Over 150 customers attend first meeting in Baramulla; initiative to cover all zones

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): J&K Bank on Tuesday launched a series of Customer Care Town Hall Meetings from Baramulla, providing customers a direct platform to interact with senior bank officials, raise service-related concerns and seek faster grievance redressal.

The first meeting, held at the bank's Zonal Office in Baramulla, witnessed participation from more than 150 customers and marked the beginning of an initiative that will be extended to all zonal offices across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and other parts of the country.

The meeting was chaired by General Manager (Customer Care) Narjay Gupta in the presence of General Manager and Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshid Qadri.

Customers raised concerns and offered suggestions on service delivery, complaint resolution, mule accounts, cyber fraud prevention and safe banking practices. Discussions also focused on clearly defined turnaround times for resolving complaints to ensure timely action and greater accountability.

Addressing the gathering, Narjay Gupta said the initiative was aimed at strengthening customer confidence through direct engagement and responsive banking services.

“Customer trust is strengthened through every interaction, every concern addressed and every commitment honoured. These Town Hall Meetings are an extension of our ongoing efforts to reach out and listen to our customers and incorporate their feedback to make our services better,” Gupta said.

He said bringing customers and senior officials together would make grievance redressal more accessible and help the bank improve its services based on customer feedback.

Highlighting the importance of financial awareness, Gupta said increasing digitalisation of banking services had made it essential for customers to understand emerging risks.

“As banking becomes increasingly digital, customer awareness must remain an integral part of customer care. Meaningful conversations on mule accounts, cyber frauds and safe banking practices can help customers recognise risks and use banking services with greater confidence,” he said.

General Manager and Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshid Qadri said the bank's longstanding relationship with its customers required it to remain accessible and responsive to their evolving needs.

“Our longstanding relationships with the people we serve carry a responsibility to remain accessible and responsive to their changing needs. Such interactions help us understand customer experiences first-hand and identify areas where we can improve,” Qadri said.

He added that the bank would continue strengthening customer engagement to ensure that public trust was reflected in the quality and consistency of its services.

During the programme, the bank's Transaction Monitoring team delivered a presentation on mule accounts and fraud prevention, followed by an interactive session in which customers raised concerns and shared suggestions.

Participants appreciated the initiative and urged the bank to organise regular digital fraud awareness programmes across all clusters to promote safer banking practices.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy General Manager (Customer Care) Parshotam Kumar, Zonal Head Baramulla Tanveer Ahmad Najar, In-Charge Transaction Monitoring Cell Bilal Ahmad Kuchay and Cluster Heads Asif Sirwal, Tanveer Bashir, Iqbal Aziz and Mehboob Ilahi Khan, besides other senior officials.

The bank said the town hall series would cover its entire zonal network, with the next meeting scheduled to be held in Anantnag on November 5.(KNS) 

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mohammad Aslam Bhat, on Tuesday expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Sheikh…

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mohammad Aslam Bhat, on Tuesday expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, former MLC, retired Joint Financial Commissioner and father of Lal Chowk MLA Ahsan Pardesi.

In his condolence message, Bhat extended heartfelt sympathies to Ahsan Pardesi and the entire bereaved family, describing the loss of a father as an irreparable one.

“My heartfelt condolences to Ahsan Pardesi and his family on the sad demise of his beloved father. May Almighty Allah grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give the bereaved family strength, courage and patience to bear this immense loss,” Bhat said.

He expressed solidarity with the grieving family and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul. (KNS) 

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), retired Joint Financial Commissioner and father of Lal Chowk…

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), retired Joint Financial Commissioner and father of Lal Chowk MLA Ahsan Pardesi, passed away, his family announced on Tuesday.

According to the family, the funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janazah) will be offered at Eidgah Park, Batwara, Srinagar, at 11 am on Wednesday, November 4.

The deceased will be laid to rest at the family's ancestral graveyard at Syed Kabir Sahib, Batwara.(KNS) 

Says Mehbooba Mufti cannot whitewash her party’s dark past by making baseless allegations against National Conference

Srinagar, 03 Nov (KNS): The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Tuesday said neither late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed nor his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made any contribution to the interests of Jammu and Kashmir, its popular movements, or its development.

This was stated by Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar while responding to the baseless allegations levelled against the National Conference by Mehbooba Mufti. Reminding her of the dark chapters of her party’s past, he said that late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed began his political career in the 1950s, and almost every major political move he made until his death in 2016 ran contrary to the interests of Jammu & Kashmir and its people.

"The entire political career of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was marked by actions that ran contrary to the sentiments, aspirations and interests of the people of Kashmir. The PDP was founded in 1999 with the sole objective of weakening the demand for autonomy raised by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. Despite winning only 16 out of 87 Assembly constituencies in the 2002 elections, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was made Chief Minister as part of a sinister political design, the first condition of which was the merger of the Muslim Auqaf Trust into the Waqf Board. These are historical facts that cannot be denied through deception, false rhetoric or fabricated speeches," he said.

He said that from triggering communal Hindu-Muslim riots in South Kashmir in 1986 to bringing the BJP into the Jammu and Kashmir government in 2015 by effectively riding on its shoulders, the list of anti-Kashmir actions by the PDP and its founder was extensive.

He said it was Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who introduced the bill in Parliament in 1990 seeking the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, following which the manner in which generations of Kashmiri youth suffered remains a painful chapter in the region's history. Orders such as ‘Shoot at sight’ and ‘Answer one bullet with a hundred bullets’ are also associated with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's political era, while the PDP's late patron also bears responsibility for the emergence of unmarked graveyards and unidentified graves in Kashmir.

The spokesperson said that the responsibility for the difficult situation Jammu and Kashmir finds itself in today also rests with the PDP. "The party sought votes in the 2014 elections on an anti-BJP platform but subsequently entered into an alliance with the same party, pushing Jammu and Kashmir towards political and institutional destruction and opening the doors of the Civil Secretariat to the RSS. What followed—the division of Jammu and Kashmir, the abrogation of its special status and its conversion into a Union Territory, thereby humiliating its people—constitutes one of the darkest chapters in the history of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Imran Nabi Dar said that after 2019, political parties in Jammu and Kashmir came together under the banner of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) to jointly pursue the struggle for the restoration of the region's special status. "However, the PDP left no stone unturned in weakening and dismantling the alliance. The self-styled leader who represented the PDP at PAGD meetings was himself used to issue statements against the National Conference and its leadership. Similarly, after the party's sitting MLA, Waheed Para, secured bail from jail, he was assigned the task of undermining the alliance. Waheed Para was among the first persons in the country to secure bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Yet, after his release, he was provided a platform at the PDP Foundation Day function to launch attacks against the National Conference and the PAGD, while Mehbooba Mufti remained a silent spectator," Imran said.

The NC spokesperson said that the PDP remained in power for three and a half years after 2015, during which 237 civilians lost their lives under the government headed by Mehbooba Mufti. "More than 30,000 people were injured, around 3,500 suffered eye injuries, and 1,025 people lost vision in one or both eyes. A large number of those affected included women and children. During the same period, 31,000 people were arrested and more than 1,000 were booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA). To divert public attention from its administrative failures, the shocking incidents of braid-chopping targeting Kashmiri women and girls took place. The PDP government left no stone unturned in destroying the lives of young people and jeopardising their future."

He further said that the rights of the youth were also systematically trampled upon during the PDP's tenure. "Backdoor appointments were made, with relatives, close associates and favourites placed in influential positions, while the rights of deserving, qualified and talented candidates were denied. From the Khadi and Village Industries Board to the Sports Council, individuals associated with the PDP allegedly indulged in large-scale irregularities and continued the practice of illegal appointments."

Imran Nabi Dar demanded a high-level investigation into all the scandals that surfaced during the BJPDP regime, stating that accountability was essential to address the injustices inflicted upon the youth of Kashmir and ensure that they receive justice.(KNS)

Commissioner orders crackdown on illegal constructions, encroachments across Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom on Tuesday ordered withholding of salaries of three Zonal Enforcement Officers over lapses in their duties, while directing an intensified crackdown on illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions across the city.

The action was taken during a comprehensive review meeting of the SMC Enforcement Wing, chaired by the Commissioner to assess enforcement activities and action taken against violations of municipal regulations.

According to an official statement, the Commissioner expressed concern over lapses in enforcement and made it clear that officials failing to prevent or act against illegal constructions and encroachments would face disciplinary action.

He directed officers to intensify field inspections, strengthen supervision and ensure prompt action against unauthorised constructions, encroachments and violations of approved building permissions.

The Commissioner also directed the concerned Joint Commissioners to undertake a comprehensive verification of all ongoing and newly raised constructions in their respective jurisdictions to ascertain whether they conform to sanctioned building permissions and municipal regulations.

A definite timeline has been prescribed for completing the verification exercise, with officers instructed to submit compliance reports within the stipulated period.

To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, Dr Qayoom ordered the constitution of dedicated Enforcement Cells under Joint Commissioners and the formation of Flying Squads for quick response and verification of field reports.

He also directed the development of an online platform to enable citizens to report encroachments, illegal constructions and other municipal violations.

Stressing that public spaces must remain free from encroachments, the Commissioner said no individual would be allowed to undertake construction in violation of approved permissions.

He emphasised that enforcement must be uniform and impartial, irrespective of the individuals or interests involved.

Taking a serious view of accountability within the Enforcement Wing, Dr Qayoom directed supervisory officers to maintain constant vigilance in their respective jurisdictions and warned that negligence, dereliction of duty or deliberate inaction would invite strict disciplinary measures.

The Commissioner said enforcement should go beyond routine inspections and translate into sustained field-level action, effective coordination among zonal and ward-level officials and measurable results.

He reiterated that protecting public spaces, preventing illegal constructions and ensuring compliance with municipal laws must remain key priorities of the Corporation.

The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioners overseeing the East, South, West and North zones, the Assistant Legal Remembrancer, Chief Enforcement Officer, Zonal Enforcement Officers and Ward Officers. (KNS) 

Raja Muzaffar demands fish ladder at Makhama, threatens to move NGT if authorities fail to act

Budgam, Nov 3 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG) on Tuesday staged a demonstration at Makhama in Beerwah, alleging that a concrete structure constructed across Sukhnag stream has obstructed the upstream movement of fish, affecting the livelihood of nearly 150 fishermen families from around a dozen villages.

