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Opinions & Blogs News

Greater Kashmir

Opinions & Blogs / Greater Kashmir

NCB seizes first-ever consignment of Captagon drug worth Rs 182 crore

New Delhi, May 16: The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in the trafficking of Captagon and seized approximately 227.7 kg of the jihadi drug worth Rs 182 crore, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday. The success was announced by Home Minister Amit Shah on X. He lauded the agency for seizing the first-ever consignment of Captagon. Captagon is the street name historically linked to fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant developed in the 1

16 May 2026 10:06 pm
Shopian holds candlelight marches against drug abuse on International Day of Light

Shopian, May 16: On the occasion of the International Day of Light, Shopian district in south Kashmir witnessed a strong public campaign against drug abuse as the district administration illuminated educational institutions and organised candlelight marches under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyan. The initiative aimed to spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote a drug-free society. Government employees, shopkeepers, students and members of civil society participated

16 May 2026 9:57 pm
Director SKIMS lauds first successful BMT in 8-month old child

Srinagar, May 16: Director SKIMS/EOSG Prof. (Dr.) M. Ashraf Ganie congratulated the Department of Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences for successfully performing the first infant Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant) in an eight-month-old child diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune disorder. He described the achievement as a major milestone in advanced cell

16 May 2026 9:48 pm
Top IS commander Abu Bilal Al-Minuki killed, says Trump

New Delhi, May 16: In a daredevil operation, global leader of the Islamic State (IS), Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, was killed in a joint operation conducted by the United States and Nigerian security forces last night. American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and highly complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield, President Trump said. He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa or help plan operations ta

16 May 2026 7:55 pm
DCO J&K and Ladakh inks historical MoU with UoL for establishment of Census Data Workstations in Leh and Kargil

Ladakh, May 16: In a major initiative aimed at promoting data-driven research, academic engagement and evidence-based policy formulation in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Directorate of Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, today signed a historical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ladakh for establishment of two dedicated Census Data Workstations at the Leh and Kargil campuses of the University. The MoU was signed by Shri Amit Sharma, IAS, Chief Principal Ce

16 May 2026 7:38 pm
New Delhi rejects Indus Water Treaty arbitration award, calls tribunal illegal

New Delhi, May 16: New Delhi on Saturday rejected the latest award issued by the so-called Court of Arbitration on the Indus Waters Treaty dispute with Pakistan, asserting that the tribunal itself was illegally constituted and that all its proceedings and decisions were null and void. Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the tribunal had issued what it termed an award on maximum pondage supplemental to the award on issues of general interpre

16 May 2026 6:59 pm
Tourist couple killed, two others injured in Pahalgam road mishap

Pahalgam, May 16: A tragic road accident took place on Saturday when a Tavera vehicle bearing registration number JK21A-0379 skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge while travelling from Pahalgam towards Aru in south Kashmirs Anantnag district. Officials said the vehicle was being driven by Rayees Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, a resident of Rangward Laripora. The mishap resulted in the death of two tourists from Gujarat and injuries to two others. The deceased have been id

16 May 2026 6:51 pm
Police attach immovable property of Hizbul Mujahideen-linked proclaimed offender in Sopore

Srinagar, May 16: Continuing its sustained crackdown against the terror ecosystem and anti-national elements, Sopore Police today attached immovable property of a proclaimed offender involved in Case FIR No. 02/2008 registered at Police Station Panzalla under Section 2/3 of the E&IMCO Act. The proclaimed offender has been identified as Rasid-ud-Din Qureshi, son of Abdul Kabir Qureshi, resident of Nadihal Rafiabad. Officials said the investigations have revealed that the accused had illegally cro

16 May 2026 6:11 pm
CJI Surya Kant clarifies 'parasites' remarks, says 'pained' over media reports

New Delhi, May 16: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday issued a strongly worded clarification on his 'parasites' remarks, saying he was pained by media reports that suggested he criticised youth. I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday, the CJI said in a statement. Kant emphasised that his remarks were specifically directed at individuals entering the legal profession through fake and bogus

16 May 2026 5:14 pm
Mohsin Naqvi invited to attend ICC meeting and IPL final in India: Report

New Delhi, May 16: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has received an invitation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to attend its Board meeting and the Indian Premier League (IPL) final scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad later this month, Geo TV reported. According to the report, Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed receiving the invitation to attend the ICC Board meeting and the IPL final in India. Jay Shah is currently serving as Chairman of the

16 May 2026 5:10 pm
Indo-Pak peace only way to end poverty: MP Chowdry Ramzan

Srinagar, May 16: Rajya Sabha member and senior National Conference leader Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Saturday pitched for peaceful relations between India and Pakistan, asserting that progress for both nations is impossible without mutual peace. Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Rajya Sabha member Ramzan said the people of both countries face severe challenges, with poverty being the biggest concern. Relations are interconnected. As long as these two countries do not maintain p

