Opinion

Somnath and Bharats unconquerable spirit!

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visits UAE

New Delhi, May 07: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and discussed the prevailing situation in West Asia with Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy. The two sides also reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, economic cooperation, energy, connectivity, defence and security, fintech, health, education, culture and people to people connections, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Hashimy is also the UAE's special envoy for India. Misri and Hashimy positively assessed the progress made on the decisions taken during the visits to India by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan this year, the MEA said. They reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, economic cooperation, energy, connectivity, defence and security, fintech, health, education, culture and people to people connect, it said. The two sides also identified new initiatives to further deepen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, it added. Misri and Hashimy also exchanged views on the prevailing situation in the West Asia region and other regional and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA said in a statement. The foreign secretary also participated in a trilateral meeting under the India-France-UAE framework, along with Hashimy, and Martin Briens, Secretary General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. The three sides reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral partnership and agreed on a structured roadmap with defined timelines, the MEA said. Misri also met Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director and CEO, Mubadala investment company.

J-K LG given telecom control powers during public safety events

New Delhi, May 07: The Centre has authorised the Jammu and Kashmir LG to exercise powers, such as interception of signals, suspension of service and decryption of messages, related to telecom services in the UT during public safety events or national emergency, an official notification issued on Thursday said. According to the order, the President directed the LG to exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the state government under Sub-Section 20 (2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), which deals with situations involving public safety and national security, within the Union territory. In pursuance of clause (1) of article 239 of the Constitution, the President hereby directs that the administrator (whether known as the lieutenant governor) of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall, subject to the control of the President and until further orders, exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the state government under Sub-Section (2) of Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), within the said Union territory, the notification published in gazette on Thursday said. Using the powers, the LG can block the transmission, allow interception, order decryption of messages, and suspend telecom services in the event of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety.

Immediate impounding of passport to follow arrest

Jammu, May 7:The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), issued by J&K government to tighten noose against drug traffickers, provides for immediate impounding of the passport following arrest of the accused. Explaining the step-by-step procedure beginning with the identification, documentation and preparation of dossier, the SOP mentions, if a passport is in the physical possession of the accused at the time of arrest, the Investigating Officer (IO) will seize it and take requisite steps immediately for its impounding under Section 13 of the Passports Act, 1967. He will record the same in the arrest memo and case diary. The passport will be deposited with the concerned Regional Passport Officer within 48 hours of seizure. ISSUANCE OF LOOK OUT CIRCULAR (LOC) The IO and SP or SSP will simultaneously and without any delay, forward a Look Out Circular (LOC) request to the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India through the designated Nodal Officer, citing the involvement of the accused in NDPS cases. The LOC will seek to prevent the accused from exiting India through any airport, seaport or land immigration check post. The LOC request will be transmitted through the official Police communication channel (fax or e-mail or official portal) with a follow-up by registered post. A copy of the LOC request will be endorsed to the CISF Incharge at the Srinagar and Jammu Airports and DGP, J&K. PASSPORT IMPOUNDMENT OR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION The IO, after obtaining approval of the SP or SSP, will address a formal written application to the concerned Regional Passport Officer (RPO) Srinagar or Jammu, as the case may be, for impoundment or revocation of the passport, citing one or more of the specific grounds. In cases of flight risk or where the accused is a known trans-national trafficker, necessary steps by IO requesting competent or designated authority for invoking Section 10A of the Passports Act, 1967 for emergency suspension of the passport pending formal revocation proceedings will be taken. The application to the RPO will be accompanied by: certified copy of FIR and Detention Order, Court Remand Order, a recent photograph of the accused and the seized passport (if available). Simultaneously, the SP and SSP will forward a request to the Ministry of External Affairs, Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division, New Delhi, for flagging or blacklisting of the passport number in the Immigration, Visa and Foreigners' Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) System to prevent exit from India.

Cancellation of identity documents to tighten noose against drug traffickers in J&K

Jammu, May 7: To give teeth to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhas ongoing resolute fight against drug menace, J&K Home Department has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cancellation of passports, Aadhaar and other crucial documents of accused or detenues under the NDPS Act, 1985 and the PITNDPS Act, 1988. SOP is in consonance with the LG Sinhas announcement, while commencing 100-day intensive campaign under NashaMukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan on April 11, 2026 from M A Stadium Jammu. Greater Kashmir has tried to explain this exhaustive SOP for its readers in lucid terms with the backdrop whereunder it has been issued. BRIEF BACKGROUNDER On April 11, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had announced that under a new Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) against drug traffickers, all their crucial documents including Aadhar, passports would be revoked besides the seizure of their assets and freezing of bank accounts. In a stern warning, LG Sinha had stated that drug smugglers assets would be seized, ringleaders prosecuted and punishment would be delivered swiftly. The administration will confiscate all property and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will echo through generations, he said. Referring to the new Standard Operating Procedure (SoP), LG Sinha stated, We have issued a new SoP against drug traffickers. Under this SoP, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar numbers and arms licenses of smugglers involved in drug trafficking. If they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately. Additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen and financial investigation will be launched. WHAT DOES THIS SOP COVER? Common Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued for cancellation or suspension or withdrawal of Passport, Driving License, Arms License, Aadhaar Card, Contractors License, security and allotment of government accommodation in respect of accused or detenues under the NDPS Act, 1985 and the PITNDPS Act, 1988 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This SOP aims to restrict the mobility; prevent concealment of identity; deny escape routes; debar from owning a weapon; denying contractors licence; denying secure accommodation and security and dismantle the support infrastructure of drug traffickers by ensuring that all government issued identity, travel, arms licence, contractors licence, secure accommodation, security and mobility documents of accused or detenues are cancelled, impounded or deactivated swiftly in accordance with law. RATIONALE BEHIND SOP The menace of drug trafficking continues to pose a grave threat to public health, social order and the security of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the drug traffickers habitually exploit government-issued identity documents, licences, security, secure accommodation and travel documents to evade law enforcement, flee justice and facilitate their criminal networks. Hence, it has been found expedient and necessary by the J&K Home Department to lay down a uniform, time-bound and legally sound Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for law enforcement agencies and administrative authorities across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It will ensure the systematic and expeditious cancellation, impoundment, suspension and deactivation of Passport, Driving licence, Arms Licence, Aadhaar Card, Contractors Licence, Government accommodation and Government provided security, of persons accused of drug related offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and persons detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti has explained. FROM WHICH LEGAL PROVISIONS SOP TO DRAW POWERS Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued for strict compliance by all concerned for effective exercise of relevant powers and functions under the Passports Act, 1967; the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016; the Arms Act 1959; J&K Registration of Contractors Act, 1956; the NDPS Act, 1985 and the PITNDPS Act, 1988 besides all other enabling provisions of law. WHO WILL ENSURE ITS APPLICABILITY This SOP will require all Investigating Officers (IOs), Superintendents of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police, District Magistrates, Regional Passport Officers, Regional Transport Officers and Assistant Regional Transport Officers, UIDAI Regional Office, the Bureau of Immigration, Director Estates, Head of Security Wing of J&K Police, Head of the Department of Contractors Registration and all other concerned agencies to take appropriate necessary steps in accordance with applicable legal provisions. WHEN TO COME IN FORCE This SOP has come into force from the date of issuance of the government order i.e., April 17, 2026. It will remain in force until superseded or amended. WHICH LEGAL PROVISIONS TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL BASIS FOR ACTION UNDER THIS SOP PASSPORT CANCELLATION OR REVOCATION Sec 6(2)(a)/(b), Passports Act, 1967 will be invoked for refusal or revocation of passport where the accused or detenues presence abroad is detrimental to sovereignty, security or friendly relations of India. Sec. 6(2)(f) will be used for refusal of passport where the accused is subject to warrant, summons or prohibitory order of a competent court. Sec. 10(3)(a)/(c) will be invoked for impoundment or revocation in the interest of sovereignty, security or general public interest. Sec 10(3)(b) would be used for revocation where a passport was obtained by suppression of material facts. Sec 10A will be invoked for emergency suspension pending formal revocation proceedings. Sec 6(2)(e) & 10(3)(h) will be used for NDPS conviction constituting offences involving moral turpitude, triggering revocation. DRIVING LICENCE Sec 19(1)(b), MV Act, 1988 will be invoked for cancellation of driving licence where holder is addicted to narcotic drug or psychotropic substance. Sec. 19(1)(c) will be used for cancellation of licence where motor vehicle was used in commission of a cognizable NDPS offence. Sec 19(1)(e) will be invoked for cancellation where driving licence was obtained by fraud or concealment of narcotic addiction. Sec 20 and 22 will be invoked for court-ordered disqualification or revocation on conviction for NDPS offences. AADHAAR Regulation 28(1)(f) of Aadhaar (Enrolment & Update) Regulations, 2016 will be invoked for deactivation of Aadhaar by UIDAI. ARMS LICENCE Section 17(3) of Arms Act 1959 will be used for cancellation of Arms Licence. PITNDPS Sec 3, PITNDPS Act, 1988 will be invoked for detention order of competent authority. It actually constitutes a triggering event for all document actions. CONTRACTORS LICENCE Under Section 5(1) of J&K Registration of Contractors Act, 1956 and Rule 5(1)(v) read with Rule 5(6) of J&K Registration of Contractors Rules, 1991, the Head of the Department, which has registered the contractor, will cancel the registration of the licence. GOVERNMENT ACCOMMODATION Ground for cancellation would be a report from IO or SP or SSP concerned for involvement in any drugs related crime. Director Estates or IGP Security, J&K or District Magistrates, as the case may be, will cancel the government accommodation immediately on receipt of a report from the concerned. SECURITY PROVIDED BY THE POLICE Ground for withdrawal of security would be a report from IO or SP or SSP concerned for involvement in any drugs related crime. IGP Security, J&K will withdraw the security immediately. WHEN THIS SOP COMES INTO VOGUE This SOP will be mandatorily operated upon the occurrence of registration of a First Information Report (FIR) for offences punishable under Sections 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27A or 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, where the alleged quantity is equal to or exceeds the commercial quantity as defined under the Act. Other events the occurrence of which will invite the operation of this SOP will include: Issuance of a Detention Order under Section 3 of the PITNDPS Act, 1988 by the competent authority. Receipt of a Court Warrant, Remand Order or Prohibitory Departure Order from a competent Magistrate or Sessions Court against an NDPS accused. Receipt of specific intelligence or input from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), J&K Police or any other Central or State Law Enforcement Agency identifying a named accused who is a resident of or is present in J&K. Conviction by a trial court for any offence under the NDPS Act, 1985. Receipt of a direction from the High Court of J&K &Ladakh or the Supreme Court of India in relation to any NDPS accused. NODAL OFFICERS AND COORDINATION MECHANISM The DGP, J&K will designate Inspector General of Police, Crime J&K as the State-Level NDPS Nodal Officer for coordination and oversight of this SOP. The IGP Kashmir and Jammu will designate NDPS Nodal Officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police. Each SSP and SP will designate a District-Level NDPS Nodal Officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. The State-Level Nodal Officer will maintain regular coordination with the NCB Regional Office (North Zone), the Bureau of Immigration (MHA), the RPO Srinagar, the RPO Jammu, the UIDAI Regional Office (Chandigarh), Transport Department, Contractors Registration Authority, IGP Security, Director Estates and District Magistrates. All communications with the RPO, UIDAI and BoI will be marked to the State-Level Nodal Officer for records. WHO WILL DO WHAT? ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITIES WITH TIMELINES With regard to roles and responsibilities of different authorities, it has been specified that the Investigating Officer (IO) will prepare a case summary dossier; draft all applications and forwarding letters and update the case diary at each stage within the first 3 days. Superintendent of Police (SP) or Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) will review and approve applications; sign forwarding letters to RPO, RTO or ARTO, UIDAI, BoI, Contractors Registration Authority, Director Estates, District Magistrates and Security Headquarters and ensure compliance monitoring within the stipulated period of day 25. IGP Crime J&K will maintain NDPS Document Cancellation Register; coordinate Inter-agency communication; ensure timely follow-up; submit monthly progress reports to DGP. It will be an ongoing affair. Regional Passport Officer, Srinagar and Jammu will receive application; issue acknowledgment; consider issue of impoundment or suspension or revocation order within 7 working days. The Licencing Authority (RTO or ARTO) will issue show-cause notice; hear the accused; consider passing of cancellation order; update SARATHI portal within 15 working days. UIDAI Regional Office will receive a formal law enforcement complaint; consider processing a deactivation request; flag Aadhaar for authentication alerts. Timeline will be as per UIDAI Regulations. The Bureau of Immigration will consider issuance of and operationalisation of Look Out Circular; alert all airports; confirm LOC activation in writing on Day 1. Public Prosecutor will move court for court-ordered revocation of Driving Licence under Sections 20/22 MV Act at conviction stage; assist IO with legal process at trial stage. District Magistrate will coordinate with RPO and RTO in respect of PITNDPS detenues; forward detention orders to all concerned agencies within 48 hours of issuance (of detention order) and consider taking action for cancellation of Arms Licence within 48 hours of detention order. DGP, J&K will review monthly progress reports; issue administrative directions and ensure SOP compliance across all Districts and Police Units. He will have to undertake a monthly review on these accounts.

Year on, villagers try to reclaim narrative of normalcy

Simari, May 7:A river runs through it, cleaving the village between India on one side of the gushing waters and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir on the other. If Operation Sindoor has a ground zero, it is Simari where the sound of artillery fire still echoes for villagers trying to shake off memories from that night one year ago. It is from this frontier village surrounded by high mountains that the Army fired shells across the Krishan Ganga river to signal the start of Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025, Indias response to the terror attack in Pahalgam to dismantle terror outlets in Pakistan. One year on, silence seems to have settled over the picturesque hamlet on the foothills of the Shamshabarimountains in Tangdhar sector, about 180 km from Srinagar. Life has resumed its everyday routine but outsiders are met with quiet and a certain distrust. Many walk away, saying they only understand Pahari. Simari, at the literal edge of the country, has a population of 500 and just about 80 houses. There are a dozen odd modern concrete structures alongside traditional mud and timber dwellings. If it were not for the roaring river waters, people from one side to the other could literally shout out to be heard. The river is also a constant reminder that this is a divided land - both literally and metaphorically. And Operation Sindoor was felt not as a news report about what is happening to others but as a storm of fire passing overhead. Ghulam Qadir is amongst the few who talks, albeit reluctantly. We didn't just hear the about the war we felt it as shells lit the skies, Qadir told PTI. Community bunkers were home for the few days after that first night of shelling. He is proud of his village. Simaris local middle school has been designated Polling Booth Number One. A hand-painted slogan greets visitors with the declaration: 'Democracy starts from here. Now you should understand we are the first village in the country and the torch bearers of democracy in the country, he snapped back when asked how it felt to be the resident of the country's last village. The school is sign of Simaris resilience. Despite being physically separated from the rest of the country by a security fence, people here view themselves as the primary guardians of the country's democracy. The village is mainly dependent on army troops deployed in the area and many work as labourers for them. As commemorative events are held across the country to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, life in Simari is a delicate balance between everyday mundaneness and the fear that their villages very remoteness could make them the centre of conflict. For Iqbal, the drones from across the border were more difficult to deal with than the shelling. The Army opened fire several times to thwart their advances. Some of the intruding objects (drones) fell in our area. These were successfully removed by the Army, he said, lauding the Army for providing all kinds of relief during those turbulent days. Located eight kilometres from Teetwal area, which was developed under the border tourism plan, accessing the village is not easy. Tarred roads give way to landslides and fast flowing waters from the slopes around. The language spoken is Pahari and the culture and customs differ from the Kashmiri heartland or Kupwara district in North Kashmir. India carried out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. About 100 terrorists were killed.

By keeping elected Govt out of security loop hampers information flow on terror modules: CM Omar

Srinagar, May 7:Warning against working in silos, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has highlighted disconnect between the security apparatus and the peoples representatives and asserted that the region's security challenges cannot be resolved only through a purely military lens. Talking to PTI here about the after effects of last year's Pahalgam massacre of 26 people by terrorists, Abdullah spoke about the complexities of counter terrorism and revival of tourism and argued that keeping the elected government otally disconnected from the law-and-order machinery hampers the cross-flow of vital information. The problem is that you're trying to deal with a security situation purely as a security situation. That is never going to be the case. The causes of terror and the effects of terror both have linkages to the wider community. And therefore, when you operate in silos, when the elected government and the elected representatives are kept totally disconnected from the security and the law and order apparatus, then you will end up with this situation, the chief minister said while referring to busting of terror modules recently by the Srinagar police that remained elusive for many months. In a sharp observation on the disconnect between the law and order machinery and the people's representatives, Abdullah said that the existing gap is so wide that even basic professional courtesies, like a police officer saluting an elected official, have become a source of professional anxiety. Today, a police officer thinks twice before saluting an MLA, a minister, or a chief minister... First, the poor guy is worried whether he should salute. Then, if he gathers the courage to do so, he looks to his right and left and thinks: 'Did anyone see me? Will my job be in danger?' This is the situation you're dealing with, he said, laughing at the paradox. He added that when the police don't even know whether they should be part of a civil function of the elected government, the cross-flow of information also becomes a bit problematic. And again, I make the point, you cannot deal with terror or law and order purely from the security prism. Take, for example, what the LG (Manoj Sinha) these days is doing with the NashaMuktAbhiyan. Drug (trafficking) is primarily a security problem. It is primarily an enforcement problem of stopping drugs from entering Jammu and Kashmir. But why is he doing foot marches? Why is he involving the general population? Because it's not just a law and order problem, right? It's a societal problem with law and order aspects. Same is true for terror. It is a law and order, it is a security problem. But it is not exclusively a security problem, he said. On the rise of terror modules and intelligence gathering, Abdullah shared a stark reality regarding his own access to sensitive data and said, I get my intelligence from Twitter (X), while highlighting the exclusion of the elected government from the security loop. He said that treating terror purely as a security issue, without involving the wider community via their representatives, is a flawed strategy. The chief minister also touched upon the delicate task of reviving tourism, which faced a setback after the unfortunate incident at Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22 last year. While domestic arrivals have increased, he noted that the sector remains a victim of the geopolitical situation and added that the conflict in Iran had a dampening effect on bookings with many potential travellers fearing Covid-style lockdown. Refusing to focus solely on umbers and arrivals, Abdullah said he wants to avoid the hype that contributed to the volatile situation last year. Confidence (of tourists) takes time...you can't bring it back in a week or a month. While people are more confident than they were last year, we realise that more needs to be done. The chief minister said that his government remains aware of the limitations it operates under but is committed to chipping away at the atmosphere of fear to ensure that both trekkers and domestic tourists return to the valley in healthy numbers.

Championship enters advanced stages with fierce contests

Srinagar May 7: The University of Kashmir (KU) continued to witness high-energy competition and enthusiastic participation during Day 3 and Day 4 of the ongoing All India Inter-University Wushu Championship 2026 at SKISC Srinagar. The championship, as per a KU statement is being organised by the varsitys Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES) under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities. The championship features competitions across 12 weight categories in Mens Sanda and 10 weight categories in Womens Sanda, alongside Taolu events in both divisions. As the Sanda contests move into advanced rounds, the competition has become increasingly intense, drawing strong participation from universities across the country. Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, urged the participants to compete with integrity and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. She said the University is steadily strengthening its sporting culture and creating greater opportunities for student-athletes to excel at national platforms. Prof. Brij Kishore from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior, is attending the championship as Observer on behalf of the AIU. The Taolu competitions on Day 3 and 4 drew attention for their display of precision, agility, balance, and traditional martial arts techniques, with participants delivering impressive performances in various categories. The event has also been attracting large spectator turnout, with the final bouts and closing ceremony scheduled for Saturday. The championship will conclude on Saturday with the final Sanda bouts and closing ceremony.

DG YSS inaugurates fencing, archery competitions in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 7:Under the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, Inter-School District Level Competitions-cum-Selection Trials in Fencing and Archery at the Fencing Hall were inaugurated at Youth Hostel Wazir Bagh, Srinagar. The competitions, as per a DYSS statement, were inaugurated by Director General Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Anuradha Gupta. The competitions were started with an anti-drug pledge administered by DG YSS, J&K. She was accompanied by Joint Director YSS Kashmir, Mohammad Rashid Kohli, DYSSO Srinagar Ghulam Hassan Lone and other senior officials of the department. Students from various schools across Srinagar, falling under the age groups of Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 in both boys and girls categories, are participating in the competitions. The event is witnessing enthusiastic participation from young athletes showcasing their talent and sporting spirit. Speaking on the occasion, the Director General urged participants to make full use of the opportunities being provided by the Youth Services and Sports Department to enhance their sporting abilities and contribute towards a drug-free society. She emphasized that sports play a vital role in keeping youth physically fit, mentally strong and away from substance abuse. The competitions are scheduled to conclude on May 12, 2026. More than 400 students are expected to participate in the event. The competitions are being hosted by the District Youth Services and Sports Office Srinagar.

