Athar Aamir Khan Takes Charge as Deputy Commissioner Budgam

Athar Aamir Khan

In a formal handover ceremony held today in the office chamber of the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, takes over as DC Budgam.He took the charge as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam succeeding Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The DC took the charge in presence of ADC Budgam, Mehraj-ud-din shah, JD planning, ACR Budgam, all SDMs, DIO Budgam, Tehsildar’s and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

The Deputy Commissioner was accorded a warm welcome by the officers present. He expressed gratitude to the gathering of officers and officials present on the occasion.

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Two Youth Critically Injured After Scooty Hit by Unidentified Tempo in Srinagar

Accident Near Sinthantop

Two young men were critically injured after their scooty was hit by an unidentified tempo at Tengpora Bypass in Srinagar on Wednesday.

The injured were immediately shifted to SMHS Hospital for treatment, where doctors have stated that both are in critical condition.According to officials, the duo was riding a scooty when an unidentified tempo struck them at Tengpora Bypass, resulting in multiple serious injuries. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The injured have been identified as:Mushqoor Ahmad (26), son of Abdul Rahim, resident of Karna, presently at Tengpora, Srinagar.Imran (28), son of Abdul Aziz, resident of Karna, presently at Tengpora, Srinagar.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and initiated an investigation to trace and nab the vehicle involved in the accident.

Further details are awaited.

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BJP Slams Omar Abdullah Govt Over ‘Inaction’ on Kashmir’s Rising Temperatures

Kashmir’s Rising Temperatures

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday mounted a scathing attack on the Omar Abdullah-led government over what it termed as “complete inaction” on environmental protection, with party spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia alleging that Kashmir is warming at an alarming pace.

Addressing a press conference along with J&K BJP spokespersons Altaf Thakur and Manzoor Bhat, Jasrotia claimed that Kashmir’s temperature is witnessing a rise of nearly 2.5 degrees above normal — significantly higher than the global warming rate of around 1.5 degrees — placing the Valley in a “danger zone”.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“At a time when we need massive greenery and forest protection, the Chief Minister talks about artificial snow and artificial cooling. These are cosmetic measures and potentially dangerous for sports lovers and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem,” Jasrotia said.

He alleged that during the past one and a half years, the Omar government has failed to safeguard the region’s green cover. “Trees are being cut in the name of development, but there is no serious effort to restore what is being lost. We are gradually losing our natural cooling shield,” he added.

Jasrotia accused the government of lacking a clear climate action strategy and prioritising “public relations exercises over environmental protection.” He said unregulated urban expansion, road widening projects and shrinking orchards were contributing to ecological imbalance.

Targeting the administration politically, he remarked, “Instead of taking decisive steps to protect Kashmir’s forests and wetlands, the government appears content enjoying the hot seat.”

The BJP leader also claimed that between 2019- 2023, forest cover in the region for the first time saw a bit of improvement not only this the list glory of 4-chinar was restored by forest department in this period and later was given back to gardener & parks department. Dr jasrotia said that after that under the present govt of NC things have gone back now deforestation, wetland degradation and unchecked construction has increased once again & this could worsen heatwaves, reduce snowfall and impact tourism and horticulture.

Altaf Thakur said environmental degradation was already affecting livelihoods. “Irregular snowfall and rising temperatures are hurting apple growers and the tourism sector. The government has failed to present a transparent climate policy or concrete urban planning framework,” he said.

Manzoor Bhat added that rapid urbanisation in Srinagar and other towns without ecological safeguards was intensifying the urban heat effect. He stressed the need for scientific planning and strict monitoring of tree felling.

Calling for mass public participation, Jasrotia proposed a symbolic plantation campaign. “On Eid, every child should receive a Chinar sapling as Eidee and plant it. This will send a powerful message about preserving our heritage and securing our future,” he said.

The BJP leaders demanded a time-bound afforestation programme, strict audit of development projects involving tree cutting and revival of wetlands and traditional water bodies, warning that failure to act could push Kashmir toward irreversible environmental damage.

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ANTF Kashmir Arrests Two Punjab Drug Peddlers, Seizes 79 Grams of Heroin

Anti-National Activities

In a continued and sustained drive against narcotics trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Kashmir has achieved yet another significant success by apprehending two Punjab-based drug peddlers in separate operations conducted in District Srinagar and District Budgam, leading to the recovery of 79 grams of heroin.

In the first operation, acting on credible and specific intelligence, ANTF Kashmir apprehended one Punjab-based drug peddler namely Ajay Kumar S/O Joginder R/O Village Mustafabad Jattan Gurdaspur Punjab from the Gangbugh area of District Srinagar. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

During the search, 42 grams of heroin were recovered from his possession. Preliminary investigation reveals that the accused had procured the contraband substance from Punjab and intended to distribute the same in the Gangbugh area.

In this regard, FIR No. 02/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station ANTF Kashmir.