A JKCAG delegation led by its chairman Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat visited the site and met the affected fishermen, who alleged that they had been unable to catch fish for the past two years due to the obstruction.

According to the group, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division, Beerwah, constructed the concrete structure beneath Makhama bridge nearly two years ago to protect the bridge abutments. However, the construction has allegedly blocked the natural movement of fish upstream.

Dr Muzaffar demanded immediate intervention by the authorities and construction of a fish ladder to restore fish movement in the stream.

“This concrete structure is completely illegal and has been built without any consent from the Fisheries and Flood Control departments. In fact, the Fisheries Department had written to the Executive Engineer, R&B Beerwah, but no action has been taken even after more than 18 months,” he alleged.

Members of the Sukhnag Fishermen Association, also known as the Mahigeer Association, joined the protest and demanded immediate measures to safeguard their livelihood.

Abdul Rashid Waza, a fisherman from Beerwah, alleged that he had faced action after raising his voice against the construction.

“When we raised our voice against this injustice, the contractor got me arrested two years ago. Our voice is being muzzled, and nobody has listened to us for the last two years,” he said.

Dr Muzaffar said the Assistant Director Fisheries, Budgam, had also raised concerns over the construction and written to the Executive Engineer, R&B Division Beerwah, but alleged that no corrective measures had been taken.

He further claimed that Sukhnag, a designated trout stream, had previously been subjected to illegal riverbed mining by a construction company, which was stopped following the group's intervention before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) two years ago.

Alleging that the construction violated the National Water Policy and the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010, Dr Muzaffar urged Chief Engineer R&B Central Kashmir Ishfaq Beigh, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Jatin Kishore and Director Fisheries J&K Abdul Majid Tak to intervene.

“If the authorities do not act, we will again be forced to seek the intervention of the National Green Tribunal,” he warned.

JKCAG members Irshad Mushtaq, Advocate Shakir Parray and Tariq Bhat accompanied Dr Muzaffar during the visit.

An official response from the R&B and Fisheries departments to the allegations was not immediately available. (KNS) 

Reviews operational preparedness, directs prompt grievance redressal and citizen-friendly policing

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir on Tuesday night conducted a surprise inspection of Police Station Soura in Srinagar to review its functioning, operational preparedness and public service delivery.

Accompanied by SP Hazratbal and SDPO Hazratbal, the IGP assessed the police station's operational readiness and took stock of issues concerning its day-to-day functioning.

During the inspection, he interacted with police personnel and reviewed their preparedness to respond to security and law-and-order requirements.

The IGP appreciated the alertness, dedication and hard work of the police station staff and urged them to maintain high standards of professionalism and commitment while discharging their duties.

He directed officers to strengthen public-centric policing, ensure prompt redressal of grievances and make police station services more accessible and responsive to citizens.

Emphasising accountability and effective public service delivery, the IGP asked personnel to prioritise public concerns and maintain a professional approach in their interactions with citizens. (KNS) 

By Anuj Kumar Verma There is no denying that cleanliness in Jammu city has improved markedly over the past couple of years. Better waste logistics, GPS-tracked…

By Anuj Kumar Verma

There is no denying that cleanliness in Jammu city has improved markedly over the past couple of years. Better waste logistics, GPS-tracked garbage vehicles, biometric attendance for sanitation staff, ward-level air-quality initiatives, and new composting and bio-CNG facilities reflect determined civic action. In Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, Jammu leapt from 248th to 42nd among Indian cities in the 3–10 lakh population category and was named the cleanest city in Jammu and Kashmir. Yet the real test lies beyond awards: can Jammu close the gap between visible street-level hygiene and invisible systemic failures in waste processing, source segregation, and river pollution?

Jammu generates about 374–380 tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) daily, according to government Monthly Progress Reports to the National Mission for Clean Ganga. While the Municipal Corporation claims near-complete door-to-door collection and substantial scientific processing, official data and audit findings point to a persistent shortfall. About 164 tonnes of wet waste and roughly 130–160 tonnes of dry waste are reported processed daily, leaving a gap of around 50–80 tonnes that may remain untreated or unaccounted for.

This gap could have been largely eliminated had bulk waste generators complied with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (and the 2026 update). The rules are clear: households and bulk generators—large housing societies, gated colonies, hotels, hospitals, and commercial establishments—must segregate wet, dry and hazardous waste and, wherever possible, compost wet waste on site. According to data confirmed by the Health Officer, JMC, there are 163 bulk waste generators within JMC limits; of these, only about 20 are fully compliant, while the rest are at various stages of notices, penalties or corrective action. Most have not constructed segregation sheds or halls; only a few have purchased composting machines, and even these remain ineffective where wet and dry waste arrive mixed. The JMC must move beyond routine notices: impose penalties transparently within fixed timelines, publish ward-wise compliance data, and compel bulk generators to construct segregation facilities and operate composting units immediately.

The problem is not confined to Jammu. Official data indicate that hundreds of tonnes of urban waste remain unprocessed daily across Jammu and Kashmir. The Comptroller and Auditor General’s audit (period ended March 2022) found that source segregation was not being carried out in 17 sampled urban local bodies during 2017–22, while more than ?103 crore in user charges remained uncollected. As of March 2022, 18.35 lakh metric tonnes of unprocessed waste lay in the open at dumping sites in eight sampled ULBs, including Jammu and Srinagar.

Kot Bhalwal remains the centre of Jammu’s waste crisis, but the absence of an operational authorised engineered landfill in the Jammu Division increases the risk of continued unscientific dumping. Bioremediation work has been awarded for a major share of the legacy waste at Kot Bhalwal and seven other ULBs, but detailed, publicly available data on legacy clearance, fresh-waste inflow, compost output, bio-CNG production and residual disposal are still lacking. This could make Kot Bhalwal a genuine resource-recovery hub—but only if these flows are measured and published regularly.

Composting of wet waste is reported at three sites—Kot Bhalwal, Narwal Mandi and Bandurakh—but the system runs without public data. There is a need to maintain transparent data about daily waste composted at all three locations, the quantity of manure produced, and how that manure is disposed of or used, along with quantities and locations where it is sold or dispatched. Without these basic numbers, composting remains a claim, not a verifiable public service.

The three principles of waste management—Recycle, Reuse and Reduce—must be adhered to completely. Packaged drinking-water bottles and plastic milk pouches are major contributors to municipal waste; waste characterisation studies in Indian cities suggest they can account for roughly a quarter of the total stream. The Housing and Urban Development Department should consider proposing a ban on packaged drinking-water plastic bottles up to two litres and require milk suppliers to shift to biodegradable pouches, for which commercially viable alternatives exist elsewhere in India. Many regions in India and abroad have successfully implemented bans on packaged water bottles up to 500 ml or 1 litre. Purified water fountains need to be installed at short intervals, with regular water testing and public awareness campaigns encouraging people to carry steel, glass or earthen water bottles.

Strong enforcement is also needed against polythene bags below 120 microns, especially in fruit and vegetable markets, rural areas and semi-urban markets. The government should also ban the covering of sweet boxes by sweet vendors with polythene films. These steps would reduce single-use plastics and prevent waste from entering drains, open spaces and the Tawi.

Biomedical waste disposal needs urgent review. One private-sector startup at Swankha Morh, Samba, has operated as a Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF) for about a decade; a second is under construction. Biomedical waste from other cities is ferried to this facility, a difficult process with risks of leakage and non-compliance by some private hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, pathological laboratories and dialysis centres.

According to the JKPCC’s Annual Report on Biomedical Waste Management for 2025, healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir recorded 6,725 violations in 2025 (3,587 in Jammu; 3,138 in Kashmir). During the year, 730 show-cause notices/directions were issued to healthcare facilities (595 in Jammu; 135 in Kashmir), one direction was issued to a CBWTF in Jammu, and 206 closure orders were issued in Jammu (23 in Kashmir). These figures show that enforcement action is being taken, but dependence on a single private facility must be reduced by creating additional facilities across Jammu province, in either the private or public sector. The JMC Commissioner and Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee should personally lead and monitor verification of machinery, capacity and compliance.

The most serious contradiction lies in the Tawi. Official monitoring records under the National Green Tribunal process identify most of the 26 drains carrying untreated sewage and other waste into the river. A city may keep its streets visually clean while its river absorbs the waste moved out of public view. The Tawi is not a drain; it is Jammu’s ecological, cultural and hydrological lifeline.

All 26 Tawi-bound drains must be intercepted and treated, with clear timelines and public monitoring. Jammu’s progress is real, but so are its gaps. The awards are on the wall; the waste is still in the Tawi. Plugging the loopholes in the system and closing all gaps is Jammu’s next and most important cleanliness test.

*Anuj Kumar Verma is a Jammu-based Environment Advocate and Policy Writer. He is convenor of We The Humans Forum for Nature and Mankind, a public charitable trust.*

Email: verma.anujjk@gmail.com 

Says criticism of Omar overlooks constitutional limitations; questions absence of clear political alternative

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Former Inspector General of Police Shafqat Ali Watali on Tuesday launched a sharp critique of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's Budgam speech, accusing the former National Conference leader of turning a serious political disagreement into a personal confrontation while failing to present a credible alternative to the political course he has rejected.

In a detailed statement issued following Ruhullah's announcement to part ways with the National Conference and resign from Parliament, Watali described the speech as an "exercise in self-glorification rather than principled political dissent."

He said Ruhullah's criticism of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the NC leadership deserved scrutiny not merely for its language but also for its political substance, constitutional understanding and consistency.

Watali said strong political disagreement was legitimate, but personal ridicule and disparaging references to former colleagues could not be mistaken for political courage.

Questioning Ruhullah's political consistency, the former police officer said the leader had spent nearly 25 years in the National Conference, served as a legislator and minister, and secured election to Parliament on its ticket.

He said Ruhullah owed the public an explanation of when and why the organisation he represented for so long had become unacceptable to him.

