Srinagar, May 22: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Friday expressed serious concern over the lodging of an FIR against Kashmiri Pandit activists protesting the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in relation to relief and ration benefits for displaced migrant families. In a statement issued here, Mehbooba Mufti said the concerns being raised by the Kashmiri Pandit community stem from genuine anxieties about their distinct identity and status as displaced migrants, something that has been acknowledged by successive governments over the years. She said that after decades of displacement, uncertainty and trauma, the community deserves empathy and engagement rather than criminalisation for voicing its fears and grievances. Reacting to reports of police action against the protesters, Mehbooba Mufti said the increasing tendency to respond to dissent with FIRs and intimidation is deeply worrying and reflects an unhealthy approach towards democratic expression. She said peaceful protest cannot be treated as a criminal act, especially when communities are raising concerns linked to their survival, rehabilitation and legal safeguards. The PDP president noted that several Kashmiri Pandit organisations have opposed the move to subsume migrant relief rations under the NFSA framework, fearing that it could dilute their distinct migrant status and gradually erode the special relief and rehabilitation mechanisms created for families displaced from the Valley in the 1990s. She said many within the community view the move as an attempt to reduce a humanitarian and displacement-related entitlement into a routine welfare scheme. She said the issue must be addressed through dialogue and confidence-building measures instead of police action and legal intimidation. “The pain and displacement suffered by Kashmiri Pandits is a reality that cannot be ignored. Any policy decision affecting them must be taken only after meaningful consultation with the community,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti further said that democratic governments must create space for citizens to express concerns peacefully and that using police action against every form of disagreement only widens mistrust and alienation. She urged the administration to withdraw the FIR and initiate a transparent dialogue with representatives of the Kashmiri Pandit community over the NFSA-related concerns.

Expresses solidarity with bereaved family & prays for departed soul; Emphasizes personal bonds over differences in politics Srinagar, May 22: J&K Peoples Conference President and  MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone Friday led a senior party delegation to the residence of Baramulla MP Er Rashid and Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed to offer condolences on the passing of their father, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh.  The delegation, comprising Chief Spokesperson Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar, Provincial President Kashmir & Former Chairman DDC Kupwara Irfan Panditpuri, District President Kupwara Hafiz Ullah Mir, and District Coordinator Abdul Ahad Kashmiri, expressed heartfelt solidarity with the grieving family and prayed for peace for the departed soul. Addressing the gathering, Sajad Lone emphasized that his visit completely transcended political boundaries and was deeply rooted in decades of profound personal connection. While openly acknowledging their current political differences, Lone underscored the enduring mutual respect between their families.  He fondly recalled the 2009 parliamentary elections, noting that although Er Rashid opposed him politically at the time, the late Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, his wife and Sheikh Khursheed had steadfastly supported and voted for him out of unwavering affection and loyalty to the late Abdul Ghani Lone. Reflecting on their shared history, Lone reminisced about his earliest interactions with Er Rashid over two decades ago, well before Rashid's entry into mainstream politics.  Reaffirming the strictly personal nature of his condolence visit, Lone stated unequivocally that he was standing not at the residence of an MP or an MLA, but at the home of Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, a man he warmly remembered for his constant prayers and deep respect.  Concluding his address, Lone reiterated that political rivalries belong outside the doors of a grieving household and prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul the highest place in paradise.

Srinagar, May 19: Thousands of people from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday participated in the funeral procession and Nimaz-e-Jinazah of late Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of Member of Parliament Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, at their ancestral village Mawar Payeen in Handwara. Earlier this morning, Er Rashid was released from Tihar Jail on interim bail and directly reached Srinagar Airport before proceeding towards his ancestral village to participate in the funeral rites of his father. The funeral prayers were led by Senior Awami Itihaad Party leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad amid an emotionally charged atmosphere marked by grief, prayers and large public participation. People from different walks of life, including political, social and religious personalities, visited the family to offer condolences and express solidarity with Er Rashid and his family. Addressing mourners at the funeral prayers, Er Rashid made an emotional appeal asking people to learn lessons from death and reflect upon the futility of hatred, animosity and revenge in human life. He said his struggle has never been against individuals or ordinary people but against injustice and systems that allow injustice to flourish. Recalling an incident from his days as a social activist before entering electoral politics, Er Rashid narrated how authorities had once announced a reward to capture a man-eating animal alive instead of killing it so that its violent behaviour could be changed. Drawing a parallel, he said if society can attempt to reform even a dangerous animal, then human beings who may have committed mistakes also deserve opportunities for reform, dignity and justice rather than permanent hatred and exclusion. He further said his political struggle is much bigger than issues like Article 370 or Statehood alone and is fundamentally linked to justice, dignity and respect for people. Er Rashid also expressed gratitude to all those who visited his ailing father, attended the funeral or conveyed condolences. He reiterated that he has no enmity with the 140 crore people of India and that his disagreement is only with systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Many mourners were seen emotionally moved during his brief address, which focused on compassion, humanity and reconciliation. Meanwhile, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi thanked the authorities, civil administration and police administration for smoothly managing the massive gathering and maintaining order during the funeral proceedings.

