Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: A missing teenager’s body was recovered from a canal at Rakh Bahu area under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bagh-e-Bahu here today.
The deceased individual has been identified as Davinder (17), son of Surjeet, and a resident of Press Morh, Bahu Fort area.
Officials said he was mentally challenged and was missing from his residence since Thursday.
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They said after the family members informed the local police, a rescue operation was started today and the body was traced floating in the canal near Rakh Bahu area.
It was later shifted to a hospital for conducting the post-mortem examination, they said.
Meanwhile, police have initiated inquest proceedings to further investigate into the matter.
Missing teen’s body found floating in canal
Sunil Sharma slams NC Govt over transport fare hike
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, launched a scathing attack on the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) Government over the steep increase in transport fares across multiple categories, terming the decision as “anti-poor, anti-middle class, and a complete betrayal of the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir before elections.”
Sunil Sharma said that the fare hike has once again exposed the true face of the National Conference (NC) Government, which came to power by making tall promises of relief, employment, economic stability, and people-friendly governance, but has instead unleashed a series of decisions that are crushing the common people under financial pressure.
Sharma said that public transport is not a luxury but the backbone of daily life for lakhs of people across Jammu and Kashmir. Students travelling to schools and colleges, daily wage labourers, small traders, private employees, farmers, shopkeepers, and lower-income families depend on affordable transport for survival. At a time when inflation is already breaking the backs of common citizens, the NC Government has chosen to make life even more miserable for the people, he said.
Sunil Sharma stated that the Omar Abdullah Government has completely failed to honour its poll promises and has proven to be utterly disconnected from ground realities. Before elections, the National Conference promised relief to every section of society. They projected themselves as protectors of the common man. But after assuming power, their only contribution has been burden after burden on the people. Their promises have collapsed within months, exposing their hypocrisy and political opportunism, he said.
Sunil Sharma said that the present Government has miserably failed on governance, administration, and public welfare. The people of Jammu and Kashmir voted with hope, but the NC Government has responded with arrogance, incompetence, and betrayal. Every decision of this Government reflects confusion, poor planning, and complete disregard for public suffering, he asserted.
Sharma added the Government’s policies are rapidly generating anger and resentment among the masses, as people now realize that the promises made during elections were nothing more than political slogans aimed at misleading voters. NC sought votes in the name of public welfare but is now functioning in a manner that is openly anti-public, he added.
UN panel warns Israel’s death penalty law marks serious Human Rights regression
NEW YORK, May 1 : The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has warned that Israel’s newly adopted “Death Penalty for Terrorists Law” represents a “grave retrogression” in human rights protections and could institutionalize racial discrimination against Palestinians.
In a strongly worded statement issued under its Early Warning and Urgent Action Procedure, the Committee urged Israel to “immediately repeal the law,” saying it undermines fundamental principles of equality and due process.
The Committee expressed alarm that the law mandates death by hanging as the default sentence for cases involving an “act of terrorism” before Israeli military courts. Those courts have exclusive jurisdiction over Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, while Israeli citizens and residents are explicitly excluded from its application.
Israeli citizens and residents are explicitly excluded from its scope. According to the Committee, the legislation “de facto applies only to Palestinians,” particularly in cases involving accusations of intent to “deny the existence of the State of Israel.”
Acting under its Early Warning and Urgent Action Procedure, as well as in follow up to the recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Conciliation Commission on the inter-State communication submitted by the State of Palestine against Israel.
The UN body also warned that the law eliminates judicial discretion by prohibiting mitigation, commutation, or pardon, and requires executions to be carried out within 90 days of a final verdict.
It further said the measure reverses Israel’s long-standing unofficial moratorium on executions in place since 1962 and expands the use of capital punishment across the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The Committee expressed concern that the law was adopted amid rising settler violence, alleged unlawful killings, and ongoing violations of due process rights for Palestinians. It cited figures indicating that as of January 2026, “9,243 Palestinians were in Israeli custody,” including “3,385 administrative detainees held without trial.”
The UN panel urged Israel to ensure that all Palestinian detainees are guaranteed “equal treatment before the law, protection from violence, and access to justice,” and called for an end to what it described as policies amounting to “racial segregation and discrimination.”
It also appealed to all UN member states to ensure their resources are not used to support or enforce discriminatory practices in the occupied territories, referencing obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which Israel ratified in 1979. The Committee said the law and its broader implications must be addressed urgently, warning that failure to act could deepen systemic inequality and further erode international legal standards in the region. (UNI)
Properties of drug peddlers attached
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 1: Police have intensified action against drug trafficking networks by freezing and attaching properties allegedly acquired through proceeds of narcotics trade in Baramulla and Shopian districts, officials said today.
Shopian Police have attached a double-story residential house falling in the Khasra No. 1163 and valued at Rs 2037126/- belonging to Ali Mohd Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat resident of Haji Check Keegam.
Police said that the property was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics. Accordingly, the property has been attached in connection with FIR No. 212/2025 of Police Station Shopian.
“The attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar and Chowkidar, ensuring full compliance with all legal procedures and maintaining transparency,” police said.
In Baramulla, police said they secured confirmation from the competent authority under the NDPS Act, 1985, for freezing the property of an accused identified as Habil Yaseen Dar of Tarhama Kunzer.
He is involved in a case (FIR No. 16/2025) registered at Police Station Kunzer, in which 10 grams of heroin were recovered from his possession.
The property had initially been seized on March 12, 2026, during investigation.
