Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, along with DIG Udhampur-Reasi (UR) Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma today chaired a crime-cum-security review meeting at Range Police Headquarters Udhampur to assess the law and order, crime control and security arrangements in the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police Udhampur, Amritpal Singh, and other supervisory officers attended the meeting.
The officers reviewed progress under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan, functioning of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), investigation of important cases and the overall security scenario.
The IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti directed officers, particularly SDPOs, to personally visit crime scenes and ensure fair, professional and time-bound investigations.
He said quality investigation is essential for strengthening the justice delivery system and public confidence. The DIG stressed effective supervision, accountability and better coordination among field units, while asking officers to use technology-driven systems like ERSS for quicker response and improved public service delivery.
IGP Jammu, DIG UR Range review crime, security situation in Udhampur
Ease of business leads to surge in registered companies in J&K: RoC
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 27: The number of registered companies in Jammu and Kashmir has nearly tripled from around 2,500 before 2019 to between 7,000 and 8,000 at present, officials of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs said today, attributing the surge to reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the Union Territory.
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Haamid Bukhari, Registrar of Companies (RoC) for J&K and Ladakh, said the pace of company incorporation has accelerated significantly as reform targets set by the ministry have been achieved.
“The expansion reflects growing confidence and a widening corporate base in the region,” he said.
Bukhari was speaking to reporters after an interactive session organised by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) with Ramesh Mishra, Regional Director (North), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in Srinagar.
Highlighting a key initiative, Bukhari announced that the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme will be rolled out across all districts of J&K.
The scheme targets unemployed youth aged 18-25 who are not in employment, education or training, and aims to provide paid internship opportunities in coordination with the J&K Government.
“The third phase of the pilot project has already been launched at the national level,” he said.
KCCI President Javed Tenga termed the visit significant, noting that it marked the first direct interaction of a Regional Director of the ministry with the Valley’s business community.
The meeting was attended by former presidents, executive members, chartered accountants, company secretaries and representatives of various firms and institutions.
During the interaction, KCCI presented a detailed memorandum highlighting key concerns faced by companies in the region.
These included limited participation of J&K-based firms in the internship scheme, issues related to Director Identification Numbers (DIN), delays in updating company records, and the absence of an effective grievance redressal mechanism.
The Chamber also sought a one-time settlement scheme for closure of inactive companies.
Responding to the concerns, Mishra said the issues were substantive and reflected genuine operational challenges. He assured continued engagement and said efforts would be made to address them.
Bukhari added that many concerns were system-driven but would be taken up at appropriate levels, including the RoC, regional offices and the ministry.
The business body urged that the RoC office in Srinagar be made fully functional on the earlier Darbar Move pattern, citing inadequate staffing and delays caused by routing matters through Jammu.
It pointed out that the Kashmir Valley accounts for nearly 55 per cent of the total companies registered in the Union Territory.
Concerns were also raised about stakeholders in Ladakh, with KCCI calling for a camp office or dedicated helpdesk in the region to improve accessibility.
On the internship scheme, the Chamber noted that only one local company-J&K Bank-features among nearly 2,000 participating firms nationwide, despite a large number of applicants from J&K.
KCCI further flagged persistent technical glitches on the MCA21 portal, including server downtime, non-availability of forms, failed SRN generation, payment issues and document upload errors.
Additional issues raised included pendency in adjudication and compounding cases, recurring problems with DIN KYC filings, DSC validation, and lack of clarity in compliance norms for small companies and startups.
ACB presents chargesheet against PWD employee in graft case
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 27: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today presented a chargesheet before a designated court here against a former Public Works (Road & Building) Department employee, who was booked in a graft case in the year 2022.
An ACB official said the chargesheet was presented against Rafiq Ahmad Sheikh of Bamloora, Ganderbal, then computer operator PWD(R&B) Circle Ganderbal, in case FIR number 07/2022 registered under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 at Police Station ACB Srinagar before the court of Additional Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court Srinagar for judicial determination.
According to him, Sheikh was booked on March 2, 2022 on a written complaint alleging demand of Rs 4000 as bribe for issuance of contractor card D-class.
He said after investigation of the allegations independently, a trap was laid and the accused was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 4000 as bribe from the complainant.
The ACB official added that based on the facts and circumstances together with cogent evidence brought on record, the investigation established the commission of offence under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 against the accused public servant.
He said after completing the investigative/departmental formalities, the chargesheet was presented before the court today for judicial determination, with June 10 set as next date of hearing in the case.
All relief card holders get 11 kgs of ration: Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: The Relief Organisation today reiterated that the integration of migrant ration cards on the NFSA database scheme is being done in compliance with the relevant Government Orders and rules.
In a statement issued here it said that ration distribution is being carried out by the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department in accordance with the Special Relief Ration Scheme for Kashmiri/Jammu Migrants notified vide Government Order No. 15-JK (FCS&CA) of 2026 dated 05.03.2026, from all 32 designated ration depots in Jammu district, including Mini Township Jagti which houses 5,252 migrant families.
