Anantnag, March 11: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking, Anantnag Police arrested two drug peddlers in separate operations and recovered a large quantity of narcotic substances from their possession.

According to police, a team from Police Post Sangam was conducting routine checking at Halmulla when they intercepted a Maruti Alto (JK01P-4799). During the search of the vehicle, officers recovered approximately 4.90 kilograms of a Ganja-like substance concealed inside the car.

The driver, identified as Suhail Ahmad Bhat, son of Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Baliyar Marhama, was immediately taken into custody and the contraband was seized on the spot.

In a separate operation, a Naka party of Police Post Sangam apprehended another individual at K.V. Pora Marhama. The accused, identified as Abdul Rashid Bhat, son of Abdul Razak Bhat, a resident of Bhatpora Marhama, was found carrying approximately 3.74 kilograms of Charas powder-like substance concealed in a nylon bag.

Police have registered FIR Nos. 56/2026 and 57/2026 under relevant sections of law at Police Station Bijbehara, and further investigation into the cases has been initiated.

Anantnag Police reiterated their commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs from society and urged the public to cooperate by sharing information about drug peddling or any suspicious activities in their areas.

SRINAGAR MARCH 11: The monthly meeting of District Level Committee on Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was today held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo here at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to review the ongoing enforcement measures aimed at combating the drug menace across the District.

Senior Superintendent of Police(SSP), Sundeep Chakravarthy was also present in the meeting.

At the outset, the Committee conducted a comprehensive review of enforcement measures and chalk out a more stringent and result-oriented strategy to combat drug peddling and narcotics trafficking in Srinagar district. The Stress was laid on enhanced inter-departmental coordination and adopting a tough strategy to curb the drug menace.

Emphasis was also laid on further strengthening intelligence networks to combat drug abuse, identifying and cracking down on drug hotspots and intensifying confiscation of vehicles and disqualification of driving licences under the NDPS Act. The meeting also stressed intensifying anti-drug IEC activities, particularly in educational institutions, coaching centres to sensitize youth about the harmful effects of narcotics and to strengthen the capacity building of the concerned staff.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to disrupt the logistical support network of drug peddlers. He urged the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) to take strict measures against transporters involved in drug trafficking and peddling without any leniency.

The DC called for continued focused enforcement, preventive awareness and rehabilitation measures to effectively combat the drug menace in Srinagar district.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment, the DC emphasized that stringent action will continue to curb the drug menace and dismantle the supply chain of narcotics trade. He underlined that the District Administration will leave no stone unturned to protect society, especially the youth, from the devastating impact of drugs.

The meeting was informed that, as per the directions of the NCORD Committee, the District Administration in coordination with the Police and other stakeholder departments has launched a massive crackdown on drug peddlers and trafficking networks. Acting firmly against offenders, the driving licences of 73 accused involved in narcotics cases have been disqualified. In addition, 63 vehicles have been blacklisted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Kashmir under the NDPS Act.

SSP Srinagar, in his remarks, stated that strict action against drug hotspots will continue and drug peddlers will face criminal prosecution and other punishments as warranted under law.

RTO Kashmir and SP Headquarters also briefed the meeting about the recent actions taken against drug peddlers in the district.

The meeting was attended by Regional Transport Officer Kashmir Qazi Irfan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Aadil Fareed, Joint Commissioner SMC Nuzhat Khurshid, Superintendent of Police Umar Shah, Programme Officer ICDS Bureeda Majeed, SDM West, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Umar Gulzar, District Social Welfare Officer Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Assistant Labour Commissioner Adnan Tariq, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tahir Sajad and officers from Excise, Drug Control Organisation, heads of Anti-Trafficking Forces and other concerned departments.

Jammu, March 10, KNT: One militant was killed after the Army foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Tuesday, officials said.

According to the Army’s White Knight Corps, the movement of two suspected militants was detected in the general area of Jhangar in Nowshera along the Line of Control around 3 pm following intelligence inputs.

Officials said alert troops responded and engaged the infiltrators, successfully preventing the infiltration attempt.

During the exchange of fire, one militant was killed, effectively preventing any breach along the Line of Control, the Army said.

Security forces have launched a search operation in the area to locate the second militant who is believed to be hiding in the nearby forested terrain.

Officials said additional troops have been deployed while ground and aerial surveillance has been intensified in the sector to maintain area domination.

The Army said forces remain on heightened alert along the LoC to prevent any further infiltration attempts. [KNT]

Srinagar, March 10, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday arrested a Patwari posted in Batmaloo area of Srinagar after he was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹10,000, officials said.

The accused has been identified as Saffdar Hussain Mir, Patwari of Halqa Batmaloo in Srinagar.

According to ACB officials, the bureau received a written complaint alleging that the Patwari was demanding a bribe of ₹10,000 for issuing revenue extracts in favour of a relative of the complainant.