In another successful operation, ANTF Kashmir apprehended another Punjab-based drug peddler namely Jhon Masih S/O Balwinder Masih R/O Mustafabad Jatin Gurdaspur Punjab in District Budgam and recovered 37 grams of heroin from his possession. Consequently, FIR No. 03/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station ANTF Kashmir.

Both operations were carried out based on specific intelligence inputs developed by ANTF Kashmir regarding the involvement of the accused persons in inter-state narcotics trafficking. The accused individuals have been taken into custody.

Further investigation is underway to uncover the forward and backward linkages of the drug supply chain and to identify other individuals involved in the illicit trade.

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force, J&K reiterates its firm commitment to intensify its crackdown against drug smuggling and dismantle the networks operating behind the narcotics trade. ANTF J&K remains resolute in its mission to eradicate the menace of drugs from society.

The general public is urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share any credible information related to drug trafficking to help safeguard the youth and ensure a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir.

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Winter Sports Demonstration Events Begin at Kongdori, 34 States Participate

Winter Sports

The fixtures of the ongoing winter sports activities will commence at Kongdori from Monday morning and continue till February 26, Secretary Nuzhat Jehangir said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters here, she said the main Field of Play (FOP) has been set up near the club at Kongdori, where the events will be held.Jehangir said winter sports events have already begun in Ladakh, with ice hockey and other ice-sport disciplines being organised there, while snow-based events in Kashmir are starting from Sunday morning.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

She said there was visible enthusiasm at the venue, with skiers from various states taking part in the activities.Clarifying the nature of the event in Kashmir, she said it is a demonstration event and not a competitive one.

The programme also includes cultural performances and the ski-mashal as part of the celebrations, she added.Jehangir said athletes from 34 states are participating in the winter sports activities and the total strength of the Games Village is around 950 participants.

She said the participation of children from diverse regions and backgrounds sends a message of unity through sports.(KNS)

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AIP Welcomes Railways’ Response on Baramulla–Uri Alignment Concerns

train

Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi has welcomed the response of the Union Ministry of Railways to the concerns raised by MP Baramulla Er Rashid regarding the proposed Baramulla–Uri railway alignment passing through densely populated areas of Baramulla town.

In a statement, Inam Un Nabi said MP Er Rashid had taken up the matter with Union Railway Minister, highlighting that the present alignment affects residential localities including Sherwani Colony, Jetty Khawajabagh and Fatehpora besides adjoining residential colonies and may lead to displacement of families and disruption of community infrastructure. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Quoting the reply received from Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, Inam Un Nabi said the Ministry has conveyed: “I have received your letter dated 02.02.2026 regarding representation concerning the proposed Baramulla–Uri Railway alignment affecting densely populated residential areas. The above-mentioned letter has been forwarded to the directorate concerned for necessary action.”

Inam termed the response a positive development and expressed hope that Northern Railways will review the present alignment, explore alternative routes and ensure proper consultation with local residents before finalising the project.

He added that AIP will continue to follow up the matter to safeguard public interests while supporting development.

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Delhi Police Bust Lashkar-Linked Terror Module, Eight Arrested in Multi-State Operation

Terror Module

The Delhi Police’s Special Cell has busted a terror module being handled by a Lashkar handler based in Bangladesh, preventing a major untoward incident.

Additional CP, Special Cell, Pramod Kumar Kushwaha, revealed that the plot involved pasting anti-national posters at metro stations in Delhi, including Kashmiri Gate, echoing terrorist slogans. The CISF alerted the Metro unit of the Delhi Police, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Umar Farooq and Robil Ul Islam, in Kolkata.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a press conference, Kushwaha said, “A team from the Special Cell busted a module that was being handled by a Lashkar handler based in Bangladesh. A major untoward incident has been prevented. On February 7th, anti-national posters were pasted on pillars at the Kashmiri Gate Metro station and some nearby metro stations in Delhi. The CISF noticed this and brought it to the attention of the Metro unit of the Delhi Police. The Special Cell team went to Kolkata.”

The suspects revealed that they were directed by Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a Kashmiri terrorist based in Bangladesh, who has a history of terrorist activities. Lone was arrested in 2007 with AK-47 and grenades, and had escaped to Bangladesh after his release from jail in 2019.

Kushwaha said, “With the help of the local police, two people were arrested, and one of these two people was Umar Farooq and with him a Bangladeshi, Robil Ul Islam. Both of them were arrested, and they revealed that anti-India posters were put up at many places in Delhi, the posters that echoed terrorists, were put up by these two. Later, it was found out through interrogation and investigation that the direction to them was being given by Shabbir Ahmed Lone, from Bangladesh.”

“In 2007, Shabbir Ahmed Lone was arrested, and AK-47, grenades were found on him, and he had come for ‘fidayeen’ to kill a senior political leader…He remained in jail for many years and was released in 2019. After his release, he again fled to Bangladesh. He is a resident of Ganderbal, Kashmir. Initial investigations have revealed that he reconnected with the LeT leadership and re-established his organisation to carry out terrorist activities,” Kushwaha added.