On the restoration of Article 370, Watali argued that Ruhullah's criticism of the elected government overlooked the constitutional limitations under which a Union Territory administration operates.

"The elected government of a Union Territory cannot independently reverse a decision taken by Parliament and upheld by the Supreme Court," he said.

He maintained that while the National Conference could legitimately be questioned over the intensity of its political efforts, holding the Chief Minister solely responsible for the failure to restore Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional position was an oversimplification.

Watali also rejected the suggestion that seeking restoration of statehood necessarily meant compromising the demand for constitutional safeguards.

Referring to Ruhullah's criticism over employment, reservation, electricity, political prisoners and public welfare, Watali acknowledged that several of these concerns were genuine and deserved serious consideration.

However, he said an assessment of the government's performance must distinguish between unfulfilled commitments, administrative delays and matters falling outside the elected government's direct authority.

He also questioned Ruhullah's allegations that the NC leadership had surrendered politically to the BJP and RSS, saying such accusations required evidence of actual policy compromises.

According to Watali, engagement between an elected government and the Centre on constitutional and administrative matters could not, by itself, be treated as evidence of political surrender.

The former IGP further criticised what he described as Ruhullah's attempt to portray himself as the sole custodian of political principles and public conscience.

He said resignation from public office did not automatically establish the correctness of the allegations accompanying it, adding that political credibility depended on consistency, evidence and constructive public service.

Raising questions about Ruhullah's future political course, Watali said the speech offered extensive criticism of the NC leadership but little clarity about the constitutional and political strategy he intended to pursue.

"What concrete constitutional, political and institutional strategy does Ruhullah propose?" he asked, questioning how the proposed movement would secure concessions from the Union government that Ruhullah had accused the elected administration of failing to obtain.

Watali also referred to the timing of the speech, delivered on the anniversary of Ruhullah's father's assassination, saying the occasion carried emotional significance but should have been used to advance a substantive political argument rather than deepen personal confrontation.

He warned that political fragmentation and prolonged uncertainty had already imposed considerable costs on Jammu and Kashmir, and said dissent could strengthen democracy only when accompanied by accountability, restraint and a constructive political programme.

Concluding his criticism, Watali said Ruhullah's address had generated "more political heat than constitutional clarity, more indignation than introspection, and more denunciation than direction."

He maintained that the ultimate test of political leadership was not the intensity of criticism directed at former colleagues but the ability to present a principled, practical and achievable alternative. (KNS) 

Rs 208.53 cr project stalled since 2018; construction resumed in February after revised approval

Jammu, Nov 3 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed construction of the new Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu, a project that remained stalled for nearly eight years before work resumed earlier this year, with the government setting October 31, 2027, as the deadline for its completion.

The six-level complex, being constructed at a revised estimated cost of Rs 208.53 crore, is expected to provide modern legislative infrastructure for Jammu and Kashmir, including a new Assembly Hall, Central Hall, committee rooms and dedicated galleries for visitors and the media.

During his inspection, Omar was briefed by officials on the progress of construction and steps being taken to accelerate work on the project, which was originally taken up in 2012 but had remained stalled since 2018.

The project was revived after the present government granted revised administrative approval in 2025, paving the way for construction to resume on February 15, 2026.

According to official figures, expenditure on the project stood at Rs 5.97 crore as of October 31, 2026. The complex will have a total built-up area of 22,165 square metres.

The Chief Minister directed the departments concerned and the executing agency to maintain close coordination and ensure that construction proceeds according to the approved schedule without compromising quality standards.

He stressed that delays in execution should be avoided, given the importance of the complex for the functioning of Jammu and Kashmir's legislature.

The proposed building will also feature advanced building management systems and facilities designed to support legislative proceedings, committee meetings and other institutional activities.

Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department Anil Kumar Singh, Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department M Raju and Law Secretary Achal Sethi accompanied Omar during the inspection.

The project is scheduled for completion by October 31 next year, more than 15 years after construction was first initiated. (KNS) 

Two dedicated stalls showcase region's tourism potential; international operators, industry representatives explore opportunities

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir is seeking to expand its footprint in the international tourism market as the Union Territory joined the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026 on Tuesday, looking to attract foreign visitors and build partnerships with global travel operators.

The three-day exhibition, which opened at ExCeL London, has brought together travel companies, tour operators and tourism industry representatives, offering Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to reach international markets.

With two dedicated stalls at the event, J&K Tourism is showcasing the region's destinations and visitor experiences, while local tourism stakeholders are engaging with international operators to explore business opportunities.

The Indian Pavilion was inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the presence of Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad is also attending the event.

The participation comes as Jammu and Kashmir looks to widen its tourism base beyond the domestic market and strengthen its visibility among international travellers.

For the region's tourism industry, the London exhibition provides an opportunity to establish direct links with overseas travel companies that can include Kashmir and other destinations in Jammu and Kashmir in their international holiday packages.

Several stakeholders from the Union Territory are attending the exhibition, where discussions with tour operators and travel professionals are focused on potential collaborations and expanding market access.

Officials said the J&K stalls received an encouraging response on the opening day, with visitors and industry representatives showing interest in the region's tourism offerings.

However, the extent to which these interactions translate into business partnerships and increased foreign tourist arrivals will become clearer in the coming months.

The exhibition, which concludes on November 5, is expected to provide further opportunities for Jammu and Kashmir's tourism stakeholders to engage with international travel businesses and explore new markets. (KNS) 

'Winds of change blowing from BJP towards Congress': Karra

Jammu, Nov 3 (KNS): Former minister Prem Sagar Aziz on Tuesday quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and rejoined the Congress at a function held at the party headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, in Jammu, in the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra and several senior party leaders.

Welcoming Aziz back into the party, Karra claimed that a political shift was underway in the country, with growing disillusionment among BJP leaders and supporters over the ruling party's policies.

"The winds of change have started blowing from the BJP towards the Congress. People are now looking towards the Congress and Rahul Gandhi for future leadership," Karra said.

He claimed that the BJP's political dominance was nearing its end and expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power at the Centre in the next parliamentary elections.

Karra credited Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi with exposing what he alleged were irregularities in the electoral process, including allegations of "vote chori", and criticised the functioning of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Congress leader accused the BJP of pursuing divisive politics, authoritarian governance and policies favouring big corporate interests, claiming that several leaders within the ruling party were increasingly dissatisfied.

"Many people are feeling suffocated in the BJP after nearly 12 years of its rule. Prem Sagar Aziz's return to the Congress is an indication of this growing discontent," he said.

Referring to a recent interaction involving Rahul Gandhi, Karra claimed that a young former BJP supporter had publicly expressed regret over backing the party's policies, saying that more people were beginning to question the decisions of the Narendra Modi-led government.

Karra described Aziz as a hardworking leader and recalled having worked with him in the Finance Department during their tenure in government.

Speaking on the occasion, Aziz expressed regret over his decision to join the BJP and said he had realised that the Congress remained committed to inclusive politics and democratic values.

He said Karra had earlier advised him against joining the BJP and that his experiences had reinforced his belief in the Congress's political ideology.

"I regret joining the BJP. Congress is the only party that believes in inclusive policies, and I will work to strengthen the organisation under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Tariq Hameed Karra," Aziz said.

Kathua District Congress Committee president Pankaj Dogra said Aziz's return would strengthen the party's organisational base in the district.

Several senior Congress leaders, including working president Raman Bhalla, former ministers Mula Ram, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma and Choudhary Gharu Ram, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, former MLA Balbir Singh, former MLCs Ved Mahajan and Subash Gupta, and party treasurer Rajnish Sharma attended the function.

DCC Jammu Rural president Neeraj Kundan, NSUI president Ajay Lakhotra, SC Cell chairman Ashok Bhagat, Congress leader Rakesh Choudhary and several district and block-level functionaries were also present.

Party leaders garlanded Aziz and welcomed his return, expressing confidence that his re-entry would strengthen the Congress in Kathua and adjoining areas. (KNS) 

Party questions his record on special status, statehood and reservation in Parliament; Says Ruhullah remembered 2010 after 16 years, accuses him of contributing to Budgam bypoll defeat

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): The ruling National Conference (NC) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi following his announcement to quit the party and resign as Srinagar MP, accusing him of political opportunism, betrayal and failing to effectively raise issues of special status, statehood and reservation in Parliament.

In a strongly worded statement, the party described Ruhullah's speech as a manifestation of his "mental and moral bankruptcy" and accused him of using derogatory and unparliamentary language against the NC leadership.

The party questioned the timing of his resignation, claiming that Ruhullah had chosen to leave only after being asked to do so by the party president.

Referring to his criticism of the NC's handling of the 2010 unrest, the party said Ruhullah had continued as a minister in 2010 until he was removed during a general reshuffle and subsequently contested the 2014 Assembly elections on an NC ticket.

"He conveniently forgot all about it until 2026, 16 years later," the statement said.

Questioning Ruhullah's parliamentary record, the NC asked why he had not mobilised support among MPs for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and statehood.

The party pointed out that Ruhullah had managed to gather signatures of more than 100 MPs for an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav, but questioned whether he had made similar efforts on Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional rights.

"Can he tell us if he ever made such an effort to gather signatures of MPs for the restoration of special status or statehood?" the statement asked.

It also questioned whether Ruhullah had attempted to introduce a resolution or bill in Parliament on these issues.

The NC accused him of failing to raise concerns over the functioning of the elected government under the Union Territory arrangement, alleging that departments constitutionally falling under the elected administration continued to face interference from the Lieutenant Governor's office.

On reservation, the party acknowledged what it described as a grave injustice to open-merit candidates but maintained that the controversial policy had been introduced during the LG's administration.

It said the NC had made reservation reforms part of its election manifesto and subsequently constituted a Cabinet subcommittee, which recommended significant changes.

The party alleged that the file concerning these changes had been stalled by the authorities and questioned whether Ruhullah had raised the matter in Parliament or sought an explanation from the Centre.

It further asked why Ruhullah had not organised protests against the LG administration during the six months between his election to Parliament and the formation of the elected government.