Yasirs journey from Rajouri to Uzbekistan

Rajouri, May 7: In a commendable gesture to support local sports talent and as part of the ongoing 100 Day Nasha Mukht Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, the District Administration Rajouri, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, has extended financial assistance to a promising young boxer Yasir, who has recently been selected to represent India at an international boxing event in Uzbekistan. Yasir, an orphan who has faced significant hardships, has emerged as a symbol of determination and resilience. Despite limited resources and challenging living conditions, he has excelled in boxing, bringing pride to the district with his achievements. Currently residing with his family in modest conditions at the ITI building near the Sports Stadium Rajouri, Yasirs journey, as per an official statement, reflects both his grit and the need for collective support to nurture such talent. Recognising his potential and dedication, the district administration, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, initiated efforts to assist the young athlete in pursuing his sporting aspirations. In response to these efforts, the Animal Husbandry Department, under the guidance of Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Dr Khalid Najeeb Khan, extended financial support to the young boxer. The assistance was provided in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Sikarwar, District Social Welfare Officer Abdul Rahim and Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Dr Shah Riaz Ahmed Chowdhary. The District Administration reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging and supporting talented youth, particularly those overcoming socio-economic challenges and urged society to come forward in uplifting such inspiring individuals.

J&Ks Yasir stuns Kazakhstan boxer, secures medal at Asian Boxing Championship

Rajouri, May 7:Young boxing sensation Yasir from the Khelo India Boxing Centre, Rajouri, scripted a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir and the country by assuring India a medal at the Under-15 Asian Boxing Championship after registering a stunning victory over a boxer from Kazakhstan. Displaying remarkable skill, determination and composure in the ring, Yasir as per a statement shared by J&K Sports Council on social media handle Facebook on Thursday, won his third consecutive bout in the championship, defeating the highly-rated Kazakh opponent from a nation regarded among the strongest forces in world boxing. With the victory, the Rajouri boxer secured a place in the semifinals and confirmed at least a bronze medal for India in the prestigious continental event. Yasir is now set to face a boxer from Iran in the semifinal scheduled for May 10, carrying the hopes of the nation and the pride of Rajouri into the crucial clash. The achievement has sparked celebrations in sporting circles, with coaches, athletes and residents hailing the youngsters inspiring run on the international stage.

Radio Drass: Voice from Worlds 2nd coldest inhabited place

Drass, May 7:In the biting cold of Drass, known as the worlds second coldest inhabited place, a small community radio station has become the heartbeat of isolated mountain villages, carrying voices, warnings, stories and hope across snowbound terrain where roads close and communication networks often fail. Located at 10,800 feet in Kargil district, of Ladakh Radio Drass 90.4 FM has emerged as a strong voice for the people of the worlds second coldest inhabited place, broadcasting local culture, news, and critical information to villages often cut off by harsh winters. Launched in 2023 under the Community Radio initiative, Radio Drass is run by local youth and supported by the Indian Army and Ladakh administration. It covers a radius of 20 km, reaching remote hamlets like Muradbagh, Bhimbat, Thasgam, and Mushkoh Valley where mobile and internet connectivity remains erratic. Station Head Radio Drass Mohd Saleem told Greater Kashmir that the radios main focus is on education, health awareness, women empowerment, disaster alerts, and promotion of tourism besides promotion of Balti, Purgi, and Shina languages. During winter when temperatures drop to -30C and roads close for days, Radio Drass is the only link for traffic advisory, weather updates, avalanche warnings, and exam schedules, he said. The station also airs success stories of students, farmers, and women entrepreneurs to inspire youth. The station broadcasts 13 hours daily from 9 am to 6 pm and then songs from 6 pm to 10 pm. With its tagline Dil ki Dhadkan (Drass) , Radio Drass continues to beat the freeze and connect hearts in one of the harshest terrains on earth.

No plans to privatise power sector in Ladakh: CS Ladakh

Kargil , May 7:The administration of union territory of Ladakh clarified that the UT administration has no plans to privatise the power sector in Ladakh, terming the rumours circulating on social media as baseless and misleading. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat here, Chief Secretary Ladakh, Ashish Kundra said the ongoing reforms are aimed at improving efficiency, reducing AT&C losses, and ensuring 24x7 quality power supply to consumers under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. The Chief Secretary was flanked by Secretary, Power, Rudra P. Goud and Chief Engineer, LPDD, Tsewang Paljor. Privatisation of power distribution or generation in Ladakh is not under consideration. The reforms are purely administrative and technical in nature. We are strengthening the Power Development Department, upgrading infrastructure, he said. He emphasised that the administration remains fully committed to strengthening the existing power infrastructure and ensuring the provision of reliable and affordable electricity to the people of Ladakh. The Chief Secretary said Ladakhs difficult terrain and strategic importance require a strong public sector presence in power. He added that all employees of PDD Ladakh will remain government servants and their service conditions will be protected. The Chief Secretary clarified that no decision on privatization has been taken by the Administration. He further urged the public not to be swayed by unverified information and to refrain from spreading misconceptions. He assured that no significant policy decisions would be implemented without thorough consultation, dialogue, and engagement with all stakeholders, including employees and the public. He emphasised that the Administration is committed to maintaining transparency and that any reforms in the power sector will be carried out only after extensive deliberation and in the best interests of Ladakh. Chief Secretary explained that the Administration has already been working with agencies such as NHPC, Power Grid and other power sector organizations for strengthening power infrastructure in Ladakh. He stated that the ongoing discussions are exploratory in nature at initial stage and aimed at understanding various models under the framework of the Indian Electricity Act, 2023 to further improve power generation, transmission, and distribution across the Union Territory. He clarified that the objective behind such discussions is to improve efficiency, modernise infrastructure, enhance power availability, and boost revenue generation without compromising customer and employee interest. He further stated that the Administration is exploring ways to strengthen hydro-power potential, improve electricity distribution systems, and enhance financial sustainability while preserving Ladakhs unique cultural and environmental identity. The Chief Secretary strongly rebutted concerns regarding employee welfare and assured that the interests of employees would remain fully protected. He stated that no employee would lose their job, service benefits, pension, or seniority due to any future reforms. He urged employees and the public to directly approach the Administration in case of doubts instead of relying on rumours and misinformation. Chief Engineer, Power Development Department, Tsewang Paljor, addressing the media explained the provisions of Section 131 of the Electricity Act, 2003. He stated that reforms under the Act are aimed at improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability of power utilities, and clarified that the Administrations efforts are intended to strengthen the sector rather than cause any loss to the public or employees.

No STPs, untreated sewage polluting Mansar, Surinsar lakes: CAG

Jammu, May 7:Untreated waste and sewage generated from the households in their vicinity, in the absence of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), continue to be discharged into the twin lakes of Mansar and Surinsar in Jammu region, resulting in deterioration in their water quality. Alarming adhocism in the approach of concerned authorities has been flagged in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in its report on the Conservation and management of lakes in Jammu and Kashmir for the period ended March 2022. Surinsar and Mansar are under the control and management of Wildlife Warden, Kathua (WLW-Kathua) and Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority (SMDA). However, both of them (WLW Kathua and SMDA) did not have a specific legal framework and clear demarcation of responsibility for conservation and management of the Surinsar and Mansar lakes. The sources of water in the lakes are springs in and around them, rainfall and surface run-off. The lake fringes are spread over an area of 0.90 Sq km. In the absence of any comprehensive plan for conservation and management of lakes, WLW-Kathua and SMDA were carrying out lake-related activities in an ad-hoc manner. State level monitoring committee had not monitored conservation and management of the twin lakes. WLW-Kathua and SMDA had not carried out demarcation of the boundary of Surinsar and Mansar lakes due to which the two Lakes had remained open to encroachments. No STPs were in place for treatment of sewage generated by inhabitants living in the vicinity of lakes resulting in discharge of untreated waste and sewage into the lakes, the audit noted with grave concern. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 and 2017 prohibit discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from villages and other human settlements into wetlands. However, the audit examination revealed that SMDA and WPD had not conducted any exhaustive survey to identify the point and non-point sources of waste and untreated sewage entering the lakes. Although SMDA projected in December 2018, the requirement of Rs 5.60 Cr under Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP) phase-II for installation of eight STPs for these two lakes and requested in November, 2019 to the Chief Engineer (UEED) to depute technical experts or engineers to explore feasibility for installation of STPs and drainage systems, there was no further progress in this regard. As a result, funds could not be obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for construction of STPs under PMDP (Phase-II). A provision of five STPs kept in the Mansar rejuvenation plan (2021) under PMDP Phase-II was yet to be approved as of March 2022. Thus, untreated waste and sewage generated from the households in the vicinity of the two lakes continued to be discharged into the lakes resulting in deterioration in the water quality of these lakes, the audit revealed. Similarly, Rule 4 of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 and 2017 prohibits dumping of solid waste within wetlands. Further, Waste Management Rules, 2016 (notified by MoEF&CC) prescribe actions to be taken for collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste together with monitoring and evaluation of compliance of these Rules. Audit noticed that SMDA and WLW-Kathua had not taken measures for source segregation and door-to-door collection and disposal of solid waste generated by households in the vicinity of the lakes. Though SMDA spent Rs 0.35 Cr during 2017-18 to 2021-22 on disposal of solid waste, it had not identified land for dumping of solid waste with the result waste generated by households, shops, visitors and pilgrims was being dumped on the fringes of these lakes. The animal waste generated in the deer park situated along the banks of Mansar lake was also finding its way into the lake. Out of funds of Rs 6.16 lakh released during 2017-18 to 2021-22, by J&K Government to WLW-Kathua for solid waste management, Rs 1.74 lakh (28 per cent) was not spent. SMDA, in January 2021, stated that installation of STP and identification of land for dumping sites were under process, the audit report pointed out.

Jammu Rail Division awards contracts for water vending machines at major stations

Jammu, May 7: With the onset of the summer season, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, in a bid to enhance passenger amenities and ensure the availability of water at its stations, through an e-auction awarded contracts for the operation of water vending machines for its four major stations on Thursday. These stations included Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Shahid Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur and Kathua railway stations. Giving an account of key features of the contract, Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division stated that an annual license fee of Rs 8,00,190 was fixed for the contract, which served to boost railway revenue while strengthening passenger services. The total value of this entire contract over the next five years stands at Rs 47,21,121. With the operation of water vending machines, the passengers will have access to pure drinking water (RO water) at a significantly lower price compared to bottled water sold in the open market. They will be able to refill their own bottles, thereby leading to a reduction in single-use plastic waste at railway stations. Besides, given the high demand for water during the summer months, these machines will ensure an uninterrupted supply for passengers, Singh said. Commenting on this special initiative, the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, stated, Our primary objective is to provide passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Recognising the increased demand for water during the summer, we have completed the process for the operation of these machines in a timely manner. This e-auction not only ensures transparency but also serves as a guarantee of quality drinking water for our passengers. We remain committed to expanding such passenger-centric amenities in the future.

Protest held at Tarli Bridge in Handwara over garbage dumping

Kupwara, May 7:The residents of Waskhura and adjacent villages Thursday staged a strong protest near Tarli Bridge in Handwara against the Municipal Committee Handwara, alleging indiscriminate dumping of garbage in the area. The protest led to a temporary blockade of the road, disrupting traffic for a considerable time. Locals said the continuous dumping of waste near the bridge has created serious health and environmental hazards. Several domestic animals have died after consuming garbage dumped here. Today again, a cow died after eating waste, which is extremely distressing, said a protester Mohammad Rustam Dar of Waskhura. The residents said that they have repeatedly informed the Municipal Committee not to dump garbage at this site, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. This is affecting our daily lives, especially school children and pedestrians who pass through this route, said another protester. The protesters warned that they will intensify their agitation if immediate steps are not taken to shift the dumping site. We will not allow this practice to continue. Authorities must act before the situation worsens, they added. Later, a police team reached the spot and assured the protesters that their grievance would be taken up with the concerned authorities, following which the protesters dispersed peacefully and the traffic movement was restored on Handwara-Ramhall road.

Day 12: Search operation continues in Ganderbal to trace boy feared drowned in Nallah Sindh

Ganderbal, May 7: The search and rescue operation continued for the twelfth day on Thursday to trace a boy who is suspected to have drowned in Nallah Sindh in Ganderbal last month, officials said. They said teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), including personnel from SDRF Ganderbal, SDRF Gund and SDRF QRT Manasbal, along with Police and an additional rescue team from Srinagar, have been deployed for the operation. The missing boy has been identified as Muneer Ahmad Shah, son of Mehboob Shah, a resident of Wussan Bella. He is believed to have drowned in Nallah Sindh on April 26. Officials said search and rescue efforts are being carried out at multiple points along the river, with teams continuing operations to trace the missing boy.

3-year-old boy killed in Sopore accident, probe underway: Police

Sopore, May 7:A tragic road accident in the Gund Brath area of Sopore, in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Thursday claimed the life of a three-year-old child after he was allegedly hit by an Army vehicle, officials said. According to officials, the minor sustained critical injuries in the incident and was immediately rushed to Sub-District Hospital Sopore for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Zain (3), son of Aamir Hussain Tantray, a resident of Gund Brath, Sopore. Police officials said that soon after the incident, a case was registered at Police Station Sopore under FIR number 109, and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident. The incident has sparked grief in the locality, with residents expressing sorrow over the untimely death of the child. Meanwhile, police have assured that further investigation is underway and necessary legal proceedings have been taken up.

J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society honours MD JKSPDC

Srinagar, May 7:Essential Medical Supplies worth Rs 29 lakh were recently donated for children affected by Thalassemia by J&K State Power Development Corporation under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As per a press release, the medical supplies donated included essential medicines (Desferioxamine/Desferal), portable infusion pumps and other medical instruments needed for monitoring the thalassemic patients. Pump driven Desferioxamine (S/C) infusion remains a standard & effective treatment for iron chelation (removal of excess iron from the body) in Thalassemia. For this gesture, MD JKSPDC, Rahul Yadav was felicitated by J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society with a traditional shawl and memento at a simple yet graceful function. Present on this occasion were President JKTWS, Er. Sudhir Sethi, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Kaul, former Prof & Head Pathology Deptt. GMC Jammu and Medical Advisor JKTWS; Dr. Sanjeev Digra, Prof & Head Paediatric Deptt. SMGS Hospital, GMC Jammu & I/C Thalassemia Day Care Centre; executive members of JKTWS namely Rajinder Pathak, Shammi Kapoor, Narinder Mahajan, Puneet Gandotra and Sunandan Anand. Faculty and experts on the subject of thalassemia from medical institutions of North India besides faculty from Deptt. of Paediatrics GMC Jammu were also present. It is pertinent to mention that President JKTWS, Er. Sudhir Sethi had worked very hard for procurement of these essential medical supplies under CSR which are important for survival of Thalassemic children. Dr Kuldeep Kumar Kaul and Dr. Sanjiv Digra highlighted the important role of these iron chelating agents & medical instruments required for monitoring the disease in these children. J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society is doing its level best for the welfare of these affected children which include a series of blood donation camps on regular basis, comprehensive medical check-up camps twice a year, in which internationally reputed medical experts on thalassemia namely Dr. V.P. Choudhary, former Prof. & Head Haematology AIIMS New Delhi and Dr JS Arora, General Secretary National Thalassemia Society, examine these children, provide expert opinion on certain individual peculiar problems of both boys & girls that are seen when these children reach adolescent age. Lectures on prevention of thalassemia & selecting & preparing these children for stem cell transplant is also being done. In the end, Er. Sudhir Sethi, President JKTWS, on behalf of the Society, expressed his deepest gratitude to MD JKSPDC & other guest faculty of GMC Jammu and from outside J&K U.T.

Compassionate job fraud case: Court acquits 7 after 20 years trial

Srinagar, May 7: A court here has acquitted two brothers and five others that included revenue officials in a case of fraud registered by the Crime Branch in 2003 over alleged irregularities in compassionate appointments under SRO-43. Three of the accused had died during the course of trial that spanned for over 20 years. The Court of City Judge Tarun Mahajan acquitted the accused after coming to the conclusion that the prosecution failed to establish the involvement of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. This court is of the view that the prosecution has failed to connect the accused with the commission of crime, as under criminal law a person cannot be convicted unless the evidence produced conclusively proves involvement beyond reasonable doubt, the court said. After hearing Additional Public Prosecutor and counsel for the accused, Advocate Ishtiyaq Khan, the court in its decision noted that serious doubts had emerged in the prosecution case and reiterated that suspicion, however grave, could not substitute proof required for conviction. The prosecution case was based on the contention that one Irfan Ahmad was granted a government job under SRO-43 on November 22, 2002 by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar following the death of his mother in cross-firing at Hawal here on May 21, 1990. However, two of his brothers, Ishtiyaq Ahmad and Imtiyaz Ahmad, had already secured government jobs under the same provision on account of the same death, according to prosecution. Under SRO-43, only one member of a family is eligible for compassionate appointment. Moreover, the prosecution contended that the family had received ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh from the government. It alleged that the three brothers, in connivance with officials of the Deputy Commissioners office and with the help of fabricated documents and false witnesses, managed to secure three separate government jobs. The Crime Branch registered an FIR on October 25, 2003 under Sections 420, 468, 471 and 120-B of RPC and launched an investigation in the case. Following the investigation, the Crime Branch filed a chargesheet against Irfan Ahmad, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Ghulam Ahmad (deceased), then Patwari Abdul Rashid (deceased), then Girdawar Muhammad Yaseen, local residents Bashir Ahmad and Muhammad Bashir Khan (deceased). Khan was then in-charge Relief Section in the DC Office Srinagar. During the trial, the prosecution examined 29 witnesses, including revenue officials, Crime Branch personnel and forensic experts. However, the court found material contradictions in the testimonies and held that the evidence was insufficient to prove charges of forgery, cheating, criminal conspiracy or use of forged documents. Also, it transpired that Ishtiyaq Ahmad had been appointed four months prior to his mothers death.

J&K Police, J&K Bank sign addendum to MoU enhancing welfare, insurance benefits for police personnel, SPOs

Srinagar, May 7:J&K Police and J&K Bank signed a historic addendum to their 2023 MoU, boosting welfare for NoK of martyrs, serving personnel and SPOs, ensuring enhanced insurance cover, medical and education support. As per a press release, the addendum was signed by Nalin Prabhat, DGP, and Amitava Chatterjee, MD and CEO of J&K Bank, in the presence of senior officers of J&K Police and J&K Bank. Speaking on the occasion, the DGP stated that with 1,620 personnel laying down their lives, in the line of duty, over three decades, supporting their families is not a matter of policy but a matter of solemn duty. The addendum increases insurance cover, compensation, and support structures, with new provisions for critical medical needs, childrens education, and family responsibilities. Highlighting the enhanced health insurance cover facilitated by the Bank, the DGP noted that the provision ensures serious illness or injury does not become a financial burden on the families of those who serve. The DGP further said that the peace and stability witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir today has come at a tremendous cost borne by the brave personnel of the force. He reiterated that the leadership of J&K Police remains fully committed towards the welfare, dignity and future security of all police personnel and SPOs serving in difficult operational conditions. He also directed all field formations and senior officers to ensure effective dissemination of information regarding the enhanced benefits among all ranks. There can be no better institution than J&K Bank to lead this initiative and ensure that the families left behind by our martyrs are cared for with dignity and security. I express gratitude to J&K Bank for steady support and am hopeful we will continue to nourish this relationship., he added. Speaking on the occasion, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, J&K Bank shares a long-standing relationship with J&K Police, an institution that has played a key role in maintaining peace, law and order, and public safety in Jammu & Kashmir. Todays addendum to the MoU reflects our continued commitment towards the welfare and financial security of police personnel, SPOs and their families. He added that the peace and normalcy in Jammu & Kashmir has come through the sacrifices of J&K Police personnel and their families. He also appreciated the support extended by J&K Police to the Bank in tackling cyber frauds and digital financial crimes linked to online banking channels. In his remarks on the occasion, ADG-P Manish K Sinha also commended the role of the Bank saying, Like J&K Police, J&K Bank too has been playing a transformative role in the financial domain by powering the engines of the J&K economy. In this backdrop, two of Jammu & Kashmirs most vital institutions have come together to further strengthen the financial security and welfare ecosystem for the brave personnel and families who have contributed immensely towards ensuring peace and stability in this part of the world. Earlier, General Manager Rakesh Magotra gave detailed presentation on the Banks enhanced welfare framework devised for the police personnel and their families. SJM Gillani, SDG-P Coordination, Ashutosh Sareen, CGM J&K Bank were present among other senior Police and JK Bank officers on the occasion. Various unit heads of the J&K Police joined the ceremony virtually. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the DIG HQ JS Johar. The programme was conducted by DSP Welfare Anjana. On this occasion J&K Bank MD & CEO presented a cheque of Rs. 30 lakh to the DGP J&K under CSR funding for transformation of Police Public School classes into smart classes.