16 May 2026 4:47 pm
Anantnag Police launch first-ever action against nambardars, chowkidars over failure to report poppy cultivation

Anantnag, May 16: In a first-of-its-kind move to tighten accountability in the fight against narcotics, Anantnag Police has initiated action against several Nambardars and Chowkidars for allegedly failing to report illegal poppy cultivation in their respective areas, officials said on Friday. According to police, the action follows a review of recently registered cases under the NDPS Act at Police Station Srigufwara related to unlawful poppy cultivation. During scrutiny of the cases, it was foun

16 May 2026 4:11 pm
UAE to build new oil pipeline bypassing Strait of Hormuz

Abu Dhabi, May 16: The United Arab Emirates has decided to construct a new west-east oil pipeline through Fujairah aimed at bypassing the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, a move expected to significantly boost the countrys export security and oil transport capacity. According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the new pipeline is expected to be completed by 2027 and will help the UAE double its oil export capacity. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Khaled bin Mohamed bin Za

16 May 2026 2:50 pm
Three medical shops sealed for violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act: Srinagar Police

Srinagar, May 16: Tightening the noose on illegal drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, Srinagar Police, in collaboration with the Drugs and Food Control Organisation, sealed three medical shops in the district for violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, police officials said on Saturday. Under the aegis of the ongoing 'Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and the 100 Days Campaign' launched by the Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, a joint inspection drive of medical shops was conducted

16 May 2026 1:26 pm
MoS Tokhan Sahu commutes to office on bicycle, urges citizens to support fuel conservation drive

New Delhi, May 16: Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, today cycled 3 kilometres from his residence to Sankalp Bhawan in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modis appeal for fuel conservation, sending a strong message of sustainable urban mobility, environmental responsibility, and service to the nation. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sahu said that the Prime Ministers appeal to revive Covid-era practices such as work from home, online classes, virtual meetings, and redu

16 May 2026 1:00 pm
Hindustan Copper PBT jumps 95 percent to record Rs 1,233 crore in FY26

New Delhi, May 16: Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), the only Copper Miner to the Nation, has reported historical results for the financial year 202526, setting multiple financial records marked by significant operational achievements. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has surged by 95 % to Rs 1232.73 crore in FY 2025-26 from Rs 633.51 crore in FY 2024-25, the highest ever in the history of the company.

16 May 2026 12:52 pm
Cop shoots wife dead during argument in north Kashmir's Kupwara; later attempts suicide

Kupwara, May 16: A probationary sub-inspector (PSI) of Jammu and Kashmir Police allegedly shot his wife dead during an argument and later attempted suicide in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said on Saturday. The police officer, identified as Deep Singh and posted at a Special Operations Group (SOG) camp in the Kandi area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district, had a quarrel with his wife, late on Friday, a PTI report said, quoting officials. During the altercation, Singh allegedly fired

16 May 2026 12:22 pm
J&K Minister Satish Sharma rides tonga to promote fuel conservation amid austerity drive

Srinagar, May 16: Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma on Saturday advocated fuel conservation and austerity measures while riding a traditional tonga (horse cart) in Kashmir, saying such transport systems are among the best ways to reduce fuel consumption. Sharing a video on social media, the minister urged people to support the ongoing austerity campaign and adopt alternative means of transport instead of relying excessively on vehicles. Save petrol. I think this is one of the best

16 May 2026 12:17 pm
AIIMS Jammu achieves another milestone, performs advanced sight-saving procedures

Jammu, May 15: The Department of Ophthalmology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully restoring vision in a middle-aged patient, who was admitted to the eye OPD, with severe ocular trauma sustained while gardening. The patient was cutting grass with an iron sickle when a small fragment of the sickle struck his eye. He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Jammu. On clinical examination, the patient, according to an AIIMS Jammu spoke

16 May 2026 10:16 am
Man dies, seven hospitalised after suspected food poisoning from wild vegetable in J&Ks Rajouri

Rajouri, May 16: A case of severe food poisoning involving members of two families has come to light in the Kotranka subdivision of Rajouri district, where an elderly man has died while seven others have been hospitalised at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. Food poisoning caused by a wild vegetable is suspected to be the reason behind the incident, and authorities have launched an investigation into the matter. According to reports, the two families from Mohra village in Kotranka consum

16 May 2026 9:37 am
Footfall rises at Shalimar Garden amid ongoing restoration

The sprawling lawns of Shalimar Garden witnessing steady flow of visitors with both locals and tourists spending time at the Mughal garden as the summer season picks up. The pathways are clean, with little to no litter visible, even in areas amid heavy footfall. People move through the garden at an easy pace, some stopping to take photographs, others sitting along the lawns or near the water channels. The fountains across different sections of the garden are functional, and the water flowing thr

