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.
Army porter dies in mishap
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.
Trump orders US military to ‘shoot and kill’ Iranian small boats choking Strait of Hormuz, says mine clearing has begun, reports AP
Trump orders US military to ‘shoot and kill’ Iranian small boats choking Strait of Hormuz, says mine clearing has begun, reports AP
Chief Justice Flags Off Multi Utility Vehicles For Strengthening Legal Aid Outreach Across J&K
JAMMU, Apr 23: In a significant step towards strengthening access to justice and expanding outreach of legal services to the grassroots level, Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority in the august presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority and other Companion Judges of the High Court at Jammu today flagged off a fleet of Multi Utility Vehicles for District Legal Services Authorities of the Jammu Province, at High Court Complex, Janipur, Jammu.
These vehicles have been procured under the guidance of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) with the objective of strengthening the delivery of legal aid and welfare services, particularly in far-flung, rural, remote and underserved areas of the Union Territory.
Chief Justice appreciated the initiative and observed that access to justice must not remain confined to courtrooms alone, but should meaningfully reach every citizen, especially those belonging to vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for taking justice to the doorsteps of the people.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, also appreciated the launch of the vehicles and stated that the same would greatly enhance the outreach and efficiency of District Legal Services Authorities. His Lordship further observed that this initiative marks another important step in making legal services more accessible to the common people.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar also expressed that similar Multi Utility Vehicles are planned to be launched shortly for districts of Kashmir Province as well, so that the benefits of this initiative reach every region of the Union Territory in an equitable manner.
While interacting with media persons, Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, highlighted that the vehicles shall be utilized for conducting legal awareness programmes, facilitating outreach camps, extending assistance to beneficiaries under various legal aid schemes, supporting Para Legal Volunteers, and ensuring better coordination of legal services activities at the district level. She further stated that the initiative would significantly strengthen the institutional capacity of District Legal Services Authorities in serving the people more efficiently.
The vehicles shall also be used for carrying out awareness campaigns relating to legal aid, women and child rights, senior citizens’ welfare, victim compensation, mediation, Lok Adalats, drug de-addiction awareness, child protection, and other welfare-oriented initiatives undertaken by Legal Services Institutions from time to time.
The programme was attended by M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Judicial Officers, officers of the Registry, Muzamil Hayat Kabli, Administrative Officer, other officials of J&K Legal Services Authority, staff members and other dignitaries.
The initiative reflects the continued commitment of J&K Legal Services Authority towards ensuring that free legal aid and justice delivery mechanisms become more accessible, responsive and citizen-centric across the Union Territory.
CM Omar Assures Priority Redressal Of Public Concerns, Reaffirms Commitment To Inclusive Development
Jammu, Apr 23: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that genuine concerns of various sections of society would be addressed on priority, and reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
The assurance was given during meetings with several public and trade delegations, which called on the chief minister here and presented a wide range of developmental and industry-related issues while seeking continued policy support and facilitation, officials said.
A delegation led by Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Arun Gupta discussed key concerns related to trade and commerce.
The delegation highlighted issues affecting business activity and stressed the need for a more conducive environment to boost economic growth and streamline operations, they said.
The industry representatives also expressed gratitude to the chief minister for restoring the Darbar Move, stating that the move has revitalised economic activity in the region, particularly benefiting markets, rental properties, hotels and the transport sector.
Another delegation, led by Vivek Verma of the Pir Panjal Welfare and Development Trust, raised a range of developmental priorities reflecting the aspirations of the region’s residents. The members emphasised the tourism potential of the Pir Panjal region and called for focused and sustainable efforts to harness it, they said.
They also underscored the need to strengthen healthcare and education infrastructure, ensure drinking water supply, and expand employment opportunities, especially for the youth in border areas.
The chief minister assured them that their concerns would be addressed on priority. He also reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure balanced and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir.
LG Sinha Calls For Students, Teachers’ Role In Nation-Building
Jammu, Apr 23: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called upon students and teachers to contribute to nation-building and adapt classrooms to today’s changing global landscape, positioning India as the world’s leading knowledge economy.
He said that every student talented in art, craft, music, or entrepreneurship deserves equal respect and opportunity.
“Students and teachers must contribute to nation-building and adapt classrooms to today’s changing global landscape, positioning India as the world’s leading knowledge economy,” he said while inaugurating the new school building of Swami Pranavanand Vidyamandir in Panjgrain area on the outskirts of Jammu city.
The LG said that the new higher secondary building and skill infrastructure will ensure disadvantaged students get quality education.
“Once all the floors of the building are complete, it will serve more than 1,500 students and transform thousands of lives. With future residential facilities for 100 boys, the local economy will get a boost, backward areas will be transformed, and society will advance with new confidence,” the LG said.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said, “Teachers must recognise that education focused solely on marks and narrow academics, sidelining art, sports, and skills, is unfit for the future. We must prepare students for irreplaceable human capacities like creativity, critical thinking, moral decision-making, collaboration, and lifelong learning, which no machine can replace.”
He said the world is changing rapidly and, unlike the stable careers in the past, the professional workforce requires continuous learning, skilling and upskilling.
“We are at a threshold where AI and automation are transforming industries, offices, hospitals, and schools, and our human resources need to be a step ahead,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) and emphasised that the policy is a potent tool to meet national needs, boost societal capacity, and accelerate economic growth.
NEP is a children, teen and youth-focused policy and guarantees Viksit Bharat, the LG said.