Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 23: Under the noble theme “Nar Seva Narayan Seva,” a free Medical, eye check-up camp and blood test camp was organized by Jammu Kashmir Blood Donors in collaboration with Rotary Club Udhampur and Atulaya Health Care at Divyang Ashram Shiv Nagar.
A large number of people benefited from the camp, where more than 150 patients were thoroughly examined by a team of experienced doctors. The camp provided free medical consultations, eye examinations, and blood tests to the attendees.
Notably, over 70 eye patients were provided with spectacles free of cost, bringing much-needed relief and improving their vision.
Free medical & eye check-up camp held
3 houses of alleged drug peddlers demolished at Rajiv Nagar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Authorities today demolished three houses belonging to alleged drug peddlers at Rajiv Nagar area here as part of the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’.
The action was carried out early in the morning when a joint team of police and CRPF personnel, led by senior officers, reached the Narwal area and razed the structures, which were reportedly built using proceeds from narcotics trade.
Officials said the owners of the properties are absconding and had been identified during recent investigations.
A senior officer stated that similar action was taken in the area a few months ago and more such cases have since surfaced, prompting fresh demolitions.
He said the drive is aimed at dismantling the financial networks of drug peddlers and sending a strong message against narcotics-related activities.
Reiterating the administration’s resolve, the officer said strict action will continue against those involved in the drug trade and their illegally acquired assets, adding that efforts are also being made to steer youth towards constructive activities like sports to curb the menace.
Police in Shopian deploy canine unit in anti-drug campaign
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 23: Intensifying efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, Shopian Police in coordination with the CRPF 14th Battalion, has deployed its canine unit (Narcotic Dog Squad) to strengthen action against drug trafficking in the district.
As part of a special enforcement drive, trained sniffer dogs have been deployed at multiple checkpoints to detect concealed narcotics. The canine unit plays a crucial role in identifying hidden contraband, enabling timely recovery and apprehension of those involved in illicit drug trade. The initiative aims to disrupt the supply chain of narcotics and act as a strong deterrent to drug peddlers. Alongside enforcement measures, Shopian Police has been actively conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public and promote the vision of a drug-free society.
Additionally, intensified vehicle checking operations are being carried out across the district. Suspicious vehicles are thoroughly searched at designated naka points in strict adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
World Book Day-2026: Libraries Deptt showcases rare collection of literary resources
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: A series of events were organized by the Department of Libraries & Research today across Kashmir division to commemorate the World Book & Copyright Day-2026.
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23 every year to promote the love for reading and writing; power of publishing, making reading accessible for all and the importance of protecting intellectual property through copyright laws.
The Day also signifies the potential of books and literature in shaping minds, uniting people, and inspiring social transformation.
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1995, the day commemorates the passing away of literary legends including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, all of whom passed away on this day.
This year’s theme for World Book and Copyright Day is – “Literacy through multilingualism and access to books for all”.
To mark the day, today’s main event was organized at SPS Central Library complex with an Exhibition of Special Literary Collections including Manuscripts, Rare Books and Miniature Paintings.
The exhibition was opened to public by Mrs Rubina Kousar, Director General, Libraries & Research, J&K.
The main attractions of the exhibition, jointly organized by SPS Library Srinagar & the Oriental Research Library (ORL) Srinagar, were the historic manuscripts like Qarabai-Din, Sadh PandLuqman and Shahnama Firdous. Some of the rare books including Mahabharata & Ramayana, Rajtarangni by Kalhanna,Tareekh-e-Rasheedi, Gazetteer of India and Kashur – a history of Kashmir were also displayed at the exhibition.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General Libraries & Research, J&K said the Oriental Research Library, Srinagar established in 1904, is a repository of around 6000 rare manuscripts in 17 languages encompassing varied fields. The library also has around 500 rare books and miniature paintings.
Mrs Rubina said the manuscript collection of ORL is a treasure-trove of religious, philosophical, historical, literary and scientific writings rich in classical languages like Persian, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Turki, Brij Bhasha and Arabic.
These languages have left deep impression on Kashmiri language by conditioning its growth in terms of forms and scope, she said and added that the Sanskrit, language of court and culture in 9th and beginning of 10thcentury in Kashmir contributes number of religious, aesthetic and poetic articulations and are preserved in ORL Srinagar.
Army porter dies in mishap
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Apr 23: A youth, working as porter with the Army was killed in a road accident near Gurdiwala village in Sathra area of Tehsil Mandi in Poonch District today.
Official sources said that the youth was travelling from Gali Pindi towards Jandrolla when his motorcycle met with an accident. He lost control over the speeding bike and rolled down into a deep gorge along his two-wheeler.
The locals of the area rescued him and tried to shift to hospital in Mandi but he died on the way.
The deceased has been identified as Mohd Shoket, son of Mohd Rashid, a resident of Jandrolla, Sathra. The police has taken cognizance of the matter.
HC upholds PSA of 2 OGWs
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: High Court upheld the detention order passed against two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and dismissed their pleas challenging the orders of PSAs citing the preventive detention is devised to afford protection to society.