The complainant, unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and requested legal action against the accused official.

Officials said a pre-trap verification was conducted after receiving the complaint, which confirmed the alleged demand for the bribe.

Following verification, a case under FIR No. 05/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation was taken up.

During the course of investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team to catch the accused in the act.

Officials said the team laid a successful trap and apprehended the Patwari while he was allegedly demanding and accepting ₹10,000 as bribe from the complainant.

The accused official was taken into custody after completing medico-legal formalities.

Authorities said further investigation in the case is underway. [KNT]

Srinagar, March 9, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zuhaib Yousuf Mir on Monday expressed concern over reports that Indian students stranded in Iran are being asked to travel to Armenia and arrange their own flights to New Delhi at high costs.

Mir said the reported travel arrangement could impose a heavy financial burden on students, many of whom may not be able to afford the expenses.

The PDP leader raised the issue while urging the Government of India to intervene and ensure safe and affordable evacuation of the students.

“Reports from Indian students stranded in Iran are deeply concerning. They’re being told to travel to Armenia and then arrange their own flights to Delhi costing nearly ₹1.5 lakh per ticket, apart from visa costs,” Mir said.

He said a large number of students remain stranded in different Iranian cities, including around 600 students reportedly in Qom.

Mir also said other students are studying in various universities across Iran and may also be affected by the situation.

Referring to previous evacuation efforts, he said India had spent substantial resources during the Ukraine crisis to bring back its citizens.

“During the Ukraine crisis, India spent over ₹116 crore to bring back its citizens,” he said.

Mir said evacuating approximately 1,200 to 1,300 students from Iran would cost around ₹20 crore, which he described as a manageable amount considering the safety of citizens.

“Students should not be pressured to pay such huge sums in a crisis. We pay taxes expecting protection and support in emergencies,” he said.

The PDP leader also said that several students from Jammu and Kashmir are among those currently stranded.

He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene and facilitate a safe evacuation process.

Mir urged authorities to take urgent steps to ensure that all stranded students are able to return safely without facing financial hardship. [KNT]

Shopian March 9, KNT: Administrative and police officials on Sunday seized the property of an alleged drug peddler in the Keller area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district as part of action against narcotics-related activities.

The seizure is part of the administration’s ongoing crackdown against drug trafficking in the region, where authorities have been attaching properties believed to be acquired through proceeds of the narcotics trade in an effort to dismantle peddling networks.

Officials said a joint team of administrative and police officials reached Zraken Keller and carried out the seizure of property belonging to Ghulam Mohammad Khanday, son of Habibullah Khanday, a resident of the area.

According to officials, the action was taken after the property was identified as belonging to the accused, who has allegedly been involved in drug peddling activities.

Authorities said the attachment was conducted in accordance with legal provisions and the property was formally seized during the operation carried out in the presence of officials.

Officials said the step is aimed at breaking the financial backbone of narcotics networks and sending a strong deterrent message against those involved in drug-related offences.

They added that the administration and police will continue their coordinated efforts to curb drug trafficking in the district.

Authorities also appealed to the public to assist law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to drug peddling so that timely action can be taken. [KNT]

Srinagar March 9, KNT: Kashmiri students relocated from Tehran to the Iranian city of Qom have appealed once again to the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, to ensure their safety and move them to a safer location after reported strikes in areas close to where they are currently staying.

A group of medical students said they were shifted from Tehran to Qom a few days ago as part of precautionary arrangements amid the prevailing situation. However, they claim that strikes have since occurred in the surrounding radius, raising fresh concerns about their safety.

The students said they belonged to at least five different universities in Iran and were moved together during the relocation process. According to them, the move was initially intended to place them in a relatively secure area away from the developments in Tehran.

However, they said the situation around their present location has caused anxiety among them and their families back home in India.

“We were relocated from Tehran to Qom a couple of days ago along with students from different universities. But now there have been strikes in this radius as well, which has made us worried,” one of the students said while appealing to authorities for further relocation.

The students urged the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and arrange their movement to a place they believe would be safer under the circumstances.

They said many of them are medical students pursuing their studies in Iran and have been closely following updates related to the situation in the region.

While expressing concern, the students also said they have faith in the Indian government and its diplomatic machinery to ensure their safety.

“We know that External Affairs Minister is capable and we hope that the government will take necessary steps and relocate us to a safer place,” another student said.

They appealed to the Indian authorities to act swiftly so that they can continue their studies without fear and their families can feel reassured about their safety.

Officials from the Indian Embassy in Tehran have not issued any immediate statement regarding the latest appeal by the students. However, in the past, the Government of India has undertaken coordinated efforts to assist Indian nationals, including students, during difficult situations abroad.

