Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, May 6: The personnel of Territorial Forest Department and Forest Protection Force led by Range Officer, Shafqat Mehmood Malik here today started a massive drive to weed out the Cannabis from vast patches in the interior of woods in Kellar Range.
These personnel also reached out to village schools located in far off areas near the forests and educated the students about the harms of growing the weed.
DFO Bhaderwah, Devinder Kumar said the drive has been started in Kellar, Neeru, Chirala and Bhalessa Ranges simultaneously and at least 10 acres of forest area was cleared of the Cannabis plants which grow wildly there.
“The drive is a part of 100 days of Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan to stop the spread of wild narcotics and prevent the sale of high-value Ganja,” he maintained adding: “We have set a target to at least clear 50 acres of the forest land where the weed grows wildly.”
Forest Department destroys Cannabis
Handwara residents protest against suspension of work on GMC
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 6: Scores of residents from Kulangam, Chogal and Gund Chogal areas of North Kashmir’s Handwara today staged a protest against the suspension of construction work on the Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, demanding that the project be resumed at its originally approved site.
The protesters, including panches and sarpanches from seven panchayats, gathered in the area and opposed any proposal to shift the medical college to Nutnussa from Chogal, saying the halt in work had created uncertainty and affected local development.
The demonstrators said a committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir had already identified two locations for the project, but questioned why its report had not been made public.
Abdul Ahad Bhat, an 80-year-old resident of Kulangam, said the project had been approved for the area nearly six years ago and substantial work had already been carried out before construction was stopped.
“Trees were uprooted, orchards cleared and even houses were vacated for the medical college. Crores of rupees have already been spent and the foundation was laid in Chogal. We want to know why the work has suddenly been stopped,” Bhat said.
He said local residents had repeatedly approached the authorities seeking clarification over the suspension of work, but had received no response.
“The time is passing and the project may eventually be abandoned. We have repeatedly approached the authorities, but nobody is listening to us,” he added.
Bhat claimed that although the originally identified site was later declared flood-prone, around 283 kanals of Government land were available within the same panchayat for the project.
“The GMC should not be taken out of Chogal,” he said.
Devotional song ‘Jogiya Aa Vehre’ released
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 6: Devotional song ‘Jogiya Aa Vehre’ was released here today during a function organized by Keshav Chopra, chairman Samvedna Society.
The event was graced by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jammu, Ansuya Jamwal and Deputy Director Tourism, Savita Chauhan, who along with Keshav Chopra and Singer Deepak Kumar released the song.
The devotional song was sung by Ritika Kakkar and lyrics were written by Yuvi, music was composed by Kumar Gaurav, visual presentation was handled by Simar Mattu and the song has been released on the official YouTube channel of Ritika Kakkar.
The production also got the support of Mahant Bitta, Mata Kawaljit Kaur, Baba Tarlochan Singh and Sukvinder Foji in bringing this creative work to success.
Speaking at the launch, ADC Ansuya Jamwal commended the artistic effort, noting that such creative endeavours serve to enrich the cultural fabric of the region.
She urged the youth to stay away from the drugs.
Deputy Director Tourism, Savita Chauhan highlighted that the tourism and cultural sectors thrive when young performers take the initiative to showcase their skills, providing a positive outlet for the youth of J&K.
Keshav Chopra stressed the social significance of the event, stating that the youth should say no to drugs and yes to talent.
Deepak Kumar managed the proceedings of the programme and Ritika Kakkar presented vote of thanks.
Abhishek Gupta, Sourav Gupta, Sahil Verma, Ashish Sharma, Jimmy and others were also present on the occasion.
Jammu-based couple killed, three daughters injured in road accident in Punjab
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 6: A couple from Madhya Pradesh, presently residing in Jammu, was killed while their three daughters were injured after an SUV they were travelling in met with an accident in Punjab’s Malerkotla area today.
The deceased have been identified as Uttam Ahirwar and his wife Versha Ahirwal, resident of Village Gour in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, currently living in Nanak Nagar area of Jammu district, while the injured have been identified as Bhabhya, Manvi and Janvi
Reports said the family was returning from a marriage function in Chhatarpur when their vehicle met with an accident in Malerkotla area, resulting in death of two persons on the spot.
They said the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and started further investigation into the matter.
PWS takes up shortage of lecturers with CEO
Excelsior Correspondent
GANDERBAL, May 6: Public Welfare Society (PWS) Batwina Ganderbal has demanded posting of staff in Primary Health Centre (PHC) Batwina and Higher Secondary School, Batwina.
The demand regarding posting of staff i.e lecturers including Principal was kept before the visiting Chief Educational Officer Ganderbal, Anil Kumar who visited the School today by the members of the Society led by Mir Ghulam Rasool. The CEO assured them that every possible step will be taken in filling up the vacant posts in the School so that the education of the students is not affected. He after giving a patient hearing to the people of the area said every possible step will be taken to address the issue.