The statement also questioned his silence over alleged recruitment irregularities and examinations that, according to the party, had disadvantaged job aspirants from one region.

Defending its political roadmap, the NC asserted that its demand for restoration of statehood did not amount to abandoning the struggle for special status.

"Our thrust on restoration of statehood is not and will never be at the expense of the special status," the statement said.

It maintained that protection of Jammu and Kashmir's identity and constitutional rights remained central to the party's political ideology.

"Reclaiming and repossessing what was taken away from us needs a deft politics, not theatrics," the party said, adding that political theatrics might attract social media attention but would not deliver meaningful results.

In one of its sharpest accusations, the NC alleged that Ruhullah had contributed to the party's defeat in the Budgam Assembly by-election while still remaining associated with it.

The party said his resignation had come too late and accused him of joining forces opposed to the NC's electoral mandate.

"Where was his conscience then? Backstabbing the same party he owed his political existence," the statement said.

The NC also questioned Ruhullah's criticism of the party after spending nearly 25 years in its ranks, during which he served as a three-time legislator, minister and Member of Parliament.

It accused him of displaying "narcissistic conduct" and finding fault with the organisation that had shaped his political career.(KNS) 

Says no political position or ambition is worth compromising self-respect

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS) : Politician Salman Nizami on Tuesday extended his support to Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi following his decision to part ways with the National Conference, saying political power and positions should never come at the cost of personal dignity and self-respect.
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‎Reacting to Ruhullah's announcement, Nizami said resigning from a political organisation was never an easy decision, particularly for someone who had contributed significantly to the party.
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‎“Resigning is never easy. I can understand the pain and emotions behind Agha Rahullah Sahib’s decision, especially after contributing so much to the party,” Nizami wrote in a post on X.
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‎He said political positions and ambitions should not take precedence over an individual's principles and self-respect.
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‎“No position, no power and no political ambition is worth compromising your self-respect,” he said.
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‎Nizami maintained that leaving an organisation when one's contribution was not acknowledged or one's voice was not respected should not be viewed as a sign of weakness.
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‎“When your contribution is not valued and your voice is not respected, walking away becomes an act of dignity, not weakness,” he said.
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‎Acknowledging the challenges associated with political life, Nizami said individuals must remain committed to their convictions irrespective of changes in their political circumstances.
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‎“Politics has its ups and downs, but self-respect must always come first,” he added.
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‎He also extended his best wishes to Ruhullah, expressing hope that he would continue working for the welfare of the people while remaining committed to his political principles.
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‎“My best wishes to him. May he rise stronger, stand tall on his convictions and continue to fight for the betterment of the people,” Nizami said.(KNS)
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Accuses party leadership of abandoning Article 370 stand, betraying 2024 electoral mandate; Calls Omar Abdullah ‘incompetent’, says political power cannot come at cost of dignity

Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Senior leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to sever ties with the party and resign as the Member of Parliament from Srinagar, accusing its leadership of abandoning the political commitments on which it secured the people's mandate in the 2024 elections.

Addressing a public gathering in Budgam on the martyrdom anniversary of his father, Ruhullah declared that he was signing a “freedom charter” from the National Conference, signalling a dramatic rupture with the party leadership following months of differences over its political direction and handling of Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional demands.

In a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah alleged that the National Conference had retreated from its commitment to fight for the restoration of Article 370 and the constitutional rights of the people after assuming power.

He accused the leadership of seeking public support on the promise of safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir's identity and dignity, only to dilute those commitments once it formed the government.

“You used me,” Ruhullah said, referring to the assurances he claimed to have received from the party leadership before the elections.

The Srinagar MP alleged that the party's political position had undergone a fundamental shift after the Assembly elections, particularly on the question of restoring the constitutional safeguards withdrawn on August 5, 2019.

Questioning the Chief Minister's approach towards the Centre, Ruhullah criticised Omar Abdullah for publicly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi while, according to him, failing to forcefully raise Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional and political concerns.

He alleged that the National Conference leadership had softened its stand on Article 370 out of fear of the BJP, despite having sought votes on a platform centred around the restoration of rights and political dignity.

Escalating his criticism, Ruhullah described Omar Abdullah as “Na-Ahal” (incompetent) and remarked that National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah should teach his son the Quran.

Ruhullah maintained that political office could never be a substitute for dignity and self-respect, asserting that he would prefer to surrender a position of power rather than compromise the principles he had publicly defended.

“If you want to see what real respect looks like, come to Budgam,” he said, in an apparent challenge to the Chief Minister.(KNS) 

Says party sought votes in the name of dignity but settled for power; questions Omar’s praise for Modi, recalls promises made before 2024 elections

‎Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday launched his sharpest attack yet on his own party and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing the leadership of using him to secure electoral support before abandoning the political struggle for which people had voted in 2024.
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‎In a strongly worded address ahead of his proposed resignation programme, Ruhullah said the National Conference had sought a mandate to restore Jammu and Kashmir's dignity and constitutional rights but had reduced that promise to the pursuit of power and ministerial positions.
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‎“You used me,” Ruhullah said, directing his criticism at the party leadership as he recalled how he was persuaded to contest the parliamentary elections and subsequently campaign for the National Conference in the Assembly polls.
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‎The Srinagar MP questioned what had become of the party's repeated assurances that it would fight for the rights taken away from Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.
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‎“You told people that you were the guardians of their dignity. You said that if anyone touched that dignity, it would be like grabbing you by the collar. That dignity was buried on August 5, 2019. Tell me now, where is that dignity? Where is that autonomy?” he asked.
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‎Ruhullah said the National Conference's political identity had been built around the promise that Jammu and Kashmir's people would enjoy dignity, constitutional protection and autonomy within India.
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‎He recalled that generations of Kashmiris had been told that their political future and dignity would be safeguarded through constitutional arrangements with India, irrespective of religion.
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‎“That dignity was given the name of autonomy. We were told that this autonomy was possible within India. You said you were its guardians. What happened to that promise?” he asked.
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‎The MP said he began questioning the party's response soon after the constitutional changes of August 2019, when he found its priorities increasingly disconnected from the larger political issue.
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‎“After 2019, one was looking for 4G internet, another wanted to be released from jail, and someone else was asking for elections. I kept asking what had happened to the fight for our rights,” he said.
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‎Ruhullah claimed he had made his position clear to the leadership long before the 2024 elections.
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‎“I told them that if they wanted to pursue politics merely for the chair, our paths were different,” he said.
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‎Recalling the parliamentary elections, Ruhullah alleged that the party had approached him with assurances that it would follow the political course he had been advocating.
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‎He said he was initially asked to contest from Baramulla, with religious considerations being cited in discussions over the constituency.
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‎“They wanted me to contest from Baramulla because there were Shia voters. This was the level to which politics had been reduced, where voters were being viewed through religion,” he alleged.
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‎Ruhullah said he did not want to become involved in competing claims over the Baramulla seat and instead suggested that Omar Abdullah contest from north Kashmir.
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‎He was subsequently fielded from Srinagar, where he won the parliamentary election.
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‎Recalling a conversation after Omar Abdullah's defeat in Baramulla, Ruhullah said he had tried to console the NC leader.
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‎“I told him not to be disappointed. He told me that I had won and that the dignity of the National Conference and the people of Jammu and Kashmir was now in my hands,” Ruhullah claimed.
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‎He said he had taken that responsibility seriously and raised the issues of Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional rights in Parliament.
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‎The MP alleged that the party again sought his support during the Assembly elections, when he insisted that it first make clear commitments to the people.
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‎“They told me to look at the manifesto. They said we would fight for the dignity of Jammu and Kashmir, not merely for statehood,” he said.
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‎However, Ruhullah alleged that the leadership began distancing itself from the restoration of Article 370 almost immediately after assuming power.
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‎“You got power in 2024, and from the second day, when we spoke about Article 370, you started saying no. Is this the dignity you promised?” he asked.
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‎In one of his strongest attacks on Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah questioned the Chief Minister's public remarks welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits to Jammu and Kashmir.
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‎He referred to Omar's remarks praising Modi during a railway inauguration and questioned why the Chief Minister had not used the occasion to directly raise the restoration of constitutional rights.
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‎“You told Modi Sahib that what the British could not do, he had done. You asked him to promote you from Chief Minister of a Union Territory to Chief Minister of a state,” Ruhullah said.
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‎He asked why Omar had not instead told the Prime Minister that the decisions of August 2019 had deeply hurt the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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‎“Did you ever tell him that you had saddened the people by taking away their rights? Did you ask him to sit with the people and restore those rights?” he questioned.
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‎Ruhullah also criticised the political culture surrounding ministerial appointments, saying the pursuit of office had overshadowed the larger struggle.
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‎“Is dignity about occupying a chair? Is it dignity when someone does not get a ministerial berth and begins crying like a child?” he asked.
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‎Drawing a contrast between those desperate to retain power and those prepared to relinquish it, the MP said public respect could not be measured by political office.
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‎“In some places, losing a chair brings tears and sadness. Here, the possibility of giving up a chair brings happiness,” he said.
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‎“Come and see what respect and dignity mean. If your chair allows you to get up from it, come and see what dignity looks like,” he said.
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‎In an emotional appeal, Ruhullah said he would rather seek the support of ordinary people than become dependent on political power.
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‎“I place my cap before the people and pray to Almighty Allah that He never makes us so dependent on power and the chair that we have to put it before his people,” he said. (KNS) 

Srinagar, Nov 03 (KNS): The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday postponed its first district-level Ulema meeting, scheduled to be held…

 Srinagar, Nov 03 (KNS): The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday postponed its first district-level Ulema meeting, scheduled to be held at Darul Uloom Raheemiyah in Bandipora on November 4, citing the continued house arrest of its patron, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Leh, Nov 3 (KNS): The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) to stop the functioning and…

 Leh, Nov 3 (KNS): The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) to stop the functioning and activities of its Desert Flower School in Leh, citing the absence of requisite approvals and a pending land allotment dispute before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Baramulla, Nov 3 (KNS): Two cowsheds were partially damaged in a fire incident in Khimbyar village of north Kashmir's Baramulla district, officials said on…

 Baramulla, Nov 3 (KNS): Two cowsheds were partially damaged in a fire incident in Khimbyar village of north Kashmir's Baramulla district, officials said on Tuesday.

