GMC Srinagar observes World Autism Awareness Day with Inclusive Programme
SRINAGAR, APRIL 2: Child Guidance & Wellbeing Centre (CGWC) at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Government Medical College Srinagar, observed World Autism Awareness Day with a vibrant and heart-warming programme at SMHS Hospital, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and evidence-based care for children with neurodevelopment disorders.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean of GMC Srinagar, who attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. She appreciated the centre’s dedicated efforts in delivering accessible, equitable, and high-quality mental healthcare to vulnerable populations. In a heartening gesture, she distributed specially curated therapeutic gift sets among the children, fostering encouragement and positive reinforcement.
Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Administrator, GMC & Associated Hospitals, highlighted the pivotal role of IMHANS in strengthening tertiary-level mental healthcare services and advancing specialized child and adolescent psychiatry in the region. He emphasized the importance of integrating clinical care with community outreach, capacity building, and caregiver engagement to ensure sustainable and outcome-oriented interventions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Zaid Ahmad Wani, Professor Department of Psychaitry remarked, “Today is not just about awareness, but about acceptance and action. As the only tertiary-care government facility catering to these children, we recognize the magnitude of our responsibility. Our approach focuses on early screening, individualized intervention plans, behavioural therapy, and family-centered care models to optimize developmental outcomes and quality of life.”
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from children and their families, fostering a sense of belonging, emotional resilience, and community support, while reinforcing the institution’s commitment to rights-based and inclusive mental healthcare.
As the lone tertiary-care government facility in the region dedicated to children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions, CGWC-IMHANS continues to serve as a critical centre for comprehensive mental health services. Its approach integrates early diagnosis, multidisciplinary intervention, and psychosocial rehabilitation. The programme revolved around the theme of inclusion and empowerment, bringing together children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate neurodiversity in a supportive and engaging environment.
Moving beyond conventional clinical frameworks, the CGWC team conducted structured, play-based therapeutic interventions rooted in established neurodevelopmental rehabilitation protocols. These included sensory integration therapy aimed at improving sensory modulation and adaptive responses, motor coordination exercises to enhance gross and fine motor planning and neuromuscular control, and visuo-motor (eye-hand coordination) tasks targeting executive functioning, attention, and bilateral integration. These interventions align with globally accepted best practices for managing Autism Spectrum Disorder, promoting functional independence and improved social participation.
At the conclusion of the programme, Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah felicitated the participating children to encourage their efforts and also appreciated the crucial role of parents and caregivers in supporting their developmental journey.
Among other dignitaries present were Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ajaz Baba, along with faculty members and staff of the Department of Psychiatry.
HP&M J&K Goes Digital, Launches Online Trade License Services
Jammu, April 02, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening digital governance and promoting ease of doing business, the Directorate of Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Jammu & Kashmir has launched two key online services on the Jan Sugam Portal.
The newly introduced services include the issuance of fresh trade licenses and renewal of trade licenses, specifically designed for stakeholders engaged in trade activities within Fruit and Vegetable Markets. These services have been developed by the IT Cell of the Information Technology Department to ensure seamless access and efficiency.
The services were formally launched by Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, Director of the Directorate, in the presence of Devender Singh Bhau, Additional Secretary IT, and Megha Khajuria, Head IT Cell, along with other officials.
This initiative marks a major milestone in the digital transformation of horticulture and agriculture-related services in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. It aims to streamline the trade licensing process by making it time-bound, enhancing transparency, and offering greater convenience through online access—eliminating the need for physical visits.
The Directorate reiterated its commitment to leveraging modern technology for efficient service delivery and improving the overall experience of stakeholders in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
NC MLA Bashir Veeri Breaks Down in Assembly, Seeks Justice for Open Merit Students
Jammu, April 1, KNT: National Conference MLA Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri broke down in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly while raising concerns over reservation policies and seeking justice for open merit students, witnesses said.
The remarks, made during the Assembly session, led to a brief silence in the House as Veeri made an emotional appeal to the Speaker and the government.
The development is significant as it brings renewed focus on the ongoing debate over reservation policies in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly demands for rationalisation and balance between reserved and open merit categories.
Veeri urged the government to introduce a bill on the issue and consider fixing a cap of up to 65 percent for open merit candidates.
“I have not been able to sleep for the last three days,” Veeri said, adding that concerns raised by students and families had deeply affected him.
He said his children had expressed reluctance to return to Kashmir, telling him that “there is nothing for us here,” reflecting broader anxieties among youth.
The MLA said he had assured his supporters that he would raise the issue in the Assembly and seek corrective measures.
“For God’s sake, let this bill be introduced,” he said, urging the government to use available mechanisms, including referring the matter to a Select Committee if needed.
Veeri also called for amendments to existing provisions, including Rule 17, and pointed to what he described as disparities in categories such as Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and other reserved segments.
He appealed for a comprehensive review to address imbalances and ensure fairness in the system.