When spring looks like snow

The past few days have transformed parts of Srinagars Boulevard into a scene that looks deceptively like snowfall in the middle of spring. Thick clouds of white, cotton-like material drifting through the air have gone viral on social media, drawing curiosity as well as concern. This striking phenomenon is caused by the seasonal dispersal of seed hair from Populus deltoides , commonly known as Russian poplarnow at its peak across the Kashmir Valley. While visually dramatic, this annual event has once again reignited the long-standing debate: is this spring snow truly responsible for the surge in allergies, or is the reality more complex than it appears? Not surprisingly, this visible surge coincides with an increase in complaints of sneezing, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and breathing discomfort. The immediate and popular assumption is that the white fluff itself is responsible for triggering allergies. However, scientific understanding presents a more measured view. The floating material is not pollen but seed hair, and in itself it is non-allergenic. Its significance lies in its ability to act as a carrier, trapping and dispersing other airborne particles such as grass pollen, fungal spores, and dust, which are the actual contributors to most seasonal allergic reactions. Even when considering the pollen of Populus deltoides , its direct role in severe respiratory illness appears limited. The pollen grains are relatively large and tend to deposit in the upper respiratory tract, leading primarily to irritation of the nose and eyes rather than serious lower airway involvement. Clinical observations from Kashmir have consistently shown that most patients are not exclusively sensitive to poplar; instead, they exhibit polysensitisation to a range of aeroallergens that peak during the same spring period. This does not mean that the current situation should be dismissed. The sheer volume of seed hair, particularly in areas where female poplar trees have been extensively planted, creates a sense of environmental discomfort and can aggravate symptoms in already susceptible individuals. The visual intensity of the phenomenon, combined with simultaneous exposure to multiple allergens, amplifies public concern and often leads to a simplified attribution of blame. At the same time, Populus deltoides holds considerable economic and ecological value in Kashmir. Introduced as a fast-growing species, it has become integral to the timber economy, supporting plywood industries, fruit packaging, and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Calls for indiscriminate or large-scale felling of these trees, which tend to surface every year during this season, risk undermining both ecological balance and economic stability. A more rational approach lies in targeted and evidence-based management. This includes limiting the plantation of female poplar trees in densely populated areas, adopting timely pruning practices to reduce seed dispersal, and promoting the use of male clones that do not produce cotton-like fluff. Equally important is strengthening public awareness so that visible phenomena are not automatically equated with primary causes of disease. The scenes currently witnessed along the Boulevard may be dramatic, but they do not fully capture the complexity of seasonal allergies in the Valley. The snow-like seed hair is a conspicuous marker of the season, not necessarily its principal health hazard. Addressing the issue effectively requires moving beyond perception to sciencerecognising that seasonal allergies arise from a combination of environmental factors, and that their management demands balanced, informed, and sustainable interventions. Dr. Humera Gulzar, Researcher Regional Research Institute in Unani Medicine, Srinagar

What the Private Universities Bill means for J&K

When the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed the Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Bill 2026, it marked a significant moment for higher education in J&K. The law aims to tackle the growing gap between the rising demand for quality learning and the limited number of options available in our Union Territory. As the youths ambitions grow faster than the infrastructure can keep up, this measure could be a crucial step hopefully. For years, public universities like the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu have been at the center of higher education here. While these institutions have played an important role since their inception, the increasing number of students and their varied career goals have revealed flaws in our system. Every year, thousands of students leave the Jammu & Kashmir in pursuit of better educational opportunities which is a trend this new legislation hopes to address. The Bill intends to allow private groups to take part in higher education while keeping a firm hold on regulations as stated. It sets rules to establish, form, and manage private universities promising to deliver good education and safeguard students rights in J&K. Its real importance lies in balancing growth with rules and foolproof oversight. A key strength of the legislation will be its focus on enforcing accountability. Instead of the unchecked growth seen in various regions of the country before, this law demands that sponsoring organizations meet tough standards. These include proof of financial health, proper facilities, and strong quality academic backgrounds. A significant step is the plan to set up a specific regulatory body. This authority will have the role of making sure rules are followed, academic quality stays strong, and issues are addressed. These areas are often weak spots in how higher education is managed in the country. If done, this system might stop education from turning into a profit-driven industry, which critics frequently worry about when private companies get involved in the education sector. The Bill aims to balance private investments with promoting social fairness and it includes steps like setting aside some seats for local residents requiring scholarships, and banning capitation fees. These measures show an excellent push to make private education more inclusive and less exclusive. This matters a lot in Jammu & Kashmir where economic differences and regional divides are still delicate issues. No doubt, the Bill holds a lot of potential to develop J&K. Bringing in well-known institutions or even foreign universities could turn this area into a center for education. This kind of growth might create jobs, boost local economy, and build a system focused on knowledge. The government thinks this step will not only improve educational facilities but also build a stronger culture of research and innovation. Still, hope needs balancing with care. Allowing private universities isnt a perfect solution if not taken care of properly. From what happened in other states of the country, we see how private colleges can sometimes prioritize making money over maintaining academic standards; if strict rules & proper execution are missing. Jammu & Kashmir has to work hard to make sure education stays available to everyone and doesnt turn into something the wealthy class can afford. Theres also a risk that private universities, while offering new ideas and better facilities, could overshadow public institutions. This might lead to less focus on public universities available in Jammu & Kashmir. Places like the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu need consistent support and updates because they continue to be key in providing affordable higher education in our union territory. The Bills success will rely more on how it is carried out than the specific details written in it. Independent operations of regulatory bodies are key to success. Approvals should stay clear and open & any kind of pressure should not water down academic quality. Promises like scholarships, local reservations, and clarity on fees need to happen. They cannot just sit in policy paperwork. Another aspect to think about is the cultural angle. In Jammu & Kashmir, people have long viewed education not just as a way to get jobs but as a path to rise in society and grow in knowledge hence the private universities must respect this idea and support Jammu & Kashmirs social and intellectual growth. They should not act like detached companies focused on profits. However, this Bill is not just about universities; its about creating opportunities. It shows a move away from a government-controlled system toward a broader, more varied education setup. It must be made sure to keep local talent rely less on institutions outside the state, and make Jammu & Kashmir a place students want to study, not leave outside. It is to be seen now that will private universities in Jammu & Kashmir turn into hubs of excellence, or will they repeat the common issues found in other places? Will strong regulation be allowed to operate freely. How these questions are answered will decide if this law becomes a turning point in the J&Ks education system; or if it ends up as just another reform that fails to deliver? Right now, the Bill looks like a daring move. It holds great potential but also comes with serious accountability. Tahir Majeed, previously a lawyer by profession, has made significant contributions to promoting border tourism in the Kashmir Valley.

India must leverage its digital verification architecture to evolve into a trust-based economy

India faces a low-trust economy with high friction, exemplified by complex KYC norms. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted this issue. The nation must shift towards a trust-based system by rewarding responsible conduct. Leveraging digital infrastructure like Aadhaar and UPI offers a path to reduce friction and build trust. This transition aims to create a transparent, rules-based economy.

How Kashmirs Housing Revolution Became Its Next Catastrophe

There is a paradox embedded in the walls of Kashmirs newer homes. A homeowner in Shopian or Baramulla who has invested in reinforced concrete (RC) construction believes, reasonably enough, that he has traded the fragile past for a durable future. The poured slab, the steel rebar, the formwork grid, these read as the grammar of modernity. What he cannot see, and what no government communication has told him, is that he may have purchased, at considerable personal cost, a more catastrophic mode of failure. The 2005 earthquake, a magnitude 7.6 event that killed over 73,000 people, offered a grim empirical lesson. The structures that pancaked, that crushed their occupants in the progressive vertical collapse now familiar to earthquake engineers, were overwhelmingly of modern masonry or under-detailed concrete. The structures that bent and swayed and held were, in disproportionate numbers, the old ones: the timber-laced walls, the patchwork-quilt frames, the buildings that the valley had spent centuries learning how to build. Kashmir sits in Seismic Zone V, the highest designation in the Indian hazard classification. It is also a landscape of extraordinary hydrological instability, where glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) from the warming Third Pole add a category of risk that most structural codes do not yet formally address. And it is, by altitude and latitude, a place where buildings must bear snow loads exceeding 2.5 kN/m while enduring the mechanical assault of repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Against this convergence of hazards, the regions dominant construction trajectory, RC frames, often built without engineered detailing, looks less like progress than like a slow-motion policy failure. The question is no longer whether the inherited vernacular systems were structurally superior. The evidence on that point is settled. The question is why, knowing this, the formal regulatory apparatus continues to effectively prohibit their use. The Hazard Stack: What Kashmiri buildings must survive Seismic Seismic Zone V, highest designation; ground acceleration equivalent to Mw 7.5+ events documented historically. Glacial GLOF risk from Third Pole lake formation; peak discharge can exceed monsoon flood levels by orders of magnitude. Structural Snow loads exceeding 2.5 kN/m combined with unengineered concrete floors , documented cause of soft-storey collapse. The Engineering of Elasticity The two dominant vernacular systems of the Kashmir Division, Taq and Dhajji Dewari, were not the products of aesthetic tradition or cultural sentiment. They were the products of empirical engineering, accumulated through centuries of seismic feedback in one of the worlds most geologically active mountain belts. Taq construction employs horizontal timber runners embedded within brick masonry at regular vertical intervals. Structurally, these runners behave as what engineers call fuses, elements designed to yield before the whole system fails, redistributing lateral seismic loads across the wall plane and preventing the sudden, total loss of structural integrity. The timber absorbs energy; the masonry remains standing. It is a philosophy of controlled deformation, not rigid resistance. Dhajji Dewari, literally patchwork quilt wall, takes this logic further. Its timber-frame structure with masonry infill panels is structurally analogous to the high-ductility systems employed in Japans most earthquake-resistant contemporary buildings, and to the traditional timber-frame construction that helped certain neighbourhoods in Turkeys historic earthquake zones survive events that destroyed their modern neighbours. Dhajji walls absorb ground acceleration through friction at the timber-masonry interface and micro-movement within the frame. They do not resist earthquakes. They negotiate with them. The distinction matters enormously in practice. RC structures resist until they fail catastrophically. Taq and Dhajji Dewari degrade gracefully, cracking and deforming in ways that are visible, repairable, and survivable. In the vocabulary of contemporary earthquake engineering, they are inherently ductile. The tragedy is that the vocabulary to describe them formally, the standardised engineering values, the code clauses, the approved design parameters, does not yet exist in Indian building regulation. The Regulatory Void The failure to institutionalise these systems is not, fundamentally, a technical problem. It is a regulatory one, and it operates through several interlocking mechanisms that together constitute what might be called an architectural exclusion zone. The Bureau of Indian Standards codes and the National Building Code, as currently constituted, contain no clause-level recognition for hybrid timber-masonry systems in high-altitude seismic environments. This is not a minor omission. Without standardised engineering values, permissible stresses, ductility ratios, connection detailing, municipal building authorities cannot legally approve designs that incorporate these systems. A homeowner who wants to build in Taq, or an engineer who wants to specify Dhajji Dewari, confronts a bureaucratic wall: the system exists, is proven, and is formally invisible. The approved alternative is RC. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) compounds this through a definitional sleight of hand. The scheme mandates locally appropriate construction, an admirable principle, but operationalises it through the administrative category of pucca (permanent) housing, which has been effectively conflated with concrete in field implementation. Traditional materials, lime mortar, dressed stone, structural timber, are thus excluded from the government credit subsidies that increasingly determine construction choices for the rural poor. The policy designed to improve housing quality penalises the materials best suited to providing it. The third mechanism is time. The design intelligence embedded in these vernacular systems does not reside in any textbook. It is held in the bodies and minds of ustads , master craftspeople, whose knowledge of timber joinery, load distribution through masonry, and the behavioural properties of local stone was acquired through decades of practice and transmission. This population is aging, and their apprentices are training in RC because that is where the market is. Researchers who have documented this knowledge gap estimate a terminal window of fifteen to twenty years before the empirical engineering of the Himalayas becomes, in any practical sense, irrecoverable. Policy Analysis The cryospheric dimension If seismic risk represents the acute hazard that Kashmirs building stock is failing to address, the glacier threat represents the slow-moving one, slower, that is, in its development, but no less sudden in its arrival. The warming of the Third Pole has accelerated the formation of proglacial lakes across the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. When moraine dams fail, a process that can occur with very little warning, the resulting glacial lake outburst floods travel as high-energy debris-laden flows with discharge rates that can exceed standard monsoon flood levels by several orders of magnitude. The 2014 floods in the Jhelum basin, while not a GLOF event, offered a preview of the hydrological exposure that current planning ignores. Infrastructure sited in the run-out corridors of potential GLOF paths sustained damage that the World Bank estimated at nearly Contemporary RC construction in the valley characteristically employs ground-level floor plates with no plinth elevation, and solid perimeter walls that present maximum resistance to lateral water flow. In a GLOF scenario, or in an unusually severe Jhelum flood, these design choices are not merely suboptimal. They are lethal multipliers. What vernacular architecture already solved Floods Raised stone plinths and open ground floors allowed floodwater to pass through structures rather than destroying them. Thermal Traditional timber-and-earth construction requires one-third the energy to heat compared to equivalent RC structures at altitude. Seismic Taq and Dhajji systems dissipate seismic energy through controlled deformation, no documented pancake collapses in traditional stock. The Performance Paradox The concept of a performance paradox is useful here. Kashmir is not merely failing to build resilient infrastructure; it is actively subsidising the construction of future liabilities. Every RC building that rises without ductile detailing, every ground-floor plate sited in a flood corridor, every ustad who retires without a trained successor represents a compounding of public risk, risk that will be socialised through disaster relief, reconstruction loans, and human casualty when the next Mw 7.5 event or GLOF arrives. The policy response required is, in outline, not technically complex. It requires, first, the codification of vernacular structural systems into BIS standards, a process that would involve systematic documentation of existing Taq and Dhajji Dewari structures, material testing, and the development of design guidelines that allow engineers to incorporate these systems in formally approved drawings. Several analogous processes have been completed for other traditional construction typologies internationally, including adobe construction in Peru and rammed-earth construction in parts of Europe. It requires, second, the revision of PMAYs pucca definition to encompass traditional materials that demonstrably meet structural performance standards, a change that would require coordination between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the relevant state-level housing authorities, but no fundamental legislative action. It requires, third, an emergency programme of knowledge documentation and transmission: the systematic recording of ustads techniques, the establishment of training pathways in hybrid construction (combining seismic-grade steel connections with traditional materials), and the integration of vernacular building knowledge into the curricula of regional engineering and architecture programmes. And it requires, finally, GIS-based multi-hazard mapping to be made a prerequisite for building approvals in GLOF corridors and landslide run-out zones, a measure for which the technical infrastructure largely exists, and which is absent from current planning frameworks as a binding instrument rather than an advisory one. None of this is architecturally exotic. All of it is administratively tractable. What it lacks, at present, is the political and bureaucratic will to treat the loss of traditional building knowledge as the emergency it is, not a cultural loss to be mourned in retrospect, but a structural vulnerability, accumulating in real time, in every valley of the Himalayas. Conclusion If the regulatory gap is not bridged, the next major seismic or cryospheric event in the Himalayas will not be a natural disaster. It will be a failure of policy. Areeka Mir, Research Associate, National Economic Forum, New Delhi

Indias next data centre race will be won on speed, scale and sustainability

India is set for a digital infrastructure boom. Data centre capacity will surge by 2030. New hubs are emerging beyond Mumbai and Chennai. Computing power demands are reshaping data centre design, requiring liquid cooling and advanced electrical systems. Speed of delivery and sustainable practices will be key.

Bear attacks put Kashmir villages on alert

Srinagar, May 7:As Kashmir moves through late spring and approaches summer, Himalayan black bears are increasingly entering villages and orchards across the Valley. Three people were injured in separate bear attacks in Ganderbal, Kupwara and Baramulla districts over the past four days, officials said. Wildlife officials said bears move closer to habitations during late spring and early summer in search of food and cover. Villagers in parts of north Kashmir said fear has spread after repeated bear sightings and attacks near orchards and residential areas. We are living in fear now. People avoid going to orchards alone, especially in the morning and evening, said Ghulam Muhammad, a resident of Kupwara district. Children and the elderly are the most scared. The latest incident took place on May 6. Zahida Begum, 32, was attacked by a bear in the Gund Aku forest area of Ganderbal district, officials said. She was shifted to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, where she is undergoing treatment. A day earlier, Hameeda Begum, 32, was injured in a bear attack in the Puthwari Nowgam forest area of Lawoosa in Kupwara district. She is being treated at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar. On May 3, Mudasir Ahmad Chanieja was injured in a bear attack in the Gulistan Bala area of Sheeri Narvaw in Baramulla district. Officials said Chanieja had gone to the Gawas Budun area with livestock when a bear attacked him around 9 a.m. He is undergoing treatment at GMC Baramulla. Several bear attacks were also reported in April. Wildlife officials also trapped dozens of bears using cages in vulnerable areas. On April 20, Jalil Ahmad Khan was injured in a bear attack in the Hakapathri area of Pahlipora-Boniyar in Baramulla district. On April 8, two persons were injured in a bear attack in the Madian area of Kamalkote in Uri. Wildlife officials said the beginning of the fruiting season draws bears closer to orchards and villages. Khurshid Ahmad Shah, head of the Wildlife Protection Department at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), said such incidents increase during this period. Yes, of course they are on the rise. But as far as the pattern of incidents is concerned, it is marginally very low in summers except in some areas, Shah said. Suhail Intesar, wildlife warden for north Kashmir, said apricots had started ripening while thick vegetation gives bears cover while moving through orchards. This season marks the beginning of fruiting, Intesar said. As grasses and foliage become denser, bears get better cover to move around orchards. Intesar said climate change was also affecting bear movement. The delayed snowfall in lower areas during winters means they can postpone or even skip hibernation altogether, he said. They may stay active throughout the winter in residential areas. He also said poor waste management and stray dogs attract bears to populated areas. In autumn, leftover apples in orchards feed these bears. So, these bears can now be seen roaming in habitations in all seasons -autumn, winter, spring and even summer, Intesar said. Another wildlife official blamed unattended household and kitchen waste for drawing bears into residential areas. We can see waste scattered across wastelands and private land in areas where bears are roaming, the official said. If they get shelter and food here, why would they return to the forests? The official said the department had increased surveillance and was using cameras and drones to monitor bear movement.

Veer Hygam tourism assets in ruins as HNTDA continues to function without staff

Baramulla, May 7: Tourism infrastructure developed at Veer Hygam in north Kashmirs Sopore area is falling into disrepair as the Hygam Ningli Tarzoo Development Authority (HNTDA) continues to operate without a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or dedicated staff. The authority was established by the government to promote tourism and recreational activities along the wetlands and Jhelum banks while creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for the local fishing community. However, several years after its formation, HNTDA is yet to become fully functional. At present, the additional charge of CEO HNTDA is being held by the Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA). Locals and officials said the absence of permanent staff and proper monitoring has resulted in neglect of infrastructure developed at Veer Hygam, an emerging tourist destination near Sopore. Recently, a local resident shared a video on social media highlighting the deteriorating condition of government buildings at the site, alleging that the structures had become a refuge for drug addicts due to lack of maintenance and security. The video showed damaged infrastructure, littered rooms and the presence of bottles, tablets and syringes inside the buildings. The department developed this area as a tourist destination, but there is no proper watch and ward, the resident said in the video. Officials said no permanent manpower was provided to HNTDA after its constitution. The assets have been looked after by GDA since last year, but there is no dedicated staff available, an official said. He said the government had not shown adequate interest in strengthening the project and several structures at the site had deteriorated over time. The official also said casual labourers engaged for maintenance were brought from south Kashmir instead of hiring locals. A demand for permanent staff in HNTDA has been pending for a long time, but nothing has been done so far, he said. Chief Executive Officer, GDA, Tariq Hussain, who is also holding additional charge of HNTDA, said efforts were being made to restore and maintain the assets. We have renovated one building so that chowkidars can remain stationed there for protection of the assets, he said. Hussain said renovation work had been carried out on buildings and other infrastructure at Veer Hygam and added that the assets would soon be outsourced. Once outsourced, the spot has the potential to become a major facilitation centre for tourists, he said.