16 May 2026 8:15 am
Govt committed to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare facilities to people

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today visited JVC Hospital Bemina to inspect the functioning of various healthcare facilities and review patient care services being provided at the hospital. During the visit, the Minister undertook a comprehensive tour of several departments of the hospital and assessed the availability of medical services, infrastructure, healthcare delivery systems and overall patient management. The Minister also interacte

16 May 2026 8:13 am
Census-2027: DC Srinagar, SMC Commissioner review preparations

In connection with Census-2027, the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar (Principal Census Officer (Rural), Akshay Labroo and Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation(SMC) (Principal Census Officer (Urban), Faz Lul Haseeb today chaired a joint meeting of District and Sectoral Officers of all line Departments at Banquet Hall Conference Complex, Srinagar. At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner and SMC Commissioner assessed the modalities for Self-enumeration and review progress of House listing

16 May 2026 8:12 am
Batamaloo Souk risks losing its soul before launch as Smart Buses take it over

Long before the aroma of Kashmiri delicacies could drift through its corridors or shopkeepers could roll up their shutters for the first day of business, the newly constructed Batamaloo Souk has already found itself occupied not by traders or visitors, but by smart buses. The decision by Srinagar Smart City Limited to operate Smart Buses from the yet-to-be inaugurated Souk has triggered concern among locals, traders, and residents around Batamaloo, many of whom fear the structure envisioned as a

16 May 2026 8:10 am
Director Horticulture visits Shopian, reviews developmental works

Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand visited District Shopian to review various developmental works being carried out in the district. The Director conducted an extensive visit of District Shopian to review ongoing horticulture activities and interact with stakeholders in the sector. During the visit, a meeting was held with the orchardist community wherein the Director listened to their concerns, discussed various developmental issues, and assured necessary support for the growth of horti

16 May 2026 8:03 am
Director Finance SKUAST-K visits KVK Bandipora-1

Director Finance/Comptroller, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Haroon Ahmad Bhat visited KVK Bandipora-1 to review the functioning and developmental activities of the institution. During the visit, Dr. Tariq Sultan briefed the Director Finance regarding the ongoing activities, institutional achievements, infrastructural facilities, and future development plans of the KVK. The Director Finance inspected various sections of the Kendra and review

16 May 2026 8:02 am
Karnah Volleyball Club wins Season II League title

The Karnah Volleyball League Season II Friday concluded successfully, marking a spirited showcase of sportsmanship and youth participation across the Karnah sector. Organised by the Indian Army under Operation Buniyaad, the week-long tournament aimed to promote unity, healthy competition, and constructive engagement among youth residing along the Line of Control (LoC). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from multiple teams representing different areas of Karnah, drawing strong public

16 May 2026 8:01 am
Govt orders transfer, posting of officers at DYSS

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered transfers and postings of officers in the Department of Youth Services and Sports with immediate effect. According to the order issued by the department, Sunil Kumar, as per an official statement, has been posted as District Youth Services & Sports Officer (DYSSO), Kathua, while Sunil Singh Sambyal has been posted as DYSSO Samba. Dharamveer Singh has been posted as DYSSO Reasi and Jagdish Raj Sharma as Assistant Director, Jammu. Tarsem Singh has be

16 May 2026 8:00 am
Presentation Convent Srinagar hosts Nano-Nagle Inter-School Cricket Tournament

Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Srinagar, on Friday organised its first Nano-Nagle Inter-School Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament 2026. The sports event brought together talented young players from leading educational institutions across the Valley in an atmosphere marked by sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, and healthy competition. MLA Tanvir Sadiq was the chief guest at the occasion, while Principal Burn Hall School Fr. Stalin Raja, ex-cricketer and State Cricket Coach, Aabid Nab

16 May 2026 7:58 am
J&K Sports Council congratulates Rajouri Boxer Mohammad Yasser on Asian Gold

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Friday congratulated young boxing sensation Mohammad Yasser of Rajouri for winning the gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championship held in Uzbekistan, describing the achievement as a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir and a proud moment for the entire nation. The Council, as per an official statement, stated that Yassers international triumph reflects the growing sporting transformation taking place across J&K under the visionary leadership of Prime

16 May 2026 7:57 am
HDFC Life declares record bonus of Rs 4,596 Cr for 22.2 lakh policyholders

HDFC Life has announced a record bonus of Rs 4,596 crore for its participating policyholders, reinforcing its commitment to delivering long-term value and financial security. The bonus was approved during the companys Board meeting held on April 16. The insurer said the bonus its highest ever declaration will benefit 22.2 lakh participating policyholders, reflecting the companys customer-centric approach, consistent financial performance and prudent management practices. Out of the total bonus

