Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 9: The Directorate of Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K, today commenced the admission process for the 2026-27 academic session for Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUGP) and five-year Integrated Postgraduate programmes across 142 Government Degree Colleges in the Union Territory.
Officials said the centralised online admission portal, https://jkadmissions.in went live at 11 am on May 9, and aspiring students can register and submit their college and programme preferences till 7 pm on May 27.
Admissions will be offered in more than 60 major subjects across various streams on the basis of merit obtained in Class 12 examinations, they said.
According to the admission schedule, the first merit list will be published on May 30, while admission and fee submission for selected candidates will take place from June 1 to June 6.
The second merit list will be issued on June 9, followed by admissions between June 10 and June 15. A spot round for vacant seats will be conducted from June 18 to June 25.
The Higher Education Department said classwork in winter zone colleges will begin from June 15, while summer zone colleges will start academic sessions from July 15.
Officials said the four-year undergraduate programmes have been designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and provide multiple exit options for students.
Under the framework, students can exit after the first year with a certificate, after the second year with a diploma, after the third year with an undergraduate degree, or complete the fourth year to obtain an honours or honours with research degree.
They said the system also provides pathways for direct PhD admissions for students completing the honours with research programme.
The department has fixed a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 200. Applicants have been asked to upload scanned copies of their Class 10 and 12 marks certificates, passport-size photograph, Aadhaar card details, domicile certificate, and category certificate, wherever applicable.
Counselling and facilitation centres have also been established in all Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir to assist students in filling forms and selecting preferences.
Director Colleges J&K, Dr Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, appealed to students and parents to carefully read the detailed admission notice and registration manual available on the official portal before completing the application process.
UG admission process for 2026-27 session starts
Aijaz Asad visits Vibrant Villages in Poonch
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, May 9: Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today visited the Vibrant Village Shahpur and Nangali Block NSSB in Poonch district, where he assessed the issues and concerns of the local residents and public representatives.
During the field visit, the locals projected several developmental issues and demands concerning the border villages. The residents highlighted issues related to roads, completion of ongoing road projects, health facilities, Jal Shakti services, construction of bunkers, installation of solar lights and various other developmental works required in the area.
The Secretary also visited Nangali village and interacted with the locals, where the people raised various issues including roads, water lift schemes, ATM facilities, opening of a bank branch and other public welfare concerns.
Aijaz Asad patiently listened to the grievances and noted the issues raised by the people. He assured the locals that all their genuine demands projected during the visit be addressed on priority.
He directed the concerned officers to ensure timely submission of genuine plans and execution of works under the Vibrant Village Programme, conduct a gap analysis and accelerate development in border villages by providing better basic facilities to residents.
He further emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among different departments to ensure effective implementation of developmental schemes in the Vibrant Villages.
Among others, ACP, ACD, Executive Engineers, PMGSY, JPDCL and REW, BDOs, officials from other departments were present during the visit.
2 arrested, 9 vehicles seized for illegal mining
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 9: Police today arrested two persons and seized five vehicles involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of mineral material in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
According to Police, two tractors carrying illegally extracted Nallah Bajri (gravel) were intercepted during a naka checking on the Kunzer-Tangmarg axis while moving from Reeram towards Batpora.
The vehicle, bearing registration number JK09B-3203 and another tractor with engine number S/CB09990, were found loaded with illegally extracted material.
The drivers were identified as Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, son of Fiyaz Ahmad Bhat, and Sahil Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Hamid Dar, both residents of Chandbagh.
Police said the duo failed to produce any valid permission or authorization for extraction and transportation of the mineral material.
In this connection, FIR No. 59/2026 under Sections 303(2) and 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3(2) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act has been registered at Police Station Kunzer, and investigation started. Both vehicles seized.
Meanwhile, Police also seized three tippers loaded with illegally extracted sand and gravel (Khak Bajri) at Kanispora during routine checking and patrolling operations.
Police said legal action under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act was initiated against the violators.
Police today seized four vehicles allegedly involved in illegal mining operations in Baramulla and Pulwama districts.
In Baramulla district, Police Station Kreeri seized two tippers loaded with illegally extracted sand at Nawan Mode during routine patrolling operation.
Police said the vehicles were found involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of sand in violation of provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Both vehicles were intercepted and seized on the spot, and legal action under the MMDR Act was initiated against the violators.
Meanwhile, in Pulwama district, Police Post Newa conducted two separate operations leading to the seizure of two vehicles carrying illegally extracted mineral material.
During naka checking at Newa, Police intercepted a tipper bearing registration number JK13A-5547 loaded with illegally extracted sand.
Officials said the driver failed to produce any valid permission or documents authorizing extraction and transportation of the material.
The vehicle along with the illegally mined sand was seized, and FIR No. 77/2026 under Sections 303(ii) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PPD) Act was registered at Police Station Pulwama. Investigation has been taken up.