Srinagar, Nov 03 (KNS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at four premises in Srinagar city in connection with an ongoing…

 Srinagar, Nov 03 (KNS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at four premises in Srinagar city in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged terror financing, officials said.

Five tractors seized over illegal clay transportation; Rs 57,010 penalty imposed

Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 2 (KNS): Bandipora Police on Monday arrested an alleged drug peddler after recovering over 10 kilograms of suspected charas in Hajin, sealed two medical shops in Sumlar for regulatory violations and seized five tractors allegedly involved in illegal transportation of minerals in separate operations across the district.

Police said the drug recovery was made during naka checking at the Hakbara-Chandergair crossing in Hajin, where 10 kilograms and 130 grams of a charas-like substance were recovered from the possession of a suspected drug peddler.

The accused was identified as Tariq Ahmad Mir, son of Mohammad Sabir Mir, a resident of Hakbara.

An FIR (No. 120/2026) under Sections 8/20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered at Police Station Hajin, and further investigation is underway.

In a separate operation, Police Post Sumlar, in coordination with the Drug Inspector Bandipora, inspected medical shops to check compliance with regulations governing the sale and storage of medicines.

During the inspection, officials examined records of controlled drugs, licences and other mandatory documents.

Two medical shops were found violating prescribed norms and subsequently sealed by the concerned authorities under applicable rules.

Meanwhile, police seized five tractors at Police Post Nowgam in Sumbal subdivision for allegedly transporting clay without the required authorisation.

The Mining Department was informed about the seizures and subsequently issued online challans of Rs 11,402 against each tractor, taking the total penalty to Rs 57,010.

Police said the operations were part of its ongoing drive against drug trafficking, violations of medicine regulations and illegal mining across Bandipora district.

It also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying and reporting illegal activities. (KNS) 

Reviews patient care, medicine stocks and winter preparedness; calls for uninterrupted heating, power supply

Kupwara, Nov 2 (KNS): Deputy Commissioner Kupwara on Monday directed the authorities at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara to immediately address issues related to non-functional medical equipment, warning that shortcomings in hospital facilities should not affect patient care.

During an inspection of the hospital, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic services, surgical supplies and emergency healthcare facilities.

He inspected the dialysis unit, casualty and emergency section, surgical wards, medicine wards and general inpatient wards to assess their functioning and the services available to patients.

The DC interacted with patients and their attendants to seek feedback on treatment, sanitation and other hospital facilities.

He also held discussions with doctors and paramedical staff, asking them to ensure timely medical attention and maintain professional standards in patient care.

Taking note of issues concerning medical equipment, the Deputy Commissioner directed the hospital administration to ensure that non-functional machinery was repaired or made operational on priority.

He also instructed officials to streamline parking arrangements within and around the hospital premises to prevent traffic congestion and ensure unhindered movement of ambulances and emergency patients.

Reviewing preparations for the approaching winter, the DC directed the hospital authorities to ensure uninterrupted heating facilities, adequate power backup and readiness to deal with weather-related emergencies.

He further stressed proper maintenance of medical records and analysis of patient data to improve healthcare delivery and management of hospital resources.

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Chief Planning Officer Kupwara, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Block Medical Officer Kupwara and other administrative and health officials. (KNS) 

Orders probe into monitoring of unauthorised constructions; Joint Commissioner tasked with inquiry

Srinagar, Nov 2 (KNS): The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Monday suspended two officials over dereliction of duty, ordering a departmental inquiry into the supervision and monitoring of unauthorised constructions.

According to separate orders issued by SMC Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom, Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, In-Charge Ward Officer, and Jameel Mohammad Sheikh, Senior Building Inspector (In-Charge Ward Officer), have been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

As per Order No. 1282 of 2026, Ghulam Hassan Sheikh has been suspended pending an inquiry into allegations of dereliction of duty.

The Commissioner has directed Joint Commissioner (Administration) Nuzhat Khurshid Qureshi, JKAS, to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the supervision and monitoring of unauthorised constructions within the officer's jurisdiction.

The inquiry officer has been asked to submit a comprehensive report along with specific recommendations.

In a separate order, No. 1281 of 2026, Jameel Mohammad Sheikh has also been placed under suspension for dereliction of duty under the relevant rules.

Both orders were issued on November 2. (KNS) 

Srinagar, Nov 02 (KNS): As Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 celebrations concluded at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, the Institute organised…

Srinagar, Nov 02 (KNS): As Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 celebrations concluded at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, the Institute organised friendly cricket and football matches between faculty members and non-teaching staff, highlighting the importance of integrity, teamwork, discipline and fair play in institutional life.

The sporting events witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty and non-faculty members, providing an opportunity for employees to engage in healthy sporting activities while reinforcing the spirit of unity, cooperation and collective responsibility.

The initiative was organised under the guidance of the Institute's Chief Vigilance Officer and Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahangar, as part of the Institute's broader efforts to create awareness about transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public institutions.

Dr. Shakeel Waseem from the faculty side and Faisal Irshad Ganai from the non-teaching faculty represented the cricket teams. Similarly, Dr. Manoj Kumar captained the faculty football team, while ASO Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat represented the non-teaching faculty team.

The matches provided a platform for employees from different departments to interact beyond their routine professional engagements, highlighting the importance of teamwork, mutual respect and sportsmanship in building a positive institutional environment.

In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, emphasised that sporting activities serve as an effective medium for reinforcing values such as fairness, discipline, honesty and respect for rules, which are equally essential to promoting integrity and probity in public life.

He said such initiatives complement conventional awareness programmes by encouraging teamwork, mutual respect and a sense of collective responsibility.

Prof. Misra further said that the institute observed Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 from October 26 to November 1 under the theme 'Probity for Prosperity', with a series of activities aimed at sensitising employees and students about ethical practices, transparency and accountability.

Officials from the Administrative Section, including SAS Officer and other Institute functionaries, were also present during the match ceremonies and encouraged the participating teams.(KNS)

DC Akshay Labroo stresses early detection, regular check-ups to prevent health complications

Srinagar, Nov 2 (KNS): More than 100 employees and visitors underwent screening for diabetes, blood pressure-related problems, eye conditions and other health concerns during a special health check-up camp organised at the Deputy Commissioner's Office Complex in Srinagar on Monday.

The camp, organised by the District Red Cross Society in collaboration with Government Gousia Hospital, Khanyar, and the Chief Medical Officer's office, aimed to promote preventive healthcare and facilitate early detection of health problems among government employees and members of the public.

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, who inaugurated the camp, stressed the importance of regular medical examinations, saying timely diagnosis and intervention could help prevent health complications.

He urged employees and the general public to make routine health check-ups a priority rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.

The camp provided medical consultations and basic screening facilities to employees working at the DC Office and allied government offices in the Amar Niwas Complex, besides visitors attending to official work.

Labroo said such initiatives were important for promoting a healthier workforce and improving awareness about preventive healthcare.

He also appreciated the Health Department and the District Red Cross Society for organising the camp and making medical screening services accessible at the workplace.

Additional Deputy Commissioners Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz and Aadil Fareed, IAS Probationer Aakash Garg, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Accounts Officer Mohammad Iqbal, officials of the DC Office and members of the District Red Cross Society attended the programme. (KNS) 

Next six months crucial for development, fund utilisation; departments told to account for delayed projects

Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday asked his Ministers to review the progress of commitments made in the last Budget and the government's election manifesto, directing departments to account for delayed projects as he sought to accelerate development works over the next six months.

The directions came at the first meeting of Ministers and senior administrative officers at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu following the resumption of the traditional Darbar Move.

The Chief Minister said the next six months would be crucial for the government to translate its development commitments into results, particularly through faster execution of projects and effective utilisation of funds already allocated to departments.

He asked newly inducted Ministers and those who have been assigned new portfolios to conduct a detailed assessment of their departments, identifying projects completed, works still underway and commitments on which implementation has yet to begin.

Importantly, the review will also examine why certain projects have not taken off and what measures are required to overcome delays.

Omar also sought a comprehensive assessment of the National Conference-led government's election manifesto commitments, asking departments to identify promises fulfilled and those requiring further action.

The directions come as the government prepares its Budget for 2027-28, with the Chief Minister seeking greater accountability over spending and implementation of schemes announced in the previous financial year.

He particularly stressed monitoring projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), directing Ministers to regularly assess their progress.

Departments have been asked to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), project proposals and tender documents well before the next financial year so that works can begin immediately after funds are sanctioned.

The Chief Minister also cautioned against last-minute additions to the Budget without adequate preparation, saying departments must identify priorities early and hold consultations with the Finance and Planning Departments.

He asked Ministers to visit and review the districts assigned to them, placing responsibility on them to monitor development works beyond their departmental offices.

Winter preparedness also figured in the meeting, with Omar directing departments to ensure uninterrupted essential services as the administration begins its winter functioning from Jammu.

Concerns over the dumping and stocking of ration in certain areas were raised, prompting the Chief Minister to direct the concerned department to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities.

The Chief Minister also asked officials to address accommodation and office-related difficulties faced by employees who have shifted to Jammu under the Darbar Move.

In his remarks, Omar stressed that administrative work should remain focused and unaffected by external distractions, while calling for closer coordination between Ministers and senior bureaucrats.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Cabinet Ministers, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries and senior civil and police officers.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Secretary briefed the meeting on departmental functioning and preparations for the 2027-28 Budget, while Ministers raised issues requiring administrative intervention.

Later, Omar visited the chambers of newly inducted Ministers and inspected various sections of the Civil Secretariat to review arrangements following its reopening in Jammu. (KNS) 

Calls for professionalism, coordination and timely disposal of official business

Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday called for greater professionalism, transparency and coordination among officials as the Assembly Secretariat resumed functioning in Jammu following the traditional Darbar Move.

The Speaker was accorded a warm welcome by senior officers and staff of the Legislative Assembly Secretariat on the first day of its winter functioning in the capital.

