Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyan under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (JKPSA) organized a rally in Jammu to spread awareness against drug abuse and encourage youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Minhas and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Jammu, Ajeet Sharma inaugurated the event with a pledge to promote awareness, inspire positive change and work collectively towards making society drug-free.
The rally was flagged off by Rakesh Minhas, who lauded the efforts of students and assured participants that the administration would continue extending full support in the fight against drug abuse. He emphasized the importance of engaging in healthy and constructive activities such as exercise, skill development, sports, meditation and yoga. He urged students to actively participate in extracurricular activities so that young minds are guided in a positive direction and empowered to lead successful lives.
Speaking on the occasion, CEO Ajeet Sharma said the rally sent a strong message that civil society, educational institutions, youth and the administration must work together to make Jammu drug-free. Click here to watch video
Hundreds of students and teachers from different schools participated in the awareness rally, raising slogans to educate the local public about the 100-day anti-drug campaign initiated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Chairman of JKPSA, Kamal Gupta, also addressed the gathering and stressed that all members of civil society and the administration should join hands to effectively combat the menace of drugs.
Earlier, the programme commenced with Senior Vice President of the Association, Deepak Handa, welcoming the DC Jammu along with CEO Jammu. He also appreciated the participating schools,
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent school chairpersons and principals, including Veena Handa of Tiny Tots School, Easter William of Alexander Memorial School, Vanita Makin of Bright Blossom School, Sanjeev Luthra of Luthra Academy, Nutan Restura of Modern Academy, Bindiya Samyal of KNIT Green Model School, Waseem Kohli of B N HSS and Neeru Puri of S D Tara Puri School.
The vote of thanks was presented by District President Jammu, Lal Chand Gandotra.
JK Private Schools Association organizes anti-drug rally
Students Betrayed Again
India has been here before. Far too many times. Competitive examination papers – from railway recruitment tests to banking eligibility exams and now, most egregiously, the NEET-UG medical entrance – have been leaked with a brazenness that suggests not isolated rogue acts but a deeply entrenched, well-oiled criminal network operating in the shadows of our examination system. The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, conducted on 3rd May and scrapped barely 10 days later, is the latest and perhaps most painful chapter in this sordid saga. Consider what is at stake for the students who sat that examination. These are not ordinary test-takers. They are young men and women who have sacrificed years of their adolescence – forgoing leisure, sleep, and at times their mental well-being – in single-minded pursuit of a white coat and a stethoscope. For lakhs of aspirants and their families who took loans beyond their capacities, NEET is not merely an examination; it is the gateway to a life’s calling. Every paper leak does not just void an exam; it shatters dreams, breaks families, and corrodes the very spirit of meritocracy. The cruelty inflicted by a handful of greedy, conscienceless individuals upon millions of honest students is simply unconscionable.
In the age of social media, however, those who peddle question papers can no longer count on silence. Within hours of the 3rd May examination, allegations began circulating online with the velocity and specificity that left little room for doubt. The National Testing Agency and the government may have hoped to verify matters quietly, but the digital public square had already rendered its verdict. That said, a CBI inquiry – welcome as it is – cannot alone suffice. India spends enormous financial resources, institutional manpower, and administrative bandwidth each time an examination has to be cancelled and reconvened. This haemorrhage of public money and the repeated anguish of students must end. The paper-leak network is clearly sophisticated, crossing state boundaries and compromising insiders at multiple levels. It must be dismantled with the full force of the law, and exemplary punishment – not mere suspension or bail-friendly remand – must await those convicted.
More fundamentally, the government must now invest in a genuinely foolproof examination architecture: end-to-end encrypted digital delivery, randomised question sets, biometric authentication, and independent third-party audits. Half-measures will only invite the next scandal. India’s students deserve nothing less than a system worthy of their extraordinary effort and trust.
MPSAT holds 20th General Body meet
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Mochi Phali Seat Athrot Trust (MPSAT) organized 20th Annual General Body meeting here at Roop Nagar to review its functioning, progress, and presentation of income and expenditure.