Following due legal process, the competent authority confirmed that the property was acquired through proceeds of illegal drug trafficking and directed that it shall not be transferred or otherwise dealt with.
Seven-year-old Jharkhand swimmer crosses Palk Strait; CM congratulates
RANCHI, May 1: A seven-year-old swimmer from Jharkhand has crossed the Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India, covering a distance of about 29 km, officials and family sources said on Friday.
The child, Ishank, completed the swim from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in India in 9 hours and 50 minutes, facing rough sea conditions and strong waves during the journey.
The feat is being described as a rare achievement for a swimmer of his age, with certification from relevant record authorities currently under process.
Family members said Ishank had shown interest in swimming from an early age and trained regularly with discipline. His coach attributed the achievement to consistent practice and mental endurance.
The Palk Strait is considered a challenging open-water route due to unpredictable weather and sea conditions.
Congratulating the young swimmer, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the achievement reflects dedication and commitment at a young age and brings pride to the state and the country.
Sports enthusiasts and local residents have also lauded the feat, with expectations that the swimmer will receive further training and support to compete at higher levels. (UNI)
Nitish Kumar vacates CM residence, shifted to new address
5 of family injured in road accident on Katra-Jammu Road
Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, May 1: Five members of a family from Jammu were injured when their Bolero vehicle collided head on with a passenger bus on Katra-Jammu Road, here today.
The accident took place near Moori Check Post on Katra – Jammu road when the Bolero, bearing registration number JK21A- 1422 collided with the sleeper bus (BP28P- 3779) coming from opposite direction.
The injured persons were first taken to CHC Katra for treatment and later referred to GMC Jammu for further medical care. They were identified as Vishavdeep Singh, aged 45 years, son of Prem Singh, his wife Jyoti Jamwal (40), their daughter, Hrivika Charak (14), Prem Sagar Singh (76), son of Jagdev Charak and his daughter Archana Charak (25). Condition of all the injured was stated to be stable.
US reaches out to Maldives after Muizzu slams Iran war
India beat Macau by 8-1 in Ice Hockey Asia Cup
NEW DELHI, May 1: India beat Macau 8–1 in the U-18 Ice Hockey Asia Cup, with captain Gurtej Singh Bhatti leading the charge while scoring four goals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
India opened strongly and built an early lead, while staying in control through all three periods. Ajay Dangi of Rajasthan opened the scoring for India, and with Bhatti scoring four goals, the team hit their stride as Itfiqar Hussain, Tanzin Tashi and Devansh Sharma added one goal each.
“We started with clear intent and maintained our pace through all three periods. The team created good opportunities and capitalised well. A quick self-assessment and response to the situation helped us come even stronger in the third period. It’s a strong result, but the focus is on staying consistent in the games ahead,” Bhatti said.
Harjinder Singh, General Secretary of the Ice Hockey Association of India, appreciated the performance and the team’s progress at the international level.
“The victory against Macau is a bold statement of intent from this young Indian side. The team showed excellent composure and adaptability, maintaining strong control across all three periods. This win reflects not just skill, but also growing maturity and belief,” he said.
The tournament features ice hockey teams from Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Macau (China), and India. (PTI)
Glowing tribute paid to Premi, his son on 36th Martyrdom Day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Glowing tribute were paid to martyr Sarvanand Koul and his son, Virender Koul on their Martyrdom Day today. Both father -son duo was killed on this day in 1990 after kidnapping by terrorists from their native village Soaf Shali in Kokernag tehsil of South Kashmir and their dead bodies after torture were thrown on road side near Anantnag township.
In this regard a literary-cum-musical programme was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to commemorate the 36th death anniversary of noted scholar and poet Sarvanand Koul Premi here, today.
Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), J&K, was the Guest of honour on the occasion, while eminent historian and former VC Central University Allahabad, Dr. Ratan Lal Hangloo presided over the function. Padma Shri awardee, B. L. Bhat was the co- chief guest with Rajinder Premi, the son of Premi.
In his address, Dr. Karwani lauded the sustained efforts of Rajinder Premi in preserving and promoting the rich literary and cultural legacy of Sarvanand Koul Premi. He highlighted Premi’s invaluable contribution to Kashmiri literature and his role in fostering cultural harmony, describing him as a beacon of intellectual and artistic excellence.
Presiding over the function, Dr. Ratan Lal Hangloo underscored the enduring relevance of Sarvanand Koul Premi’s works, stating that his writings continue to inspire generations and reflect the composite cultural ethos of J&K.
Scholarly papers on the life and legacy of the late litterateur were presented by Dr. Sohan Lal Koul and Vinod Kumar, who offered deep insights into his literary contributions and philosophical outlook.
On the occasion, Piare Hatash, Prof. Rattan Talashi and Bal Mukand Sanyasi were honoured for their significant literary and social contributions.
A musical tribute added a vibrant dimension to the programme, with compositions by Kuldeep Sapru and soulful renditions by artists including Harshita Pandita, Shivani Joshi, Gandharv Kaloo, Shriya Gurtoo, Simran Gurtoo and Akash Kaul. The accompanying musicians included Ashish Gill, Rakesh Jasotra, Rajeev, Chandan Kumar and Sahil Jasotra.
The event also featured a Mushaira, where prominent poets such as Santosh Shah Nadan, Bal Mukand Sanyasi, Chaman Lal, Piare Hatash, Maharaj Krishan Bhat, Kundan Paras, Kusum Dhar, Ashok Kumar Dhar, Rajinder Aagosh and Ramesh Kumar Bhat recited their verses.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Vijay Wali, while the vote of thanks was presented by Rajinder Premi.