A year after Operation Sindoor, Forces bolster underground warfare, air defence systems

Srinagar, May 7: One year after Operation Sindoor, the armed forces have intensified efforts to strengthen underground military infrastructure and enhance the countrys air defence network, drawing key lessons from the operation and evolving global conflicts. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 last year, involved precision strikes on terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, followed by four days of military hostilities between the two countries. Since then, the armed forces have focused on improving operational readiness, survivability and battlefield coordination through strategic reforms, including the development of underground command centres, expansion of drone warfare capabilities and integration of advanced air defence systems. Defence sources said one of the major priorities after the operation has been the construction of large-scale underground infrastructure aimed at safeguarding personnel, equipment and command systems during future conflicts. The initiative includes the development of underground command and control centres starting from Army Command and Corps Headquarters and later extending to divisional and lower formations. These facilities are expected to be equipped with advanced C4I2SR systems Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Information, Surveillance and Reconnaissance enabling secure real-time coordination among the Army, Air Force and Navy. Sources said the underground facilities would ensure continuity of military operations even during missile strikes or active warfare. The military is also constructing underground medical units, ammunition depots, fuel and ration storage facilities, and long-term habitation bunkers in forward and strategic depth areas along the borders. According to sources, the armed forces are additionally exploring the use of 3D-printed bunkers that can be rapidly constructed, relocated and reinforced based on operational requirements. Several airfields, particularly those located near border regions, have also been opened for civilian use to improve strategic flexibility and infrastructure utilisation. Another major lesson from Operation Sindoor was the increasing threat posed by low-cost drones and swarm attacks. The Army is simultaneously expanding the capabilities of its indigenous Akashteer air defence system. Akashteer is an automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System integrated with the Indian Air Forces Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Navys TRIGUN network to provide a unified real-time battlefield picture.

Rs 3 lakh is not enough: Uri families seek aid to rebuild homes

Baramulla, May 7:On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, several families in Uri area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district have appealed to the government for adequate financial assistance to rebuild their homes damaged in cross-border shelling last year. Several houses and shops suffered extensive damage after shells fired from across the border hit multiple structures, particularly in the Salamabad and Lagama areas of Uri. Talib Hussain, a labourer from Salamabad, recalled the night when a shell struck his house, causing severe damage to the structure. Since then, he and his family have been living in accommodation provided at the Salamabad Trade Centre. Hussain said they have been unable to rebuild their house even after one year due to financial constraints. The government provided us Rs 3 lakh, but it is not enough to rebuild a house, he said. He added that the hilly terrain of the area has further increased construction expenses. We have already spent more than Rs 2 lakh on headload charges because vehicles cannot reach our area, he said. Hussain said the destruction of his house has pushed the family into prolonged hardship and uncertainty. Similar concerns were raised by another resident, Arifa, whose house was also extensively damaged during the shelling. Recalling the incident, Arifa said that around 3 am, a shell hit their house, causing massive damage. As we ran for safety, another shell exploded in the neighbourhood and splinters struck my leg, arm and chest, she said. Although she survived, Arifa said the physical scars of the incident still remain. The biggest loss was our home. We are still living in government accommodation, but we do not know when we will be able to rebuild our house and return to normal life, she said. The affected families appealed to the authorities to provide sufficient financial assistance to help them reconstruct their homes and restart their lives.

Traffic diverted on Narbal-Wadwan road for 15 days after bridge damage

Budgam, May 07: Authorities in central Kashmirs Budgam district have ordered diversion and restriction of vehicular traffic on the Narbal-Wadwan road after damage to the approach slab of a bridge near the playground at Narbal, officials said. According to an order issued by Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate 1st Class Narbal, Umer Bashir, the damaged portion of the bridge was found unsafe for smooth vehicular movement and posed a threat to public safety. The order, according to Kashmir Dot Com, said the Assistant Executive Engineer, R&B Sub Division Beerwah, had informed the administration that the deteriorated condition of the approach slab could lead to untoward incidents if immediate preventive measures were not taken. In the interest of public safety and convenience, movement of vehicular traffic over the bridge near Playground Narbal shall remain restricted/diverted via YarigundKawoosa NTR with immediate effect for a period of 15 days, the order reads. The restriction will remain in force till May 23, 2026, or until restoration work is completed and the bridge is declared safe by the concerned engineering authorities. Officials said the R&B department has been directed to install barricades, warning signboards and other safety measures at the site, while police and traffic authorities have been asked to regulate traffic and ensure smooth diversion in the area. (KDC)

Fire breaks out in forested area in Baramulla, triggers panic among locals

DIG Railways reviews security preparedness in Kashmir, commends police for Vande Bharat protection

Srinagar, May 07: Deputy Inspector General of Police, Railways, Zahid Naseem Manhas conducted a comprehensive security review during an official visit to the Railway Police Kashmir Zonal Headquarters today. Upon his arrival, the DIG was received with a formal Guard of Honour by a contingent of the Kashmir Railway Police, followed by a high-level security review meeting to evaluate the operational readiness and safety protocols across the regional railway network. During the session, Manhas emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a foolproof security blanket over the Kashmir Railway corridor, particularly in light of the anticipated increase in activity during the upcoming season. He took the opportunity to formally congratulate the rank and file of the Kashmir Railway Police for their exemplary performance in securing the Vande Bharat project, noting that the successful and incident-free operation of the prestigious train service remains a significant achievement for the force. To further strengthen the security grid, the DIG advised on enhancing the frequency of multi-agency mock drills and strictly adhering to established security and contingency plans. Earlier, SSP Railways Kashmir, Wasim Qadri, briefed the officer regarding the current train traffic and footfall, the management of parcel and freight trains, and the specific challenges and shortcomings faced by the force. The visit concluded with a commitment to proactive vigilance to ensure the continued safety of the region's vital transport infrastructure.

India to host key BRICS ministerial meet amid global security and energy concerns

New Delhi, May 07: Foreign ministers from Russia, Egypt, South Africa and several other member nations have confirmed their participation in a high-level BRICS ministerial meeting to be hosted by India on May 1415. The meeting is expected to deliberate on the evolving security situation in the Middle East, the deepening global energy crisis and a range of other pressing international issues. So far, representatives from Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt and Ethiopia have confirmed their attendance, while other member countries are also expected to participate in the crucial gathering. The meeting will be chaired by Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi is likely to lead Tehrans delegation. Mr. Jaishankar recently held telephonic talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and invited him to attend the meeting. However, Tehran has not yet officially confirmed Araghchis participation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also expected to skip the meeting due to the scheduled visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing. China is, however, expected to be represented by a deputy foreign minister. The ministerial meet is likely to mark the first occasion on which officials from Iran and the United Arab Emirates will come face to face since the outbreak of the Iran conflict on February 28. India has extended invitations to all BRICS member states for what officials describe as an important diplomatic engagement. India is chairing BRICS this year and will host the ministerial meeting ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled for September. BRICS serves as a major platform for consultation and cooperation on global political, economic and security issues. The grouping currently comprises 11 countries Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on regional stability, disruptions in global oil supply chains, maritime security, terrorism, food security and rising geopolitical tensions affecting the global economy. Participating nations are also likely to discuss strengthening multilateral cooperation and exploring coordinated measures to address emerging international challenges.

ACB books KAS officer in disproportionate assets case

Srinagar, May 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau on Thursday registered a Disproportionate Assets case against a Chief Accounts Officer over allegations of acquiring assets worth crores beyond his known sources of income, officials said. In a statement issued to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case against Zafar Iqbal-KAS, Chief Accounts Officer, S/O Mir Hussain R/O Gursai, Mendhar, Poonch, residing at Bathindi, Jammu and presently posted in the office of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, Srinagar. He said, the case was registered following a Secret Verification conducted by the ACB into allegations that the accused public servant had accumulated huge assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Verification revealed that while serving at different postings, the accused allegedly abused his official position and acquired assets worth crores of rupees in his own name as well as in the names of his family members and relatives. The spokesperson said, on the basis of the verification, a prima facie case of criminal misconduct was established against the accused, who was then serving as Treasury Officer, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu and is presently posted as Chief Accounts Officer in the office of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Srinagar. Accordingly, FIR No. 06/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Central, Jammu under Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and investigation was taken up. During the course of investigation, search warrants were obtained from the Honble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu, he said. Subsequently, searches were conducted by ACB teams at the residential premises of the accused at Bathindi, Jammu and Gursai, Mendhar, Poonch, besides his official residence at Sanat Nagar, Srinagar. During the searches, incriminating documents related to movable and immovable properties were recovered and seized. Further investigation in the case is in progress.

Srinagar Police attach properties worth over Rs 2 cr of notorious drug peddlers

Srinagar, May 07: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police has attached immovable properties worth over Rs 2 crore belonging to notorious drug peddlers in the Chanapora and Qamarwari areas of Srinagar. Police officials said that Police Station Chanapora attached a double-storey residential house with attic worth approximately Rs 1 crore belonging to accused Huzaif Shabir Dar S/o Shabir Ahmad Dar R/o Budshahnagar Chanapora, involved in FIR No. 01/2024 registered under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chanapora. During the course of investigation, it was conclusively established that the said property had been acquired through illicit proceeds generated from drug trafficking. Accordingly, the property was attached under the provisions of Section 68-F of the NDPS Act. The attachment proceedings were carried out strictly in accordance with due legal procedure and in the presence of independent witnesses. As per the attachment order, the owner has been prohibited from selling, leasing, transferring, or creating any third-party interest in the property until further orders. In another significant action, Police Post Qamarwari attached a double-storey residential house belonging to notorious drug peddler Basit Ahmad Baba @ Aikan S/o Mohd Yousuf Baba R/o Barthana, Qamarwari under the provisions of Section 68(F)(1) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The said immovable property, recorded in the name of his father Mohd Yousuf Baba S/o Ghulam Ahmad Baba, falls under Khasra No. 100 and has an estimated market value of more than Rs 1 crore. The action forms part of Srinagar Polices continued efforts to dismantle the financial networks of drug peddlers by targeting assets acquired through illicit narcotics trade. Srinagar Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drug abuse and trafficking by taking stringent legal action not only against offenders but also against properties and assets generated through illegal drug trade. They appealed general public to cooperate with police and share information related to drug peddling and substance abuse to help build a safer and drug-free society.

No infighting in NC, provincial meet a routine affair : Tanvir Sadiq

SC will deliver justice if row over 'malpractices' in Bengal polls reaches there: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, May 07: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice if the controversy surrounding alleged malpractices in the West Bengal polls reaches the apex court of the country. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the party's provincial committee, Abdullah said everyone is raising questions over the poll results. Mamata (Banerjee) is raising questions, Akhilesh (Yadav) is raising questions, everyone is raising questions (on the poll results). I hope they will take this to the Supreme Court and that the Supreme Court will deliver justice on it, the NC chief said. To a question over the unity in the opposition's India bloc, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, India bloc is always operative, it will continue to operate. On the party's meeting, he said several issues, including how to strengthen the party, were discussed. Meanwhile, NC's chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said the meeting of the provincial committee of the party takes place every month and discusses party affairs. Discussions took place over party affairs, developmental works and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sadiq told reporters. Asked if the cabinet expansion was discussed in the meeting, he said it was not the proper forum as cabinet expansion is the prerogative of the chief minister. The CM will take a call on it when he deems fit. The meeting discussed party affairs, what MLAs think and what the situation is, Sadiq added.

J-K admin seeks FIR against Kashmiri Pandit leader for Facebook comment on relief commissioner

Jammu, May 07: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has written to the police, seeking the registration of an FIR against a Kashmiri displaced persons' leader for making allegations of illegal allotment and accepting bribes against the relief commissioner in a Facebook comment. According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Jammu, he was allegedly instigating people against the Special Relief Ration Scheme notified by the government and encouraging them to resort to violence and create public disorder. The communication was addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu. Sunil Bhat, it said, made the allegations in the comment section of a video posted by Valley Express News on social media. It has come to the notice of this office that one Sunil Bhat has posted a derogatory comment on Facebook social media site on the video post of Valley Express News, wherein he has mentioned that Relief Commissioner has made illegal allotment of shops and received bribe for allotments. The comments of Sunil Bhat have tarnished the image of relief organisation in general and relief and rehabilitation commissioner in particular, the letter said. The communication further alleged that through his social media activity and other sources, Bhat was instigating people against the Special Relief Ration Scheme notified by the government and encouraging them to resort to violence and create public disorder. As such, I am directed to kindly immediately lodge an FIR against Sh. Sunil Bhat, the letter issued by Assistant Commissioner (Relief) Kailash Devi said. The administration maintained that the allotment of shops at Jagti migrant camp was carried out in a transparent manner on the recommendations of a committee of senior officers. It also said that the department was open to any inquiry or investigation by any government agency into the allotment process and would cooperate fully. On Wednesday, displaced Kashmiri Pandits protested here against the Jammu and Kashmir administrations move to integrate their relief rations into the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Minor clashes broke out between demonstrators and police as they attempted to march towards the Relief Commissioners office. Community leaders described NFSA as a black law and a trap for Kashmiri Pandits, alleging that its implementation would dilute their distinct identity as displaced persons and affect their rehabilitation rights.

No infighting in NC, provincial meet a routine affair: Tanvir Sadiq

Srinagar, May 07: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq on Thursday dismissed rumors of dissent within the party, asserting that the recent provincial meeting was a routine organizational affair. Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) after the Kashmir province meeting, MLA Sadiq clarified that such gatherings occur monthly. He described this particular meeting as significant, being the first since the shifting of the Darbar Move. Discussions were held on organizational aspects and ongoing development work. The way the chief minister Omar Abdullah-led government has laid the foundation of development in J&K, especially in the Kashmir valley, was reviewed, MLA Sadiq said. He rejected claims that MLAs are upset with the party leadership, terming them a umor spread by opponents. Not a single NC member or worker is upset. Our opponents are either scared or have nothing else to do but spread rumors. The NC is strong and will fulfill its promises, he stated. MLA Sadiq clarified that the meeting was not a forum to discuss cabinet expansion, reiterating that it is he chief minister's prerogative. He affirmed that all party MLAs remain united and that no Indian party would be able to lure them away.

INDIA bloc united despite poll setbacks, no signs of cracks: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, May 07: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday asserted that the opposition INDIA bloc remains fully united, dismissing suggestions of any cracks following the recent electoral setbacks. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the partys highest decision-making body has held detailed deliberations on strengthening inter-party coordination within the alliance and reviewing major political developments. We are together. There is no division in the INDIA bloc, Dr Abdullah said. He also raised strong concerns over alleged electoral malpractices, accusing certain quarters of vote theft. Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed hope that the matter would eventually reach the Supreme Court for a fair and transparent verdict. (KNS)

Saumitra P. Srivastava, Director (Marketing), IOCL speaks on training campaign to prevent fire incidents

Media Studies HoD at Amar Singh College relieved after harassment allegation

Srinaga:Authorities on Thursday removed the Head of the Department of Media Studies at Amar Singh College following an alleged harassment complaint filed by a student. Top officials of Higher Education Department informed that HoD, Department of Media Studies had been disassociated from all academic affairs of the Department with immediate effect, pending the outcome of []

We hope Supreme Court will do justice, says Farooq Abdullah on WB poll results controversy

Farooq Abdullah chairs meeting of NC provincial committee

Srinagar, May 7: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday chaired a meeting of the party's provincial committee to deliberate on current issues facing Jammu and Kashmir. Chief minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the vice president of the party, is also present in the meeting, a party leader said. He said ministers and MLAs are also attending the provincial committee meeting. The meeting will discuss various issues, including party affairs, government functioning, and other public issues, the leader said. The NC leader added that party leaders and MLAs will give feedback to the party president on various issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Students, parents stage protest in Shopian, demand reopening of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom

3-year-old dies in Sopore accident, probe launched: Police

Sopore, May 07: A three-year-old boy was killed after being allegedly hit an Army vehicle in Gund Brath area in Sopore on Thursday, officials said. A police official said that was immediately shifted to sub-district hospital Sopore for treatment where his was declared dead on arrival. The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Zain (3) son of Aamir Hussain Tantray of Gund Brath, Sopore. He said that police have registered an FIR vide no. 109 at Police Station Sopore and further investigation has been launched. (KNO)

NC provincial committee meeting begins in Srinagar

Operation Sindoor A Benchmark For Modern Warfare: Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI, May 7: As India marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hailed the mission as a benchmark for modern warfare, citing its unmatched precision and seamless tri-services synergy The operation stands as a powerful symbol of national resolve and preparedness to deal with national security challenges, he said in a message. In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year carrying out airstrikes on nine [] The post Operation Sindoor A Benchmark For Modern Warfare: Rajnath Singh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Congress, Hajj Committees demand rollback of additional airfare for pilgrims

New Delhi, May 07: Several Hajj committees and political parties, including the Congress, have urged the government to immediately roll back the additional airfare of 10,000 imposed on Hajj pilgrims. The Hajj Committee of India recently increased airfares by 10,000 per pilgrim, stating that the hike had become necessary due to a sharp rise in global Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. The Maharashtra State Minorities Commission said the additional airfare would place an extra financial burden on pilgrims. Similarly, the Hyderabad Haj Committee said the eleventh-hour decision had created difficulties for pilgrims and their families. Most Indian pilgrims have already reached Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage. Asaduddin Owaisi and several community leaders described the increase as financial exploitation of ordinary citizens who save for years to perform the sacred pilgrimage. The Indian National Congress also formally demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain termed the last-minute surcharge arbitrary and unjustified, saying it imposed an undue burden on low-income and elderly pilgrims who had already paid their instalments. Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi had earlier sought relief for Haj pilgrims. In a letter addressed to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Maharashtra government, State Commission member Wasim Haji Khwajabhai Burhan raised concerns over the recent circular issued by the Haj Committee of India.

Bengal: Hours after killing of Suvendu's aide, cops say 5 BJP workers injured in bomb attack

Kolkata, May 07: Five BJP supporters have been injured allegedly in a bomb blast in Panihati in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred late on Wednesday night, hours after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants, which led to the saffron camp accusing the TMC of unleashing retaliatory violence. The bomb blast occurred near St Xavier's Institution in Panihati. Unidentified assailants hurled crude bombs at a group of BJP workers, injuring at least five people, police said, adding the injured were admitted to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. According to local sources, BJP workers were interacting with residents on Dutta Road in Panihati's Ward number 2 when a group of motorcycle-borne persons allegedly targeted them with bombs before fleeing. The BJP alleged that the attackers were backed by the ruling Trinamool Congress, an allegation denied by the Mamata Banerjee-led party. A senior police official said, We have started an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify those involved. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused. A heavy police deployment has been made in the area. We are maintaining strict vigil and appealing to people not to spread rumours. Necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace, the officer added. Incidentally, the area where the blast occurred is located near the residence of newly elected BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar Hospital rape victim.