The top dignitaries on the occasion, including Swami Kumar Ji, Padamshree, Brij Lal Bhat (Chairman, Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Nagdandi), Sharda Nandan Bhat, T.K.Ganjoo , Roshan Lal Pandita (Chairman Pt.PNBMT), C. L. Pandita (vice chairman- PNBMT), Kashmiri Lal Bhat ( convener PNBMT), P. K. Raina (general secratary -ASKPC), P. L. Sudeshi (president -ADKUF), Chand Ji Ambardar (president Durga Mandir, Durga Nagar), Bimal Wantoo (Member-Haridwar Management Committee), Shrun Koul (president- HWB Vessu) and a galaxy of social activists assured full support to the Trust. They appreciated the mechanism of transparency and distribution of assistance among the needy and deserving people.
Swami Kumar Ji and Padmashree Brij Lal Bhat also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier Sushil Razdan (general secretary) threw light on the role of the Trust.
Roshan Lal Bhat, (treasurer) of the Trust, presented the detailed report of income and expenditure for the financial year 2025-26.
R. L. Koul (senior member said that due to transparency and sincerity of Trust members, the quality membership increased year by year and the Trust has been able to reach the doors of the needy.
Dr. Ravinder Raina, Venu Ji Bhat and Sahil Bhat also spoke on the occasion.
Veer Ji Bhat (chairman of the Trust) while presenting the vote of thanks also gave a comprehensive detailed report of the Trust. He said that the present situation is distressing and people totally dependent on meagre relief assistance are unable to meet their day to day expenses. He requested the well-off people to come forward for their rescue.
S. L. Koul (press and publicity secretary) managed the stage.
3 Probationer DySPs deployed as SHOs
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 12: Three Probationer DySPs of 2024 batch have been deployed as Station House Officers (SHOs) of Police Stations in Udhampur.
According to an order in this regard, issued today by SSP Udhampur, Reetu Sharma has been posted as SHO of Police Station Panchari and Palak Anand as SHO of Police Station Kud, while Sakshi Koul has been posted as SHO of Women Police Station Udhampur.
All the previous SHOs of these three Police Stations will continue to perform their duties in the same Police Station and assist the new SHOs till further order.
BJP leader terms PM’s appeal on petrol, gold visionary, farsighted
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: J&K BJP media in charge, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra termed Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption and refrain from non-essential gold purchases for one year as a visionary and farsighted intervention aimed at safeguarding India’s economic stability during a highly sensitive global phase.
Dr. Pardeep Mahotra said that the timing of the Prime Minister’s appeal carries immense strategic and political importance as the world is witnessing geopolitical instability, rising crude oil prices, supply-chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and growing uncertainty due to conflicts in West Asia and other regions. He stated that responsible leadership is measured by its ability to anticipate challenges before they become crises and PM Modi has once again demonstrated farsighted statesmanship by preparing the nation in advance.
Dr. Pardeep stated that India imports a significant portion of its crude oil and gold requirements, which directly impacts the country’s foreign exchange reserves. At a time when global oil prices are volatile and international trade routes remain vulnerable, the Prime Minister’s call to reduce fuel dependency is not only economically wise but strategically crucial for maintaining India’s financial strength and policy independence.
Dr. Pardeep Mahotra said the Prime Minister’s appeal reflects a broader political vision of building a self-reliant and economically secure India under the mission of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
22 doctors transferred
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Government today ordered transfer and posting of 22 doctors in the interest of administration and patient care with immediate effect.
According to the order, Dr Sanjay Arora, who was on deputation to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, has been posted as Incharge State Malariologist while Dr Rashmi Sharma, I/c Medical Mobile Unit Jammu, has been posted as I/c Epidemiologist.
Dr Sunil Kailu, serving as Incharge Medical Superintendent, Government Hospital Sarwal, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Incharge Assistant Director, Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization, Jammu whereas Dr Bashir Ahmad Malik, presently Incharge Superintendent, Kashmir Nursing Home, has been posted as Incharge Assistant Director, Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization, Kashmir.
Dr Vinod Sharma, I/c Health Officer, Jammu Municipal Corporation, has been transferred as Incharge CMO Doda while as Dr Sanjay Kumar Bhat, who was on deputation to GMC Jammu, has been posted as Incharge Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kishtwar.
Dr Bhajan Kour, Incharge District Health Officer (DHO) Baramulla, has been posted as Incharge CMO Bandipora, and Dr Monika Kotwal, awaiting orders at the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, has been posted as Incharge Medical Superintendent, Government Hospital Sarwal, Jammu. Further, Dr Arshad Hussain Qadri, I/c MS Gousia Hospital Srinagar, has been posted as Incharge MS DH Shopian.
