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.
ARTO suspends 2,021 vehicles for lack of fitness certificates
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.
Food Business Operators inspected, given notice
Excelsior Correspondent
SOPORE, Apr 28: The Food Safety Officer here today conducted a series of inspections across Adipora, Sher Colony, Nigli and Hathishah areas of Sopore to ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.
During the drive, multiple food business establishments were examined. Several Food Business Operators were found violating norms, including poor sanitation, improper storage of food items and lack of valid FSSAI registrations.
Food samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and notices were issued to the defaulters, directing them to ensure immediate compliance with regulations.
The department has urged all food business operators to strictly adhere to food safety standards to safeguard public health.
Thief arrested, stolen jewellery items recovered
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 28: Police solved a theft case under the jurisdiction of Police Station Rehambal and recovered the stolen gold and silver jewellery items besides arresting the accused.
The theft had taken place last week and an FIR under sections 331(4)/305(a) BNS was registered in this connection at PS Rehambal on the written complaint of Mohd Hussain, son of Mohd Nazir of Palli Kambal Danga, Udhampur.
During the course of investigation, one suspect namely Maqbool Hussain, son of Mohd Saleem of Palli Kambal Danga was rounded up. During sustained interrogation, the accused confessed his involvement in the incident.
On his disclosure, stolen gold and silver jewellery worth Rs 1.2 lakh was recovered. Further investigation of the case is in progress.
4 bovine animals rescued
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 28: Police foiled an attempt of bovine smuggling at Gambhir Mogla and rescued four bovine animals.
During routine naka checking at SODA, a police party of Police Station Thamna Mandi, led by SHO, Inspector Sachinder Pal Singh, signalled to stop a Tata Mobile vehicle, bearing registration number JK11F-0942 .
The driver , however, sped away the vehicle towards the link road leading to Gambhir Mogla. As the police party immediately gave a chase, driver abandoned the vehicle and fled from the spot, taking advantage of the terrain. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with four bovine animals, which were safely rescued and the vehicle was seized.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 45/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Thanamandi.
Case Filed After Viral Video Shows Pro-Pakistan Posters In J&K’s Doda
JAMMU, Apr 28: A case was registered on Tuesday after a video showing a man pasting posters containing pro-Pakistan slogans on a bridge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda went viral on social media, police said.
The purported video, which was geo-tagged, showed a location in the Pul Doda area, they said.
A senior officer said efforts were underway to identify those involved and maintain public order.
“A short clip went viral on social media yesterday, in which a poster was seen being pasted somewhere. It also had geo-tagging enabled,” a police officer said.
The officer said that some objectionable words were written on the poster, which could create panic among the public. “We have started an investigation into the matter,” he said.
The officer said that it would be known only after the probe whether the clip was original or AI-generated. “That is all part of the investigation. At present, nothing can be said about its authenticity,” he added. (Agencies)
J&K Govt Assigns Showkat Hussain Additional Charge As Chief Engineer Jal Shakti (PHE) Kashmir
Srinagar, Apr 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has assigned additional charge of Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Kashmir to Showkat Hussain in the interest of administration.
According to Government Order No. 80-JK(JSD) of 2026 dated April 28, Showkat Hussain, In-charge Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir, shall hold the charge of Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Kashmir with effect from May 1, 2026, in addition to his own duties.
The arrangement has been made following the retirement of Rakesh Kumar Gupta, In-charge Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Kashmir, who is set to retire on April 30, 2026.
The order further states that the arrangement shall remain in force till further orders. (KNC)
Jammu Kashmir Seminary Declared Unlawful Under UAPA After 17 Alumni Join Terrorist Ranks
Srinagar, Apr 28: Authorities declared Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom an unlawful entity under the UAPA after its 17 alumni allegedly joined terrorist ranks and were later killed in separate encounters, a police official said on Tuesday.
“As many as 17 former students of the institution joined terrorist ranks and were later killed in separate encounters, indicating a consistent pattern of indoctrination and recruitment,” said the official, who wished to remain anonymous.
On April 24, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg, issued a two-page order based on a dossier presented by Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, pointing toward the alleged illegal activities at Darul Uloom Jamia Sirajul Uloom at Imam Sahib in Shopian.
According to the Garg order, there was “credible input and evidence on record to indicated sustained and covert linkages of the institution with Jamaat-e-Islami”, which the Centre banned in 2019.
The order stated that individuals affiliated with the banned outfit had de facto control of the institution, including their placement in key administrative and academic positions.