It further said all relief ration card holders, whether PHH, NPHH, or Special Category, continue to receive 11 kg of free ration per person per month along with one kg of sugar, while migrants under the non-relief category such as pensioners, categorized as NPHH, are entitled to ration at Government-approved NFSA rates. The Government of J&K, through S.O. 392 and S.O. 393 of 2024 dated 13.08.2024, has amended the J&K Food Security Rules, 2021 and the Targeted Public Distribution (Control) Order, 2023 to integrate migrant ration cards into the NFSA database, thereby enabling the migrants to avail benefits of various social sector schemes.
Further, Government Order No. 27-JK (DMRRR) of 2025 dated 16.05.2025 has clarified that the existing scale of ration distribution and norms for inclusion, deletion, bifurcation, conversion and corrections will continue under the Relief Organisation without change, the statement said.
It said these clarifications have been widely communicated through public notices and information campaigns and approximately 450 migrant families have already availed benefits of social security and welfare schemes after this integration.
Dept of Paediatrics in GMC Jammu organizes ‘Haematology Update’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: The Department of Paediatrics, SMGS Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, organised the academic event “Haematology Update – Jammu 2026” at the SMGS Hospital Jammu.
The conference served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange on the diagnosis, management, and emerging innovations in both benign and malignant haematological disorders, including Anaemia, Thalassemia, Leukaemias, Haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Chief Executive Councillor Kargil, Ladakh, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon presided over as the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony of this event. He emphasised the need to extend the benefits of treatment and care to the individuals suffering from blood disorders, such as haemophilia, living in far-flung areas, such as Kargil.
Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean, GMC Jammu; Dr Amita Trehan, Head of the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Division, PGIMER Chandigarh; Dr Ashok Gupta, former HOD Pediatrics and Dr SP Yadav HOD Pediatric Hematology Oncology Medanta Medicity Gurugram and the President of Hematology Oncology Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics were the guests of honour. Dr Dara Singh, Medical Superintendent, SMGS Hospital was the special guest.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar Digra, Professor & HOD Paediatrics, GMC Jammu, apprised the gathering that the Department of Paediatrics is running a Thalassemia Day Care Centre, a comprehensive Haemophilia Day Care Centre and a dedicated 20-bedded Pediatric Haematology Oncology ward wherein the children suffering from blood cancers, aplastic anaemia, other blood disorders and malignancies are being treated.
Renowned speakers such as Dr V P Choudhary former HOD Haematology AIIMS New Delhi; Dr Naresh Gupta, Chaiperson Haemophilia & Health Collective of North Dr. Amita Trehan, Dr J S Arora, General Secretary National Thalassemia Welfare Society, Dr S P Yadav, Dr K K Koul former HOD Pathology, Dr Richa Jain Professor , Dr Shruti Kakkar Professor Paediatrics CMC Ludhiana, Dr Deepika Gupta Hematologist Narayna Hospital Kakryal, Dr Varun Koul, Dr Sandesh Ganju, Dr Adrija Mishra shared valuable clinical insights and recent research updates.
In the inaugural ceremony, renowned Paediatrician and former HOD Paediatrics, GMC Jammu, Professor Dr K B Gupta was bestowed with life time achievement award by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics Jammu Branch.
Govt panel to finalize water meters in commercial establishments
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Jal Shakti Department has constituted a high-level committee for the finalization of specifications, procurement, and implementation of water meters for commercial establishments and institutions across the Union Territory.
The committee, headed by Director Finance, Jal Shakti Department as the Chairman, comprises Director Planning, Jal Shakti Department; Superintending Engineer, UEED, Srinagar; Superintending Engineer, Hyd Circle Srinagar; Superintending Engineer, Mech Urban Circle Jammu and Executive Engineer, QC&PD, Srinagar as the Members
The committee has been tasked with the responsibilities to evaluate, recommend, and finalize specifications of water meters. It will determine the method of procurement and finalize quantities required.
Empowerment of people our party’s objective: Bukhari
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 27: Apni Party president, Altaf Bukhari today said that the light of truthful politics that his party has ignited will eventually rid the people of exploitative politics in Jammu and Kashmir. He said Apni Party seeks the empowerment of the people and the restoration of their democratic rights. The mission of the party is to guide people toward development, strengthen democracy, and ensure that their rights are upheld.
Bukhari was addressing a party function in Srinagar. Several prominent political activists and workers formally joined the Apni Party during the event.
Reiterating his demand for dialogue with the people, Bukhari said, “There is a trust deficit between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country. To bridge this gap, the Centre must engage in dialogue. The distance between ‘Dil and Delhi’ only benefits two political parties. While they gain politically from this divide, our youth suffer. He said that the Apni Party aims to create an environment of peace and development and generate employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Party’s senior vice president, Ghulam Hassan Mir, took a dig at the ruling National Conference, saying, “The NC, which claims to respect the people and their vote, is in practice depriving them of their right to choose their representatives through Panchayat and ULB polls. Why should the people of a village have to approach an MLA for small developmental works that can be handled by the Panchayat itself? The Panchayat, Block, and District system is the right way to address people’s problems. He alleged that NC which claims to protect people’s rights, is depriving J&K people of their rights.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included – Dilawar Mir, Rafi Ahmed Mir, Mohd Ashraf Mir, Muntazir Mohiudin and Farooq Andrabi.