The MLA said he had not participated in earlier protests outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah but had instead chosen to draft proposals within the legislative framework.
Members present said the House observed a pin-drop silence during his speech, reflecting the gravity of the issue and the emotional nature of his remarks. [KNT]
Court in North Kashmir awards 5 years rigorous imprisonment in POCSO case
Kupwara: The Court of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kupwara, has sentenced a man to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a case involving sexual assault on a minor child under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.Court in North Kashmir awards 5 years rigorous imprisonment in POCSO case
The conviction arose from FIR No. 30/2020 registered at Police Station Vilgam in the case titled Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir vs. Jameel Ahmad Mughal. The accused, Jameel Ahmad Mughal of Nawbugh, Champora Vilgam, was found guilty under Section 8 of the POCSO Act, which deals with punishment for sexual assault on a child.
After hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence, the court imposed the maximum prescribed punishment of five years’ rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of ₹20,000. In case of default, the convict shall undergo an additional three months of simple imprisonment.
In its order, the court highlighted the aggravating circumstances, observing that the victim was approximately three years old, rendering the offence particularly grave. It further noted that the accused had breached a position of trust, as he was working at the complainant’s residence at the time of the incident. Emphasising the wider societal impact of such offences, the court held that a deterrent sentence was warranted.
The defence sought leniency on grounds including the accused’s custody since April 2020, absence of prior criminal antecedents, and his socio-economic background. However, the court found that these considerations did not mitigate the seriousness of the offence.
The court granted the benefit of set-off under Section 428 of the CrPC for the period already undergone in custody. It also directed that the fine amount be disbursed to the victim as compensation under Section 357 of the CrPC, with liberty for additional compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme.
Fire Services Recruitment Row: Officials Reject Social Media Claims
Srinagar, March 31: Authorities have issued a clarification rejecting claims circulating on social media regarding an alleged paper leak in the Fire Services recruitment examination, stating that such assertions are misleading and not based on verified facts.
The clarification comes in response to posts shared by a social media handle claiming that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had confirmed a paper leak and that action had been selectively taken against a limited number of candidates.
Officials have stated that no paper leak has been confirmed at this stage, and the matter remains under active investigation. They emphasized that no final conclusions have been drawn by the competent authorities so far.
Regarding reports suggesting action against a specific number of candidates, authorities clarified that any such measures are part of an ongoing investigative process, based on available prima facie evidence and carried out in accordance with due legal procedures. They cautioned that this should not be interpreted as the probe being limited in scope.
The public, particularly aspirants, has been advised to avoid relying on unverified information circulating online and to follow only official communications for accurate updates.
The statement was issued in public interest to curb misinformation and maintain transparency around the ongoing investigation.
Pulwama Anti-Corruption Court Convicts Five in Fake Teacher Appointment Case
Pulwama, March 31: The Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama, presided over by Special Judge Dr. Noor Mohamad Mir, on Tuesday convicted five persons, including Hamida Akhter, in a decades-old case related to a fraudulent government job appointment.
The convicted individuals include Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, Bashir Ahmad Shah, Syed Showkeen Andrabi, Mohammad Ashraf Khan, and Hamida Akhter. The case pertains to the незакон appointment of Akhter as a teacher at Government High School Goripora in Pulwama.
The case originated in 1998 following information received by the Vigilance Organisation Kashmir (now Anti-Corruption Bureau), which revealed that the appointment had been secured through forgery and criminal conspiracy involving officials and others.
After investigation, a chargesheet was filed in October 2000. Following prolonged judicial proceedings, the court delivered its verdict on March 31, 2026.
The court sentenced the convicts to:
Five years’ simple imprisonment and fines under provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and forgery-related offences
Additional imprisonment of three years under cheating charges (Section 420 RPC), along with fines
The court also specified further imprisonment in case of non-payment of fines.
The conviction underscores the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s continued efforts to ensure accountability and curb corruption in public services.
DC Srinagar chairs DLRC/DCC meeting to review credit related performance of Banks in the district
SRINAGAR MARCH 30:- A meeting of District Level Review Committee/District Consultative Committee (DLRC/DCC) was today held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex, here to review the credit related performance of the Banks in the district and also sponsoring Departments in implementation of priority sector schemes for financial year 2025-26.
Besides, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, LDO, RBI, Amandeep Singh, DDM NABARD, Purnima Kakroo, Lead District Manager(Banks), Nelofer Jan, Deputy Director Employment, Shubi Tabasum, other District Officers, Cluster Heads of J&K Bank, representatives of Banks and financial institutions operating in Srinagar.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also Chairman of DLRC/DCC conducted a detailed sector-wise review of the performance of banks against the important credit related and monetary parameters and in implementation of priority sector Government schemes including Mission YUVA, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other schemes. He also reviewed achievements under Priority and Non-Priority Sector lending as per the Annual Credit Plan.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC urged banks and sponsoring agencies to focus on achieving targets under Priority Sector Lending and emphasized improving the ease of availing banking facilities for consumers. He also emphasized strengthening financial inclusion schemes through proper handholding of beneficiaries to enhance credit outreach.