In another operation, police intercepted a dumper bearing registration number JK13K-1044 carrying illegally extracted clay.
The vehicle was seized on the spot, and FIR No. 80/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Pulwama. Further investigation is underway.
Drug crackdown hits J&K’s entrenched network: BJP
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 9: The BJP today said that the ongoing anti-drug crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir has severely impacted an entrenched “drug economy” operating in the Union Territory for years.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP’s state office in Jawahar Nagar here, party leaders said the anti-drug campaign had received widespread public support, particularly from students, youth organisations and civil society groups, as people united against the growing menace of drugs and narco-terrorism.
BJP spokesperson Danish Bhat said the party has urged the LG administration to widen investigations into the narcotics trade and probe alleged protection extended to drug mafias during previous regimes.
“The visible discomfort among certain regional parties clearly indicates that the crackdown has hit the entrenched drug economy in J&K,” he said.
Another BJP spokesperson, Altaf Thakur, accused the NC of politicising a serious social issue and reiterated the BJP’s commitment to making J&K drug-free.
He termed narco-terrorism a major national security challenge and said strict action was necessary to dismantle the entire network involved in drug trafficking.
BJP spokesperson Sahil Bashir accused the PDP of indirectly defending drug peddlers through its recent statements and social media posts.
During the press conference, Danish Bhat also criticised Minister Sakeena Itoo over her remarks on the anti-drug campaign, calling them “irresponsible and divisive”.
He said Sakeena Itoo, who holds the Health and Education portfolios, should support the campaign instead of making statements that weaken the fight against drugs.
The BJP leaders maintained that the ongoing anti-drug campaign had become a mass movement in J&K and asserted that the party would continue to support all measures aimed at dismantling drug networks in the Union Territory.
Service, discipline core strengths of BJP workers: Rekha Mahajan
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, May 9: BJP Vice President and District Samba Prabhari Rekha Mahajan today said that service, discipline and dedication form the core strength of the BJP and asserted that the party workers remain active among the public throughout the year unlike “seasonal political parties” that become visible only during elections.
Addressing a series of organisational meetings during her three-day tour of Samba district, Rekha Mahajan said BJP workers stay connected with the people at the booth and village level and continuously work for public welfare.
The meetings were organised in Ghagwal, Bari Brahmana, Banglad, Ramgarh, Swankha, Samba, Nud, Vijaypur and Purmandal Mandals.
The meetings were attended by District President Asha Rani, General Secretaries Rakesh Samyal and Amit Dubey, besides Sangathan Mantri Inderjeet Sharma.
Mandal Presidents including Nishant Sharma, Sushil Charak, Narinder Singh Monu, Rajveer Singh Nancy, Naveen Sharma, Vikrant Sharma, Surinder Singh and Dheeraj Sharma also participated in the meetings along with Morcha leaders and Shakti Kendra Pramukhs.
Rekha Mahajan said BJP workers played a frontline role during the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing ration, medicines and other essential items and helping affected families during difficult times.
Taking a dig at opposition parties, she said many political organisations remain inactive for years and try to reconnect with the people only during elections.
She added that the public understands the difference between “seasonal politics” and continuous public service.
She also called upon party workers to strengthen booth-level organisation, intensify public outreach and spread awareness about the welfare schemes and developmental initiatives launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
BDSA J&K unit organizes seminar on Dr Ambedkar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy (BDSA) Jammu and Kashmir unit, in collaboration with Tata Power and technical support from HOPE NGO, organized a seminar titled “Strengthening Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Vision in Modern India: Advancing Equity and Inclusion under Tata Power’s Affirmative Action Programme” at Roopnagar here today.
The seminar brought together academicians, representatives of higher educational institutions, research scholars, students, social activists, and members of civil society to deliberate upon the continuing relevance of BR Ambedkar’s vision of social justice, constitutional morality, equality, and inclusive nation-building.
Major highlight of the event was the distribution of 22-volume collection, “Writings and Speeches of Dr BR Ambedkar,” printed by the Department of Higher and Technical Education of Mahararashtra Government.
The keynote session featured distinguished speakers including -Siddharth Singh, Chief – Corporate Affairs & Project Development, Tata Power; Pankaj Kumar Singh, Chief – Community Impact, Tata Power; and Shashi Rani Dev, Associate Professor at the Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi. The welcome address was delivered by Hemraj Phonsa.
In their deliberations, the speakers emphasized the transformative role of education in realizing the vision of a casteless, inclusive, and developed India. They stressed that the ideals enshrined in the Constitution can only be meaningfully realized when social awareness, equal opportunity, and access to education are strengthened at the grassroots level.
BR Kundal, retired Chief Secretary J&K and president of BDSA, observed that the true realization of Ambedkar’s vision lies in educating and empowering the masses through knowledge and social consciousness. tion, he stated that awareness of rights and constitutional values remains essential for building a just and progressive society.
