Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Apr 28: Police here today registered a case against a man after a video showing him pasting posters, containing pro-Pakistan slogans, on a bridge in Doda, went viral on social media.
Sources informed that the purported video, which was geo-tagged, showed a location in the Pul Doda area.
A senior Police officer informed that efforts were underway to identify those involved in the wrong doing.
He said that some objectionable words were written on the poster, which could create panic among the public. The officer further said that cops have started investigation into the matter.
“It would be known only after the probe whether the clip was original or AI-generated and it is all part of the investigation. At present, nothing can be said about its authenticity,” he maintained.
However none was arrested till last reports.
Man booked for pasting pro-Pak posters in viral video
Trial run conducted ahead of train service between Jammu, Srinagar
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Apr 28: Ahead of historic launch of ‘Vande Bharat’ service between Jammu and Srinagar on April 30, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway today conducted a successful trial run.
The trail run of the Vande Bharat-operating between Jammu and Srinagar-was conducted from Jammu to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
This modern 20-coach Vande Bharat train will commence its maiden journey from Jammu Tawi (JAT), traversing the route up to Srinagar while connecting the challenging geographical terrains of the Valley.
Speaking about this special train, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal said that this Vande Bharat Express will offer passengers a world-class travel experience. It features amenities such as the ‘Kavach’ safety system for passenger security, a GPS-based information system, and comfortable rotating seats.
Several drug peddlers arrested, heroin recovered in different operations
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: In a major crackdown under the ongoing anti-drug operations, police today arrested several drug peddlers and recovered significant quantities of heroin-like substances in separate operations across different districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
In the Panthal area of Katra, police apprehended a drug peddler and recovered 3.89 grams of heroin-like contraband from his possession.
A police team deployed at PCP Panthal under Police Post Kakryal intercepted a suspicious vehicle (JK02BD-9792) coming from Tikri towards Panthal.
During a thorough search, the accused identified as Hussain Mohd, a resident of Kheri Paroh, Tehsil Katra, District Reasi, was taken into custody on the spot.
A case (FIR No. 129/2026) under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Katra and further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages.
Meanwhile, the Samba Police under the supervision of SSP Samba Anuj Kumar arrested two drug peddlers in the jurisdictions of Police Stations Vijaypur and Ghagwal, recovering approximately 32.10 grams of heroin-like substance (commonly known as “chitta”) along with cash.
In Vijaypur, a police team intercepted a motorcycle (JK02AN-6230) during routine patrolling near Shiv Nagar Road. During checking, around 23.10 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from the possession of the rider, identified as Bana, son of Nek Mohd of Narwal, Jammu.
The accused was arrested, and the contraband along with the motorcycle was seized. FIR No. 71/2026 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Vijaypur.
In another operation in Ghagwal, police intercepted a suspicious pedestrian near Sanoora Nursery.
Upon frisking, approximately 9 grams of heroin (chitta), along with Rs 16,500 in cash and a mobile phone, was recovered from his possession.
The accused, identified as Kuljeet Singh, son of Bharat Singh of Sanoora, Tehsil Rajpura, District Samba, was arrested. A case has been registered and investigation is ongoing.
In Banihal, police arrested another drug peddler during routine naka checking at Railway Chowk.
The accused, identified as Yasir Ahmed Sofi of Friends Colony, HMT Srinagar, was found in possession of approximately 98.21 grams of heroin-like substance.
FIR No. 69/2026 under the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Banihal, and further investigation has been initiated.
Additionally, in Bhaderwah, police registered a case related to the illegal cultivation of poppy plants. Acting on reliable information, a team from Police Station Bhaderwah initiated legal action against Abdul Majeed Sheikh of Charuru Chaka for allegedly cultivating poppy on his agricultural land for illegal sale. FIR No. 63/2026 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered, and investigation is in progress.
Drug peddlers’ properties worth over Rs 2.58 crore attached
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 28: District Police Rajouri has attached immovable properties worth over Rs 2.58 crore belonging to two notorious drug peddlers under the stringent provisions of the NDPS Act.