Dr Karam Veer Singh, presently Medical Officer (Stores), Jammu, has been transferred as Incharge Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Reasi and Dr Sushma Mattoo, Incharge Zonal Leprosy Officer (ZLO), Jammu, has been posted I/c MS Police Hospital, Jammu.
Dr Asif Ali Khanday, awaiting orders of posting at Directorate of Health services Kashmir, has been posted as I/c MS Kashmir Nursing Home whereas Dr Zahida Akhtar Gul, MO SDH Pattan, has been posted as I/c MS Gousia Hospital Srinagar.
Dr Rumina Majeed, Medical Officer, District Hospital Ganderbal, has been transferred as Incharge BMO Pattan whereas while Dr Samina Nazir, awaiting orders at the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, has been transferred as Incharge BMO Akhnoor.
Dr Arshad Ali, presently Incharge BMO Beerwah, has been shifted as Incharge BMO Khansahib, and Dr Mohammad Ayoub, Medical Officer, Block Sallar, has been posted as Incharge BMO Bijbehara.
Dr Mohd Amin Mir, presently Incharge BMO Bijbehara, has been transferred as Incharge BMO Kupwara while as Dr Malik Sajad, Incharge BMO Khansahib has been transferred as I/c BMo Beerwah.
Dr Ghazala, presently Incharge DTO Poonch, has been transferred as Incharge BMO Mendhar, while Dr Mohd Azam DHO Poonch will hold the additional charge of District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) Poonch.
Dr Sham Lal, Incharge DHO Rajouri, has been posted as Incharge BMO Bishnah whereas Dr Shahid Hussain, presently Nodal Officer, Immunization Programme, has been transferred as Health Officer, JMC.
Rekha Mahajan, Arun Sharma listen public grievances
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Jammu and Kashmir BJP State vice president, Rekha Mahajan and State secretary, Arun Sharma, during their scheduled sitting at the party Headquarters in Jammu on Monday, listened to the grievances and issues of the general public and assured them of all possible help in resolving their concerns.
A large number of people from different areas of Jammu reached the BJP Headquarters to narrate their problems and seek assistance regarding matters related to civic amenities, public services, development works, electricity, water supply, roads, pensions and other administrative issues. The visiting delegations and individuals expressed confidence that their grievances would be addressed through the intervention of the party leadership.
Interacting with the public, Rekha Mahajan said that the Bharatiya Janata Party has always remained committed to the welfare and upliftment of the people. She said that the party believes in maintaining direct contact with the masses and understanding their day-to-day problems so that appropriate measures can be taken for their timely redressal. She said that BJP workers and leaders are continuously working among the people and acting as a bridge between the administration and the public.
Rekha Mahajan further said that the party leadership has directed its functionaries to remain easily accessible to the people and ensure that no genuine issue goes unheard. She assured the visiting deputations that all their grievances would be taken up with the concerned departments and authorities for prompt action.
Arun Sharma, while speaking on the occasion, said that BJP activists are always seen among the public and are dedicated to serving society with sincerity and commitment. He said that the party strongly believes in public outreach and people-centric politics, which has strengthened the bond between the BJP and the masses across Jammu and Kashmir. He also assured the people that their issues would be pursued vigorously with the concerned officials.
Pertinent to mention that the BJP has formulated a weekly roster under which every day one party vice president and one secretary have been deputed to sit at the party office for the convenience of the general public.
Young innovators shine at AAROHAN festival
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 12: Innovation, entrepreneurship and youth-led dialogue dominated the second day of AAROHAN 2026, National Youth Festival and Viksit J&K Young Leaders Dialogue, at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here today.
Organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports J&K, the event brought together young delegates, innovators and cultural contingents from several states to deliberate on contemporary issues ranging from artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship to cultural preservation and the Himalayan economy.
Young speakers presented papers and presentations on diverse themes during the day-long programme.
Jaiveer Singh from J&K spoke on preserving the region’s cultural heritage, while delegates from Maharashtra and J&K discussed the Himalayan economy and challenges faced by border youth.
A presentation on AI deepfake technology by Manish Kashyp from Chhattisgarh drew attention to emerging digital threats, while Sweta Shrivas highlighted opportunities in youth entrepreneurship through her presentation titled “Startup Swaraj.”
Delegates from Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh also spoke on entrepreneurship and skill development, while Krishna Reddy presented ideas related to Digital India and artificial intelligence.
Another presentation focused on sports fitness and youth wellbeing.