Further investigation led to the arrest of six more Bangladeshi nationals in Tamil Nadu, who were allegedly part of the plot. The police stated that Lone had reassembled his men and conducted dry runs, planning to carry out terrorist activities in India.

Kushwaha further said, “He (Lone) reassembled his men and conducted dry runs with these men. He had posters put up in various locations. He did so not just in Delhi, but also in Kolkata. On February 10th, he put up anti-India posters at several metro stations and other locations in Kolkata. He also rented a house in Kolkata…The investigation revealed that some individuals who are Bangladeshi nationals were in Tamil Nadu. They were going to take them back to Kolkata and plant them in a terrorist activity before they could do anything. The team then went to Tamil Nadu and, with the help of the Tamil Nadu police, arrested six more people, all of whom are Bangladeshi nationals.” (ANI)

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Residential House, Cowshed Gutted in Fire Incident in Kulgam’s DH Pora

Madrassa Sabeel-ul-Huda

A residential house and an adjoining cowshed were gutted in a fire incident in the Humpathri area of D H Pora in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said on Sunday.

The fire broke out late Saturday evening and quickly spread to the nearby cowshed, reducing both structures to ashes within a short span, they said.

The property belonged to Mohd Ashrif Mir, a local resident.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Locals, along with personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services department, rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control, officials said, adding that the structures had suffered extensive damage by then.

No loss of life or injuries were reported in the incident, they said.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known and an investigation has been initiated, officials added.(KNS)

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Scheduled Power Shutdowns Announced Across Kashmir Areas

KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

The Chief Engineer of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced planned power shutdowns in several areas.

The shutdown of the 33 kV Bemina–Fatehkadal and 33 kV Bemina–Barbarshah lines will affect many parts of Srinagar. Areas including KK Mohalla, Nowpora, Bohrikadal, BB Shah, Babademb, Bishembarnagar, Gousia Hospital, Naisarak, Barbarshah, Exchange, Basantbagh, Car Parking, Maisuma Bazar and nearby localities will face power cuts from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on 23 February 2026.

Similarly, the shutdown of the 33 kV Kulgam–DH Pora line (Chowalgam onwards) will affect DH Pora, Aharibal, Nagam, DK Marg, Khull, Nillow, Begam and Sehipora. Power supply in these areas will remain suspended from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on 21 and 23 February 2026.

Another shutdown involving the Handwara Hot line, 33 kV Kupwara Old line and 33 kV Delina–Sopore Tapline will affect Marathgam, Chogal, Handwara Town, Kulangam, the entire Lolab Valley, Machil Valley, Sopore Town, Wagub, Amargarh, J&K Bank and surrounding areas. The power cut will take place from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on 21 February 2026.

In addition, the 33 kV Shadimarg Tapline of the Kanipora–Keller line will remain shut on 21 February 2026. Due to this, power supply to Shadimarg, Drabgam, Kalampora, Qasbayar, Abhama and Sangerwani will be affected from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to plan their day accordingly during the scheduled shutdown hours.

NC MLA Altaf Kaloo Pushes for Upgrade of PHC Sallar to Sub-District Hospital

altaf kaloo

National Conference MLA from Pahalgam, Altaf Kaloo, has once again pressed for the long-pending upgradation of the Primary Health Center (PHC) in Sallar to a full-fledged Sub-District Hospital (SDH), highlighting persistent healthcare challenges faced by residents in the Dachnipora block of Anantnag district.

During recent Assembly proceedings and public interactions, MLA Kaloo emphasized that upgrading PHC Sallar is essential to address gaps in specialized medical services, reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to Anantnag or other facilities, and improve emergency care in the region. He has also advocated for related improvements, including fast-tracking the operationalization of SDH Pahalgam (recently sanctioned as a 50-bedded hospital) and converting PHC Aishmuqam into a dedicated Trauma Hospital. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Local sources and community feedback indicate that the demand has been a recurring issue for years, with residents citing delays in implementation despite assurances from government officials. In earlier discussions, the Health Department reportedly placed SDH Sallar high on the priority list (at serial number three) under IPHS-2022 norms for upgrading select PHCs. The Hon’ble Health Minister has assured that Sallar would receive top priority once the broader upgradation process commences, though no final sanction has been confirmed as of now.

MLA Kaloo has actively engaged with health authorities, including the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag and Block Medical Officer (BMO) Sallar, during constituency tours and review meetings to push for these enhancements. He has stressed the need for alignment with population-based healthcare standards to ensure equitable access, particularly in pilgrim-heavy and rural areas of Pahalgam constituency.

The upgradation, if approved, would bring advanced diagnostic, inpatient, and specialist services closer to the people of Sallar and surrounding villages, potentially alleviating health risks associated with delayed treatment.

This demand forms part of broader efforts by the MLA to strengthen healthcare, education, and infrastructure in his constituency, including recent initiatives like sanctioning ambulances and reviewing ongoing projects.

For the latest developments, residents and stakeholders continue to await concrete government action on these critical healthcare upgrades.

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