Among the distinguished participants present on the occasion were Bharat Bhushan, former MLA; Yashpal Kundal, former MLA; along with R L Jarangal, Sanjay Radhey, RL Kaith, Somnath Banal, P L Bhushan, Nagarmal, Vijay Bhagat, SD Digra, and several others.
Property of drug peddler attached
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 9: Srinagar Police today attached immovable properties worth more than Rs 3.5 crore belonging to three alleged drug peddlers involved in multiple cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Police said the properties were attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act after investigations revealed that they had allegedly been acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking.
In the first case, Police attached property worth around Rs 80 lakh belonging to Shahid Mushtaq Dar, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Barthana Qamarwari, described by police as a “hardcore drug peddler.”
In another action, Police Station Nowgam attached property belonging to Mehrajuddin Ganie, son of Mohammad Ismail Ganie, a resident of Wagoora, who is involved in FIR No. 156/2025 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Nowgam.
The attached property includes 18 marlas of land, a single-storey residential building and a cow shed situated under Survey No. 273 at Wagoora in Tehsil BK Pora.
The property has an estimated value of around Rs 1.5 crore, police said.
According to officials, investigations established that the property had been procured through proceeds of the illegal drug trade.
In a separate action linked to FIR No. 08/2026 under Sections 8/21 and 29 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Saddar Srinagar, Police attached a double-storey residential house worth approximately Rs 1.2 crore belonging to Tawqeer Ahmad Mir, son of late Feroz-u-Din Mir, a resident of Rawathpora Baghat Barzulla.
The attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of the Executive Magistrate Chanapora and independent witnesses, police said.
Missing woman reunited with family after 16 years
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: Jammu and Kashmir Police have traced a woman missing since 2009 and reunited her with her family in the RS Pura area here after 16 years.
Officials said a missing report regarding Seema Devi of Jinder Melhu village in RS Pura, was lodged at Police Station RS Pura vide DDR number 18 dated August 16, 2009 after she went missing under mysterious circumstances.
They said a team was constituted to trace the woman and the case remained under continuous follow-up over the years.
Recently, acting on fresh leads and with the help of technical assistance, the police team intensified efforts and successfully traced the woman, officials said.
After completing all legal formalities and verification procedures, they said the woman was safely reunited with her family members and handed over to her legal heirs.
Book ‘Qutab-ul-Aqtab Hazrat Baba Mian Abdullah’ released
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: In a function held at BN College of Education a book- “Qutab-ul-Aqtab Hazrat Baba Mian Abdullah Larvi (RA)”, authored by renowned educationist, social figure and former minister, Abdul Ghani Kohli, was released here today.
The event witnessed participation from a large gathering of eminent personalities, scholars, intellectuals, political representatives, members of civil society, literary figures, academicians, spiritual followers, and admirers from different parts of the region.
The book was ceremoniously released by Sayed Mohammad Sadiq Raza in the presence of distinguished guests and dignitaries representing diverse walks of life.
The programme reflected a deep sense of reverence towards the spiritual legacy and teachings of Hazrat Baba Mian Abdullah Larvi (RA), whose contribution to Sufi literature, spirituality, peace, and humanity continues to inspire generations.
While addressing the gathering, Sadiq Raza lauded the untiring efforts of Abdul Ghani Kohli for compiling and publishing such a valuable literary and spiritual work. He stated that the book would serve as a guiding source for devotees and followers of Baba Sahib (RA) throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
Abdul Ghani Kohli shared his emotional and spiritual connection with the revered saint and his spiritual lineage. He stated that his family had remained deeply associated with the spiritual teachings and discipleship of Baba Sahib for generations.
Various speakers highlighted the importance of promoting Sufi literature and culture in present times to foster unity, brotherhood, and mutual respect among communities.
A special attraction of the programme was the soulful presentation of the Kalam of Baba Sahib (RA) by noted performer Mohammad Rafi Khatana, who mesmerized the audience with his melodious recitation.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Wasim Kohli.
One booked for cultivation of poppy plants
Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, May 9: Cops at Police Station Gool today registered a case under the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 against a person for illegal cultivation of opium poppy plants in Sangaldhan area of Sub Division Gool.
On receipt of reliable information at Police Post Sangaldan it was learnt that one Sita Ram, son of Shib Ram Lohar, resident of Sangaldhan, Tehsil Gool, District Ramban, had allegedly cultivated opium poppy plants illegally on land near his residential house without any valid licence or permission.
The information further revealed that the poppy plants were reportedly grown in a concealed manner with the intention of illegal production of poppy straw opium derivatives, thereby attracting provisions of the NDPS Act.
Acting promptly on the information, Police registered a case vide FIR No. 23/2026 under sections 8/18 NDPS Act at Police Station Gool and initiated investigation into the matter.