The hackathon segment emerged as one of the highlights of the programme, with participants showcasing technology-driven solutions and prototypes.
A mobile application developed as a digital de-addiction tool received appreciation from participants and organisers for its focus on mental health and lifestyle management.
An interactive session with RJ Nasir added to audience engagement during the event.
The second half of the programme featured cultural performances by contingents from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, reflecting India’s cultural diversity.
A spoken word performance by Heena Alam from Ghaziabad was among the major attractions.
Special performances included solo songs by participants from Gujarat and Rajasthan and a dance performance by the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Ganderbal.
SKIMS plans 500 nursing appointments: Director
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 12: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) will recruit nearly 1,200 paramedical staff, including around 500 nurses, over the next few months, Director SKIMS Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie announced today.
He said the recruitment process, currently under consideration, is expected to reduce the shortage of nursing personnel at the tertiary care institute by nearly 60 percent within the next three months.
The announcement was made during celebrations marking International Nurses Day at SKIMS, Soura.
Prof. Ganie said the recruitment drive across various paramedical cadres would strengthen manpower and improve patient care management at the institute.
He linked the initiative to this year’s International Nurses Day theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
He also announced that SKIMS is planning to introduce a paid nursing internship programme to provide clinical exposure and professional opportunities to young nursing graduates.
HC denies bail to Shopian man in terror conspiracy case
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed the bail appeal of Syed Irfan Ahmad of Nazneenpora, Keegam, Shopian, who is facing trial in a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen-linked case involving allegations of waging war against India, terror funding, arms and ammunition procurement and facilitating movement of militants.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Sindhu Sharma and Justice Shahzad Azeem upheld the order of the Special Judge NIA Cases, Jammu, dated April 22, 2025, by which the appellant’s bail plea had been rejected. The appellant is facing trial along with 10 co-accused in a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror conspiracy case. He has been charge-sheeted for offences under Sections 120-B, 121, 121-A and 122 IPC, besides Sections 17, 18, 19, 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
As per the prosecution case, the accused persons were allegedly part of a larger conspiracy to wage war against India by procuring arms and ammunition, raising and transferring funds and extending support to the banned terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. The prosecution alleged that Syed Irfan Ahmad acted as an intermediary between accused Naveed Mushtaq, Irfan Shafi Mir and Devender Singh, a police officer posted in the Anti-Hijacking Unit.
The court noted that prima facie material indicated that the appellant allegedly facilitated the safe movement of his real brother, stated to be a District Commander of HM, and other militants from Shopian to Jammu in February 2019 for ex-filtration to Pakistan with the help of HM leadership. The bench also referred to allegations of fund transfer, call detail records and the appellant’s alleged role as a go-between in the conspiracy.
Appearing for the appellant, Advocate Molvi Aijaz Ahmad argued that there was no direct or indirect incriminating evidence against his client and that several witnesses examined so far had not supported the prosecution case against him. It was also submitted that the appellant had a clean past record, was a Government servant and a PhD scholar.
The NIA opposed the appeal through Vishal Sharma, DSGI, assisted by Eishan Dadhichi, CGSC, Sumant Sudan, Advocate, Chandan Kumar Singh, PP NIA, and Ashwani Verma, PP NIA, relying upon the bar contained under Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA.
The High Court observed that once formal charges had been framed on December 16, 2022 on the basis of material collected during investigation, the rigours of Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA stood attracted. The bench held that at the bail stage, the court is not required to conduct a mini-trial or deeply evaluate the evidence.
The court further held that the appellant’s plea of delayed trial could not automatically lead to bail in a case involving grave terror allegations. Referring to Supreme Court precedents including Gurwinder Singh Vs State of Punjab, NIA Vs Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali, and Union of India Vs Barakathullah, the Bench reiterated that in UAPA matters, the conventional principle of “bail is the rule, jail is the exception” does not apply with the same force.
The High Court also took note of the appellant’s conduct during the pendency of the appeal. The Bench recorded that while the High Court was seized of the matter, an application seeking similar relief on health grounds had also been moved before the trial court. The Court termed this conduct as “abuse of the process of the Court and forum shopping.”
The Bench said the appellant had been seeking discretionary relief by concealment or misstating of facts and, therefore, was disentitled to such relief. It also noted a medical report from District Prison, Karnal, stating that the procedure advised for the appellant was not a major surgical procedure and did not require an attendant.
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