16 May 2026 7:55 am
KTA seeks uniform enforcement of E-way bill for timber transit

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today received several delegations representing various public interests, who called on him to seek his intervention on a range of issues pertaining to their respective areas. A delegation of Kashmir Timber Association (KTA) submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention in uniform implementation of the E-Way Bill system for transit of timber across J&K. The delegation, apprised the Minister that while t

16 May 2026 7:54 am
KTMF flags growing disconnect between J&K Bank, business community

The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) strongly raised a series of long-pending issues confronting the business community during a high-level meeting with senior management of J&K Bank, expressing concern over what it termed as a growing disconnect between the bank and its customers. Led by KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan, the delegation said J&K Bank, once regarded as the backbone of local trade and enterprise, was increasingly being perceived as distant from the ground rea

16 May 2026 7:49 am
Back-to-back hailstorms crush harvest hopes in Baramulla

Recurrent hailstorms have wreaked havoc across large parts of north Kashmirs Baramulla district, leaving orchards and agricultural fields badly damaged and pushing thousands of farming families into deep uncertainty. On Thursday afternoon, an intense hailstorm accompanied by strong winds battered several villages in Rafiabad, including Kutru Naribal, Shalkoot, Braman, Ladoo Ladura, and adjoining areas, causing extensive damage to apple orchards and standing crops. Residents said hailstones, driv

16 May 2026 7:48 am
Trump cautions Taiwan against declaring Independence

US President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, reiterating Washingtons long-standing position on the sensitive issue, according to the BBC. Speaking to Fox News as reported by the BBC, after concluding a two-day summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said, Im not looking to have somebody go independent. Trump said he wanted tensions over Taiwan to cool down and stressed that US policy had not changed. Were supposed to travel

16 May 2026 7:44 am
Trump signals support for 20-year suspension of Iran nuclear programme

US President Donald Trump has said he would accept a 20-year suspension of Irans nuclear programme, signalling a shift from his earlier demand for a permanent end to Tehrans uranium enrichment activities, according to the BBC. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after talks in Beijing with ChinesePresident Xi Jinping, Trump said the suspension had to be a real 20 years. He did not elaborate further on how such an arrangement would be monitored or enforced. Trump has previously insisted th

16 May 2026 7:41 am
Adopt result-oriented approach to law enforcement: IGP Jammu

Jammu, May 15: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, has asked the officers to adopt a result-oriented approach to law enforcement with unyielding resolve. IGP was chairing a high-level crime review meeting at the District Police Lines (DPL) Jammu on May 14, 2026. The session was attended by all jurisdictional Superintendents of Police (SPs), Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) of the district. During the meeting, IGP Jammu conducted a

16 May 2026 6:26 am
Digital self-enumeration for Census 2027 begins on May 17 in Jammu

Jammu, May 15: Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Dr Rakesh Minhas, who is also the Principal Census Officer for the district, has appealed to the people to earnestly participate in digital self-enumeration opening on May 17 the launch day of Census 2027 operations. Speaking at a press conference here at the District Headquarters, he urged residents of Jammu district to actively participate in the landmark national enumeration exercise. Additional Deputy Commissioner (also the District Census Officer)

16 May 2026 6:24 am
Operational period of additional 3rd AC coach in Jammu-New Delhi Rajdhani Express extended

Jammu, May 15: The Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway, with the objective to manage the additional rush of passengers during summer vacations and trim the long waiting lists, has decided to extend the operational period of the additional third AC coach in New Delhi-Jammu Tawi-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. The coach was temporarily added to the train to cater to the swelling summer rush. The main purpose of this extension is to provide a comfortable and smooth travel experience to devot

16 May 2026 6:21 am
HC Division Bench adjourns hearing to July 17

Jammu, May 15:The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Friday adjourned the hearing in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), challenging the provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, authorising the Lieutenant Governor to nominate five MLAs to the J&K Legislative Assembly, over and above its (assemblys) sanctioned strength, to July 17, 2026. The Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Rajesh Sekhri, hearing this PIL, adjourned the matter (to July 17) due to paucity of tim

16 May 2026 6:19 am
Census 2027-phase I in J&K to begin with HLO from May 17

Jammu, May 15:The first phase of Census 2027, comprising the House Listing and Housing Census Operations (HLO), is officially commencing from May 17, 2026, with the opening of self-enumeration window, across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time, census operation will be a fully digital and paperless exercise. As a part of the national exercise -vital for development planning and welfare initiatives, being conducted after a gap of more than 15 years, thirty-day period of h

16 May 2026 6:13 am
HC upholds adaptation of JKPSA post Reorganisation Act 2019

Srinagar, May 15:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has upheld the constitutional validity of the adaptation of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act (JKPSA) 1978 after the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019. A bench of justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal upheld the adaptation validity of JKPSA while dealing with a plea wherein it was argued that the Act of 1978 was originally enacted under the constitutional framework applicable to the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir and, theref

16 May 2026 6:11 am