National

CM: Pilgrimage Tourism to Enhance Jammu’s Economic Growth

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2025

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his government’s dedication to enhancing Jammu’s economy through the promotion of tourism, particularly pilgrimage tourism. He outlined plans to establish structured itineraries, improve branding, and undertake significant infrastructure improvements to position Jammu as a leading pilgrimage tourism destination.

In response to a supplementary question from BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister, who also oversees the tourism department, highlighted ongoing efforts to promote every tourism asset in the region.

“The department is actively working on developing the Jammu pilgrimage circuit. I have consistently emphasized this to the over one crore Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims. If even ten to fifteen percent of them choose to explore other tourist sites in Jammu, it would greatly benefit the area. Unfortunately, we have not achieved this yet,” he remarked.

He acknowledged that a major obstacle is the insufficient comprehensive information available about Jammu’s pilgrimage locations. “We aim to create structured itineraries for three-day, four-day, and seven-day pilgrimage tours and to promote them effectively. We will ensure extensive distribution of promotional materials at trade shows and tourism fairs to attract visitors,” he added.

Addressing concerns about the effects of direct train connectivity to Kashmir and the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway bypassing Jammu, the Chief Minister recognized the worries of the local tourism sector. “There are concerns that with the railway extending not only to Katra but also to Srinagar and Baramulla, coupled with the expressway allowing travelers to bypass Jammu City, tourism in Jammu may be impacted,” he stated.

“However, merely developing tourism destinations is insufficient. Attractions like Jammu’s heritage sites, the upcoming Jammu lake, and the Jammu zoo are significant draws, yet they require improved branding and visibility,” he continued. “We must give these destinations a unique identity and promote them effectively. While it is true that publicity has been lacking, we are committed to rectifying this,” he asserted.

Earlier, in response to a starred question from the Legislator, the Chief Minister underscored the ongoing initiatives of the tourism department aimed at enhancing infrastructure to draw more tourists to Jammu City. “We have implemented several projects under the State Capex Budget and the Swadesh Darshan Scheme,” he informed the House.

Among the key projects, the government is focusing on upgrading major tourist attractions. The Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) is also leading numerous initiatives to modernize Jammu’s infrastructure and boost its appeal as a tourist destination.

As part of its heritage conservation and beautification efforts, JSCL is restoring and enhancing iconic landmarks such as Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi, Raghunath Bazaar, and various temples and ghats in line with the Smart City initiative.

A significant project under JSCL includes the redevelopment of the Tawi Riverfront, which aims to transform it into a lively recreational area featuring promenades, cycling tracks, and leisure spaces for both residents and tourists.

The Chief Minister emphasized that JSCL’s vision is to turn Jammu into a modern, tourist-friendly, and sustainable city while preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

7 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

3 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

4 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.