Baramulla, May 15: The indefinite strike by non-gazetted employees of Government Medical College Baramulla entered its fifth consecutive day on Friday, with protesting employees intensifying their demand for the immediate framing of recruitment rules and resolution of long-pending promotion issues. The employees continued their protest within the college premises, alleging that despite repeated representations over the years, their genuine demands have remained unaddressed. During the protest, Javaid Hussain Beigh visited the agitating employees and held interactions with members of the non-gazetted employees’ body. He assured the protesters that their long-pending demands would be fulfilled soon and said that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities for an early resolution. The protesting employees reiterated that they will continue their agitation until concrete steps are taken regarding recruitment rules and career progression issues.

Kupwara, May 14: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday inaugurated the 'ShauryaGatha' Complex at SM Hill in Tangdhar, Karnah in Kupwara District. The initiative marked a significant milestone in the promotion of battlefield tourism, heritage preservation and border area development. The Lieutenant Governor applauded Northern Command, Chinar Corps, and all officers, soldiers, engineers, workforce and local residents for the completion of the prestigious project in a short span of time. He said our brave soldiers laid down their lives to defend the motherland, and their courage and sacrifice should be instilled in every Indian as a powerful source of pride and inspiration. “The dedication of our forces and people is the true strength of the nation. The ShauryaGatha Complex stands as a tribute to the valour and sacrifices of Indian soldiers.  This initiative will create new opportunities for border area and battle field tourism, homestays, local crafts and youth entrepreneurship,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the stark contrast between development on this side of the Line of Control and the conditions in illegally Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, noting that Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing an era of peace, progress and prosperity, while PoJK continues to suffer from neglect and misgovernance. He reaffirmed that Jammu & Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India. “Jammu & Kashmir is moving forward with development on all fronts. There is a renewed sense of self-confidence, and the society is prosperous and peaceful than ever before,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He also reiterated that the administration is committed to the development of the border region. He said that the initiative like promotion of valour site under Bharat RannbhoomiDarshan initiative will usher economic growth and prosperity in Tangdhar-Karnah region, besides showcasing the rich defence legacy and culture of the region. He said that seven villages of Tangdhar, Karnah have been included under the Vibrant Village Programme, ensuring improved infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and quality of life.  Highlighting the importance of the Sadhna Tunnel, the Lieutenant Governor stated that it will significantly enhance connectivity, security, and economic activity in the region by providing all-weather access and facilitating trade, education, healthcare and disaster response. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh GOC Chinar Corps, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism Department, Major General Rakesh Nair GOC 28 Infantry Division, Anshul Garg Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Brigadier Dharmendra Yadav Commander Shakti Vijay Brigade, senior officers from the Army, Civil Administration, Police and Security Forces attended the inaugural ceremony.

Srinagar, May 13: Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Department J&K, Shaleen Kabra Wednesday conducted an extensive inspection of various Water Supply Schemes in Kupwara to review the progress, functioning and quality of drinking water supply infrastructure being developed under Jal Jeevan Mission in the district. During the visit, the Additional Chief Secretary inspected the ongoing and completed works. He appreciated the work done under the scheme and directed to complete and commission the same as soon as the funds are released by the government. The officers and engineers from the Jal Shakti Department briefed the Additional Chief Secretary on the status of execution, water supply position, challenges faced and measures being taken to improve services. Emphasis was laid on maintaining quality standards, ensuring timely completion of works and adhering to a proper timeframe, as funds are expected to be released in the coming months. The Additional Chief Secretary directed the concerned officers to expedite pending works, strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure optimum utilization of resources. Emphasis was also laid on public welfare, transparency and adherence to technical specifications in all development works. The Additional Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of the field staff and Engineers working for augmentation of drinking water facilities in the district. He reiterated the government’s commitment towards providing safe and sustainable drinking water to every household. Senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department including Chief Engineer PHE Kashmir, Director Planning Jal Shakti Department and Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Kupwara accompanied the Additional Chief Secretary during the inspection.