Police team from Police Station Rajouri attached an immovable property belonging to Mushtafa Manzoor, son of Manzoor Hussain, resident of Dhanidhar Tehsil & District Rajouri, who is accused in FIR No. 31/2026 under Sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act.
The attached property comprises a triple-storeyed residential cum commercial building at Dhanidhar, valued at approximately Rs 1.58 crore. The accused is involved in multiple NDPS cases registered at different police stations of District Rajouri.
In another major action, Police Station Rajouri attached property worth Rs 1 crore belonging to Waseem Khan alias Sanam Khan, son of Mohd Saleem Khan, resident of village Kappa Khah, Tehsil & District Rajouri, who is accused in FIR No 80/2026 under Sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act.
The attached property is a residential house situated at Village Kappa Khah, which was identified as having been illegally acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking.
Both actions were carried out under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act after thorough investigation established that the accused were actively involved in illicit trafficking of narcotic substances and had accumulated assets through drug-related activities. The attachments were executed after completing all legal formalities and in full compliance with the law.
Meanwhile, Manjakote Police apprehended a drug peddler and recovered approximately 3.3 grams of heroin from his possession. The accused has been identified as Ashok Kumar Sharma, son of Chuni Lal, a resident of Village Channi, Sunderbani.
Another drug peddler, identified as Ghulam Abbas, son of Mohd Bashir of Katarmal Manjakote, was apprehend during naka checking at Tariq Bridge. During frisking, 6.41 grams of heroin was recovered from his possession.
KPS urges Govt to take decisive action on rehabilitation of Pandits
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha (KPS) Jammu was held today under the chairmanship of it’s president, K. K. Khosa which expressed deep concern over the delay in the formation of a pragmatic and time-bound roadmap essential for the return of displaced Pandits to Kashmir.
The dignified return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits remains a long-pending national commitment that must now move from rhetoric to resolute action. Any attempt to reduce this process to symbolic gestures will only deepen mistrust and delay justice.
The meeting said a credible roadmap must be anchored in three non-negotiable principles: security, livelihood, and dignity. The establishment of secure residential settlements in the three erstwhile districts of Kashmir, supported by fast-track judicial processes for targeted crimes, is essential to restore confidence.
It said equally critical is the restoration of property rights through a dedicated legal mechanism initiated by the UT Government in April 2026 to it’s logical conclusion, alongside financial assistance for rebuilding homes and religious sites.
Economic rehabilitation must form the backbone of this effort like expansion of employment opportunities, incentives for private sector participation, etc, the meeting said.
It said furthermore, political representation and the creation of a statutory rehabilitation authority with accountability and community participation are imperative for sustained progress.
At this juncture, the Government led by Omar Abdullah must adhere to its stated commitments and assurances made to the people, including the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. The promises articulated in NC manifesto cannot remain aspirational statements; they must translate into time-bound, measurable action on the ground. The credibility of governance will be judged not by intent, but by delivery.
It said the return of Kashmiri Pandits is not merely a rehabilitation exercise—it is a test of our collective resolve to uphold justice, pluralism, and national integrity. The time has come for decisive, transparent, and result-oriented action to ensure that the community returns not as victims of history, but as equal citizens with dignity, security, and rightful belonging.
The Sabha urged the Government to continue providing all existing ration benefits including relief amount at enhanced rates without disturbing the beleaguered community untill it returns to the Valley.
Those who attended the meeting include Deepak Dhar, Ashwani Koul, G. J. Kampasi, Subash Dhar, Rajinder Tiku, Prof. R. K. Ganjoo, V. K. Bakshi, Dr. Usha Tickoo, Dr. Sujata Sathoo, Asha Kitchloo, B. B. Gosain.
Missing boy, young man found dead
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 28: A missing teenage boy was found dead in Kulang Nallah in Ramnagar area while a young man was found dead under mysterious circumstances near his house at Namah Railway Link Road in Udhampur.