Justice M A Chowdhary upheld the PSA of Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh of Chakoora, Litter and Mohammad Ashraf Mantoo of Bijbehara. The duo was detained by the District Magistrates of District Pulwama and Anantnag vide orders dated 26.04.2025 and 30.04.2025 respectively.
The court after perusal of the grounds of detention of detenue Sheikh said that right from the year 2020 till 2025, the detenue was kept under preventive measures for his involvement in criminal and anti-national activities.
It was also found that the detenue was involved in the subversive activities and was working as close aide and hardcore OGW of killed terrorists Riyaz Ahmad Naikoo and Dr. Saif-ullah as also the detenue is the brother of hardcore terrorist of LeT Irfan Ahmad Sheikh of Pulwama, who was eliminated on 06.02.2019 to whom the petitioner was providing all assistance, logistic support and transportation facilities involving him in the case FIR No.39/2020 under sections 120- B, 307 IPC, 4/5 Explosive Substance Act, 7/25 Arms Act and 13, 18, 39 UA(P) Act at P/S Litter.
The court in the case of detenue-Mantoo has been informed that he was involved in two criminal cases registered vide FIR No.192/2021 under NDPS Act and FIR No.94/2022 under UAP Act at Police Station Bijbehara and on being admitted to bail, the detenue was found involved himself in creation of underground hideout in orchards to facilitate shelter to terrorists and providing of logistic support to them and indulged in subversive activities being affiliated with LeT.
The court while upholding both the PSAs of these detenues said, those who are responsible for national security or for maintenance of public order must be the sole judges of what the national security, public order or security of the State requires.
“Preventive detention is devised to afford protection to society. The object is not to punish a man for having done something but to intercept before he does it and to prevent him from doing. Justification for such detention is suspicion or reasonable probability and not criminal conviction, which can only be warranted by legal evidence”, the court recorded.
The court further added that preventive detention is devised to afford protection to society. Rulings on the subject have consistently taken the view that preventive detention is devised to afford protection to society. The object is not to punish a man for having done something but to intercept before he does it and to prevent him from doing so.
With these reasons the court has upheld the detention order under challenge and recorded that the petitions are found devoid of any merit and are, accordingly, dismissed along-with pending applications.
Drug-peddler booked under PITNDPS Act
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 23: In a strong action against drug trafficking, the police in Rajouri today detained a notorious drug- peddler under PITNDPS Act.
A police spokesman said that the accused- Munshi Khan, son of Khan Mohd, resident of Dhanour Dindian in Rajouri district, was involved in multiple cases of drug- peddling. Taking cognizance of his continuous involvement in such illegal activities, the competent authority issued detention orders under the PITNDPS Act, and sent him to Jammu Jail.
J&K High Court Extends Manual Acceptance Of ACB Challans Till May 31
JAMMU, Apr 23: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has extended the arrangement for manual acceptance of challans from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K till May 31, 2026.
According to an order issued by the Registrar General, the extension has been granted under the same terms and conditions as laid down in previous orders, with a clear stipulation that no further extension will be allowed.
The order states that the decision has been taken in continuation of earlier directives issued in 2025 and 2026 regarding manual submission of challans by the ACB.
It further directs the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Crime Branch to convene a joint meeting at the earliest to address technical issues related to the system.
The High Court has instructed both agencies to take all necessary steps to ensure that the system for uploading data is made fully functional within the extended period. (KNC)
J&K Set To Spread Red Carpet For International Film Festival This Year
JAMMU, Apr 23: In a significant initiative to promote cinema, culture, and tourism, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has initiated plans to host a prestigious international film festival through the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR).
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, which was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism; Commissioner Secretary, Information; Director, Information & Public Relations, and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Information Department to begin preparations for this maiden film festival in the Union Territory. He emphasized the need for a professionally managed event of national stature, drawing parallels with the International Film Festival of India held in Goa.
To ensure seamless execution, it was decided that a dedicated committee will be constituted at the earliest to oversee all arrangements related to the festival. The committee will be responsible for planning, coordination, and overall supervision to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event.
The Chief Secretary further instructed that a competent and experienced agency be identified and engaged for efficient management of the festival. He stressed the importance of exploring best practices by studying similar events organized across the country.
Underscoring the importance of adhering to timelines, he directed that the process be initiated promptly, with the issuance of the work order to the selected agency targeted before the end of May.
The Commissioner Secretary, Information, while addressing logistical and financial aspects, informed that the National Film Development Corporation of India has indicated reasonable financial requirements for organizing the event. She added that the Department has already undertaken the necessary groundwork and is well-prepared to ensure its success.
The proposed festival is envisaged to be held after the conclusion of the annual Amarnath Yatra, with final dates to be decided by the concerned department.
Highlighting the importance of inclusive development and tourism promotion, it was also decided that the festival will not be confined to Srinagar alone. Film screenings and related events will be organized across multiple scenic locations, including Bhaderwah, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Jammu, thereby boosting both emerging and established tourist destinations.
This initiative marks a major step towards positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a vibrant hub for film tourism and cultural engagement at the national level.
School Education Department Transfers Five Principals
JAMMU, Apr 23: The School Education Department (SED) of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfer and posting of five Principal ranked officers.