The Society members including Mir Ghulam Rasool, Haji Abdul Aziz Sheikh, Abdul Rashid Lone, Abdul Hamid Mir, Abdul Salam Sheikh and Peer Farooq Ahmed complimented the CEO for showing keen interest in addressing the demand.
Meanwhile in the meeting of Society concern was shown over non availability of essential facilities at PHC Batwina. It said though X-Ray plant is available but there is no technician to run it with the result, the machine is not being utilised and patients suffer.
Mir urged the authorities to take the urgent steps in redressing the problems of the people of the area.
Samba police arrests drug peddler, seizes 3.16 grams of heroin
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, May 6: Intensifying its drive against drug smugglers/peddlers in the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, Samba police has arrested a drug peddler in the jurisdiction of Police Station (PS), Bari Brahmana and recovered approximately 3.16 grams heroin (Chitta) from his possession.
Police said a team of Police Station, Bari Brahmana during patrolling in the area, intercepted a pedestrian who was moving under suspicious circumstances. During checking, approximately 3.16 grams of heroin-like substance (Chitta) was recovered from his possession.
The drug peddler identified as Monu Kumar, son of Ravi Kumar of Baradwar Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh presently residing at Jallo Chak, Bari Brahmana has been arrested and contraband item has also been seized, police said.
A case FIR No.115/2026 U/S 8/21/22 NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Bari Brahmana and investigation started.
SIA Kashmir Tightens Noose On Narco-Terror Network, Attaches Property Of PoJK-Based LeT Militant In Kupwara
Srinagar, May 6: In a significant action against narco-terror operations, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Wednesday attached immovable property belonging to a Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK)-based operative of the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Kupwara district.
According to an official statement, the action was carried out in connection with FIR No. 03/2023 of Police Station ANTF, a case initially registered by the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and later handed over to SIA Kashmir after investigation revealed larger terror-financing and cross-border narco-terror links.
The statement said investigations established that accused Zameer Ahmad Lone, son of Ahmad Gul Lone, a resident of Mandiyan Keran in Kupwara and presently operating from PoJK, was actively involved in narco-smuggling and terror-related activities aimed at disturbing peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities said the accused had already been declared a proclaimed offender by a competent court for evading arrest and continuing anti-national activities from across the border.
Following a detailed application moved by SIA Kashmir, the competent court ordered attachment of the accused’s property after examining the evidence placed on record.
Acting on the court directions, SIA Kashmir attached immovable property measuring one kanal and 14.37 marlas under Khasra No. 113 at Mandiyan Keran, Kupwara. The attachment process was conducted by a specialised SIA team in the presence of the Executive Magistrate and local revenue officials as per legal procedures.
The statement further said that SIA Kashmir had earlier filed a detailed charge sheet before the competent court after uncovering substantial evidence related to narco-trafficking, terror funding and cross-border militant connections.
Officials said the latest action reflects the agency’s continued efforts to dismantle the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism, particularly networks involved in terror financing and narcotics smuggling from across the border.
SIA Kashmir reiterated its commitment to identifying and taking strict legal action against individuals and groups engaged in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and security of the nation.
The agency also stated that efforts under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ are being intensified across Jammu and Kashmir to combat drug abuse and break the nexus between narcotics trade and terrorism.
SIA Kashmir, in coordination with other law enforcement and civil agencies, said it remains committed not only to investigating narco-terror cases but also to supporting preventive and awareness initiatives for building a drug-free society.(KNC)
CM Omar Abdullah Chairs Bod Of J&K Cable Car Corporation At Gulmarg
GULMARG, May 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the Convention Center, Gulmarg. During the meeting, the Managing Director, JK Cable Car Corporation, presented a detailed agenda and gave a comprehensive presentation on key projects and initiatives of the Corporation. The agenda items were discussed threadbare.
The Board deliberated on the upgradation of the Gulmarg Gondola Project aimed at enhancing its carrying capacity, operational efficiency and safety standards through modernization of critical infrastructure.
The Chief Minister emphasized timely execution of projects, adoption of modern technology and adherence to high safety standards to meet the growing tourist inflow. He underlined the importance of strengthening tourism infrastructure to further boost the local economy.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma; Managing Director, J&K Tourism Development Corporation, Shreya Singhal; Director Tourism Kashmir/Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Syed Sajad Qamar; Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta; Director General, Budget; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, and other concerned officers.
CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Multi-Purpose Sports Complex At GDC Tangmarg
TANGMARG/GULMARG, May 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor sports complex at Government Degree College (GDC) Tangmarg, developed at a cost of ₹2.75 crore under the CAPEX budget, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.
