourism sector again, and for that we have already planned an action plan which is going for 100 per cent mass vaccination of our stakeholders and the staff and similarly we will also be giving a lot of training to our stakeholders — be it hoteliers, shikara wala's, pony wala's and houseboat owners — and that is the way we carry forward tourism season successful", said G N Itoo, Director Tourism.&nbsp;

The tourist stakeholders in the valley are extremely happy about these vaccination drives. They believe it will send across a positive message across the world that Kashmir is safe to travel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-covid-19-antibodies-detected-in-23-samples-of-second-sero-survey-third-survey-from-july-august-389923" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu: COVID-19 antibodies detected in 23% samples of second sero survey; third survey from July-August</a>

''Unfortunately, the second wave of covid is hectic and all the stakeholders are under lockdown, and it hit us very badly. You can say it was unfortunate and bad luck for the sector. We are hoping in the coming time it may pick up. The tourism department has started mass vaccination and every tourism player has to go through this drive, they have to vaccinate themselves. You will feel safe and secure, the tourists will feel confident to come here, we have to be ready and vaccination is one such thing,'' said Manzoor Pakhtoon from&nbsp;United Tourism Forum.

Now, these tourist players are waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so that they can welcome the tourists again in the valley.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries of the Kashmir Valley and it has been incurring losses in crores due to the pandemic. However, now that the covid positive patients are decreasing in the valley, the tourism department along with the health department are on a mission to vaccinate each individual related to this industry.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries of the Kashmir Valley and it has been incurring losses in crores due to the pandemic. However, now that the covid positive patients are decreasing in the valley, the tourism department along with the health department are on a mission to vaccinate each individual related to this industry. Special vaccination drives are being done for the tourism stakeholders in the valley — around 80 per cent people in the city and 90 per cent in the hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg — have been vaccinated. Also read | IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India "We are expecting the situation to improve and things to come back to normal. Cases are coming down and we are expecting in the near future there will certainly be a revival of tourism sector again, and for that we have already planned an action plan which is going for 100 per cent mass vaccination of our stakeholders and the staff and similarly we will also be giving a lot of training to our stakeholders — be it hoteliers, shikara wala's, pony wala's and houseboat owners — and that is the way we carry forward tourism season successful", said G N Itoo, Director Tourism. The tourist stakeholders in the valley are extremely happy about these vaccination drives. They believe it will send across a positive message across the world that Kashmir is safe to travel. Also read | Tamil Nadu: COVID-19 antibodies detected in 23% samples of second sero survey; third survey from July-August ''Unfortunately, the second wave of covid is hectic and all the stakeholders are under lockdown, and it hit us very badly. You can say it was unfortunate and bad luck for the sector. We are hoping in the coming time it may pick up. The tourism department has started mass vaccination and every tourism player has to go through this drive, they have to vaccinate themselves. You will feel safe and secure, the tourists will feel confident to come here, we have to be ready and vaccination is one such thing,'' said Manzoor Pakhtoon from United Tourism Forum. Now, these tourist players are waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so that they can welcome the tourists again in the valley.

Tourism industry mass vaccinating tourist stake holders in J&K

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