Author: Web Desk

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORT | THE TROJAN PLOUGH SRINAGAR — For generations, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) proudly guarded its status as the “Grand Old Party” of the Valley. Its red flag, bearing the iconic plough symbol, represented a rigid, tightly controlled cadre fiercely loyal to the Abdullah dynasty. But an extensive, data-driven political audit by The Times Link reveals that the National Conference has been structurally re-engineered from within. A highly coordinated influx of 13 top-tier powerbrokers and foundational architects from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has effectively taken over the ruling party’s legislative and key district organisational…

The strategic tunnel achieved a major construction milestone with a final breakthrough blast in June 2026. The project is currently on track for its operational inauguration and commissioning to the public in February 2028. The Zojila Pass, located at an altitude of approximately 11,500 feet in the Himalayas, is strategically one of the most vital road links to strengthen the national security in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The rising border tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control remains a huge concern and the seamless mobility on this world’s most dangerous mountain pass is…

The Battle of Zojila shaped the geography of India. At 11,500 feet, the strategic importance of Zojila Pass on the narrow and treacherous road between Srinagar and Leh cannot be overstated. The pass is often battered by heavy winds and snow. In the aftermath of Partition, Pakistan was formed, and each princely state was left to decide whether to accede to India or Pakistan or remain independent. The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, delayed his decision. However, Pakistan wanted Kashmir to be part of its territory because of its natural resources, particularly water. Rivers flowing from Kashmir…

The Government of India has given a big push to road infrastructure, after earmarking an expenditure of Rs 1 lakh crore to build highways and tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir. The most outstanding projects have been Z-Morh tunnel and Zojila tunnel plans. There is a popular saying: ‘Time is money’. Everything revolves around time. Those who make best use of time, emerge as successful in the journey of life. And those who don’t show respect to time are lost in oblivion. When we look at the relation of time with the people of our region (Jammu & Kashmir), particularly Kashmir,…

Road and tunnel projects worth about 18,000 crore are under implementation between Kargil and Leh-Ladakh. Highway projects worth approximately 1.35 lakh crore, comprising completed, ongoing and upcoming works, are being implemented across Jammu & Kashmir Government of India has contemplated an extensive plan to strengthen the connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh through extensive road-building projects and tunnels. Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari gave extensive details of these projects planned in the Union Territory of Ladakh and stated that road and tunnel projects worth about 18,000 crore are under implementation between Kargil and Leh-Ladakh. Among the important…

Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) Group, executing the Zojila Tunnel project,takes pridein successfully achieving the final breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, completing a major milestone in one of India’s most important infrastructure projects and fulfilling a long-standing vision of providing year-round connectivity to Ladakh. In a statement posted on its official website, MEIL states that the breakthrough comes after nearly six years of continuous work under difficult conditions. “MEIL’s engineering teams worked through sub-zero temperatures, avalanche-prone areas, and complex geological formations. Using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), the teams successfully excavated through 67 different geological rock formations while…

“As for the political opposition, they should accept the democratic mandate with maturity, introspect on their past governance mistakes, and play a constructive role in building a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir rather than manufacturing unnecessary controversies.” Once you enter public life, one responsibility leads to another, and you must walk that path. If a person possesses a genuine passion to serve people, this field provides immense spiritual peace. Being in a position to mitigate someone’s suffering is a profound blessing. This is what Nasir Aslam Wani (NAW), Advisor to the Chief Minister, Union Territory of J&Ksaid among many other things…

Sajjad Bazaz Born in Seer Hamdan in Anantnag district of South Kashmir, having his schooling and higher education from his home district, Mohammad Yousuf Khan, fondly called MY Khan, is a known name not only in Jammu & Kashmir’s bureaucracy, but he also serves as a reference person in corporate governance practices as he established himself among the list of prudent bankers in the country. Even his contribution to the region’s energy sector is well noticed and appreciated whenever the potential of harnessing power through hydel projects is discussed. During his service career and even after retiring from the active…

Sajjad Bazaz During the peak militancy period in 1993, the whole state machinery was struggling to control the militancy-driven situation in Kashmir. Amid this turmoil, Khan remained focussed on his job. But for his passion to keep the Corporation functioning in line with its given mandate, he became a direct victim of militancy. In March 1993, he was kidnapped. He candidly shared the kidnapping incident with TIMES LINK. Here we reproduce the story in his own words: “Actually I had gone to Delhi for some official work. On my way back to Srinagar, I was kidnapped near Hyderpora when I…

Zahoor Zahid (Consulting Editor) Although I have always been a film buff, I had not watched a film in a cinema or multiplex for decades. The principal reason was that Bollywood gradually drifted away from purposeful cinema, with only a handful of genres dominating the screens. In contrast, I have continued to enjoy remarkable regional films and world cinema on OTT platforms, along with Hollywood films that consistently offer fresh perspectives and compelling storytelling. Recently, renowned filmmaker, film critic, and writer Khalid Mahmood reviewed Imtiaz Ali’s “Main WapasAaunga”. His insightful review stirred my curiosity and rekindled my desire to experience…