Demonstrated precise striking power of Indian Armed Forces: Amit Shah on Op Sindoor anniversary

Srinagar, May 07: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said Operation Sindoor showcased Indias military capability and sent a strong message that those involved in terror activities against the country would not be spared. In a post on X, Amit Shah said Operation Sindoor is a defining moment that reflected the coordination between the armed forces, intelligence agencies and the political leadership. He said the operation demonstrated the precise striking power of the Indian armed forces and the meticulous intelligence gathered by agencies in tracking terror infrastructure across the border. Shah said the mission would remain a reminder to adversaries that India possesses the capability to strike at terror networks wherever they operate. History will remember it as the day when the strength of the armed forces, intelligence inputs and political resolve came together to destroy terror camps operating across the border, he said. (KNO)

Vijay Says No to CM Convoy Before Swearing-in: TVK

Four convoy vehicles assigned to Vijay on May 4 after his TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly polls returned from his residence following his request

Social Venture Capitalist Reviews: Trading with a Responsible Broker

In the rapidly changing landscape of financial markets, traders are increasingly looking for more than just an online platform for investment managementthey seek a partner they can trust for the long term. Social Venture Capitalist is a British broker that provides services with a deep sense of responsibility toward its client base. It offers a comfortable trading environment and a fundamentally different perspective on user interaction. The positive reviews of Social Venture Capitalist found online are the best testament to this approach. Trader Reviews When it comes to this British broker, reviews on theceo.in , Medium, Blogspot, and similar platforms show a consistently positive trend: commenters highlight the comfort of interacting with the company and the high level of customer service. Alexandre Dupont (France): Ive been trading with this broker for about a year. During this time, I haven't encountered order execution delays even oncenot even during news releases. I must specifically mention the withdrawals: requests are processed quickly, and money sometimes arrives within an hour. This inspires trust. Michael Harrison (UK): For me, the most important thing was the transparency of the terms. There are no hidden fees here; all upcoming costs can be calculated in advance. Plus, the high-quality analyticsI use them regularly in my strategy. Overall, the impression of the platform is positive. Lukas Schneider (Switzerland): I started as a beginner, so support was vital. Social Venture Capitalist has a truly strong educational foundation: webinars, courses, and consultations. This helped me quickly understand the rules of investing and avoid typical mistakes. James Walker (Belgium): Ive been investing for several years with various brokers, and the conditions here are the best. Support responds quickly, and issues are resolved without excessive bureaucracy. I feel that the company is genuinely interested in me. Thus, an analysis of Social Venture Capitalist reviews confirms that the broker remains mindful of its responsibility toward both the client and the industry as a whole. A New Philosophy of Brokerage Service For a long time, the traditional brokerage business model revolved around maximizing turnover and attracting new users. However, Social Venture Capitalist demonstrates an alternative path: a focus on sustainability and service quality. The broker relies on long-term relationships with online traders, avoiding aggressive marketing tools while providing systemic support, education, and transparent contracts. This is especially important for modern market participants who face an overwhelming number of Forex offers daily. A responsible broker is not one who promises fast profits, but one who helps build a competent investment strategy and minimize risks. Technological Infrastructure as the Foundation of Efficiency One of the fundamental characteristics defining a broker's quality is its technological base. Social Venture Capitalist invests significant resources into developing its own trading ecosystem. The platform stands out for its high order execution speed, stable performance even during market spikes, and an excellent selection of analytical tools. Users have access to a modern graphical interface, numerous technical indicators, and flexible trading space settings. This allows for the platform to be adapted to an individual trading stylefrom scalping to long-term investment strategies. Furthermore, the integration of algorithmic trading programs is a vital element. The ability to use trading robots and automated strategies opens new horizons for experienced traders and reduces the emotional burden on beginners. Transparency and Risk Control A responsible broker inevitably pays increased attention to security and the transparency of internal platform processes. This British broker has implemented strict standards for transaction monitoring, which minimizes the probability of conflicts of interest and increases trust within the trading community. Alongside this, the trading conditions are clearly regulated: from spread sizes to commissions and order execution policies. The absence of hidden payments and a clear tariff structure allow online traders to accurately calculate upcoming costs. Clients can also utilize loss-limiting tools, including stop orders and negative balance protection, which is highly beneficial for those investing with a serious mindset. Education as an Investment in Trader Success Social Venture Capitalist views user education not as an optional extra, but as a mandatory service element. Beginners are offered courses on the basics of trading, while their experienced colleagues can access various methods to increase investment returns. Thematic webinars are held several times a week, where analysts and experts examine real market cases and answer audience questions. This comprehensive approach to learning helps users not only master the basic principles of trading financial products but also dive deep into complex aspects like emotional control and risk management. Responsibility as a Competitive Advantage The name Social Venture Capitalist reflects the company's credo: a combination of investment efficiency and social responsibility. In today's world, this is becoming an increasingly significant factor when choosing a trading partner. The broker supports fair trading principles, strives for transparency in platform processes, and actively works to increase the investment awareness of its clients. As a result, a sustainable ecosystem is formed where all participants benefit. This responsibility is also evident in the approach to payments. Users do not complain about difficulties with withdrawing funds: requests are processed promptly, and money reaches owners within a few hours (one of the best indicators in the industry). It also makes no difference whether a trader withdraws in fiat or cryptocurrencythere are no commissions in either case. Next-Level Technical Support Social Venture Capitalist offers a multi-channel system for interacting with its client base, including online chat, email, and telephone. The support service is oriented not only toward solving technical issues but also toward guidance in the investment management process. This is particularly helpful for beginners who require additional support at the start. Flexibility of Trading Conditions A wide range of investment instruments and flexible settings are another strong argument in favor of the broker. Clients can trade a broad spectrum of assets: Forex currency pairs, indices, stocks, metals, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Well-thought-out offers (deposits from $150, leverage up to 1:500, narrow spreads, and reasonable position commissions) allow trading to be adapted to different levels of expertise and financial capabilities. Conclusion: An Ordinary Intermediary or a Strategic Partner? Social Venture Capitalist has set a new standard of service in the Forex industry, where systematic work with the client takes center stage. The combination of an advanced technological base, transparency, educational support, and social responsibility contributes to the stability of the broker's business model. For a retail trader, this means the opportunity to grow, apply truly effective tools, and execute trades in an environment where the client's interests actually matter.

EOW Kashmir files chargesheet in HDFC bank Shopian fraud case

Srinagar, May 7: The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in connection with an alleged large-scale financial fraud at the HDFC bank branch in Shopian. According to officials, the chargesheet in FIR No. 30/2025 was presented before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Shopian, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act. The case was initially registered at Police Station EOW Kashmir following a written complaint alleging financial irregularities at the bank branch. Acting on directions from Police Headquarters J&K, the investigation was later transferred to the Crime Branch for a detailed probe. During the investigation, several bank officials and employees were identified for their alleged involvement in the fraud. Those named include Adil Ayoub Ganai and Irfan Majeed Zargar, both former branch managers of HDFC Bank Pulwama/Shopian, along with former employees Mubashir Hussain Sheikh, Zaid Manzoor, and Javaid Ahmad Bhat. Officials said the accused were arrested on February 18, 2026, and have remained in judicial custody since then. The EOW said that, upon completion of the investigation, a chargesheet against a total of 11 accused persons was filed before the court for judicial determination.

Operation Sindoor anniversary: Joint Commanders Conference begins today in Jaipur, Rajnath Singh to attend

Jammu, May 07: Marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the second edition of the two-day Joint Commanders Conference commenced in Jaipur on Wednesday, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to review the countrys evolving security challenges with the top brass of the Indian Armed Forces. The high-level conference, being held on May 7 and 8, is being attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with senior tri-services commanders. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local guide, were killed. During the operation, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes on terror camps and military infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), eliminating several terrorists and commanders. The military operation continued from May 7 to May 10 last year. Describing Operation Sindoor as a landmark tri-services mission, the Defence Ministry said the operation reflected Indias unflinching political will and military resolve characterised by surgical precision. The conference is expected to focus extensively on Indias military preparedness amid the changing regional security environment. Discussions are also likely to centre around modern warfare trends, including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber warfare, space security and cognitive warfare. According to an official statement, the conference will serve as a key platform to assess emerging security threats and formulate a roadmap for building a resilient and future-ready defence force with enhanced operational capabilities. A major emphasis during the deliberations will also remain on defence indigenisation and the Governments push for Aatmanirbharta in military production through innovation and stronger civil-military integration. Meanwhile, reports from New Delhi stated that Operation Sindoor marked a significant shift in Indias national security doctrine, with extensive deployment of drones, network-centric warfare systems and artificial intelligence for surveillance and target acquisition. The operation, regarded as one of Indias largest multi-domain combat missions in decades, targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoJK, including Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taibas base in Muridke. Following the operation, India accelerated several major defence procurement and modernisation programmes aimed at strengthening combat readiness and air defence capabilities. These included approval for additional S-400 missile systems, procurement of transport aircraft, Rafale fighter jets and advanced surveillance platforms for the Navy. Senior military officials said lessons learned from Operation Sindoor are being actively incorporated into future operational planning, with increased focus on advanced technologies, unmanned platforms and integrated warfare capabilities.(KNC)

CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87

New Delhi, May 07: Media pioneer and CNN founder Ted Turner died on Wednesday at the age of 87, Turner Enterprises announced. Widely regarded as the man who revolutionised television news, Turner launched CNN in 1980 as the worlds first 24-hour news channel, changing the way global audiences consumed breaking news. Known for his bold business style and outspoken personality, Turner built a major media empire that included cable superstation TBS and ownership of sports teams such as the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. He later sold his networks to Time Warner but continued to describe CNN as the greatest achievement of his life, reports CNN.. Apart from media, Turner was also known for his philanthropy, environmental conservation work and advocacy for nuclear disarmament. He founded the United Nations Foundation and played a major role in bison conservation in the United States. Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, media reported.

Once settled, seniority cant be unsettled at instance of fence-sitters: High Court

The High Court of J&K and Ladakh on Wednesday ruled that once the seniority is finalised and acted upon, the same cannot be disturbed at the instance of fence-sitters. Dealing with a related plea, a Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar held that It needs no reiteration that seniority once settled and acted upon cannot be unsettled, that too, at the instance of those who are fence-sitters and approach the Court after long delay. The Court observed that the doctrine of delay and laches applies with greater vigour to matters relating to seniority and promotion, underscoring that belated challenges adversely effect on third parties' interests. Raking up old matters like seniority and promotion after a long time is likely to result in administrative complications and difficulties, the court said. The court made the observations while dismissing four judicial officers plea on the grounds of delay, saying that the seniority list issued in 2011 was challenged only in 2018 after the same had already been acted upon and promotions had been granted. The Bench, in keeping with the supreme Court judgments, held that a seniority list which remains in existence for 3 to 4 years unchallenged, should not be disturbed unless the person approaching belatedly explains the delay and laches by furnishing satisfactory explanation. In the case on hand there is no satisfactory explanation rendered for approaching the court after seven years, that too, when impugned seniority stood acted upon and promotion to the rank of Sub-Judge had been made, the Bench said. In their plea, the aggrieved judicial officers had sought to quash the 2011 seniority list with the contention that they should be ranked according to their merit (positions 16, 17, 18, and 26) in the selection conducted by the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC). However, the court noted that only 31 vacancies existed at the time of recruitment, and the petitioners were among four additional candidates selected due to a clerical error that led to the advertisement of 35 posts. The court observed that while 31 candidates were appointed in April 2011 against available vacancies, the petitioners were appointed later in September 2011 against future vacancies that arose due to promotions. As such, their appointments were not part of the original selection process, it said. On noticing the discrepancy, the High Court recommended appointments only against the 31 available vacancies and the Government accordingly appointed 31 candidates as Munsiffs on April 1, 2011, excluding the four petitioners. Following promotions in 2011where 16 Sub Judges were elevated as District Judges and 15 Munsiffs promoted as Sub Judges, fresh vacancies arose. In view of the petitioners legitimate expectation of appointment after being selected by the JKPSC, the High Court initiated a process to accommodate them against these vacancies. Subsequently full-bench of the high court made recommendation and the Government while acting upon the same sanctioned their appointment as Munsiffs on September 27, 2011, by utilising four future vacancies.

Wars bring misery, not solutions: Dr Farooq says Operation Sindoor achieved its objective

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Operation Sindoor had achieved its intended objective, but cautioned against any further escalation, asserting that wars only lead to destruction and prolonged suffering. Speaking to reporters at the National Conference headquarters in Srinagar, the former Union minister said the military operation had paid its dividends, but stressed that conflict could not provide a lasting solution to problems. Operation Sindoor has paid its dividends. I think there is no more question of wars. Wars do not bring solutions, they only bring misery, Abdullah said. Drawing parallels with ongoing global conflicts, the veteran politician pointed to the devastation caused by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, warning that prolonged instability in the Gulf region could have severe economic consequences across the world. Look at Ukraine and the destruction there, look at the Middle East. Even gas supplies have been affected. Qatar may take one or two years to restore supplies completely, he said. Abdullah said the world economy was already under pressure and most countries were in no position to withstand another major conflict. Economic conditions of every country are already bad and no country wants war. The Middle East has most of the oil and gas reserves, and if tensions continue, the situation globally can become extremely difficult, he said, while urging people not to panic over the evolving international situation. Responding to questions about recent political developments and election results in various states, the NC president said the outcomes reflected the prevailing political realities in different regions of the country. Referring to the political situation in West Bengal, Abdullah noted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had raised allegations of large-scale irregularities in the electoral process. The results are before everyone. Mamata Banerjee is alleging there was huge rigging in Bengal. In Tamil Nadu, a new government is coming, Congress has won in Kerala and BJP has won in Assam, he said. Asked whether the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had impacted the elections, Abdullah replied that everything had an impact. On the opposition INDIA bloc, Abdullah maintained that the alliance remained intact and strong. There is nothing lacking in the INDIA alliance. It is already strong, he said. The National Conference president also responded to questions regarding recent blast incidents in Punjab, saying such incidents were not entirely new and there was no reason for public panic. Blasts have happened earlier as well. You should not panic, he told reporters. Commenting on criticism directed at the National Conference-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the opposition was merely performing its democratic role. If the opposition does not speak, how will it survive? Let them say what they want. Our party is working the way it has to, and we will continue to do so, he added.

Fresh allegations surface against Shopian Darul Uloom, students face uncertainty

Fresh allegations of irregular land acquisition, questionable financial practices and alleged links with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) have surfaced against Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom in Imam Sahib area of Shopian, even as hundreds of students face uncertainty over the continuation of their education. The institution was declared an unlawful entity on April 24 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), based on a dossier prepared by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian. The district administration subsequently barred the entry of unauthorised persons into the premises. Sources familiar with the matter alleged that the land on which the seminary was established in 1994 had been acquired through coercion and in violation of legal procedures, with suspected involvement of revenue officials who bypassed prescribed procedures. They also said the institution was operating without valid registration from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and lacked mandatory clearance certificates. In addition, it was running a Fazila College affiliated with the University of Kashmir despite what officials described as serious regulatory deficiencies. It was further flagged by what sources termed dubious financial practices, including multiple bank accounts and recent changes in authorised signatories, raising concerns over possible concealment of financial control and diversion of funds. According to sources, the institution was registered on the NGO Darpan portal under two entities Siraj-ul-Uloom Educational Society (registered in 2018) and Siraj-ul-Uloom Welfare Foundation (registered in 2025). The latter was also incorporated as a company, which sources alleged was done to bypass regulatory oversight and avoid mandatory re-registration under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Sources said the management did not seek re-registration, anticipating possible rejection, and instead adopted a corporate structure to continue operations without obtaining the requisite security clearance. They alleged sustained linkages with Jamaat-e-Islami and claimed the institution had become a hub of radicalisation. Sources said at least 17 former students had been booked in terror-related cases across Kashmir and Jammu under laws including the UAPA, Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and NDPS Act. Those named include Rayees Ahmad Teli of Kadgam (Shopian), Aadil Gulzar of Kanelwan (Anantnag), Qasim Mohammad of Midoora (Tral), Shakir Ahmad Paul of Dangerpora (Shopian), Hilal Ahmad Wani of Budgam, Munib-ul-Haq of Sugan, Zubair Ahmad Nengroo of Aloora, Aijaz Ahmad Paul of Losdanew, Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Marhama, Nazim Nazir Dar of Urpara Nagbal, Muzaffer Ahmad Bhat of DK Pora, Yawar Majeed Itoo of Safanagri, Asif Ahmad Lone of Turkwangam, Showkat Ahmad Kumar of Trenz, Tariq Ahmad Sheikh of Chitragam, Javid Rashid Bhat of Ganderbal and Owais Ahmad Malik of Arwani Bijbehara. The management, however, has denied all allegations. Mohammad Shafi Lone, chairman of the institute, had told reporters that it had no links with Jamaat-e-Islami and was functioning as an educational institution serving the community, with over 800 students enrolled. Meanwhile, students and parents have expressed concern over the sudden closure, saying it has disrupted academic activity and left their future uncertain. Our studies have come to a halt after the closure. We request the authorities to ensure that our education continues, said a student, requesting anonymity. Parents said many students had been enrolled at the institution for years, and any prolonged disruption would affect their academic progress.

A year after Operation Sindoor, Bandi village in Uri recovers from shelling scars

Bandi (Uri), May 6: One year after intense cross-border shelling during Operation Sindoor left homes damaged and families traumatised, the border village of Bandi in Uri sector of north Kashmirs Baramulla district is slowly reclaiming normalcy. Located nearly 23 kilometres from the Line of Control (LoC), the village today reflects resilience and recovery, with residents rebuilding their homes and lives through community support, government assistance and help from the Indian Army. Bandi was among the worst-affected villages during the shelling last year, when mortar rounds and artillery fire from across the border damaged several houses and forced residents to flee to safer locations. Even now, scars of the shelling remain visible on damaged walls and rooftops in parts of the village, serving as reminders of the fear and uncertainty residents endured. Among those affected were brothers Muhammad Ashraf Sheikh and Muhammad Anwar Sheikh, whose homes suffered extensive damage during the shelling. Recalling the difficult days following the incident, Ashraf Sheikh said timely intervention by the administration helped families begin the process of recovery. The administration responded quickly and provided us compensation when we needed it the most. We repaired the roofs, fixed damaged portions of the house and slowly started living normally again, he said. Residents said government officials regularly visited the area after the shelling and ensured that compensation and relief reached affected families without delay. Villagers also acknowledged the role played by the Indian Army during and after the crisis. According to locals, Army personnel assisted in evacuating civilians to safer areas during the shelling and remained actively involved in relief efforts in the aftermath. The Army stood with us during those difficult nights, several residents recalled. They helped move families to safer places and supported the villagers throughout the crisis. For many young residents, the experience remains emotionally difficult, though they say the support extended by authorities and neighbours helped restore confidence. Nighat Ara, daughter of Ashraf Sheikh and a Class 12 student, said the incident deeply affected her family. We were terrified that night and remained awake till morning. But afterwards, officials and many others came to help us. We realised we were not alone, she said. Similarly, Tamna, daughter of Muhammad Anwar Sheikh, said the village gradually regained stability due to continuous support and coordination from the administration. Life is normal again. Children have returned to school and people are once again focusing on work and their future, she said. Residents said awareness regarding emergency response and safety preparedness has also increased in the village following the shelling incident. Despite the trauma, everyday life has resumed in Bandi. Farmers have returned to their fields, schools are functioning normally and community activities have gradually regained momentum. Village elders say the crisis strengthened unity among residents and reinforced trust between civilians, the administration and security forces. During those difficult times, everyone stood together villagers, officials and security forces. That support gave people courage, said an elderly resident. Residents now hope that peace along the border remains intact so future generations do not have to experience similar violence. We have suffered a lot, but we have also seen compassion and support during the crisis, Ashraf Sheikh said. Our biggest hope now is peace and a secure future for our children.

DJMC IUST marks Press Freedom Week with street theatre

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), marked World Press Freedom Week by organising a street theatre performance on campus. Through engaging storytelling, the performance highlighted the growing challenges of misinformation, sensationalism, and the rapid spread of unverified content on digital platforms. Titled News or Noise?, the play was performed by media students of IUST and directed by Dr. Haifaa Mohammad, Assistant Professor, DJMC. Dr Rabia Noor, Head, DJMC, said the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the distinction between professional journalism and sensational content. She emphasised that credible news is grounded in verification, ethics, and facts, urging audiences to critically assess information consumed on digital media. The performance drew an engaged audience including university officers, Deans, Heads, faculty members, scholars, and students, who appreciated the thought-provoking presentation. Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Afroz Bisati, highlighted the relevance of street theatre as an effective medium to reach young audiences and create lasting impact. Dean Outreach, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, said, This street play, a strong medium for the awareness, the performers has highlighted why training is essential for media professionals, Dean of Students, Dr. Monisa Qadiri, said, there are many misconceptions about journalism at present, and it is the time that we take the charge of the narrative and lead it towards a positive change. Controller of Examination, Prof. Rumaan Bashir said such events are especially important in todays social media landscape to help people distinguish between news and noise. Prof. Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Head, Department of Education, said the street theatre is a part of experiential learning under National Education Policy, 2020, and a great learning experience for the students. Finance Officer, Samer Wazir, said, at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, such creative efforts help audiences understand the value of credible news and encourage more responsible media consumption. Speaking on the occasion, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Senior Multimedia Journalist, working with Sheharbeen programme of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, said people nowadays choose noise over news, which the street play highlighted accurately. This street play is a timely and impactful initiative that shall help address the growing misconceptions surrounding journalism, he said. The play was staged twice during the day and concluded with the felicitation of the student performers and the director.