'As we taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, will partner with religious leaders, social groups to create community immunisation initiative against drugs in high-risk hotspot areas per district' Srinagar, May 12: The J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday joined the Drug-Free Jammu-Kashmir campaign in Baramulla and engaged with citizens and participated in a Padyatra. The Lieutenant Governor announced the launch of two innovative pillars under the campaign for the next 69 days- the Community Immunization Program against drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative. Speaking on the occasion, LG Sinha said that just as we have taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, we will partner with religious leaders and social groups to create Community Immunization initiative against drugs in 5-10 high-risk hotspot areas per district. “I urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour weekly to strengthen this initiative through awareness. It will deliver real results, acting like an early warning system, monitoring hotspots while building them into fully drug-free zones," LG Manoj Sinha said. He said the second pillar is the family fortress initiative, which will rely on the strong family and community bonds for the ultimate shield against drug addiction. "Over the next 69 days, every school, college, and place of worship in Jammu Kashmir should host a weekly family dialogue on drugs. These dialogues should be open, honest paired with local campaign audits to spot and fix gaps," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that in the past 31 days, over 2.35 lac awareness and outreach events have been conducted across Jammu Kashmir.  "More than 44,000 OPD patients have been treated, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested, and stringent action has been taken against the drug supply chain," he said. He said that action has targeted every financial transaction of drug cartels, seizing crores in properties built from drug money by major smugglers. "Across Jammu and Kashmir divisions, 300 driving licenses and over 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. Enforcement agencies have ensured massive drug hauls. We have inspected more than 3,300 drug stores, and 150 licenses have been suspended for violating the norms," he said. He further said that nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras are now installed at the drug stores across Union Territory. "Over two dozen smugglers have been nabbed under PIT-NDPS Act. I assure the people that we will chase every rupee, every asset, and shell company of drug traffickers, ensuring the harshest punishment for those who are destroying our youth's future,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that fueled by public support, this people's movement is setting historic records in Jammu Kashmir and no past social campaign has seen such massive participation. “We have received nearly 3,000 calls for tele-manas counselling and support in the past 31 days. I want our response to drugs to be rooted in science. We don't shame diabetes patients into health or cure cancer victims through stigma. Likewise, we must treat and rehabilitate addicts with dignity, reconnecting them to society's mainstream through resolve and compassion. Government officials and citizens must unite for surveillance, rally against drugs, and foster drug-free villages and towns,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Baramulla, May 10: Young Politician and a social activist from Baramulla, Touseef Raina Sunday conducted a meeting with supporters in Baramulla regarding the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. Hundreds of youngsters and senior citizens participated in the gathering and extended their support to the campaign against drug abuse. Addressing the gathering, Touseef Raina urged people from all walks of life to come together and protect society from the growing drug menace. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and help rehabilitate affected youth instead of merely making videos or reels. He stressed the importance of guiding those trapped in addiction towards proper de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. Touseef Raina further urged people to participate in the anti-drug padyatra scheduled on May 12 of 2026 at Prof Showkat Ali Stadium of Government Degree College (GDC) Boys Baramulla. The Padyatra will be led by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as part of the ongoing awareness drive under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. People present during the meeting appreciated Touseef Raina’s efforts towards ending the drug menace and supporting the rehabilitation of youth affected by addiction.

Srinagar, May 8: Shahid Ahmad Shah, Law student at the School of Law, University of Kashmir, has been appointed as the President of the Law Society for the academic session 2026–2027. The appointment has been made on the basis of academic merit, teacher feedback, and the recommendations of the Selection Committee, reflecting a recognition of his leadership abilities and academic commitment. As President, Shahid Ahmad Shah will lead the Law Society in organizing academic and co-curricular activities, including moot court competitions, seminars, workshops, and legal awareness initiatives aimed at enhancing the practical and professional skills of law students. The Law Society plays a significant role in fostering a dynamic academic environment within the institution, and his leadership is expected to further strengthen student engagement and institutional excellence. Shahid Ahmad Shah is set to assume charge with a vision to promote innovation, collaboration, and excellence in legal education.

Srinagar, May 7: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet against 11 people in a financial fraud case linked to an HDFC Bank branch in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, officials said on Thursday. The case, registered under the relevant provisions of the BNS and the IT Act, pertains to alleged financial irregularities at the Shopian branch of the bank, an official said. The matter came to light following a written complaint alleging financial fraud, after which the case was transferred to the Crime Branch for an in-depth investigation, he said. During the probe, several individuals were identified for their alleged involvement in fraud, he said. The accused include branch managers Adil Ayoub Ganai, a resident of Memendar, Shopian, and Irfan Majeed Zargar, a resident of Shopian. Others named in the case include Mubashir Hussain Sheikh, a resident of Karena, Kulgam and then an employee of bank; Zaid Manzoor, a resident of Anantnag and a bank employee; and Javaid Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Below Rajpora, Pulwama, also employed with the bank. The accused were arrested on February 18 and have remained in judicial custody since then, officials said. Upon completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was filed against them in court. (PTI)

Simari, May 7: A river runs through it, cleaving the village between India on 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, India’s 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 Shamshabari mountains 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. Simari’s 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 Simari’s 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 village’s 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. (PTI)

Srinagar, May 7: The students and teachers of an educational institution in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday staged a protest march against the government's decision to declare it an unlawful entity under the UAPA, officials said. Students and teachers of Dar Ul Uloom Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom took out the march from the institute to the office of the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, carrying placards that read "save our future" and "open our school", and raising slogans such as "education is our fundamental right", they said. The march remained peaceful, and the protestors demanded that the government revoke the notification declaring the institute an unlawful entity. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg had last month issued a two-page order based on the dossier presented by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, citing alleged illegal activities at the Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom. According to the order issued on April 24, there were "credible inputs and evidence on record, to indicate sustained and covert linkages of the institution with Jamaat-e-Islami, which the Government of India banned in 2019". Political parties have criticised the government's decision and demanded a withdrawal of the notification. (PTI)