It said the institution, over time, fostered an environment conducive to radicalisation, with many alumni involved in terror activities.
However, Mohammad Shafi Lone, chairman of the institute, said they had no links with Jamaat-e-Islami or any illegal outfit.
“We are a law-abiding institute and have nothing to do with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami. There are 814 students currently enrolled in the school, which is affiliated with the Board of School Education and Kashmir School Federation,” Lone told reporters.
He said the institution had received a show-cause notice from the authorities last month, and duly replied.
“If the authorities still have any doubts, they should constitute a committee and investigate the allegations against our institution. If these allegations are found true, we will support the government in whatever action it decides to take,” Lone said.
The official said security agencies have, over time, generated adverse reports suggesting the institution’s involvement in activities prejudicial to the national security and integrity of the state.
“Input further indicated the existence of a support environment that enabled and encouraged unlawful and anti-national activities. Many close relatives of slain terrorists are holding key positions in the Jamia Sirajul Uloom,” he added.
The official said to evade legal action, members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami were operating through proxies and covertly running their agenda. (PTI)
Div Com, IGP Jammu Review Arrangements For SANJAY 2026
JAMMU, Apr 28: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti today reviewed the arrangements for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026 here at a high level meeting.
The Divisional Commissioner reviewed the action plan for setting up of registration counter in Jammu and RFID centres at Lakhanpur, Bhagwati Nagar and other Lodgment centres from where the pilgrims can get their e-KYCs done before departing for the Holy Pilgrimage from Bhagwati Nagar Yatra Camp.
It was informed that this year Token Centres for on-the-spot/Tatkal registration shall be set up at the Tawi River Front relieving the pilgrims from large queues and traffic issues near Railway Station.
The Divisional Commissioner directed for ensuring proper arrangements of Drinking water, Langar facility and Sanitation at the venue of Token Center.
Reviewing the arrangements for Base camp at Bhagwati Nagar, the Divisional Commissioner directed the stakeholder departments for timely starting and completion of all the works. It was informed that tenders have been floated for repair and renovation works at Bhagwati Nagar- the Base Camp from where the yatra convoy leaves under proper security and regulation for Pahalgam and Baltal Base camps.
The Divisional Commissioner directed for ensuring all the works are completed by June 10, 20226, including the facelifting, Whitewash, establishment of stalls for Bus ticket booking, Langar setup, Cloak room facilities along with proper arrangements for accommodation, washroom, power and lighting arrangements inside and outside the Bhagwati Nagar camp.
Directions were also issued for setting up of convenience store by the Cooperative Department inside the Bhagwati Nagar camp, provision of prepaid sims and installation of German hangars for pilgrims.
Threadbare discussion was held on other aspects of the arrangements for smooth conduct of the holy pilgrimage from the Bhagwati Nagar. The Divisional Commissioner directed the Fire and emergency Services for conducting a thorough audit of fire safety. PWD was directed to take up blacktopping of roads inside and around Bhagwati Nagar camp. PDD was asked for proper illumination along with provision of backup generator sets for uninterrupted power supply.
The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the arrangements to be ensured in Lodgment centres in districts falling on the Yatra route -Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and Ramban. The Deputy Commissioners were directed to review the provision of civic amenities and other facilities in the lodgment centres falling in their respective districts, including power, water, langar and CCTV cameras.
IGP Jammu reviewed the arrangements for deployment of security forces. He emphasized on proper illumination at each lodgement centre and adherence to yatra cut off timings.
Transport department was asked to ensure enforcement measures to check overcharging by public transport operators, while ferrying the pilgrims in Jammu city.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the JKRTC to keep provision of busses for sightseeing and visit of pilgrims to the tourist destinations around Jammu city.
Director Food, Civil Supplies was asked to ensure availability of LPG and other commodities for Langars, while Deputy Controller Food Safety was instructed for proper checking of Langar sites.
The Divisional Commissioner further directed all the departments for appointing a nodal officer who shall be available in the Control Room that will be setup at Bhagwati Nagar Base camp for smooth operations of all the works.
The meeting was attended by IG CRPF, IG BSF, IGP Traffic, Commissioner JMC, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi and Ramban, Director Information, Director Tourism, Transport Commissioner, HODs and officers from Rural Sanitation, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, JKRTC, PWD, Jal Shakti, JPDCL, Fire and Emergency Services, NHAI, BSNL, Airtel, JIO, RTO Jammu, Deputy Controller Food Safety Jammu.