2 women among 3 drug peddlers held; cash, intoxicants recovered
Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Apr 27: Police here under the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’ raided Sadeeq Abad Mohalla Dhak area and arrested three persons along with cash, smart phones and intoxicant materials.
Cops led by Additional Superintendent of Police Hqrs. Doda, Mohamad Aslam, DySP, Krishan Rattan and SHO, Tariq Ahmed, carried out the operation based on credible intelligence inputs regarding four individuals suspected of their actively involvement in illegal trafficking of heroin.
These individuals were Zareena Begum, wife of Late Ghulam Ali; Heena Begum alias Takri, wife of Zaheer Abbas (currently absconding), Shabeena Banoo, daughter of Late Ghulam Ali and Zaheer Abbas, son of Mohammad Iqbal Lohar, all residents of Sadeeq Abad, Dhak Mohalla Doda.
A case in this regard was registered in FIR with No. 93/2026 under Sections 08/21/22/29 of NDPS Act at Police Station Doda and investigation started.
During raid, cops held Zareena Begum, Shabeena Banoo and Zaheer Hussain and recovered about 85 gram of heroin-like substance, 99 gram of Charas, Rs. 23,12,160 cash and 24 android mobile phones from them.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were part of an organized local network involved in drug trafficking.
DC Srinagar, SSP review anti-drug measures; call for intensified crackdown
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 27: Monthly District Level Committee on Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was held today, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo to assess the effectiveness of ongoing enforcement and preventive strategies being implemented in the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Dr. Sandeep Chakravarthy was also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that intensified enforcement actions must be taken against drug peddlers and their networks. The participants called for strengthened inter-agency coordination among enforcement, regulatory, and health departments to ensure sustained action against drug-related activities.
The Committee emphasized intensified enforcement actions against drug peddlers and their networks calling for a sustained crackdown on drug peddling and its networks. It also stressed stringent enforcement, stronger strategy to combat narcotics trafficking in Srinagar district, besides more NDPS-linked confiscations to crush the drug networks.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to further strengthen inter-agency coordination among enforcement, regulatory, health departments and other stakeholders to ensure sustained, coordinated and effective action against drug-related activities in the district.
The DC also directed the RTO, Drug Controller and Police authorities to continue strict and resolute action against the persons found involved in drug trafficking or facilitating drug peddling, making it clear that no leniency would be tolerated. He further called for the comprehensive approach comprising focused enforcement, preventive awareness campaigns, and robust rehabilitation interventions to effectively address and eradicate the drug menace in Srinagar district.
The SSP Srinagar on the occasion, asserted that stringent action against identified drug hotspots will be further intensified and that drug peddlers will be dealt with firmly through criminal prosecution and all other punitive measures available under law, with zero tolerance and no leniency.
The NCORD meeting was informed that District Police has registered 26 FIRs and arrested 39 involved persons so far. Additionally nine hotspot areas have been identified across the district and regular Naka checking /patrolling is being conducted on these hotspot areas and proper surveillance is being kept in order to prevent drug peddling in the District.
Moreover, 157 CCTVs cameras are installed on identified hotspots in District Srinagar for proper monitoring and surveillance.
The meeting was attended by Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Qazi Irfan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed, Dy SP Shah Sleeth, SDM West, Iefan. Bahadur, SDM East Zubair Ahmad and officers from Excise, Drug Control Organisation, heads of Anti-Trafficking Forces and other concerned departments.
JDA demolishes 20 illegal structures at Majeen, Ragoora
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) today carried out a major anti-encroachment drive at Majeen and Ragoora areas of Jammu district and demolished 20 illegal structures raised on the JDA land.
Officials said the drive was conducted at Khasra number 115, Majeen, and Khasra number 99 in village Ragoora, Tehsil Jammu Khas, as part of the Authority’s ongoing campaign to reclaim Government land from encroachers.
During the operation carried out amidst heavy deployment of police personnel, 12 permanent structures and 8 plinths were razed on the spot, they said.
Director Land Management, JDA, Garbi Rashid Dar, who was supervising the operation, said the structures had been raised in violation of law and were earlier removed as well.
“However, the same land was allegedly re-encroached and fresh constructions were erected again, showing repeated defiance of official orders,” he said.
Dar said some property dealers and land grabbers were involved in illegal occupation of JDA land and were also trying to sell such land through unauthorized transactions, thereby misleading innocent buyers and causing loss to public assets.
“JDA has taken serious note of the repeated violations and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in encroachment, illegal construction or fraudulent sale and purchase of JDA land,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Jammu Development Authority has advised people not to enter into any land deal without proper verification from JDA.
Citizens were also urged to report any illegal activity or encroachment to the concerned authorities.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, JDA said anti-encroachment drives will continue in the coming days to safeguard public land and ensure strict enforcement of law.