Reports said that dead body of Parveen Kumar (16), son of Sham Lal, resident of village Badhole in Ramngar tehsil, was spotted by some locals in Kulang Nallha in village Badhole this morning.
On being informed, Ramnagar Police reached the spot and shifted the body to the mortuary room of SDH Ramnagar. According to the family members, the deceased was missing for the last four days from his home. In this connection Ramnagar Police registered the case and further investigation is going on.
Meanwhile, according to the police, Darshan Lal (37), son of Krishan Lal, resident of Namah Railway link Road Udhampur, was found dead near his house under mysterious circumstances, this morning.
Udhampur Police shifted the dead body to District Hospital Udhampur. After completion of post-mortem and other legal formalities, the body was handed over to family members of the deceased.
Cause of death could not be ascertained while Police have registered the case and further investigation is going on.
JDU leader asks Govt, BJP to safeguard interests of migrants
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28:Janata Dal United (JDU) spokesperson for J&K and in charge Migrant Cell, Rakesh Handoo today said the Government, particularly the BJP—which once positioned itself as a protector of the community and committed to their dignified return under its guiding resolutions—must take urgent corrective measures to safeguard the interests of people in exile.
In a statement issued here, today he said the aspirations and faith of the Kashmiri Pandit community cannot be allowed to fade into disillusionment.
Expressing concern over the plight of the community he said are Kashmiri Pandits to be treated as migratory labourers or economically deprived citizens to be brought under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)? Or do they deserve recognition and support in accordance with their status as internally displaced persons due to terrorism and communal violence?
Handoo said one must seriously reflect on what is happening to the victims of Islamic terrorist violence in India. For the past 37 years, there seems to be no end to the suffering, displacement, and injustice faced by the community. This prolonged agony is not only due to the indifference and insensitivity of local political leadership and ruling elites, but also reflects a broader, myopic approach of the Union Territory administration and the Central Government under the BJP, he added.
ARTO suspends 2,021 vehicles for lack of fitness certificates
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 28: In a strict enforcement drive to enhance road safety, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) today suspended as many as 2,021 vehicles for plying on roads without valid fitness certificates.
The action was taken through two separate orders issued here today.
According to officials, the vehicles were found operating in violation of safety norms, posing a serious threat to human life and property.
The ARTO emphasized that such drives will continue to ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
Vehicle owners have been urged to renew the fitness certificates of their vehicles at the earliest to avoid penalties and legal action.
The ARTO also reiterated that operating a vehicle without proper fitness certification is a punishable offence under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against violators as part of ongoing efforts to make roads safer for all.
Suri asks JMC to make damaged water coolers functional
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: Senior BJP leader, Raman Suri has expressed serious concern over the large number of damaged water coolers across Jammu city and urged the administration particularly the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Jammu Smart City Limited to take immediate corrective measures so that these water coolers become functional again.
In a handout, Suri said that weather reports clearly indicate that coming days will witness peak summer conditions, making access to clean drinking water a basic necessity for the public and at a time when temperatures soars, it is unfortunate that a majority of public water coolers installed across the city are lying non-functional.
He pointed out that many water coolers located outside schools, colleges and busy public areas are not working. Suri further advised the Government not to keep the water coolers caged or inaccessible and instead create user-friendly arrangements so that the people can drink water comfortably.
Police foils bovine smuggling attempt, rescues 7 animals
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Apr 28: Continuing its drive against bovine smugglers and their propagators, Samba police has successfully foiled a bovine smuggling attempt in the jurisdiction of Police Station (PS) Ghagwal and rescued seven bovines from the clutches of bovine smugglers.
Acting on information received from reliable sources, a team of Police Post (PP) Rajpura of PS Ghagwal has foiled a bovine smuggling attempt and rescued seven bovines near village Lala Chak which were being smuggled by foot from Kathua side towards Samba. All the rescued bovines have been shifted to a safer location.
A case FIR No. 45/2026 U/S 223 BNS, 11 PCA Act has been registered at Police Station (PS) Ghagwal and investigation started.