Residents protest halt in GMC work, oppose shifting to Nutnussa

The residents of Kulangam, Chogal and adjoining areas Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against the halt in work on the Government Medical College (GMC), demanding immediate resumption at the original site (Chogal) or a nearby alternative. The protesters said that the report of the committee led by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir was yet to be made public which raises serious questions about transparency. We fail to understand why the report is not being made public. The people deserve transparency, said Abdul Jabbar War from Gund Chogal. The protesters appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha to intervene into this matter as the same project was e-inaugurated by Home Minister himself seven years ago. We will not accept shifting of the GMC to Nutnussa. It will deprive our area of much-needed healthcare and development and most importantly we have sacrificed for this project by donating over five hundred kanals of land without any compensation, Mohammad Amin a local from Kulangam said. When the government first approved Gund Chogal location for the construction of GMC, the entire village was filled with hope and optimism. Farmers willingly vacated their land, which had been cultivated for generations. Many even felled trees to clear the area, viewing it as a pathway to development and prosperity for the entire region, Abdul Rashid War, a local said. We have been waiting for years but instead of progress, the project has been stalled without any clear reason, leaving us in agony. If authorities have nothing to hide, they should release the report immediately and clear the confusion, he added. The protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will intensify their agitation in the coming days. In light of the widespread discontent, the protesters urged the government to reconsider the relocation of GMC Handwara.

Ladakhs Hunderman mourns after return of missing childs body 40 days later

In Ladakh, a wave of grief has engulfed Hunderman village after the mortal remains of 9-year-old Zulqarnain Ali, who had gone missing following a drowning incident, were returned after nearly 40 days. A large number of mourners gathered to offer funeral prayers and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family. The incident dates back to March 20, when two children drowned. While one body was recovered shortly after, Zulqarnains body remained untraced, causing deep anguish among family members and locals. The body was eventually recovered from across the border in Gilgit-Baltistan. Owing to legal and diplomatic procedures, the handover took place at the TeetwalKeran border crossing, nearly 400 kilometers from Kargil, after a coordinated effort lasting around 48 hours. Residents of Hunderman expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, Ladakh Police, and the District Administration Kargil for their efforts, and also acknowledged the cooperation extended by Pakistani authorities on humanitarian grounds. Meanwhile, social activist Sajjad Kargil has urged both countries to establish a designated exchange point along the LadakhBaltistan border to ensure timely and dignified return of such bodies. Highlighting a painful and recurring humanitarian issue along the LadakhBaltistan border, social activist Sajjad Kargili has called upon the governments of India and Pakistan to establish a mechanism for the dignified return of bodies swept across the Line of Control (LoC). In a detailed X post, Kargili wrote, Deeply heartened that the mortal remains of 9-year-old Late Zulqarnain Ali was handed over to Ladakh Police by the Pakistani authorities at the Teetwal Keran border. We appreciate the humanitarian gesture shown by the administrations on both sides. Humanity must always prevail over hostility. At the same time, both the Governments of India and Pakistan, particularly the Foreign Ministries and military authorities, must establish a formal meeting point at the KargilKharmang border. Similar incidents have occurred in the past where bodies recovered in Kharmang had to be buried there due to the absence of any return mechanism. For over seven decades, the people of Ladakh and Baltistan have lived with the pain of separation, with thousands of divided families across borders. It is tragic that not only the living remain separated, but even the deceased are often denied a dignified return to their loved ones. Establishing a humanitarian coordination point on the #Kargil border is no longer optional it is a moral and humanitarian necessity.

Baramulla stands as living symbol of communal harmony, shared brotherhood

North Kashmirs Baramulla is known for its enduring tradition of communal harmony, where people of different faiths live together with mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. For decades together, the town has been home to Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians, who not only live side by side but also share each others joys and sorrows together. Gagandeep Singh, a local Sikh resident said he has seen nothing but peace and harmony in the town ever since he attained maturity. Our Gurudwara welcomes everyone, and langar is available round the clock. We have friends in every community. We visit each others homes and live like one family, Gagandeep told Greater Kashmir . The spirit of unity is not just visible in daily interactions but also resonates through the towns soundscape. The morning Azaan, temple bells, Gurbani hymns, and church prayers blend into what residents describe as a single voice of Baramulla. Religious institutions across faiths stand in close proximity. The revered Shrine of Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) at Khanpora, alongside a temple, Gurudwara, church, and Islamic seminaries symbolise a shared spiritual ethos centered on humanity. A Muslim cleric at shrine of Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) Abdul Khaliq Noori told Greater Kashmir that humanity forms the foundation of this coexistence. If there is humanity, brotherhood naturally follows. Our religious teachings all point towards equality and mutual respect, he said. He said that in Baramulla, this is not just an idea but a lived reality. Every individual, regardless of faith, enjoys equal dignity and rights, he said. In Baramulla town, relationships are valued above differences, and diversity is embraced as strength. Baramulla stands as a living example of unity in diversity. People here genuinely share life, resilience, and hope, he told Greater Kashmir . Salim Joseph from the Christian community while talking to Greater Kashmir spoke about the century-old legacy of togetherness in Baramulla. We have lived here for over 100 years. In times of difficulty, all communities stand together. Our institutions, including schools and hospitals, have served everyone, and this has only been possible because of the support of people from all communities, he said. Similarly, for Kashmiri Pandit community, who continue to reside in Baramulla town, the sense of belonging remains strong. This is our birthplace, our ancestral land. We have never felt isolated. Whenever there is a problem, our Muslim brothers stand with us, Kakaji Mantu told Greater Kashmir . The brotherhood here is unmatched, he added.

Zero Miles drives into Shopian with 9th outlet

Zero Miles Grill & Cafe, one of Kashmirs fastest-rising food and hospitality chains, on Wednesday launched its ninth outlet in Shopian district, marking a significant push into south Kashmirs commercial hub. The new franchise is located on the first floor of Alai Kocha, opposite Jamia Masjid in the main market. The outlet will be operated by local franchise partners Syed Saqib Yousuf and Gazenfar Bashir, signalling the brands deepening bet on local entrepreneurship. Inaugurating the facility, Zero Miles founder and CEO Jibran Khan, accompanied by co-founder Javid Ahmad Mahroo, underlined the brands twin focus on quality control and community hiring. Each new outlet is a step forward in our journey of growth and trust. Shopian holds great potential, and we are confident this outlet will become a preferred destination for food lovers, Javid Mahroo told the gathering. Jibran Khan, addressing franchise partners and customers, reiterated the brands commitment to consistency, innovation, and generating local employment a recurring promise as Zero Miles competes with both national fast-food chains and traditional street vendors in a price-sensitive market. The Shopian franchise is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for local youth, a metric the founders said would be tracked closely. Every outlet must earn its place not just in revenue, but in how it serves the community, Jibran Khan added. With nine outlets now operational across the valley, Zero Miles known for its grill platters, cafe-style beverages, and quick-service model is positioning itself as a homegrown alternative to larger franchises, banking on hyperlocal tastes and community trust.

PHDCCI Kashmir, SIDBI sign MoU to boost entrepreneur financing

In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to facilitate entrepreneur financing, capacity building and credit outreach across multiple sectors in the Valley. The agreement, described as the first of its kind between PHDCCI Kashmir and SIDBI in the region, seeks to enhance access to finance and institutional support for entrepreneurs operating in sectors such as horticulture, hospitality, handicrafts, food processing, women-led enterprises and green financing initiatives. Officials said the collaboration would also focus on recommending direct lending and credit cases, besides conducting capacity development and skill enhancement programmes for entrepreneurs and business units across Jammu and Kashmir. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of A P Vicky Shaw on behalf of PHDCCI Kashmir and Sunil S representing SIDBI. Senior SIDBI officials, including Balbir Singh, along with Himayu Wani, Dheeraj Verma and Mohd Rafiq, were present during the signing ceremony. Members of the executive committee of PHDCCI Kashmir, including Bilal Kawoosa, Pervaiz Kaiser, Er Bilal Bhat, CA Anil Sharma, Qaiser Mir, Owais Raja, Haleem Bhat, Shabir Abdullah, Shahid Khan and Deputy Director Iqbal Fayaz Jan, also attended the event. Speaking on the occasion, A P Vicky Shaw termed the agreement a landmark initiative for the regions business and startup ecosystem. This initiative will significantly ease financial outreach for entrepreneurs in the region. The commendable work SIDBI is already doing in Jammu and Kashmir will now receive added support and institutional collaboration from PHDCCI, he said. Officials said the partnership is expected to play an important role in bridging financing gaps faced by emerging entrepreneurs and MSMEs, particularly in sectors that form the backbone of Kashmirs economy. PHDCCI Kashmir also highlighted its earlier efforts in facilitating a similar agreement for the Integrated Textile and Handicrafts Park at Zakura, aimed at strengthening institutional support and capacity building for artisans and associated stakeholders. The chamber expressed gratitude to SIDBI for the collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the financial institution to ensure improved credit access, entrepreneurial training and business development support across the Valley. The agreement comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing renewed focus on entrepreneurship, MSME growth and startup development, with industry bodies increasingly seeking institutional partnerships to improve financing access and economic opportunities for local businesses.

Suzuki Motorcycle opens 1st dealership in Leh

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) on Wednesday inaugurated its first dealership in Ladakh, marking the companys entry into the Union Territory and completing its retail presence across all states and Union Territories of the country. The new dealership, established under the name Mentokling Suzuki, has been opened in Choglamsar area of Leh and will provide integrated sales, service and spare parts facilities for customers in the region. With the launch of the Leh outlet, Suzuki Motorcycle India said its nationwide network has now expanded to 1,242 outlets. The dealership was inaugurated by Deepak Mutreja in the presence of company officials, dealership representatives and customers. Company officials described the move as strategically significant given Ladakhs growing popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure riders from across the country. Speaking at the inauguration, Deepak Mutreja said Ladakh occupied a special place in Indias motorcycling landscape due to its challenging terrain and high-altitude riding conditions. Ladakh holds a special place in Indias motorcycling landscape, attracting riders from across the country. Its unique terrain and demanding riding conditions make it an important market for us, where consistent performance and reliability are critical, he said. With the inauguration of Mentokling Suzuki in Leh, customers and riders will now have easier access to our two-wheelers along with dependable after-sales support. This step brings us closer to customers in remote regions, offering them a trusted ownership experience, he added. The newly opened dealership will showcase Suzukis full domestic two-wheeler portfolio, including scooters such as the Access, Avenis, Burgman Street and the companys electric scooter e-ACCESS. The motorcycle lineup available at the outlet includes the Gixxer, Gixxer SF, Gixxer 250, Gixxer SF 250 and the V-Strom SX adventure motorcycle. Officials said customers visiting the dealership would also be able to avail test rides across multiple models, including the recently launched Access ABS variants. Apart from vehicle sales, the dealership houses a fully equipped service workshop with trained technical staff and advanced maintenance infrastructure aimed at strengthening after-sales support in the region. The company said the facility would also cater to long-distance riders travelling to Ladakh, particularly V-Strom owners, by providing authorised servicing and genuine spare parts support in the high-altitude region. The outlet will additionally offer Suzuki genuine accessories, riding gear, apparel and merchandise, making it a comprehensive customer service and retail centre for riders in Ladakh.

Khyber Cement backs IUST initiative to frame J&Ks 1st anti-drug policy

In a significant step towards addressing the growing menace of substance abuse in J&K, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), with support from Khyber Cement, has initiated the process of preparing the Union Territorys first dedicated anti-drug policy framework. A statement said that the policy document, which will be drafted by IUST on the basis of recommendations emerging from a two-day conclave held earlier this week, is expected to be formally submitted to the government in the coming months. The workshop, titled Drug-Free Society: Call for Collective Action, was organised by IUSTs Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis on May 4 and 5 under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo. The event brought together policymakers, medical experts, law-enforcement officials, educators, civil society members, youth representatives and students to deliberate on strategies for tackling drug addiction in the region. The initiative was aligned with the Centres Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and aimed at developing a comprehensive framework focusing on prevention, treatment, awareness, rehabilitation, enforcement and community participation. Dr G. N. Itoo, Director of the Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis at IUST, joined senior administrators and experts in leading the discussions during the conclave. Officials associated with the programme said J&K currently lacks a dedicated policy framework to comprehensively address the growing challenge of drug addiction, despite rising concerns over substance abuse among youth. The proposed document is expected to serve as a reference framework for coordinated government action and institutional response in dealing with the crisis. Speaking on the occasion, Umar Tramboo said the companys support for the initiative reflected its broader commitment towards social development in J&K. Our responsibility extends beyond building infrastructure. It is about helping build a healthier and more resilient society. Supporting IUST in this initiative is consistent with our values, and we are proud that it will deliver a concrete roadmap the government can act on, he said. Wasim Ahmed Khan said combating substance abuse required collective participation from all sections of society. Our youth are the foundation of the Valleys future, and tackling substance abuse takes a community working in lockstep. By partnering with IUST and other stakeholders, we are supporting grassroots awareness and an environment where young people can thrive free from addiction, he said. Khyber Cement said its association with the initiative was part of its broader engagement in social and community development activities across Jammu and Kashmir, including education, healthcare, youth empowerment and sports programmes. Participants at the conclave stressed the need for a coordinated and sustained approach involving educational institutions, families, healthcare systems, law-enforcement agencies and community organisations to address the growing threat posed by narcotics and substance abuse in the region.

CM Omar pushes for timely completion of tourism infrastructure projects

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the Convention Center, Gulmarg. During the meeting, the Managing Director, JK Cable Car Corporation, presented a detailed agenda and gave a comprehensive presentation on key projects and initiatives of the Corporation. The agenda items were discussed threadbare. The Board deliberated on the upgradation of the Gulmarg Gondola Project aimed at enhancing its carrying capacity, operational efficiency and safety standards through modernisation of critical infrastructure. The Chief Minister emphasised the timely execution of projects, adoption of modern technology and adherence to high safety standards to meet the growing tourist inflow. He underlined the importance of strengthening tourism infrastructure to further boost the local economy. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma; Managing Director, J&K Tourism Development Corporation, Shreya Singhal; Director Tourism Kashmir/Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Syed Sajad Qamar; Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta; Director General, Budget; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, and other concerned officers.

CM Omar in waiting mode, political storm brewing

Srinagar, May 6:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hinted at launching a sharp political offensive in the coming days, declaring that he was currently holding himself back from making political remarks but would speak openly soon. Speaking at a public function in the Tangmarg area of Baramulla district, Abdullah said the present occasion did not permit a detailed political address, even as he indicated that he was preparing to make a forceful intervention on political developments in Jammu and Kashmir and the country. I want to burst like a cloudburst, Abdullah remarked while addressing the gathering, a statement widely seen as signalling an impending political response on key issues. Though he stopped short of elaborating on the exact nature of the message, the Chief Minister suggested that he was consciously avoiding political commentary for the moment and would address matters in detail later. The remarks came amid heightened political speculation triggered by claims from PDP leader Waheed Para that discontent was brewing within the ruling National Conference and that some of its legislators were allegedly in touch with PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. Reacting strongly to the allegations, Abdullah later spoke to mediamen, dismissing the claims as baseless reports and accusing the PDP of indulging in rumour-mongering for political relevance. Do you think I would be attending these functions if some MLAs were preparing to leave? These are baseless reports, Abdullah told reporters after the event. In a sharp counterattack on the PDP, the Chief Minister alleged that the party had indirectly facilitated the BJPs victory in the Rajya Sabha elections held last year in Jammu and Kashmir. These are the same people who helped the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls. It is not that we are saying this; it was revealed by RTI, Abdullah said. The Chief Minister was referring to disclosures made through the Right to Information Act which reportedly showed that the PDP had not appointed a chief polling agent during the Rajya Sabha elections, a development that allegedly benefited the BJP candidate despite the party lacking adequate numbers on its own. There is no such MLA in the National Conference who will leave the party to support the BJP, Abdullah asserted, firmly rejecting the possibility of defections from his party ranks. PDP's Waheed Para, in his social media post earlier, had also questioned Abdullahs silence over the Jammu and Kashmir administrations decision to declare JamiaSiraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Responding to the criticism, Abdullah said he does not function according to the political line dictated by opposition parties and maintained that both the government and the National Conference speak whenever necessary. I do not work according to what some other party says. When I have to say something, I say it. Neither my government nor I is silent, he said. Wherever issues come up on which we have to talk, we talk either on behalf of the government or the party, the Chief Minister added. CM Abdullah also weighed in on the controversy surrounding deletion of voters from electoral rolls and the debate over the Special Intensive Revision process, while referring to recent electoral developments in West Bengal. So many voters were deleted from the voter list, and the court said they will hear the matter after the elections. What will the hearing now achieve? Elections are over and those people did not get an opportunity to vote, he said. If the BJP had to do it for winning, then be it, they have won now. We will have to see what impact it will have in the rest of the country, he added. On the issue of cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah chose not to reveal any timeline but hinted that a decision would be taken when required. Why are you people so concerned about it? When we have to do it, we will do it, he said in a brief response to reporters. The Chief Minister also addressed concerns related to tourism and security restrictions at several destinations that continue to remain closed after last years Pahalgam attack. He said the government had already reopened a number of tourist spots and that the remaining destinations would also be reopened in a phased manner. This was raised in the Assembly as well. Many places have been reopened, some remain, and they will also be reopened gradually, Abdullah said.

Ventilator shortfall strains Kashmir hospitals

Srinagar, May 6:Critical care in Kashmir is on a ventilator. For decades, the number of functional ventilators has struggled to suffice the deployment capacity relative to hospital bed strength. The inadequate availability of ventilators in Kashmir is costing lives. Patients who could survive with proper life support are being left without access, as the available life-support system is severely short in strength. The specialty hospitals in Kashmir - SKIMS Soura, SMHS Hospital, and the Super Specialty Hospital heavily rely on ventilators as the backbone of critical care for trauma, post-surgical recovery, respiratory failure, cardiac events, and complex neurosurgeries. The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS 2022) and NABH-aligned norms mandate ICU beds to be 5 to 10 percent of total hospital beds in general tertiary settings. It must be 8 to 10 percent ideal for high-acuity referral centres. Ventilators required are roughly one per ICU bed plus 10 to 20 percent reserves for emergencies, OT recovery, and transport as per these standards. In J&K, some medical norms cited suggest a baseline of 5 ventilators per 100 beds. When assessed against these standards, the gap in Kashmirs major hospitals is stark. The functional ventilators fall well short of what bed strength and patient load demand. Even before providing discounts on the basis of chronic manpower shortages and limited physical ICU space, the sheer deployment is low. At this Institute which has 1050 beds, at least 50 to 100 functional ventilators must be available. Only 40 are. Last week, Director SKIMS , and Ex-Officio Secretary to Government (EOSG) Prof Muhammad Ashraf Ganaie said at least 40 more ICU beds would be added to the institute, one each in a ward. The move is aimed at providing critical care to more patients, and save more lives. SKIMS Soura is Kashmirs apex referral institute as a high-acuity tertiary centre with dedicated cancer, cardiac, neuro, and paediatric ICUs. A 2025 RTI data revealed gross shortfalls with the Pediatrics and Neonatology Department requires 20 ventilators, while only 10 are functional. In CVTS there is a shortfall of 12 ventilators while similar shortages persist in Neuro ICU, Cancer Care ICU, and Critical Care Units. In February 2026 this year, the data revealed in the Legislative Assembly showed 53 total ventilators across SKIMS and associated units. Of these, only 40 are functional. A procurement of 150 new ICU beds was announced recently. However, whether these ICU beds will be deployed or not would depend on much more than mere procurement. The poor availability of human resource creates hurdles in making ventilators functional and life saving. At SKIMS, 1222 of 2262 sanctioned posts are vacant. The nurse-patient ratio in the current staff availability is usually two nurses for 10 ventilators. At SMHS Hospital, the strength of 1038 beds must have around 100 ventilators. This is one of the largest general specialty hospital in Kashmir, with 68 working ventilators. The hospitals role as the primary and only referral center for emergencies and routine tertiary cases must have been strengthened. However, the hospital operates with just around 17 ICU beds on medical and surgical side combined. The shortfall of ventilators translates directly to delayed surgeries, prolonged emergency waits, preventable deterioration. For families, it often means watching the loved ones sink deeper into the non-reversible deterioration, and sometimes even death. In Kashmir, even with robust public healthcare network, critical care readiness, experts believe, is rudimentary.

