Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Sevadal, Chairman for JKUT, Faiz Ahmed Chouhan has alleged that senior officers of the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department hardly make site visits and monitor field operations while daily wagers and other low paid workers have been pushed to the sub-inhumane working conditions during these hot summer days.
Talking to media-persons here today, INTUC leader said that he under took extensive field inspections across several Sub Divisions in the region and noticed disturbing work culture and official apathy. It has been observed that an elite class officials from AEE to above flourish in luxury and remain fortified in their air- conditioned offices during the peak heat summer days in Jammu and refuse mandatory site visits or monitor field operations. Consequently, the ground-level workers are forced to operate in stations that lack electric fans and proper seating facility. Even many stations lack bathrooms/toilets etc.
Raising serious question regarding the Maintenance Amount (MR) funds, INTUC leader alleged that the historical practice of utilizing 25% of these funds for the upkeep of pump rooms, boundary walls and workers amenities has totally been abandoned by the officers at the helm of affairs. He strongly demanded an immediate transparent Audit of these `disappeared’ funds worth crores. It is unfortunate that the critical PHE infrastructure continues to rot due to official apathy, he added.
Chairman, claimed to have exposed the `corrupt mechanism’ where the release of pending wages is dictated by the personal approach rather than merit or need. Under the prevailing system those having political influence receive their dues while the poor are left to strive. Chouhan called for a total over haul of the current allotment system. He noted that Government accommodation has been occupied by the retirees and the influential individuals, leaving needy and the serving workers/ employees without any shelter. Even many of them despite this facility, are drawing House Rent Allowance. He demanded that the illegal occupants be evicted immediately.
INTUC leader said in order to save public money and ensure safety, the Govt must go for strategic relocation of water tanker units. He pointed out that over 80 % of the tankers from the MAM Stadium section serve the jurisdiction of Medical Sub Division Muthi and shifting this section would save much fuel and ensure timely delivery. He also advised shifting of Narwal Tanker Section to Boria, Gorkha Nagar to prevent accidents and stop the unauthorized use of facility as a public bathroom.

Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, May 3: Aimed at extending care beyond its premises, the Management Committee of Home for the Aged and Infirm (Vridh Ashram), Ambphalla organized a relief distribution camp, here today.
The camp was organized today at Laxmi Palace, Maralian (Krishna Nagar Basti), where essential ration kits were distributed among 70 under privileged families.
Each kit comprised 10 kg wheat flour, 5 kg rice, one bottle of cooking oil, 2 kg sugar, 3 kg pulses and one packet of salt, ensuring immediate and dignified support to those in need.
The programme was conducted in the presence of Pankaj Gupta, president; Dr. Dinesh Gupta, Secretary; Rajinder Singh, Member of the Managing Committee and Raghav Gupta, Volunteer and Ashram Inmate Romesh Chander whose collective presence reflected the institution’s strong commitment to humanitarian service.
Locally it was organized by Parmodh Kumar a retired Headmaster for his dedicated local coordination in identifying and gathering the beneficiaries.
Avinash Chander, proprietor of Laxmi Palace extended all logistic support free of charge.
This initiative marks the beginning of a sustained monthly drive wherein Vridh Ashram Management shall identify different localities with the support of Social Activists and Government functionaries and extend assistance to needy elderly individuals.
Beyond relief distribution, the initiative carries a deeper social purpose, to identify destitute senior citizens aged 60 years and above who are physically and mentally sound, free from substance abuse and without any support system for their care.
Such individuals will be carefully assessed and considered for providing shelter and care at the Ashram, thereby ensuring that no elderly person is left abandoned or neglected.
This dual approach of immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation reflects a holistic vision of service.
Through this initiative, Home for the Aged and Infirm (Vridh Ashram), Ambphalla, Jammu reaffirms its commitment to not only serve the elderly within its walls but also to actively seek out and support those in silent distress outside.
It is a step towards building a compassionate society where dignity, care and humanity reach every doorstep to the possible extent.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: A Punjabi book, ‘Babania Kahania’ was released during a function held at Chatha here today.
The book pertaining to the stories during the partition of Bharat (India) into Hindustan and Pakistan and Division of Jammu and Kashmir, has been authored by Gurdev Singh. It highlights the true stories of the author Gurdev Singh’s grandfather-S Dharam Singh ( Shikari) and his( Dharam’s) sons-Hardit Singh, Mehtab Singh, Isher Singh, Pritam Singh and their families.
Many prominent persons and members of the Sikh organizations were present on the occasion and released the book. The author has mentioned about the heroic deeds of his father- an Army personal and sacrifices of other family members in district Muzaffrabad.
The author has also mentioned about the fate of some of the families in the Pak occupied Kashmir and exchange of the families across the LOC/ ceasefire line and clashes with the Pakistani raiders and the bloodshed unleashed by the `Kawalies’. Several prominent persons spoke on the occasion about the book and lauded the efforts of Gurdev Singh.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Continuing its intensified crackdown on drug trafficking under the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan,” police across multiple districts of Jammu and achieved significant successes by arresting several drug peddlers and recovering heroin and other incriminating materials.
In Kathua, police under the supervision of SSP Mohita Sharma recovered approximately 35.04 grams of heroin (chitta), along with Rs 75,940 in cash, 35 mobile phones, a laptop, an electronic weighing machine and 120 transparent poly pouches from the residence of an accused.
Acting on reliable information, police raided the house of Amandeep Singh, a resident of Ward No. 08 Kathua, who was allegedly involved in selling narcotics, particularly targeting local youth.
A case FIR No. 225/2026 under sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act has been registered and further investigation is underway to trace the source and network of the contraband.
Meanwhile, in Samba district, a police team from Police Station Ramgarh apprehended a suspected drug peddler during naka checking at Tarapur Road near the Devak River.
The accused, identified as Faizan Hamid of Rajbagh Srinagar, was found in possession of approximately 9.73 grams of heroin.
He was arrested on the spot and a case FIR No. 28/2026 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered.
In another case, Samba Police today arrested two drug peddlers in the jurisdiction of Police Station Samba and recovered approximately 2.21 grams heroin-like substance (Chitta) from their possession.
A team of Police Post Supwal of PS Samba during vehicle checking at Naka NHW Supwal, intercepted an Alto Car bearing registration No HP74-1570 which was coming from the Samba side and moving towards Vijaypur side.
During checking, approximately 2.21 grams of heroin-like substance (chitta) was recovered from the possession of both the persons travelling in the said car.
The drug peddlers identified as Nikhil Thakur, son of Arunesh Kumar, resident of Village Phaphan, Tehsil and District Hamirpur (HP) and Tushar, son of Kartar Chand Kundan, resident of House No. 28, Ward No. 55, Kunjawani Bypass Jammu have been arrested.
The contraband item along with the car has also been seized. A case FIR No 103/2026 U/S 8/21/25/29 has been registered at PS Samba.
In Udhampur, police from Police Station Latti intercepted an i20 car during routine checking near Dream Land Public School, Latti.
Upon search, around 4 grams of heroin were recovered from one of the occupants, identified as Mohd Rafiq of Sira, Kulakh.
The accused has been arrested, and FIR No. 15/2026 has been registered under the NDPS Act.
Similarly, in Nowshera, police achieved success during routine naka checking near Tunnel Bridge.
A scooty without registration was intercepted, and approximately 3 grams of heroin were recovered from the possession of the rider, identified as Javid Hussain alias Palla, a resident of Ward No. 01 Nowshera, Rajouri.
He was arrested, and a case FIR No. 80/2026 has been registered under the NDPS Act.

Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, May 3: District Development Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek conducted an extensive inspection of various water supply schemes across the district today to assess the performance and ensure adequate availability of drinking water to residents.
During the visit, the DDC inspected water supply systems at Nambal, Aghar Ballain and Kalka Station. He also reviewed the main water source at Ghiala. The inspection focused on evaluating the operational status of water sources, storage infrastructure and distribution networks.
Emphasizing the need for equitable water access, he directed officials of the Jal Shakti Department to undertake a comprehensive household survey to identify areas and families facing shortage of water supply. He instructed that necessary corrective measures be implemented on priority.
At Kalka Station, the DDC examined the newly constructed water filtration plant and reviewed ongoing repair works under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. He urged the concerned authorities to accelerate the pace of work and ensure completion well before the onset of the monsoon season.
Chief Planning Officer Narinder Kumar, along with the Assistant Executive Engineer and Assistant Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, accompanied the DDC during the inspection.

