House of Delhi Blast Car Driver Dr Umar Nabi Demolished in Pulwama by Security Forces

Dr Umar Nabi

The house of Dr Umar Nabi, who drove the explosive-laden car involved in the Delhi blast, has been demolished by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, officials said on Friday.

The demolition was carried out during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, they said.The car blast near Red Fort on Monday night claimed 13 lives and injured several others.

Umar was behind the wheels of the Hyundai i20 that was laden with explosives. His identity was confirmed after DNA samples collected from the blast site matched with those of Dr Umar’s mother.

Umar, who was known as an academically accomplished professional in his circle, allegedly turned radical over the past two years. Investigators said he had joined several radical messaging groups on social media.

PDP’s Aga Muntazir Mehdi Takes Early Lead of 1,091 Votes in Budgam Bypoll

Aga Muntazir Mehdi

Aga Muntazir Mehdi of the Peoples Democratic Party has taken a lead of 1091 votes as the fourth round of voting gets underway in Budgam by-poll results.

The counting of votes for bypoll in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam began at 8 am on Friday, officials said.As counting gets underway for the 4th round, Mehdi had polled 5117 votes followed by Aga Mahmood with 4026 votes.

In the first and second rounds, Aga Mahmood of NC was leading by over 400 votes.

The counting, which would decide the fate of 17 candidates, is taking place at the Government Higher Secondary School in Budgam, they said.

Over 50 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise in the bypoll held on Tuesday.
The final voting percentage was 50.01 per cent.

The Budgam assembly constituency had around 1.26 registered voters.

The bypoll in the assembly constituency was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the seat after winning from both Budgam and Ganderbal in the assembly elections last year. Abdullah chose his family bastion of Ganderbal.

There were 17 candidates in the fray, with Aga Syed Mehmood of the ruling National Conference facing a stiff challenge from the PDP’s (Peoples Democratic Party) Aga Muntazir.

Besides the two Shia leaders, other key candidates included the BJP’s Syed Mohsin, Awami Ittehad Party’s Nazir Ahmad Khan, Aam Aadmi Party’s Deeba Khan, and independent candidate Muntazir Mohiuddin.

Man Arrested in Pulwama for Posing as SOG Officer and Extorting Money from Locals

SOG Officer

Police on Tuesday said to have arrested a man for allegedly impersonating a police officer and extorting money from the public in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

A Police spokesperson said, “Acting swiftly on credible information, Pulwama Police apprehended an individual who was allegedly impersonating a police officer and extorting money from the public. The accused, identified as Altaf Ahmad Dar, son of Assadullah Dar, resident of Marval Kakpora, had been posing as a police officer of SOG Srinagar, threatening locals and demanding money from them.”

A case under FIR No. 74/2025 under Sections 319/351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered, and the accused has been taken into custody. During the investigation, several individuals have come forward stating that they were intimidated by the impersonator. Their statements have been recorded, and further investigation is underway to identify any other victims.

Pulwama Police reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the public from such fraudulent activities and urges citizens to immediately report any suspicious or unlawful behavior to the nearest police station.

Omar Abdullah Blames PDP-BJP Rule for Employee Dismissals, Urges Voters in Budgam to Choose Responsible Leadership

Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that the dismissal of government employees began during the PDP-BJP rule and this did not start after 2019. He added that Mehbooba Mufti was the first to sign these orders during the PDP-BJP government.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The CM said that the PDP did nothing but cause destruction and that his party is working to rectify the damages.

Abdullah said that during the PDP-BJP rule, IIT and IIM were established in Jammu. ”

Jammu’s AIIMS is operational, and Kashmir’s AIIMS will take at least two more years to be completed,” he said.

The CM said his effort is to ensure that the people of Budgam get the right representative for the next four years. He added that a single seat will not make or break his government. He urged voters to elect a representative who can work with the government and serve Budgam.

The CM added that his party is fighting to win and told colleagues not to assume victory before polling closes, saying, “You don’t win any election before polling. We will have to work hard.”—(KNO)

SIA Kashmir Files Chargesheet Against Narco-Terror Module Linked to Pakistan-Based Tehreek- ul- Mujahideen (TuM) Handler

SIA

In continuation of its relentless efforts, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir Saturday filed a chargesheet in a case pertaining to a narco-terror module operated by Pakistan-based terrorist handler Mushtaq Ahmad Khan alias Khalid Bhai of Tehreek- ul- Mujahideen (TuM).