From isolation to independence

Anantnag, May 6:Faiqa Gulzar, 25, who hails from Guree village in Bijbehara, is learning to live life on her own terms -something that once seemed out of reach. On March 11, 2019, just days after finishing her 12th standard examinations, Faiqa's life took a sudden turn when she slipped from the second floor of her home. I didn't think it was something serious, she said. I believed I would recover and go back to normal life. The daughter of a retired Indian Army soldier and sister to a serving Army man, she was first taken to a local hospital and later referred to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). However, her brother, home on leave from the Army, later shifted her to an Army hospital in Srinagar. He made sure I got immediate attention, Faiqa said. That changed everything. Doctors advised urgent spinal surgery. As the procedure was not available locally, she was airlifted to Delhi and admitted to the Army Base Hospital, where surgeons inserted two metal rods into her spine. The reality of her condition became clear only after she returned home. When I saw the wheelchair, I understood, Faiqa said. That was the hardest moment. She remained bedridden for nearly three years, moving between hospitals in Delhi and Srinagar. Alongside the physical strain, she faced remarks that left a lasting impact. Some would say I had become a burden, Faiqa said. It breaks you from inside. There were times, she said, when she struggled to see a way forward. Her turning point came in 2023 with a phone call from Javaid Ahmad Tak, a Padma Shri awardee who has lived with paralysis since 1990. Tak, who runs the ZebaAapa Institute of Inclusive Education in Bijbehara, encouraged her to step out and rebuild her life. He told me not to limit myself, Faiqa said. That gave me strength. Soon after, she joined the Voluntary Medical Society in Srinagar, where she was introduced to wheelchair basketball. At first, it was just about getting out of the house, she said. Then it became my passion. Faiqa began competing in local tournaments before moving to national events. She is now part of the Jammu and Kashmir wheelchair basketball team and has trained in Visakhapatnam for higher-level competition. Faiqa has also taken up wheelchair wrestling. Earlier, I wanted to become a teacher, she said. Now I want to represent my country in basketball. Alongside her sporting career, Faiqa has also started an online business to support herself financially. I wanted to be independent, she said. This helps me stand on my own. Faiqa now travels independently, manages her daily routine and is planning to buy a car to improve her mobility. Asked about her personal life, she was clear about her priorities. Yes, I want to get married, Faiqa said. But I will continue playing. She credits her family for supporting her through her recovery. They never gave up on me, Faiqa said. That is why I am here today. She hopes her journey will encourage families to support children with disabilities. Give them opportunities, she said. Don't hide them. Stand by them. Faiqa said her story is still unfolding - no longer defined by the fall that changed her life.

Deputy CM inspects ongoing infrastructure works at GMC Srinagar

Srinagar, May 6: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inspected the ongoing construction of a new building for upgradation of the Surgery, Medicine and Radiology departments at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar. During the inspection, he emphasized the importance of timely completion of the project and strict adherence to quality standards. He stated that the upgradation of these key departments will significantly strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and enhance patient care services in Srinagar. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is committed to ensure seamless delivery of healthcare services and is focused on creating equitable health related infrastructure in both Srinagar and Jammu. The administration is prioritizing development of healthcare facilities, ensuring quality and timely completion to dedicate such facilities across all districts , he said. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister met various public delegations at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The delegations projected a range of issues and demands concerning public welfare and development. The Deputy Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised and resolved several issues on the spot. He assured the delegations that all other genuine matters would be actively taken up with the concerned departments for their prompt and smooth redressal. Reiterating the governments commitment to responsive governance, he said that addressing public grievances and ensuring efficient service delivery remains a top priority. He asked for tightening the noose around the defaulting drivers and vehicle owners involved in unscrupulous activities or found driving under the influence of alcohol and other narcotic substances. Reviewing the healthcare and rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts, the meeting was informed by the Principal, Government Medical College Kathua that a 22-bedded Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) with IPD and OPD services is fully functional in the district. It was informed that a dedicated team of four psychiatrists, along with other doctors and paramedical staff, is providing treatment and counselling to addicted patients. Anil Kumar called for taking local NGOs on board to further strengthen the healthcare support and rehabilitation services for affected patients. He also stressed for exploring the scope for establishing a state-of-the-art health facility dedicated to treatment and recovery of drug addicts in the district. The meeting also held detailed discussions on awareness generation in schools and colleges, sports-based engagement activities, mass pledge campaigns and onboarding of NCC and NSS volunteers in anti-drug campaigns to build stronger youth participation against substance abuse. The ACS further called for adoption of certification for drug-free government offices and institutions, saying that such initiatives would help build a culture of accountability and social responsibility. He urged all the departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination and play their assigned role with dedication to eradicate the drug menace from Kathua. He emphasized that only united and sustained efforts with active public participation can ensure the success of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and help build a healthier and safer society. SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, ADDC Surinder Mohan, CEO BDDA Atul Gupta, ADC Vishavjeet Singh, IAS Probationer Nidhi and other district officers were also present.

CJ inaugurates Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre at District Court Jammu

Jammu, May 6: In a significant step towards ensuring child-friendly and victim-sensitive justice delivery, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, ArunPalli, today inaugurated Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre at District Court Complex, Jammu. Present on the occasion were Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. YousufWani, Justice Shahzad Azeem Judges of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Yash Paul Bourney Member, J&K Special Tribunal, Jammu, Registrar General Mohinder Kumar Sharma of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Ravinder Nath Watal Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu, Registrar Vigilance Rajiv Gupta, Officers of the registry, Nirmal Kishore Kotwal Bar President along with Bar members, Judicial officers of District Court Complex, Jammu, Monika Kohli Additional Advocate General and Anil Sharma, Chief LADC Jammu. The facility aims to prevent the secondary victimization and ensure fair, sensitive recording of evidence. This marks a significant step towards victim-centric justice delivery in the Union Territory. The Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre has been established to provide a safe, non-intimidating and conducive environment for vulnerable witnesses, including children, victims of sexual offences and persons with disabilities, to depose before the court. The center is equipped with modern facilities including separate waiting areas, live-link video conferencing, one-way mirrors, and child-friendly infrastructure to prevent secondary victimization during trial proceedings, in line with Supreme Court guidelines. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice emphasized that establishment of VWDC reflects the judiciarys commitment towards upholding the rights and dignity of vulnerable witnesses and ensuring fair trial without fear or trauma.

Centre, Ladakh sign MoU to boost rural water supply under JJM 2.0

New Delhi, May 6: Continuing the nationwide rollout of reform linked implementation under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0; Mizoram and Ladakh signed MoUs with the Union Government on Wednesday, committing to a structured reform framework for sustainable, transparent and community-led rural drinking water service delivery. The reformlinked MoU, as per a PIB statement, mandates a Gram Panchayatled, servicebased and communitycentred model of rural water governance, aligned with the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The reformlinked MoU seeks to ensure that every rural household has access to drinking water supply in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on a regular basis through strengthened community participation (Jan Bhagidari) and bringing in structural reforms for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems, thereby enhancing the living standards of rural communities contributing to longterm water security aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The MoUs were signed in the virtual presence of the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil. Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna was also present during the MoU signing at the DDWS office. Senior officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), including Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS, Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) were also present during the MoU signing. Marking a key step in Centre-UT collaboration, the MoU with Ladakh was formally signed on the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena; Shashanka Ala, IAS, Secretary, UT, Ladakh; Dr Mohammad Usman Khan, JKAS, Add. Secretary, PHE/I&FC department, Ladakh and other senior officials from the State. The MoU was signed and exchanged between Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS, and Shurbir Singh, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, PHE/I&FC Department, UT, Ladakh. The MoU with Mizoram was signed in the presence of the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma who joined the event virtually along with senior officials from the state. The MoU was signed and exchanged between Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS, and Zodingpuii- Secretary PHED, Government of Mizoram & MD JJM, Mizoram. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil highlighted that the reform-linked MoUs mark a pivotal step in achieving 'Har Ghar Jal' for all rural households by 2028. He commended Mizoram's near-100% reported physical progress under JJM and urged timely reforms in operation, maintenance, and community participation to ensure and claim Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) certified status. The Minister assured full central support, including expedited fund releases, to maintain implementation momentum for the state. In his address Ladakh, C. R. Patil congratulated Vinai Kumar Saxena for his commendable efforts in ensuring 98.18% FHTC in the UT. He also urged for a rapid execution of the mission as per the JJM 2.0 guidelines to get a 100% HGJ certified UT. He also stated that JJM 2.0, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on accountability, water quality, and long-term sustainability. In order to fulfill this, he urged the officials to conduct District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings on timely basis and adhere to the MoU. He also urged both Mizoram and Ladakh to prioritize Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari through convergence with schemes like MGNREGA to ensure the long-term viability of the water supply systems. Patil informed that in September 2025, the Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) wrote a D.O. letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding issues related to Operation & Maintenance (O&M) in the Union Territories. In this regard he requested Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to coordinate with MHA and work for O&M. He also mentioned the suggestions given by the Additional Secretary & Mission Director (AS&MD), NJJM after discussion with the Chief Secretary of Ladakh during his visit to the UT in September 2025 and asked to take actions in this regard. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted the significance of Jal Jeevan Mission in ensuring access to safe drinking water in the challenging terrain of Ladakh. He termed the signing of MoU as a historic occasion. He pointed out that substantial progress has been achieved, with works completed in a significant number of villages, and emphasized that JJM is translating the vision of providing tap water to every household into reality. He highlighted the unique feature of JJM as it has community-led verification, wherein local villagers certify the functionality and delivery of water supply systems, thereby ensuring accountability and effectiveness on the ground. Aligning to the missions key points, Shri Saxena expressed confidence that the reform-linked framework will further strengthen implementation and assured full cooperation of the UT administration in achieving the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission.

Integrate ancient vedic wisdom with modern education: LG Sinha

Jammu, May 6:The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated the Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul at the ancient Shri Narsingh Dev Temple in Ghagwal. He also dedicated a Nakshatra Park and Yoga Dhyan Kendra to the public and laid foundation stone for Shri Narsingh Dev Public Library and Open Air Amphitheatre. Addressing a gathering of scholars, students and prominent citizens, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, emphasised that the establishment of Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul is a meaningful reconnection with Indias civilizational roots. It is a significant step towards cultural renaissance and the strengthening of the ancient Indian knowledge tradition, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the land of Ghagwal has historically been a vibrant center of learning where Vedic teachings flourished and the Guru-Shishya tradition thrived, providing students with guidance in the art of living, critical thinking, and the courage to seek the truth. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted Indias rapid advancement in science, innovation and technology. He further emphasised that the nation's true strength lies in its cultural consciousness, with Sanskrit playing a vital role in providing a balanced perspective rooted in ethics and duty. The Lieutenant Governor said that Sanskrit has been a source of essential values and knowledge systems for humanity for centuries. He also recalled the monumental contributions of ancient scholars such as Kautilya, Charaka, Sushruta, Bhaskracharya, Brahmagupta, Aryabhata, and Varahamihira, in shaping the global traditions in mathematics, medicine and philosophy. He stressed the urgent need to make this vast repository of knowledge accessible in simple, modern language to ensure its relevance for the contemporary world. The Lieutenant Governor urged the Gurukul management to maintain the highest standards of education by integrating the depth of tradition with the breadth of modernity. He emphasized that the institution must go beyond providing degrees to nurture sensitive, ethical and courageous personalities who can lead the society. I believe Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul will evolve into a centre of excellence by integrating traditional values with modern education, the Lieutenant Governor said.

Border villages now first villages under PM Modis leadership: LG Sinha

Jammu, May 6:Our border villages are the inheritors of a rich tradition of courage and resilience. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have shifted the narrative. These are no longer the last villages of India; they are our First Villages', the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday. The Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, was addressing a public rally during his visit to the border village of Regal in the Samba district, where he initiated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects. These include establishment of Digital Library at Government Primary School Regal, Construction of Community Hall cum Recreation Centre at Regal, development of Amrit Sarovar at Regal alongwith Drainage Channel, Installation of 03 Open Gyms and Installation of Solar Street Lights. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that the Administration is resolute to elevate the border settlements from the periphery of neglect to the forefront of national progress. Border villages like Regal are the backbone of India. Our glorious history was forged in the arduous paths of these border villages. We are committed to safeguarding the dignity of every border village family, ensuring that those who have faced the greatest neglect are now accorded the highest priority in the new era of Jammu Kashmirs progress, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the Government of India is implementing a comprehensive strategy under the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to integrate border populations into the national mainstream with focus on Livelihood Generation, Infrastructure and Connectivity. He said that the programme also aims to saturate all villages in 4 thematic areas- all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and electrification through convergence under existing scheme norms. Every effort is being made to ensure that the aspirations of every single citizen are fulfilled, that the development demands of border residents are met. Furthermore, by adopting a Whole-of-Government Approach, we aim to ensure that every target set under the Vibrant Villages Programme is achieved, he said. The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials to ensure that every household in the border villages has access to electricity, mobile connectivity, and economic independence. We must ensure that by 2030, not a single family in the border villages of Samba remains below the poverty line, the Lieutenant Governor said. Responding the demands raised by Member of Legislative Assembly Ramgarh, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the administration is committed to providing land ownership rights to displaced persons from PoJK and WPRs. He also stated that the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam would provide a massive boost to the region's agricultural productivity. The Lieutenant Governor lauded Regal for becoming a TB-free village and urged continued vigilance regarding clean drinking water and the collective fight against drug abuse. The Lieutenant Governor also handed over appointment orders to SPOs and sanction letters to various youth of the village and beneficiaries under HADP, Mission Yuva and other schemes. During his visit to the Regal Border Out Post (BoP), the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the Jawans and lauded their unwavering determination in guarding the nations frontiers and commended their exemplary role in Operation Sindoor. Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, Member of Legislative Assembly from Ramgarh; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department;Anil Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department; Bhim Sen Tuti; IGP Jammu; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Ms R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Ayushi Sudan Deputy Commissioner Samba; Anuj Kumar, SSP Samba, senior officials of army, police and civil administration and people in large number were present.

Hands-on workshop on early GI Cancer detection conducted

Srinagar, May 6: The Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA), Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF), in collaboration with GK Labs, organised a specialised workshop on Early Detection of Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers under its ongoing Moul Mouj Cancer Care Project at Kashmir Clinics Central. The workshop was conducted under the guidance of renowned radiation oncologist Prof. M. Ashraf Teli, Advisor to the project, with the objective of strengthening early screening and recognition of gastrointestinal cancers in Jammu & Kashmir, where stomach and colon cancers remain among the most frequently reported malignancies. The programme was attended by doctors, paramedics, healthcare professionals, and allied medical staff. It featured expert-led sessions, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training modules focusing on early symptom recognition, screening approaches, referral pathways, and community-level awareness strategies for GI cancers. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant and Founder Chairman MMF, emphasized that many gastrointestinal cancers are detected late because people ignore persistent symptoms such as swallowing difficulty, unexplained weight loss, altered bowel habits, prolonged acidity, or blood in stool. Dr Shakeel Ur Rehman, Secretary General MMF, stated that, GI cancers do not become dangerous overnight; they become dangerous when early warning signs are repeatedly ignored. The workshop highlighted the importance of timely endoscopy, colonoscopy, risk assessment, and early intervention in improving survival and reducing disease burden. Participants were also trained on practical screening protocols and patient counselling techniques aimed at promoting early healthcare-seeking behaviour. The organisers reiterated their commitment to expanding awareness and capacity-building initiatives under the Moul Mouj Cancer Care Project across Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in outreach and underserved areas.

Police demolish illegal structure of drug peddler at Noor Bagh

Srinagar, May 6: Continuing its intensified crackdown against narcotics under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Srinagar Police demolished an illegally constructed residential structure belonging to a habitual drug peddler in the Palpora NoorBagh area of the city. Police identified the accused as Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, son of Feroz Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Zahidpora Hawal presently residing at Pamposh Colony, Palpora Noorbagh. According to police officials, the accused had encroached upon state land and raised the structure illegally without obtaining any lawful permission from the concerned authorities. Police said Hilal Ahmad Sheikh is involved in multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These include FIR No. 06/2025 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Khanyar and FIR No. 47/2026 under Sections 8/20 and 22 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Safakadal. During the course of investigation, authorities found that the structure had been constructed using proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking. Officials further said that the building was raised on illegally occupied land in violation of revenue laws and other established legal procedures. During verification, it surfaced that the structure was illegally constructed on encroached state land and was linked to proceeds generated from drug trafficking activities, a police official said. Investigators have also found that close associates and some family members of the accused are involved in several NDPS-related cases across the Kashmir Valley, indicating the existence of a wider narcotics network. After completion of all legal formalities, the demolition drive was carried out jointly by police and the concerned civil authorities in accordance with law. Meanwhile, Srinagar Police has also intensified inspection drives of medical shops across various parts of the district as part of its broader anti-drug campaign. The inspections were conducted by jurisdictional police teams in coordination with concerned departments to ensure strict implementation of laws regulating the sale and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs. Officials said special focus was laid on verifying stock registers, sale records and prescription compliance, particularly for medicines that have high potential for misuse. During the inspections, pharmacists and shopkeepers were sensitized about the provisions of the NDPS Act and advised against over-the-counter sale of restricted drugs without valid prescriptions. They were directed to maintain proper documentation and immediately report any suspicious transactions or misuse of pharmaceutical substances, police said.

Pollens from Russian poplars blanket Srinagar, trigger health concern

Srinagar, May 6: Summer capital Srinagar has over the past few weeks witnessed a familiar yet unsettling seasonal phenomenon as cotton-like fluffs or pollens from Russian poplar trees drift across neighborhoods, coating roads, rooftops, and waterways. The airborne clusters, often mistaken for pollen, are in fact seed-bearing fibers released by female poplar trees, now peaking during the spring cycle. From Dalgate to Hazratbal and the outskirts of Harwan, residents describe scenes that resemble a light snowfall, with white tufts accumulating rapidly on footpaths and lawns. While visually striking, the spread has triggered concern among many Srinagarites, particularly those prone to respiratory sensitivities. It feels like its snowing in April. Every morning, we have to sweep our compound and the street outside. It settles everywhere on vehicles, shopfronts, even inside homes, said Riyaz Ahmad, a resident of Hazratbal. Locals say the fluff not only creates a persistent cleaning burden but also contributes to a sense of untidiness in public spaces. Piles of the cotton-like material gather along pavements and drains, often mixing with dust and litter, giving several areas a shabby appearance, while triggering fear of respiratory issues among locals. In Harwan, Shabnam said her family has started wearing masks. My parents already have breathing issues. This problem irritates the throat and nose, she said, echoing a concern shared by many elderly residents during the peak allergy months of March and April. The issue has revived a long-standing debate over the presence of Russian poplar trees in Kashmir. In 2015, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had directed authorities to gradually remove these trees, citing public health concerns. Despite periodic drives, many such trees continue to dot Srinagars landscape. Residents are urging the administration not to lose focus. There should be a proper mechanism. Instead of these poplars, authorities must encourage the plantation of other species that do not cause such problems, said Altaf, a shopkeeper in Hazratbal. Health experts, however, advise a balanced perspective. Doctors note that the floating material is not traditional pollen but seed fluff, though it can still act as an irritant. People are allergic to different types of airborne particles, many of which are invisible. This fluff is visible, so it draws attention, but precautions remain the same, said a Srinagar-based physician. They recommend wearing masks, keeping indoor spaces clean, and limiting exposure during peak hours. While the phenomenon is seasonal and expected to subside, for now, the drifting white fluffs continue to shape daily life across the city, prompting both inconvenience and renewed calls for long-term ecological planning.

Dr Farooq addresses NCs Working Committee meeting of district Srinagar

Srinagar, May 6: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Wednesday asked party cadres to stay vigilant and alert the public about Delhi-made parties attempting to undermine and obstruct the functioning of the popularly elected government led by Omar Abdullah. He made these remarks while chairing a one-day Working Committee meeting of District Srinagar at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha. The meeting was organized by District President Srinagar Peer Afaq Ahmad and was attended by Party General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar; Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Mubarak Gul, Ali Muhammad Dar, Tanvir Sadiq, Ahsan Pardesi, Shameema Firdous, Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, and Salman Ali Sagar; Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir; Womens Wing Provincial President Er. Sabiya Qadri; Minority Wing Organiser JS Azad; Provincial Secretary Syed Tawqeer; Trade Union Convenor Ghulam Muhammad Hamdard; besides District Srinagar block presidents and office bearers. The meeting held detailed deliberations on pressing public issues and key organisational matters, with participants discussing challenges facing the party and possible ways forward. Dr Farooq in his address said the NC government led by Omar Abdullah is acting as a bulwark to safeguard the regions interests and protect the rights of its people, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. He said that this has become a concern for certain forces in New Delhi and within Jammu and Kashmir that seek to erode the regions unique cultural and political identity. He asserted that the party will continue to defend the interests of the people from Lakhanpur to Kupwara and will not allow such forces to succeed. These forces may change faces and names, but their agenda remains the same, he said, adding that their aim is to weaken the regions distinct identity. He urged party functionaries to take the governments governance record to the grassroots and educate people about attempts to create divisions along religious, regional, sectarian, and ideological lines. He also called on the cadre to work closely with the public and actively help resolve their grievances.