Interacting with officers and employees, Rather appreciated their dedication and commitment towards ensuring the smooth functioning of the Assembly Secretariat.

He emphasised the need to maintain high standards of discipline, professionalism and efficiency while discharging official responsibilities.

The Speaker directed officials to ensure close coordination among various branches of the Secretariat for timely disposal of official business and uninterrupted delivery of services.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a responsive, transparent and public-oriented approach in the functioning of the institution.

Rather said the Assembly Secretariat must continue to uphold the dignity, traditions and institutional responsibilities of the Legislature while facilitating the smooth conduct of legislative affairs.

Wishing officers and staff a productive winter tenure in Jammu, the Speaker expressed confidence that they would continue to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and efficiency. (KNS) 

New office block, renovated reception hall to improve facilities following Darbar Move

Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated infrastructure works worth Rs 1.89 crore at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to strengthen office facilities and improve the working environment for employees following the resumption of the traditional Darbar Move.

The Chief Minister inaugurated a newly constructed pre-fabricated office accommodation block, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 158.09 lakh under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budget.

He also inaugurated the renovated Reception Hall at the entrance gate of the Civil Secretariat, completed at a cost of Rs 31.10 lakh under the Maintenance and Repairs (M&R) component.

Officials said the newly developed facilities are aimed at improving office accommodation, ensuring better working conditions for government employees and providing a more organised reception area for visitors.

The infrastructure works assume significance following the reopening of government offices in Jammu under the traditional Darbar Move, which involves the seasonal shifting of government offices between Srinagar and Jammu.

During the inauguration, concerned engineers briefed the Chief Minister about the projects, including the facilities created and infrastructure developed.

Omar Abdullah also inspected the newly constructed and renovated facilities and reviewed arrangements made to ensure the smooth functioning of offices at the Civil Secretariat.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Estates M. Raju, Secretary Revenue Avny Lavasa, Director General Estates Jammu Mushtaq Ahmed and other senior officers. (KNS) 

Baramulla, Nov 02 (KNS): Nearly half the staff of Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla, including Heads of Departments, Assistant Professors and…

Baramulla, Nov 02 (KNS): Nearly half the staff of Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla, including Heads of Departments, Assistant Professors and Lecturers, were found to have left the institution before the scheduled closing time during a surprise inspection conducted by the district administration on Monday.

An official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the inspection was carried out by a team led by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Baramulla, on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, following reports that employees were leaving the college before the completion of official working hours.

According to officials, the inspection, conducted in the early afternoon, found that around 50 per cent of the staff were no longer present on the premises.

The administration has obtained the institution's biometric attendance records to establish the attendance status of the employees concerned and verify whether there was any violation of prescribed working hours.

The findings have prompted the district administration to take serious note of the matter, with officials indicating that further action would follow if violations are established.

The administration said adherence to official working hours, punctuality and accountability were essential for ensuring the effective functioning of government institutions. (KNS) 

Warns of UT-wide protests if demands remain unmet; seeks CM Omar Abdullah’s intervention

Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) on Monday set November 12 as the deadline for the Jammu and Kashmir government to address the long-pending demand for revision of stipends for postgraduate (PG) medical and dental resident doctors, warning of peaceful protests across the Union Territory if the issue remains unresolved.

Addressing a press conference at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, AIMSA representatives expressed concern over disparities in the stipend structure, saying resident doctors in J&K were receiving significantly lower remuneration compared to their counterparts in several other states.

The association said first-year PG resident doctors in J&K receive Rs 64,000 per month, while those in subsequent years are paid Rs 67,000, despite demanding clinical responsibilities, extended working hours and continuous patient care duties.

Questioning the disparity, AIMSA representatives demanded an immediate revision of the existing stipend structure to bring it in line with prevailing rates in other states.

The press conference was led by AIMSA Chief Advisors Dr Sanah, Dr Abhishek Mittal, Dr Fazan Lone and Dr Sidhant Sharma.

Dr Danish Hamid, Joint Secretary, AIMSA, who represented PG dental residents across Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted the concerns of the dental fraternity and sought uniformity in stipend policies for medical and dental postgraduate residents.

Dr Shahnawaz Malik, Additional Secretary, AIMSA, was also present.

The association said it had submitted a representation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking his intervention for an early resolution of the issue. The representation was signed by AIMSA President Dr Mohammad Momin Khan.

AIMSA urged the government to provide a concrete response and take necessary measures to address the demands by November 12.

The association warned that failure to resolve the issue within the stipulated deadline would compel its members across Jammu and Kashmir to launch peaceful and democratic protests.

Reiterating its demand for fair and competitive remuneration, AIMSA said PG medical and dental residents deserved a uniform stipend policy that adequately recognised their contribution to healthcare services across the Union Territory. (KNS) 

Calls for impartial probe, urges restraint and unity among Muslim community

Srinagar, Nov 2 (KNS): Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir on Monday strongly condemned the reported stone-pelting incident at a mosque in Pehroo Sherbagh area of Anantnag during Isha prayers, calling for a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.

In a statement, the religious body expressed concern over reports of injuries to worshippers and damage to the mosque, describing the incident as deplorable and unacceptable.

The MMU demanded that those involved in the alleged vandalism be identified, apprehended and punished in accordance with the law.

It emphasised that the sanctity of places of worship must be respected under all circumstances and said acts of violence against worshippers or religious places cannot be justified.

The religious body also appealed for unity within the Muslim community and urged all concerned to exercise restraint and resolve differences through peaceful means rather than resorting to violence.

The MMU stressed the importance of maintaining communal harmony and preventing such incidents from disturbing peace in the region. (KNS) 

Director SKIMS announces sports infrastructure upgrade at Soura, Bemina; fortnight-long event to conclude Nov 14

Srinagar, Nov 2 (KNS): The SKIMS Sports Series 2026 commenced at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, on Monday, bringing together medical students, resident doctors, faculty members and healthcare professionals for a fortnight of sporting activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and teamwork.

The event, jointly involving SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, will continue until November 14, featuring a range of indoor and outdoor competitions.

Director SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government, Prof Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, who attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, emphasised the importance of sports in fostering a healthy institutional environment and strengthening bonds among students and healthcare professionals.

He said sporting activities help develop resilience, encourage teamwork and promote collective achievement. He also announced that sports infrastructure at SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, would be upgraded soon.

Prof Abdul Maajid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Organising Chairperson, highlighted the role of sports in maintaining physical and mental health, particularly among medical students and healthcare professionals facing demanding academic schedules and professional responsibilities.

Principal SKIMS Medical College-Hospital, Bemina, and Dean Medical Faculty, Prof Fazl-ul-Qadir Parray, said recreational activities provide opportunities for students and healthcare professionals to unwind, interact and build stronger interpersonal relationships beyond their routine academic and clinical engagements.

The sports series features cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, table tennis, chess, carrom, kho-kho, kabaddi, dodgeball, tug of war, sprint events and arm wrestling.

Under the house-based competition format, participants will earn 10 points for gold, five for silver and two for bronze medals. The house accumulating the highest points will be declared the House of the Year.

The initiative is being organised in connection with Mental Health Month, observed from October 10 to November 10, under the leadership of the Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College-Hospital, Bemina, in collaboration with various departments.

Organisers said the programme seeks to promote psychological resilience, reduce stress and strengthen social interaction among medical students and healthcare professionals.

Prof Aijaz A. Rather, Associate Dean and Chairperson Sports Committee, and Dr Shafa A. Deva, Medical Superintendent, also attended the inaugural ceremony and appreciated the initiative.

The programme was coordinated by Prof Yasmeen Jan from the Department of Community Medicine, Dr Rasika Khan, Senior Resident in Psychiatry, and Dr Mir Musharraf, Medical Intern.

Presenting the vote of thanks, Dr Nizam-ud-Din, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, expressed gratitude to the participating teams, faculty members, mentors, organising committee and support staff from the Civil and Electrical Engineering Departments for their contributions to the event. (KNS) 

Awantipora, Nov 2 (KNS): Syed Mantaqui Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology (SMMCON & MT), in collaboration with the Dean Outreach office of the…

Awantipora, Nov 2 (KNS): Syed Mantaqui Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology (SMMCON & MT), in collaboration with the Dean Outreach office of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Monday organised an AIDS awareness programme at Government High School Chandhara under the Red Ribbon Club.

The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS), Department of Health and Medical Education and J&K Paramedical and Nursing Council.

The programme aimed to educate students about HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission, preventive measures, early detection and treatment, while addressing misconceptions and highlighting the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

A key highlight of the programme was an educational skit presented by B.Sc. Nursing students, focusing on preventive measures, timely testing, counselling and the importance of empathy and support.

An interactive question-and-answer session was also held, during which students raised queries and clarified misconceptions. Awareness pamphlets and other Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material were distributed among participants.

Students also took a pledge to promote AIDS awareness and contribute towards building a healthy and inclusive society.

School authorities and local community leaders appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of organising regular health awareness programmes for young people.

The programme was coordinated by Ms Mubashir Bashir, In-charge, SMMCON & MT, along with other faculty members of the college.(KNS) 

Aaqib Khan Srinagar, Nov 2 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday questioned what she termed continued suspicion against the…

 Aaqib Khan 

Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday said the revival of the Darbar Move is considered decision aimed at…

 Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday said the revival of the Darbar Move is considered decision aimed at respecting the aspirations of people across the Union Territory.

Srinagar, Nov 02 (KNS) : CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA M Y Tarigami on Monday called for a review of the CID verification process, saying individuals should not…

 Srinagar, Nov 02 (KNS) : CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA M Y Tarigami on Monday called for a review of the CID verification process, saying individuals should not be denied security clearance over the alleged involvement of their relatives in militancy-related activities.

Suhail Rather Bandipora, Nov 2 (KNS) : Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora will hold public grievance meetings at his office from Monday to Thursday…

Suhail Rather 

 Bandipora, Nov 2 (KNS) : Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora will hold public grievance meetings at his office from Monday to Thursday between 2 pm and 4 pm to facilitate the direct redressal of public complaints, police said.

Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday received a Guard of Honour from a Jammu and Kashmir Police contingent at the Civil Secretariat here…

 Jammu, Nov 2 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday received a Guard of Honour from a Jammu and Kashmir Police contingent at the Civil Secretariat here as government offices reopened in the winter capital following the annual Darbar Move.

Kupwara, Nov 02 (KNS): The Department of Information on Sunday accorded a farewell to Senior Assistant Ghulam Nabi Mir, a resident of Darshpora, Handwara…

 Kupwara, Nov 02 (KNS): The Department of Information on Sunday accorded a farewell to Senior Assistant Ghulam Nabi Mir, a resident of Darshpora, Handwara, following his retirement after 30 years of service.

Police register FIR, say dispute over prayers at house converted into place of worship; urge public to avoid rumours

Anantnag, Nov 2 (KNS): Police have registered a case and picked up four persons for questioning following a stone-pelting incident during Isha prayers at Pehroo Sherbagh in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

According to a police statement, the incident followed an altercation over the offering of prayers at a residential house that had been converted into a place of worship.

Police said some individuals resorted to stone pelting during Isha prayers, resulting in minor damage.

Following the incident, police personnel immediately reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

An FIR bearing No. 404/2026 has been registered in connection with the incident, while four persons have been picked up for questioning.

Police said further investigation was underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

Appealing for calm, police urged citizens not to give a communal colour to the incident or circulate unverified information that could create unnecessary tension.

Police maintained that the law and order situation in the area was normal and fully under control. (KNS) 

525 NDPS cases registered, over 2,000 kg narcotics destroyed; 8 govt employees found involved in drug-related cases; 20 properties worth Rs 20 cr demolished; 17 peddlers detained under PIT NDPS Act

Anantnag, Nov 1 (KNS): In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Anantnag Police registered 525 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 602 alleged drug peddlers during the first ten months of 2026, besides attaching properties worth approximately Rs 63 crore linked to drug-related activities.

According to official figures released by Anantnag Police, more than 597 kilograms of contraband substances were seized during operations conducted across the district between January and October this year, while cash amounting to Rs 27.64 lakh was recovered from alleged drug peddlers.

Police said the enforcement campaign also targeted assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of narcotics trafficking, resulting in the attachment of properties worth around Rs 63 crore in 43 cases under relevant legal provisions.

In addition, 20 properties valued at approximately Rs 20 crore, allegedly linked to illegal narcotics activities, were demolished during the period.

The figures indicate that the crackdown extended beyond arrests and seizures, with police increasingly focusing on dismantling the financial and logistical networks supporting the narcotics trade.

Police said approximately 2,000 kilograms of narcotic substances were destroyed following due legal procedures, while illegal cultivation of narcotic crops spread over 305 marlas of land was also destroyed.

As part of action against encroachments allegedly carried out by drug peddlers, more than 271 marlas of government land was retrieved during the ten-month period.

The police report also revealed the alleged involvement of government employees in narcotics-related offences.

Eight government employees were found involved in drug-related cases, following which legal action was initiated against them, police said.

In another significant development, 13 women allegedly involved in illegal cultivation of narcotic crops were arrested. Police also reported action against female drug peddlers, although their exact number was not specified.

Under preventive detention measures, 17 alleged drug peddlers were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act.

Police also reported the cancellation of 28 driving licences and 22 vehicle registration certificates in connection with narcotics-related offences.

To curb the movement and supply of drugs, Anantnag Police conducted 300 narcotics-focused Cordon and Search Operations (Narco-CASOs) at different locations across the district.

The operations were aimed at identifying suspected trafficking networks, intercepting the movement of contraband and strengthening surveillance in areas vulnerable to narcotics-related activities.

The crackdown also extended to pharmaceutical establishments, with police and concerned departments jointly inspecting 23 medical shops.

Violations were detected at all 23 establishments inspected, following which legal action was initiated under the applicable provisions.

Alongside enforcement operations, police organised specialised training programmes for 220 investigating officers handling NDPS cases at the District Police Office, Anantnag.

The training focused on legal procedures, investigation techniques and evidence handling to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of narcotics-related offences.

Police said the sustained campaign was aimed at disrupting drug supply chains, identifying individuals involved in trafficking and preventing the spread of substance abuse, particularly among young people.

Reiterating its commitment to combating the drug menace, Anantnag Police appealed to the public to share information about suspected drug trafficking and illegal narcotics activities.

Police said public cooperation, particularly from young people, remained essential to identifying drug networks and protecting communities from the consequences of substance abuse. (KNS) 

Extends greetings on Foundation Day of 13 states, UTs; says geographical distances cannot weaken India's spirit of oneness

Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for strengthening cultural unity, mutual respect and collective participation in nation-building, saying India's diversity and shared civilisational heritage remained central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Addressing a commemorative programme at Lok Bhavan to mark the Foundation Day of 13 states and Union Territories, Sinha said geographical distances could never weaken the emotional bonds connecting people across different regions of the country.

The Lieutenant Governor extended greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu on the occasion.

He said the celebrations reflected India's enduring tradition of unity in diversity and provided an opportunity to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people connections.

“Our literary and spiritual heritage, from Keralam to Madhya Pradesh, from Andaman and Nicobar to Andhra Pradesh, tells us that we are integral parts of the same stream of life, and geographical distances can never erase our emotional closeness and the spirit of oneness,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with strengthening coordination, harmony and emotional integration among different regions through the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

He said India's national identity was shaped not merely by geographical boundaries but by a shared cultural consciousness that had connected diverse languages, traditions, customs and knowledge systems for centuries.

Highlighting the contributions of different states, Sinha referred to Kerala's literary and artistic traditions, Andhra Pradesh's role in literature, spirituality and the freedom movement, Karnataka's saint-poet tradition, Punjab's spiritual heritage and Haryana's contribution to devotional literature.

He also highlighted the cultural diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh's significance in modern urban planning and Delhi's position as a meeting point of cultures from across the country.

The Lieutenant Governor said India's cultural and spiritual traditions demonstrated how different identities could coexist while remaining connected through common values and a shared national consciousness.

He urged citizens, particularly young people, to draw inspiration from the country's historical and cultural legacy and translate those ideals into meaningful contributions towards national development.

“We have the responsibility to internalise the ideals of our ancestors, walk the path they showed us, and make our role in nation-building more effective,” he said.

Emphasising the vision of Viksit Bharat, Sinha said development must be accompanied by respect for diversity, preservation of cultural heritage, scientific advancement and equal opportunities for citizens.

“We must build a developed India where diversity is respected, knowledge and science advance, art and culture are preserved, every citizen receives dignity and opportunity, and our younger generation builds the future with confidence, innovation, and national commitment,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said Foundation Day celebrations should encourage greater understanding among communities and strengthen the bonds of national unity while respecting the distinct cultural identities of different regions. (KNS) 

Senior officers laud his leadership, administrative reforms and contribution to governance

Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday accorded a farewell to outgoing Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on his superannuation, with senior officers recalling his contribution to governance, public service delivery and developmental initiatives across the Union Territory.

A farewell ceremony organised by IAS officers in Srinagar was attended by Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and other senior officials.

Speaking on the occasion, officers described Dulloo's tenure as a significant phase in Jammu and Kashmir's administrative journey, marked by improved coordination among departments, institutional strengthening and efforts to accelerate development programmes.

They said Dulloo assumed charge at a crucial juncture and worked to bring different departments and administrative institutions together to achieve common objectives.

The officers credited him with promoting teamwork, accountability and collective responsibility, saying his approach helped strengthen coordination between departments and district administrations.

They also highlighted initiatives undertaken during his tenure to improve public service delivery, expedite developmental projects and ensure effective implementation of government programmes.

Several officers described Dulloo as an accessible administrator who combined professional discipline with a practical and humane approach to governance.

They said his willingness to listen to officials, address administrative challenges and encourage teamwork helped create an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence within the administration.

Addressing the gathering, Dulloo thanked his colleagues and officers across Jammu and Kashmir for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

He said the achievements recorded during his tenure were the result of collective efforts by officers and officials working at different levels of the administration.

Dulloo expressed confidence that the administration would continue its efforts towards development, institutional improvement and effective governance.

He also thanked his colleagues for their support and companionship during his years of public service.

Senior officers extended their best wishes to Dulloo for his post-retirement life, acknowledging his contribution to the administration and his association with colleagues across departments.

The ceremony concluded with officers recalling their professional experiences with the outgoing Chief Secretary and appreciating his years of service to Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS) 

Three Inspectors Transferred in Administrative Reshuffle; Mohd Manzoor Assigned Crime and Establishment Charge at DPO

Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 1 (KNS): The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora, Tahir Saleem Khan (JKPS), has ordered the transfer and posting of three Inspectors in the district police as part of an administrative reshuffle.

According to an order issued by the Office of the SSP Bandipora on November 1, Inspector Khalid Fayaz has been transferred from District Police Lines (DPL) Bandipora and posted as the new Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Bandipora.

Inspector Parvaz Ahmad has been posted as SHO, Police Station Sumbal. At the same time, Inspector Mohd Manzoor has been assigned the charge of In-charge, Crime and Establishment at District Police Office (DPO) Bandipora.

The transfers have been ordered in the interest of administration and will take effect immediately, as per the order.(KNS) 

‘J&K was, is and will remain part of India; nobody can change that’

Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and RSS over what he described as the repeated questioning of Muslim patriotism, asserting that Muslims had sacrificed their blood for India and would continue to stand for the country's unity and integrity.

Addressing a gathering at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi in the presence of senior opposition leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Abdullah said no community should be forced to repeatedly prove its loyalty to the nation.

“These people always point fingers at Muslims and call them Pakistanis. I want to tell the BJP and RSS that we have given our blood for this country. We gave our blood yesterday, we are giving it today and we will give it tomorrow as well,” Abdullah said.

The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said Muslims wanted to live in India and contribute to making the country stronger, rejecting attempts to question their patriotism on religious grounds.

“We want to live in this country and strengthen this country,” he asserted.

Turning his attention to the Election Commission, Abdullah accused it of undermining the democratic rights of citizens through the alleged deletion of names from electoral rolls.

