REGIONAL

Srinagar Police on Monday carried out coordinated search operations at multiple locations associated with individuals allegedly linked to the banned Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) and Hurriyat Conference. A police spokesperson said the searches were conducted at the residences of four individuals: Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, also known as Goga Shahib or Mushtaqul Islam, son of Gh. Qadir Bhat, from Kashi Mohalla, Batamaloo; Ashraf Sehrai, son of Mohd. Shumasdin, from Baghat; Mehrajuddin Kalwal, also known as Raj Kalwal, son of Mohammad Amin Kalwal, from Rainawari Kalwal Mohalla, A/P Hamza Colony, Kenihama (currently in NIA custody); and Zameer Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, from Gulshan Nagar, Nowgam. The spokesperson stated that the operations were carried out strictly in accordance with legal...

Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Monday described the Congress party as a “puppet” of the National Conference (NC), claiming that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was imposed on its MLAs as Chief Minister in 1975 following his release from jail. Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said that Congress is a non-entity in Jammu Kashmir. “Congress doesn’t have its own existence in Jammu Kashmir. It functions as a puppet of the National Conference. The Congress merely follows decisions made by the NC leadership. It is not an independent party,” he said in response to a question over its decision to opt out of Rajya Sabha polls after being offered the ‘risky’ seat by NC. He said that NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was imposed on Congress MLAs as CM in 1975. “If you turn the p...

Authorities in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have banned the sale of packaged drinking water under the brand name Snow Drop after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of arsenic beyond the permissible limit, posing a potential threat to public health. According to an official order issued by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner/Designated Officer, Food Safety Baramulla, the action follows a detailed laboratory report that found the product unsafe for consumption. The packaged water, manufactured by M/S Aqua Impex Foods at Chakla, Janbazpora, Rafiabad, was found to contain arsenic levels exceeding the maximum prescribed limit under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006. The order states that Food Safety Officer Dangiwacha had collected a sample of the Snow Drop...

Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Monday issued notices to the Union Territory government in a series of petitions challenging the forfeiture of 25 books under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The bench, comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, and Justice Shahzad Azeem, declined to grant any interim relief, meaning the government’s order confiscating the books remains in effect for now. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 4, 2025. The petitions challenge the legality and constitutional validity of government order S.O. 203, dated August 5, 2025, issued by the Union Territory’s Home Department. The order directs the forfeiture of 25 publications alleged to contain content “prejudicial to the security of the St...

Suhail Dar Acting on a tip-off, Anantnag Police on Sunday arrested seven individuals during a raid at Papyibal, recovering ₹62,200 in stake money along with playing cards from the spot. According to officials, the operation was carried out by a team from Police Station Anantnag to curb illegal gambling activities in the area. The arrested individuals have been identified as residents of various localities in the district, including Reshi Colony, Papyibal, Monghal, Papyibal Ruh, Sarnal, Zadipora, and Harnag. Police said a case under FIR No. 192/2025 has been registered under the relevant sections of law at Police Station Anantnag, and further investigation has been initiated. Authorities have urged the public to assist law enforcement agencies in reporting such illegal activi...

Authorities in central Kashmir’s Budgam district have seized several vehicles and registered an FIR against a group of social media influencers after videos surfaced showing them driving through the protected Brainwar forest area, causing damage to the fragile ecosystem. The videos, widely shared on social media, showed a convoy of vehicles tearing through lush green pastures on the Ashtaar–Brainwar route, an ecologically sensitive zone classified as a protected forest under the Jammu Kashmir Forest Act. The footage triggered public outrage, with users tagging district and forest officials and demanding strict action. Following the backlash, District Magistrate Budgam Dr. Bilal M. Bhat confirmed that immediate legal action had been initiated. “Action under relevant sections of the...

A fire broke out early Sunday morning at a Darul-Uloom in Parrypora area of Pulwama district, damaging the single-storey seminary building before it was brought under control by fire and emergency services. Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Department said that the Lassipora unit of Command Pulwama received a distress call about the fire incident and subsequently fire tenders from different stations rushed to the spot.The blaze was brought under control with the assistance of locals and police. "No casualties were reported in the incident, and the cause of the fire is being ascertained," said a police official. Locals commended the quick response of the fire department, which, they said, averted a possible disaster in the densely populated area. [KNT

As part of its sustained efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from society, Shopian Police arrested a drug peddler and recovered Charas-like substance from his possession within the jurisdiction of Police Station Zainapora. During routine naka checking at Awneera Zainapora, a person moving under suspicious circumstances was intercepted by the naka party. Upon search, Charas-like substance weighing approximately 118 grams was recovered from his possession. The accused has been identified as Mohd Rafiq, a resident of Ransoo Reasi, presently residing at Ahgam Keegam. Accordingly, a case FIR No. 84/2025 under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Zainapora. Investigation has been initiated to trace the forward and backward linkages of the accuse...

Jammu Kashmir Government has issued a new order changing the way Class 8th annual examinations will be held across the Union Territory. The move aims to make assessments more competency-based and student-focused, in line with the NEP 2020. According to Government Order No. 629-JK(Edu) of 2025, dated October 11, 2025 as per news agency Kashmir News Corner --- KNC, all Government and recognized private schools will conduct in-house Summative/Annual Exams for Class 8th under the supervision of Cluster or Complex Heads starting from the 2024–25 academic session. The new system includes regular formative assessments, remedial teaching for weak students, and supplementary attempts to ensure every child reaches Class 9 successfully. DIETs will maintain data of all students and coordin...

Shah Basit  Police in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have detained 20 individuals allegedly involved in harassing tourists and young couples at popular recreational spots, including Abdullah Park and Dumping Park. The group, locally known as the “Self Made Gang (16/96)”, was reportedly capturing photos and videos of tourists and couples without consent and later using them to intimidate or blackmail the victims. “During the investigation, it was found that the gang was operating organized social media groups on WhatsApp and other platforms to coordinate such unlawful activities,” a police spokesperson said. Acting swiftly, Ganderbal Police identified and apprehended all 20 accused. Their parents and guardians were called to the police station for counseling sessions, aime...