Excelsior Correspondent
Samba, May, 3: The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samba, Anuj Kumar, today visited Police Station Purmandal to review its overall functioning and assess the security arrangements in the area. He was accompanied by the SDPO Bari Brahmana.
During the visit, SSP Samba held a detailed interaction with the Investigating Officers and others police personnel of PS Purmandal, emphasizing the importance of their role in maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime and ensuring public safety.
A detailed review of the Police Station’s functioning was conducted, with focus on timely investigation and disposal of pending cases as well as the implementation of modern policing practices. The SSP also reviewed the functioning of the crime and criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and directed officers to maintain accurate and updated records.
The SSP also undertook a detailed review of the security arrangements in and around Purmandal, including the historic Shiv Temple Purmandal. Special emphasis was laid on ensuring the safety of devotees and maintaining public order. He inspected deployment patterns, surveillance systems, and access control points to ensure a robust security framework.
Further, the SSP visited adjoining areas including Gurgani, Pacholi, Chai, Doon Sumbli, Babali and Sadyal to assess the prevailing security arrangements.
As part of his visit, he also inspected Khara Madana Naka, where he interacted with police personnel and directed them to remain vigilant and perform their duties with utmost dedication.
SSP Samba exhorted all officers and officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and efficiency while performing their duties.

Functions held at Hangalgund, Nagrota

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Annual Jag of Swami Mirzakak a mystic saint of medieval Kashmir was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety today.
In this connection functions were held at Swami Ji’s Samadhi at village Hangalgund in Kokernag tehsil of South Kashmir district of Anantnag and at his Nagrota Asthapan near here.
A large number of devotees thronged shrines of swami Ji at both the places from early in the morning and participated in religious function including Bhajan Kirtan.
Maha Yagays were also held at both the shrines which started yesterday evening and culminated with Puranahuti this afternoon. It was followed by serving of Prashad to devotees.
The functions were organised both at Nagrota and Hangalgund Samadhi of Swami Ji by Swami Mirzakak Trust headed by Bushan Lal Hangloo.
Devotees from Jammu and other parts of country besides Kashmir Valley visited the Samadhi of Swami Ji at village Hangalgund where since last one decade after the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from Valley annual function on this day is held every year.
The administration had made elaborate arrangements for the visiting devotees at the shrine where some development works are also in progress including construction of a grand temple and fencing of the shrine. It may be recalled that Swami Ji was popularly known as Kak Sahab by the devotees.
At Nagrota Asthapan besides, Hawan and Bhajan Kirtan the religious scholars threw light on the life and teachings of Swami Ji by making reference to his Vaakhs (verses) which have been published in a book form by the Trust. They said Swami Ji had performed great miracles during his life time and one being that he spelled a doom for the tyrant Afghan rulers for committing atrocities on Kashmiri people at that time and its reference is found in one of his versus also.
They said Swami Ji was a great spiritual authority and was in the lineage of great saints of Kashmir that time.
The Trust has expressed gratitude to authorities especially Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Migrants besides MD RTC for providing transport facilities to devotees from Jammu to Hangalgund.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: The 465th free artificial limbs distribution camp was organized by Shri Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic at Kali Janni. The camp aimed to provide essential assistive devices to specially-abled individuals free of cost.
On first day of the camp, a total of 72 patients were examined, and various assistive devices were distributed among the beneficiaries. These included 25 artificial limbs, 7 callipers, 6 AFO and KFO supports. In addition, one wheelchair and six hearing aids were also provided to the needy persons.
Chairman Pradeep Jain explained the procedure for providing hearing aids and highlighted the clinic’s ongoing efforts to support differently-abled individuals. He appealed to the general public to help identify and inform specially-abled persons so they can benefit from the free services offered by the clinic.
Among others present at the camp were Ashu Jain, Kimti Lal Jain, Deepak Jain, and Dimple Jain. Dr. Anita Gupta, a physiotherapist, examined the patients and recommended suitable assistive devices based on their medical needs.