The students said they remain in touch with authorities and are hoping that their request will be considered at the earliest in view of the security concerns they have raised. [KNT]

Jammu, March 8, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, fresh from its historic Ranji Trophy triumph, received a rousing welcome on Sunday after arriving in Jammu following their title-winning victory over Karnataka in the prestigious domestic cricket tournament.

The victorious players were greeted by enthusiastic crowds who lined the streets to celebrate the team’s achievement, which is being described as a landmark moment for cricket in the Union Territory.

Upon their arrival, the players were taken through parts of the city in decorated raised vehicles as supporters gathered in large numbers to cheer the team and congratulate them for bringing laurels to Jammu and Kashmir.

The celebratory procession witnessed jubilant scenes with fans waving at the players, raising slogans and applauding the team for their performance in the tournament.

Several players were also garlanded by well-wishers and admirers during the reception, while cricket lovers expressed pride over the team’s historic victory in the Ranji Trophy.

The players, wearing their team jerseys, acknowledged the warm reception by waving to the crowd and interacting with supporters during the procession.

The Ranji Trophy victory came after Jammu and Kashmir defeated Karnataka in the final, a result that marked one of the most significant achievements in the region’s cricketing history.

Sports enthusiasts and locals described the triumph as a proud moment, saying the team’s performance has inspired young cricketers across the region.

Many fans gathered along the route of the procession to capture the moment on their mobile phones and celebrate the players’ success.

Officials and sports lovers also praised the team for its determination and consistent performance throughout the tournament, noting that the victory would further boost the popularity of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to host a dinner for the champion team on Monday to honour their achievement and congratulate the players for their historic feat.

The Ranji Trophy win has sparked celebrations across the region, with supporters and cricket followers expressing hope that the team will continue to perform strongly in national tournaments and bring further recognition to Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]

Abrar Nabi

Budgam, Mar 8 (KNS) ; Road Makers claimed the title of the Ramzan Cup Wind Ball Cricket Tournament with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Sagar 11 in the final played at Narkara here today.

The tournament, organized by a local youth group, saw participation from multiple teams and drew large crowds from surrounding villages. The event was conceptualized to foster sportsmanship and provide constructive engagement for young cricketers during the holy month of Ramzan.

Electing to bat first in the summit clash, Sagar 11 posted a total of 103 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 10 overs. In response, Road Makers chased down the target with ease, reaching 104 for the loss of just one wicket in 9.4 overs.

Muz Talie was the architect of the victory, delivering a standout all-round performance. He smashed a quickfire 41 runs off just 23 balls, laced with two boundaries and four sixes, and later returned with figures of 1/10 with the ball. Talie was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution.

Senior District Vice President Mukhtar Ahmad Dar attended the final as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dar emphasized that the primary objective of the tournament was to steer youth away from drugs and negative influences, particularly during Ramadan. He distributed trophies and medals to the winners and runners-up, underscoring the role of sports in fostering a healthy lifestyle.

The organisers expressed gratitude to party functionaries for their support and reiterated their commitment to holding similar sporting events in the future. They also thanked the volunteers and spectators for contributing to the event’s success.

Dar also appealed to the government to develop the playground in Narkara to provide better sports facilities for local youth, asserting that sports can play a pivotal role in keeping them engaged in constructive activities and away from social evils. (KNS)

Srinagar, March 8, KNT: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Saturday questioned the implementation of the ₹2700 crore YUWA entrepreneurship scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the initiative has failed to create genuinely new ventures on the ground.

In a post on X, Parra said Jammu and Kashmir already has a well-established institution dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), but the institute has allegedly been pushed into near dormancy in recent years.

He questioned why the YUWA program was not entrusted to EDI, which he said has a proven track record in nurturing entrepreneurs in the region.

“The YUWA scheme is a ₹2700 crore initiative that promised to create 1,37,000 entrepreneurship opportunities. But where are these enterprises today?” Parra said in the post.

He alleged that instead of creating new ventures, existing startups appear to have been counted under the scheme to inflate the number of enterprises.

According to the PDP leader, the program has largely been reduced to the distribution of short-term loans rather than building a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurs.

Parra also raised concerns about the survey conducted for the scheme, claiming that it was carried out by employees under the supervision of the Labour Department as a formality.

He said such an approach raises questions about the credibility and methodology of the data used in the program.

The legislator further questioned the government’s decision to appoint the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) as the nodal agency for the scheme.

He argued that despite having EDI as a dedicated institution for entrepreneurship development in Jammu and Kashmir, the responsibility for the program was given to an academic institution.

“If the goal is truly to build entrepreneurs and not just circulate loan figures, the government must answer why startups and programs like YUWA were not restored to EDI,” Parra said.

He said Jammu and Kashmir requires genuine entrepreneurship development to address the growing challenge of unemployment rather than relying on statistical claims.

The PDP leader also tagged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the post while seeking clarification on the implementation of the scheme. [KNT]