The newly established facility, located within the college premises, is equipped with modern indoor sports infrastructure, including arenas for badminton, table tennis, carrom, and billiards. The complex aims to promote a vibrant sports culture and encourage greater participation of youth in physical activities, particularly during harsh weather conditions in the region.
Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Commissioner Secretary Ram Niwas, Director Colleges, Principal GDC Tangmarg, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured the complex and interacted with students. In a lively engagement, he also participated in indoor games including billiards, table tennis, and badminton alongside students and colleagues, drawing enthusiastic applause and appreciation from the gathering.
Earlier, the Chief Minister launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan signature campaign from the college premises, urging students to actively contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our children are our future. We are making every possible effort to secure a brighter tomorrow for them, but it is equally important to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead. The development of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming years will largely depend on the role played by our youth,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by students in accessing quality higher education within the region, Omar Abdullah noted that the lack of private universities had compelled many families to send their children outside Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in significant financial burden.
“We estimate that every year, nearly ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 crore is spent on tuition fees alone by students studying outside J&K, excluding travel and living expenses. This places immense pressure on families,” he said.
He said that the government has taken a landmark decision to allow the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, with the necessary legislation already passed and rules being finalized.
“Once the framework is in place, we will invite reputed institutions to set up campuses here. With our unmatched natural beauty and climate, places like Tangmarg can emerge as ideal education hubs, attracting students from across the country,” he added.
Recalling his earlier tenure as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah noted that the GDC Tangmarg project was conceptualized and approved in 2011, expressing satisfaction at witnessing its growth and the enthusiasm of students.
He also lauded the newly constructed indoor sports complex, stating that such facilities are essential in regions with prolonged winters and frequent rainfall.
“In a place like Tangmarg, where outdoor activities are often restricted due to weather, such indoor infrastructure ensures that our youth remain active and engaged throughout the year,” he said, adding in a lighter vein that he looks forward to returning and playing badminton with students.
The Chief Minister further highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the government for youth empowerment, including free bus travel for women in government buses, large-scale government recruitment, and self-employment support through the Mission Yuva programme.
“We aim to provide 20,000 to 25,000 government jobs this year. At the same time, we are enabling young entrepreneurs by facilitating easy access to loans without the need for guarantees, with the government acting as a guarantor,” he said.
He also spoke about the government’s focus on skill development in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and horticulture to make youth self-reliant and strengthen the region’s economy.
“Our goal is to build a self-sufficient Jammu and Kashmir where we rely on our own strengths and resources. The youth will be at the forefront of this transformation,” he added.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new block of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Gulmarg, constructed at a cost of ₹203.80 lakh under CAPEX.
He inspected various sections of the facility, including the OPD, Emergency Room, pharmacy, X-ray unit, and wards, and reviewed the healthcare services being provided to locals and tourists.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla S.F. Hamid, SSP Baramulla, and other concerned officers.
Omar Abdullah Dismisses PDP Claims Of NC MLAs Planning To Defect
SRINAGAR, May 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday brushed aside PDP MP Waheed Para’s claim that the National Conference (NC) MLAs were planning to defect from the party, terming it “baseless”.
Speaking to reporters after a function at Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Abdulah accused the PDP of spreading rumours and asserted that no NC legislator would leave the party.
“Do you think I would be attending these functions if some MLAs were preparing to leave? These are baseless reports. These are the same people who helped the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls. It is not that we are saying this; it was revealed by RTI. There is no such MLA in the National Conference who will leave the party to support the BJP,” he said.
Abdullah was referring to an RTI disclosure, which revealed that the PDP did not appoint a chief agent for last year’s Rajya Sabha elections, and enabled J&K BJP chief Sat Sharma to secure a seat, despite the saffron party lacking the necessary numbers.
Earlier, Para claimed on X that internal dissent was brewing within the NC, and that some of its MLAs were in contact with PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.
In that post, Para had also questioned Abdullah’s silence on the J&K
government declaring Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, a prominent religious-cummodern educational seminary in Shopian, an ‘unlawful entity’ under the UAPA.
Responding to the charge, Abdullah said, “I do not work according to what some other party says. When I have to say something, I say it. Neither my government nor I is silent. Wherever issues come up on which we have to talk, we talk either on behalf of the government or the party.” Responding to a question about the West Bengal election results and the row over SIR, the CM said, “So many voters were deleted from the voter list, and the court said they will hear the matter after the elections. What will the hearing now achieve?
Elections are over and those people did not get an opportunity to vote. If the BJP had to do it for winning, then be it, they have won now. We will have to see what impact it will have in the rest of the country.” When asked about the possibility of cabinet expansion, Abdullah said, “Why are you people so concerned about it? When we have to do it, we will do it.” He said the tourist spots that continued to remain closed after last year’s Pahalgam attack would be reopened gradually.
“This was raised in the assembly as well. Many places have been reopened, some remain, and they will also be reopened gradually,” he said. (Agencies)