Emphasizing improved performance in priority sectors, the DC said banks’ progress in extending credit under government-sponsored schemes is being closely monitored and that low-performing branches would be formally taken up with the respective HR divisions.
He emphasized close coordination between banks and sponsoring agencies for the effective implementation of self-employment schemes, enabling beneficiaries to establish income-generating units seamlessly.
During the meeting, it was informed that banks operating in Srinagar have disbursed a total credit of Rs. 7736 crore to 6472 beneficiaries under various schemes, achieving 157% of the target till the quarter ending December 2025 of the financial year 2025-26.
It was also informed that deposits amounting to Rs 39258.30 crore and advances of Rs 26765.89 crore have been registered.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also launched the Potential Linked Credit Plan for District Srinagar for the financial year 2026-27, aimed at providing a roadmap for credit planning and facilitating sector-wise growth in alignment with the district’s developmental priorities.
Kashmir wins 19 medals at J&K UT Boxing Championship in Jammu Firdous Elahi
Firdous Elah
Jammu, March 30, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Boxing Championship concluded in Jammu on Monday, with the Kashmir division securing 19 medals in a competitive three-day event, officials said.
The performance highlights the growing presence of Kashmiri athletes in combat sports and reflects increasing participation across districts in the Union Territory.
According to Boxing Coach Farooq Khan, the Kashmir contingent won a total of three gold, five silver and eleven bronze medals across multiple weight categories.
“The results reflect the dedication, discipline and consistent performance of our athletes,” Khan said.
The championship witnessed participation from boxers representing various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, making it a closely contested event with a wide range of talent on display, officials said.
Khan said the tournament served as an important platform for young sportspersons to showcase their abilities and gain exposure at a higher competitive level.
He added that the results underline the steady growth of boxing in the region, with more youth taking up the sport and performing at organized competitions.
“The athletes have shown great commitment, and this achievement is a positive sign for the future of boxing in Kashmir,” he said.
Officials said such events are part of broader efforts to promote sports development and encourage youth engagement across the Union Territory.
They added that increased participation in structured competitions is helping identify emerging talent and build a stronger sports ecosystem.
Khan described the outcome as a significant achievement, particularly in the context of recent sporting successes from the region.
The championship concluded with medal ceremonies and recognition of top performers, officials said, adding that further training and participation in national-level events would be encouraged for promising athletes. [KNT]
Heavy machinery confiscated as Pulwama steps up enforcement against illegal mining
Pulwama, March 30, KNT: Police in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday seized heavy machinery and registered a case during a crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Litter area, officials said.
The action comes amid increasing enforcement against unlawful mineral extraction from riverbeds, which authorities say poses environmental risks and damages public resources in the region.
A police team from Police Station Litter conducted the operation in the Rambiara Nallah area, where they intercepted machinery allegedly engaged in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, officials said.
During the raid, police seized one JCB excavator along with two dumpers, which were found involved in extraction and loading activities, they said.
“Legal action has been initiated in the matter,” a police official said, adding that a formal case has been registered to investigate the extent of illegal operations and identify those responsible.
According to officials, FIR No. 37/2026 has been registered at Police Station Litter under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The provisions relate to acts involving unlawful activities and damage to public assets, which authorities say are often linked to unregulated mining in riverbeds and water bodies.
Police said such operations not only violate legal provisions but also lead to environmental degradation, including riverbank erosion and disturbance to aquatic ecosystems.
In recent months, authorities across Jammu and Kashmir have stepped up measures to curb illegal mining, citing concerns over unregulated extraction impacting both infrastructure and ecology.
Pulwama Police reiterated its “zero-tolerance” policy towards illegal mining and warned that strict action would continue against violators.
“We will continue to act firmly against those involved in illegal mining. Such activities will not be tolerated,” the official said.
Police also appealed to the public to cooperate by sharing information about illegal extraction or transportation of minerals in their areas.
Authorities said continued vigilance and community cooperation remain key to curbing such unlawful practices.
Background data indicates that illegal mining has emerged as a recurring issue in several parts of the Union Territory, prompting law enforcement agencies to carry out periodic raids and seizures.
Officials said further investigation into the Pulwama case is underway and additional arrests or seizures may follow based on evidence. [KNT]
DC Kulgam visits several market areas and petrol pumps, reviews availability of Fuel and Essential Supplies
KULGAM, MARCH 29 : Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, visited several market areas and petrol pumps in Kulgam to review the availability of fuel and other essential supplies.
During the visit, he inspected various filling stations and interacted with pump owners and staff to assess the petrol and diesel supply position.
The DC directed the concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted supply and smooth distribution of fuel across the district.