Referring to remarks made by Akhilesh Yadav, the NC president claimed that more than one crore Hindu voters had been removed from electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh and questioned whether they, too, would be branded Pakistanis.

“You have removed more than one crore Hindus from the voting lists in Uttar Pradesh. Are they also Pakistanis?” Abdullah asked, challenging what he described as the selective targeting of communities.

The allegation concerning voter deletions was made by Abdullah during his speech and could not be independently verified.

He said the time had come for Indians, irrespective of religion, to stand together against attempts to divide society and undermine their constitutional rights.

“Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis are all Indians. They will live as Indians and die as Indians,” Abdullah said.

Invoking B R Ambedkar, Abdullah said the Constitution guaranteed equal rights to every citizen, including the right to vote, and warned against any attempt to deprive people of that fundamental democratic entitlement.

“This is Ambedkar's Constitution. This is India's Constitution. We are all equal under it, and every one of us has an equal right to vote,” he said.

He called upon opposition parties and citizens to collectively resist any attempt to disenfranchise voters, saying the strength of democracy rested with the people rather than those occupying positions of power.

“The power is with the people. Use that power, strengthen it and tell those who are supporting them that they are on the wrong path,” Abdullah said.

The NC president urged people not to fear those in authority, asserting that governments and political leaders would come and go, but the ultimate authority in a democracy belonged to its citizens.

He also appealed for national unity, saying India could not become a strong and prosperous nation if any community or section of society was left behind.

“If you want to save India, everyone has to work together to take the country forward. If any section is left behind in development, India cannot become strong,” he said.

In a categorical assertion on Jammu and Kashmir's relationship with the country, Abdullah said the region's identity as part of India was permanent and could not be altered.

“Jammu and Kashmir was part of India before, it is part of India today and it will remain part of India tomorrow. Nobody can change that,” he declared.

Abdullah concluded his address by raising slogans of “Jai Hind”, asking the gathering to join him in reaffirming their commitment to the country. (KNS) 

At Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, PDP chief says Kashmir's 2019 experience is a warning for the nation, accuses BJP of hollowing out democratic rights

Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): Turning Jammu and Kashmir's loss of constitutional safeguards into a warning for the rest of India, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday told a gathering at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan that the country must resist what she described as attempts to weaken the Constitution and take away the people's right to choose their government.

In a speech that drew parallels between the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and the political situation in the country, the former Chief Minister said the people of the Union Territory had already experienced the consequences of decisions that, according to her, undermined their democratic rights.

“We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have been destroyed. In 2019, they destroyed the Constitution. But now, you children, don't let the whole country become Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehbooba said, addressing the gathering.

Her remarks placed Kashmir at the centre of a wider political argument, presenting the region not merely as a victim of constitutional changes but as a warning of what she alleged could happen elsewhere if democratic institutions and constitutional protections were weakened.

Referring to the Constitution, Mehbooba said it had given citizens the power to elect and remove governments, but alleged that the ruling dispensation was attempting to undermine that fundamental democratic right.

“The Constitution has given you the vote to change governments. They want to snatch that right from you,” she said.

The PDP president accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of weakening constitutional principles despite having failed, in her assessment, to secure the mandate it had sought to change the Constitution after the 2024 general elections.

She alleged that while the Constitution had not been formally replaced, attempts were being made to hollow it out.

Expanding her attack beyond constitutional issues, Mehbooba accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of favouring powerful business interests at the expense of ordinary citizens.

She alleged that public assets accumulated over decades under successive governments were being handed over to select businessmen, while poor families faced displacement and economic hardship.

Referring to the demolition of homes and the cutting of trees, she accused the government of making land available to private business interests at throwaway prices, alleging that the poor were receiving little benefit from its economic policies.

She also questioned the Centre's record on employment generation and criticised changes to military recruitment, apparently referring to the Agnipath scheme.

Mehbooba further targeted the BJP over its Hindutva politics, raising allegations concerning donations collected in the name of the Ram temple.

Questioning the ruling party's claims of religious commitment, she alleged irregularities in donations associated with the temple and described the allegations as deeply shameful. The allegations were not substantiated in the supplied speech.

However, the strongest political message of her address came towards the end, when she sought to connect the struggle for constitutional rights in Jammu and Kashmir with that of citizens elsewhere in India.

Invoking the region's historical association with the country, Mehbooba said Kashmiris stood alongside those seeking to protect democratic institutions and constitutional guarantees.

“We are with you in your struggle,” she told the gathering, assuring them of solidarity from Jammu and Kashmir.

In a significant departure from the language of political alienation often associated with the Kashmir debate, Mehbooba described Jammu and Kashmir as central to India's identity and constitutional ideals.

She called the region the soul of the country and an embodiment of the “idea of India”, arguing that its people wanted to stand alongside fellow citizens in defending the principles on which the republic was founded.

Concluding her address, the PDP chief invoked the patriotic verse “Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara”, drawing applause for a message that combined criticism of the Centre with an assertion of solidarity with the rest of the country.(KNS) 

Inaugurates 1,416 transit flats for PM Package employees across Kashmir; Over 5,200 of 6,000 sanctioned flats completed; Orders speedy completion of remaining units

Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday inaugurated 1,416 transit accommodation flats for Prime Minister's Package employees at three locations across Kashmir, saying the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits was essential to restoring the Valley's cultural and spiritual heritage.

The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the newly constructed Transit Residential Complex at Zewan in Srinagar and virtually inaugurated two other residential complexes at Kakan Maran in Budgam and Kulangam Bagh in Kupwara.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the inauguration of the flats marked a significant step towards improving the living conditions of employees appointed under the PM Package and advancing efforts to facilitate the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit families to the Valley.

“Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits and it is deprived of a precious part of its soul,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said Kashmir's literary consciousness, spiritual heritage and cultural splendour could not be imagined without the contributions of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

“Dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit families is a commitment to restoring the historical heritage and human dignity of the Kashmir Division. This entire region's natural, cultural, and spiritual beauty will attain completeness only when Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters return to their homeland with respect, security, and confidence,” Sinha said.

Highlighting the progress of the transit accommodation programme, the Lieutenant Governor said the project envisaged construction of 6,000 flats across 342 blocks at 20 locations in all 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley.

He said construction of more than 5,200 flats had been completed, while over 3,800 flats had already been allotted to eligible employees. The project, he added, was accelerated in mission mode in 2020.

Giving details of the newly inaugurated complexes, Sinha said the Zewan residential complex in Srinagar, the largest under the programme, comprised 936 flats spread across 39 blocks, all of which had been allotted.

The Kulangam Bagh complex in Kupwara comprises 288 flats across 18 blocks, while the Kakan Maran complex in Budgam consists of 192 flats across 12 blocks.

The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to expedite construction of the remaining 700 flats and ensure completion of all pending works without delay.

Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department, Anil Kumar Singh assured that the remaining flats would be completed by December this year.

Sinha said the completion of residential complexes also placed a responsibility on the administration to ensure that families living in government accommodation were provided with essential facilities and a secure living environment.

He directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply, adequate security arrangements, effective waste management and prompt redressal of grievances.

The Lieutenant Governor said every flat represented the aspirations, resilience and hopes of a family seeking a secure future in Kashmir.

He appreciated the contributions of labourers, engineers, Public Works Department officials, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, district administrations, Jammu and Kashmir Police, security forces and agencies responsible for electricity and water infrastructure in completing the project.

Sinha also commended the dedication of employees serving in different departments across the Valley under the PM Package Programme.

Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Additional Chief Secretary Anil Kumar Singh, Commissioner Secretary Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction M Raju, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Sujit Singh, SSP Srinagar Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Karwani, senior officials, prominent citizens and PM Package employees. (KNS) 

Minister assures early resolution of genuine demands; 50:50 recruitment formula, cadre merger under consideration

Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): Unemployed agriculture graduates in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday called off their 42-day-long strike following a meeting with Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, who assured them that their genuine demands would be addressed soon.

The breakthrough came after the minister discussed two key proposals with the protesting graduates — a 50:50 recruitment formula for gazetted posts and the merger of two non-gazetted cadres to create a common post at the panchayat level.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar said the government was committed to addressing the genuine concerns of unemployed agriculture graduates.

“I met the delegation and listened to their concerns. Their demands are genuine, and I have assured them that these will be fulfilled soon. We will hold further discussions to resolve the outstanding issues,” Dar told KNS.

Following the meeting, representatives of the graduates announced their decision to end the ongoing agitation, saying the assurances had provided a basis for further engagement with the government.

“The meeting was constructive. We discussed our demands in detail, and the minister acknowledged our concerns. On the gazetted cadre, he proposed a 50:50 recruitment formula, with half the posts reserved for direct recruitment and the remaining half for departmental candidates,” a representative of the delegation said.

On non-gazetted recruitment, the delegation said the minister had proposed merging the Agriculture Extension Assistant (AEA) and Junior Agriculture Extension Officer (JAEO) posts into a single cadre without reducing their combined strength.

The proposed common post would be available at the panchayat level, potentially creating a unified recruitment structure within the Agriculture Department.

The graduates said the proposals would require further discussions before a final decision could be taken.

“We are calling off our strike for now on the strength of the assurances given by the minister. We will continue to follow up on these issues and expect the government to take concrete steps,” the representative said.

The delegation also thanked the Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir for supporting their concerns and the Director Agriculture Kashmir for facilitating talks with the government.

The graduates acknowledged the support of students, researchers, scholars and others who stood with them during the 42-day agitation.

Although the strike has ended, the proposed recruitment formula and cadre merger remain under consideration, with further discussions expected between the government and the graduates.

The protesters said they would closely follow the progress of the assurances until their demands were formally addressed. (KNS) 

Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS)The Indian Army on Sunday inaugurated the Chinar Centre of Educational Excellence (Kashmir Super-30) at Manasbal in central Kashmir's…

 Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS)The Indian Army on Sunday inaugurated the Chinar Centre of Educational Excellence (Kashmir Super-30) at Manasbal in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, offering free residential coaching for NEET and JEE aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir.

Anuj Kumar Verma Jammu and Kashmir is today witnessing rapid environmental degradation alongside a decline in political leadership. Aggressive development is…

 Anuj Kumar Verma