WTO at a crossroads: Can global trade rules keep up with change?

The World Trade Organization's role as a global commerce pillar is weakening. Imbalances and unfair practices are challenging its principles. Trade is now seen as strategic power, not just economic exchange. India advocates for balanced reforms to ensure WTO's relevance in a changing world. This includes integrating plurilateral agreements and addressing developmental needs.

Security tightened in Jammu ahead of Operation Sindoor anniversary

Jammu, May 06: Security has been beefed up along the International Border and in Jammu region ahead of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, with security forces conducting extensive search operations, officials said on Wednesday. The Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out searches in various areas of Jammu, while police teams intensified frisking and checking of vehicles at multiple places, they said. Search operations have also been conducted in several districts as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the officials added. In the early hours of May 7 last year, India had launched Operation Sindoor a precision air and missile strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. Security along the border with Pakistan has been further strengthened, with heightened vigilance through both manual patrolling and surveillance equipment, the officials said.

Urdu: Ministry, Mohalla and Market

While outrage over removing Urdu knowledge as a mandatory requirement for revenue administrators is completely justified, it appears misplaced -- the change has not been notified. However, the issuance of a stakeholder consultation notice is enough to raise suspicions and spark insecurity. Especially after the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, ended Urdus status as the sole official language by adding Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, and English alongside it. Also, the Central Administrative Tribunals directive to the Service Selection Board allowing candidates proficient in any of the five official languages has further accelerated this shift. The issue is not only about a job. It is making the lingua franca of administration redundant in one of the most important areas of governance: land ownership. The issue becomes emotive when framed as an assault on identity, though there are strong administrative reasons to retain Urdu as a mandatory qualification for revenue administration jobs. Across J&K, be it Jammu, Pir Panchjal, Chenab, or the Valley, all land records remain in Urdu Nastaliq script. The entire revenue system, including the Record of Rights ( Jamabandi ), crop inspection ( Girdawari), and mutations ( Intiqal ), operates in Urdu. However, over the years, there have been technological advances and efficiency-driven reforms, that carry deeper structural consequences for the Urdu language. The systemic change that has already marginalised Urdu is the digitalisation of land records. While the benefits of digitisation are undeniable -- improves transparency, reduces corruption, speeds up mutations, and enables online access it effectively eliminates Urdu from day-to-day administrative use. Launched nationally in 1996, digitisation gained momentum in J&K only after the abrogation of Article 370. By early 2025, Jamabandi records had been digitised in 6,838 of 6,850 revenue villages. The new system and software are primarily in English (with some Hindi elements), offering minimal or no support for Nastaliq script. Old handwritten Urdu records have been scanned as images, but new entries, searches, mutations, and extracts are generated in English. The revenue administrative operating system of J&K, where Urdu was deeply embedded, has been rewired making its marginalisation an inevitable byproduct of modernisation. The fact is that digitisation is not culturally neutral. Considering such transformative developments, the larger question Kashmir must confront is far deeper: how does Urdu survive as a living tongue in the Valley. Languages do not live or die by government orders, notifications, or recruitment circulars. They survive or perish through the daily choices of societies and the utilitarian spirit of the markets. The life of a language is not in government circulars, but through the civil society and the market of commerce. History offers a stark lesson. Persian was the court language of Kashmir for centuries under the Mughals, Afghans, and early Dogras. It shaped administration, poetry, and elite discourse. Yet quickly disappeared once Urdu took over as the practical link language in the late 19th century. Persian survives today only in classical scholarship, the Sufi recitations at shrines and scattered loanwords in Kashmiri. No royal administrative decree could keep it alive once society stopped using it at home and in the bazaar. Ironically, the Kashmiri civil society has, in a perverse twist, helped Urdu at the direct expense of Kashmiri. In countless urban and semi-urban homes parents consciously shifted to Urdu believing it elevated their social standing and offered better prospects for their children. The result is painful but clear: Kashmiri became the language of grandparents and villages, while Urdu got into currency in domestic usage. Urdu gained ground, but at the cost of the Valleys own linguistic soul. This is the real cultural blow. The market question is even more unforgiving. Urdu was once the language of commerce in Kashmir. All trade accounts were maintained in Urdu. For instance, wataks , the invoices and account notes that ran the apple trade and horticulture economy, were written in Urdu until recently. Local mandis, commission agents, and exporters conducted business in it. But liberalisation, computerisation, banking reforms, and national supply chains changed everything. Contracts, phytosanitary certificates, payment and export invoices and even banking apps operate in English. Urdu lost its utility in the very sector that still drives rural Kashmirs livelihood. Nor does socialisation happen in Urdu. Today, the market for Urdu is largely cultural and marginally administrative, confined to the revenue records. There too, with the digitalisation of land records, it has lost primacy, if not relevance as a bridge language. Urdu serves as a language of archival record and functions as a bridge language, not a growth language. Urdu should certainly be given due prominence. It is part of our shared civilisational inheritance. But its revival and propagation cannot be outsourced to the secretariat. What is most important to realise is that official status and recruitment rules cannot, nor have ever saved a language that people themselves have stopped speaking at home or stopped needing in the marketplace. Between Kashmiri as the intimate language of the Valley and English as the language of the world, Urdu can occupy a natural middle ground as the language of specialised scholarship. A substantial body of Kashmir-specific historical material from the late 19th century onward exists primarily, and sometimes exclusively, in Urdu. The Dogra-era shift in 1889, when Maharaja Pratap Singh replaced Persian with Urdu as the court language, triggered an explosion of Urdu historiography, journalism, and scholarship. Works such as Tareekh-e-Kashmir by authors like Maulvi Shad or Hargopal Kaul Khasta, Tarikh Nigaristaan-e-Kashmir , and similar texts preserved local narratives that later English-language histories often summarise or reinterpret. The political awakening from the 1920s to the 1970s was documented and shaped through Urdu newspapers. Historians studying the freedom movement, rely heavily on those primary sources. English secondary literature frequently cites them, but the originals, and the nuance they carry, are in Urdu. This approach avoids the usual trap of reducing language to symbolic identity politics. Done right, it strengthens both Urdus survival and Kashmirs own historical self-understanding. The only risk is if we treat the exercise as ritual rather than rigorous scholarship. The niche could usefully extend to related fields, but it must remain anchored in historiography to retain its intellectual credibility and economic logic. From a purely administrative standpoint, there is need for a series of countermeasures starting with full Urdu digital support to prevent linguistic erasure. The government must build safeguards of bilingual records, and Nastaliq integration to prevent an irreversible tilt toward English. The national Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme mandates local-language support. To be fair, the J&K government in 2021-2022 did well to introduce Trilingual Digital Land Passbooks. Every landowner can get a digital passbook with land details (ownership, mutations, etc.) in Urdu, Hindi, and English. This was explicitly designed to make records accessible while preserving Urdus historical role in revenue documentation. A key feature that needs to be actively propagated is the automatic transliteration of Records of Rights into Kashmiri, which is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Ultimately, Urdus future in Kashmir will not be decided in the Revenue department or the information department of the Secretariat. It will be decided in homes that choose what language children speak at dinner, in publishers who print new Kashmiri-Urdu literature that people buy, in digital creators who produce content young Kashmiris consume, and in local markets that find fresh economic reasons to use it. The real issue, then, is not only confined to whether Urdu is mandatory in a recruitment rule. It is whether we, as a society, continue to value it for what it uniquely offers: a rich, irreplaceable archive of our modern history and literature. Give it that space, seriously and unapologetically, and Urdu will not merely survive; it will contribute meaningfully to Kashmirs intellectual life. Ignore that space, and no circular will save it. The mohalla and the market, not the ministry, will deliver the verdict. The author is a Contributing Editor of Greater Kashmir.

Kashmir transporters threaten to go on indefinite strike from May 12

Srinagar, May 06: Days after a Valley-wide chakka jam over the Smart City bus row, transporters in Kashmir on Wednesday announced an indefinite strike from May 12, warning of a complete halt in public transport if the government fails to address their demands. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Transport Association Kashmir President Shabir Matta, as per the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said the decision follows continued inaction by the authorities despite repeated outreach by transport bodies after the April 20 shutdown. We have given the government time till May 11. If our genuine demands are not met, the entire Kashmir will observe a chakka jam from May 12, Matta said. He said transporters from South, North and Central Kashmir had attempted to engage with the administration through visits and public outreach but received no response. Had the government called us for talks earlier, this situation would not have arisen, he said. Matta said the protest is driven by survival concerns of thousands associated with the sector. We are not against the government or development. But our employment is being snatched. First save our livelihood, then we can discuss other issues, he added. Referring to the April 20 strike, he acknowledged the hardship caused to the public, particularly students and patients. We understand people suffered; students missed exams and patients faced difficulties. We dont want to repeat that, but we are being forced, he said. The transport leader reiterated concerns over the expansion of Smart City bus services into routes traditionally operated by private transporters, alleging that local stakeholders are being sidelined in the process. He urged the government to initiate dialogue, stating that the sector supports thousands of drivers, conductors and vehicle owners across the Valley. We want to work with the government, not against it. But if ignored, we will be compelled to intensify agitation, he said. Transport bodies have further appealed to operators across Kashmir to support the proposed strike, which, if implemented, is likely to severely disrupt daily life, affecting commuters, students and patients across the Valley. Notably, as already reported by KNO, a Valley-wide chakka jam on April 20 had paralysed public transport across Kashmir, leaving commuters stranded and forcing authorities, including Kashmir University, to make alternate arrangements for affected students.

What Bengal thinks today: Pan-India-wise, May 4 signals more regional parties moving into existential crises

The Bharatiya Janata Party's significant win in West Bengal marks a major shift. This victory, alongside other state election results, has weakened the opposition INDIA alliance. The BJP now holds a stronger position in Parliament and is focusing on eastern India's development. This trend suggests a stable pathway for national policy and the BJP's continued political dominance.

A wake-up call for parents and society

Kashmir is known for its beauty, its culture, and its strong social fabric. But behind this picture, a troubling reality is quietly growing; drug addiction, especially among our youth. What was once rare and hidden is now becoming visible in our streets, our institutions, and, in some cases, our own homes. The increasing involvement of school and college-going students makes the situation deeply concerning and calls for immediate attention. In many cases, the journey does not begin with hard drugs. It starts small with a cigarette. For a young person, smoking often appears harmless, even fashionable. It is easily accepted in social settings, rarely questioned, and sometimes even ignored within families. But this small beginning often opens the door to more dangerous habits. Over time, it lowers resistance and makes experimenting with stronger substances easier. In Kashmir, smoking has become so common that it hardly raises concern. Many young boys and girls are exposed to it at home or among peers, and gradually begin to accept it as normal. This environment not only affects their health but also shapes their mindset. What should be discouraged is instead silently tolerated. Doctors and health experts have already raised alarms. There is a noticeable rise in respiratory illnesses, lung diseases, and other long-term health problems linked to smoking. More importantly, smoking often becomes a gateway leading young individuals toward the misuse of medicines such as tramadol, anti-anxiety drugs, and codeine-based syrups. In many cases, this is followed by substances like cannabis and eventually even more harmful drugs. What begins as curiosity slowly turns into dependence. But addiction is not only about substances, it is also about circumstances. Todays youth are under pressure like never before. Academic competition, fear of failure, and high expectations often leave them stressed and anxious. Many struggle silently, without proper guidance or emotional support. In such moments, drugs may appear as an escape. Peer pressure adds to this challenge, as the need to fit in often makes it difficult to say NO. When access to such substances is easy, risk becomes even greater. At the same time, changes within families are also playing a role. Communication between parents and children is gradually weakening. Busy routine, lack of supervision, and giving children too much freedom without accountability can create gaps. Many students who move away from home for studies suddenly find themselves with independence; but without guidance. Another growing concern is the closed-room culture. Young people today spend long hours alone with their phones, disconnected from family interactions. Parents often remain unaware of what their children are exposed to, whether it is harmful content, bad influences, or risky behaviors. Slowly, this isolation can push them further away from support systems. The government has taken steps to address this issue. Campaigns like Nasha Mukta Abhiyan aim to spread awareness and take action against drug networks. Law enforcement agencies have also intensified their efforts, and some positive changes are visible on the ground. At the same time, important regulatory measures have been strengthened in the recent times by Smita Sethi , JKAS Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, strict monitoring of pharmaceutical drugs has been prioritized to prevent misuse. CCTV cameras have been installed in medical shops to ensure transparency in the sale of medicines, and this initiative has been largely achieved. Efforts to control tobacco use have also been stepped up. Smoking in public places is being discouraged, the sale of tobacco near educational institutions is prohibited, and selling such products to minors is strictly banned. Hookah bars have also been closed to prevent the spread of smoking culture among youth. Yet, laws and enforcement alone are not enough. The real change must begin at home and within society. Parents need to be more involved in their childrens lives, not just as providers, but as guides and listeners. A simple conversation, timely attention, and emotional support can prevent many problems before they begin. Knowing your childs friends, their routine, and their online world is no longer optional, it is necessary. Schools and colleges must also step forward by strengthening counseling systems and creating safe spaces where students can speak openly. Society, too, must stop normalizing smoking and start taking responsibility for protecting its youth. Community and religious leaders can play an important role in spreading awareness and guiding young minds. Drug addiction is not just an individual problem, it is a collective challenge. If ignored, it can affect an entire generation. But with awareness, responsibility, and joint effort, it can be controlled. The time to act is now, for the sake of our children and the future of Kashmir.

Unacceptable Descent

A recent social media exchange between a National Conference spokesperson and a PDP legislator has plumbed unacceptable depths. What began as a routine disagreement over the Rajya Sabha polls degenerated into personal barbs, innuendo, and undignified rhetoric. Both participants must be held accountable. Such language demeans not just the individuals involved but the very idea of public service in Kashmir. The PDP legislators lengthy post on X, couched as political critique, slipped quickly into sarcasm and accusation charging opponents with diversion, incompetence, and covert disloyalty. The NC spokespersons rejoinder was worse: invoking insulting metaphors, branding a sitting legislator juvenile, and accusing the PDP of a criminal sell out. This is not political debate; it is street invective. The language is unworthy of decent citizens, let alone representatives of people and parties. The spectacle worsened when another NC legislator demanded that PDP members swear on the Holy Quran to prove the veracity of their claims. Invoking sacred texts to settle political rivalries is not only crass but deeply perilous. The return of elected governance was meant to restore maturity and issue based discourse. Instead, senior leaders are corroding the dignity of institutions and modelling contempt for civility. In a region already scarred by division, such rhetoric fuels cynicism, deters serious engagement, and distracts from real imperatives: good governance, economic recovery, restoration of statehood, and renewed public confidence. Kashmiris did not elect their representatives to trade insults or oaths on social media. The leadership of the two biggest parties must set an example and not display visceral hate that they seem to have for each other. They see each other as enemies when they are just adversaries. Political rivalry is healthy; incivility is not. Leadership requires restraint, especially when the stakes are this high. Decency and a sense of remorse demand that these posts be withdrawn. That would be the bare minimum gesture of accountability. The people of Kashmir deserve far better.

A Journey with Paigham

Stories carve human history through folklore and written scripts. Transforming knowledge through stories has enabled humans to evolve by addressing moral gaps. In this age of surveillance, reviving interest in short stories is crucial for re-engaging distracted youth. Undoubtedly, social media serves as a powerful tool for making content choices. However, its rhizomatic nature often leaves users feeling lost, addicted to screen scrolling, and disconnected from the practice of reading. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve the art of writing and reading. I am delighted that an individual with a strong sense of responsibility recently launched his book, Paigham , meaning a message. Paigham is a collection of short stories that addresses societal shortcomings and inspires reform on various issues. Before diving into the depths of the book, let me introduce you to the man who wrote Paigham . His name is Nawab Din: by profession, he is a civil servant, and by heart, a lover of books and pen. The art of writing belongs to visionary minds and responsible individuals. Their approach to social service comes from their pen, as Martin Luther once said, If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write. In this book, he channels the pain buried deep within the invisible corners of his heart. Nawab Din comes from the valley of Karaai in the Shivalik Hills, located in the District Udhampur of Jammu and Kashmir. Since childhood, he has keenly observed the flaws of society around him. Choosing to write in Urdu is necessary for another reason beyond conservation: it helps preserve the voices of ancestors who conveyed knowledge through that language. Undoubtedly, Urdu is the mother of the languages spoken in Jammu and Kashmir. It echoes the wisdom of our bygone writers. Krishan Chander Prakash Park of Poonch is named after the prolific writer Krishan Chander Prakash. Through his impeccable writings, he uncovered the curses of society through the medium of Urdu language. Likewise, Premchand dug into the social loopholes and through his strong characterisation, he pointed out the fragility of domestic lives. The language stores the tales and makes them timeless. This book, which bears a rich and regal title, Paigham, showcases his observant skills in highlighting unnoticed divides. He chooses to express his vision through the Urdu language. Short stories in Urdu have inspired young minds for as long as anyone can remember. He believes that writing ismeaningless without a purpose. Additionally, he shares a personal event in the preface of the bookwhen the late Azeem Iqbal Choudhary encouraged him, saying, Young man! Art is a veil. The expression of art that lacks a veil is no art. For him, Urdu is a part of his soul, because his reading journey began in the embrace of his mother, Naik Bibi, who bought him an Urdu alphabet book, and his maternal grandfather, who inspired his dreams of higher education. My motive here is to take readers on a journey through the various themes, the author has explored to enlighten them. The title of his first short story is Farishta , which means an angel. It highlights the double standards of societies that mock the poor, especially those who cannot serve their interests. Dr. Ravikant shuts the door of healing on a poor old lady deemed not so good-looking. He instructs his assistant, Gangaram, to expel her from the hospital. However, nature conspires against them. A man enters the hospital carrying a package of honeybees that swarm around Dr. Ravikant and Gangaram, leaving them in a dire condition. The old woman lights her tattered dupatta on fire and waves it mid-air to create smoke. As the smoke covers the hospitals main entrance, Dr. Ravikant and Gangaram take deep, albeit painful, breaths of relief. After the tension eases, everyone becomes curious to meet the poor old lady, who sacrificed her last possessionher dupattato relieve the elite class. It is only then that she is recognized and called an angel. By writing a total of 28 stories, the writer delivers a strong message that the man-made divide between the poor and rich undermines the standards of humanity. Furthermore, true richness is defined by compassion and empathy rather than the possession of worldly assets. I am deeply thankful to the author for infusing these stories with messages that carry moral lessons, especially since this generation is unlikely to experience the tradition of elders passing down lessons through oral stories. In Martaba, The Glory , the author masterfully employs an allegorical style, weaving the symbols of wind and flower to convey the profound truth that true glory resides with the divine. With a similar intent, the narrative pulses with a moral undercurrent, designed to awaken compassion and humanity in its readers. He keenly observes environmental concerns. Through Tehsildar Zahid and farmer Daisher, he underscores the theme of accountability. Rupa, Zahids housemaid, tosses waste onto open plots where Daishers buffaloes and sheep graze. On a heartbreaking day, Daishers beloved Boori dies after ingesting polythene. The writer awakens the readers awareness, vividly illustrating polythenes harmful toll on both nature and blameless animals in the story Gaartagar. The last story in book is Taqdeer ae Ummam which the author encapsulates in Allama Iqbals couplet: Mein tujh ko batata hun k taqdeer ae ummam kya hai Shamsheer o sanaa awwal taaus o rabab aakhir The rhapsodes of Greek times, the bards of Celtic traditions, the medieval European minstrels, and the Puraniks who preserved mythology and religious lore safeguarded the treasure of short stories that were eventually documented and restored in books. Such is the need of the hourto reestablish the art of short stories to preserve this literary culture and refocus on reading books to gain lifetime lessons. Through this piece, I invite the readers to buy the book and explore the world of Nawabs vision, and preserve the short stories.