As per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the chargesheet has been filed before the Court of Special Judge (Designated under NIA Act), Srinagar in a case under FIR number 03/2025 of Police Station Parımpora (now SIA Kashmir).Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The charge sheet has been filed under sections 13, 18, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act read with 61 (2) of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 8, 21, and 29 of the NDPS Act against seven accused persons namely Anas Aijaz S/o Aijaz Ahmad Awan R/o Dildhar, Tangdhar, Kupwara, Zahid Ahmad Sheikh S/o Nazir Ahmad Sheikh R/o Chinnipora Bala, Tangdar and Tanzeer Ahmad Najar S/o Muhammad Syed Najar R/o Sudhpora, Karnah, Bilal Shabir Awan So Shabir Ahmad Awan R/o Diladar, Tanghdar (presently absconding), Mushtaq Ahmad Khan S/o Gulzar Ahmad Khan R/o Trumnard Batpora, Kupwara, presently operating from Pakistan, Basit Ashraf Malik S/o Mohammad Ashraf Malik R/o Nowpora ,Safakadal
Srinagar and Arsalan Mushtaq Bangri S/o Mushtaq Ahmad Bangri R/o Nowhatta, Srinagar, a spokesman said.

The case was registered on 6th of January this year in Police Station Parimpora when more than 09 kilograms of heroin was recovered from a vehicle (Tata Sumo JK05D-1837) during naka checking near Parimpora Srinagar.

The vehicle was driven by Anas Aijaz who was accompanied by one Zahid Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Karnah, Kupwara. “The case was subsequently handed over to SIA Kashmir for investigation, keeping in view the gravity of the case,” the spokesman said.

“During the investigation, the SIA successfully busted a broader trans-national narcotics / terror financing network. This dreaded network was found involved in trafficking of narcotics with the aim to generate funds for sustaining terrorism through the sale of these narcotics,” the statement reads.

It added that the proceeds of narcotics were intended to finance terror activities in Jammu & Kashmir.

“The filing of this chargesheet reflects a significant step taken by the SIA towards eliminating narco-terror modules propagated by the cross-border adversary with an aim to fund the terrorist activities in the valley,” the statement reads—(KNO)

Bandipora Police Launch Inspection Drive to Curb Misuse of SIM Cards and Ensure KYC Compliance

Drive to Curb Misuse

As part of its continued and sustained efforts to strengthen public safety and communication security, Bandipora Police today launched a comprehensive inspection drive of SIM card vendors across the district.

The drive aims to prevent the misuse of SIM cards for criminal, fraudulent, or terror-related activities and to ensure strict compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines and telecom regulations.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Police teams from all Police Stations and Police Posts conducted detailed inspections of SIM card vendors operating within their respective jurisdictions. During the inspections, emphasis was laid on verifying identity proofs, maintaining proper records, and ensuring that SIM cards are issued only to genuine subscribers with valid documentation.

Any vendor found violating regulatory norms will face strict legal action, including penalties, cancellation of license, or prosecution under relevant laws.

The general public has been requested to extend full cooperation during these inspections and to ensure that SIM cards registered in their names are not misused. Citizens are also urged to report any suspicious activity or irregular issuance of SIM cards to the nearest Police Station or the District Police Helpline.

Bandipora Police remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of communication networks and maintaining public trust by preventing their exploitation for unlawful or anti-national activities.

Contractor Dies After Falling from Newly Constructed Steel Bridge in Kishtwar’s Chatroo Area

Dead body

A contractor died after falling from a newly constructed steel bridge in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district on Saturday, officials said.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the contractor from Doda, died on the spot after falling from a newly constructed steel bridge at Chatroo, Kishtwar.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said that soon after the incident, a police team reached the spot and took the body into their custody. The deceased was later identified as Shakir Ahmed of Doda—(KNO)

Minister Sakeena Itoo Lays Foundation for GDC and PHC Mattan, Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Healthcare Development

Minister Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo today laid the foundation stone of Government Degree College (GDC) Mattan and new building for Primary Health Centre (PHC) Mattan, with an aim to expand access to higher education and better healthcare facilities to public, which form the core of Governance of present Government led by Omar Abdullah.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

MLA Shangus-Anantnag East Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi; Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Director Colleges, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Coordination new GMCs, Director Health Services Kashmir, other senior officers of district administration, students and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.

Addressing a mammoth gathering after laying foundation stone for college building, Minister Sakeena reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across all sectors, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. “Education and health form the backbone of a progressive society. Establishing a degree college and a full-fledged health centre in Mattan reflects our vision to empower the youth of this area and around it with quality learning opportunities as well as ensuring accessible healthcare for every citizen”, she stated.

Minister Sakeena further remarked that education is the most powerful weapon which can bring positive changes in the world.

The Minister highlighted that the college building will be equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, library and other advanced facilities, in order to promote holistic learning and provide new academic opportunities for the youth.

During the address, the Minister also highlighted various achievements of the Government, adding that significant strides have been made in vital sectors of Health and Education. She added that ample number of posts in these departments have been referred to recruiting agencies, adding that vacancies of Principals in all Colleges have been filled almost to provide better learning environment for the students.

The Minister further said that Doctors, Lecturers, Assistant Professors, Paramedical staff has been recruited in last one year and posted in deserving areas to provide best and quality educational and health care services to the students and locals.

The Minister on the occasion also announced that Bus for the students will also be provided as the college caters to large area. She also announced that Science stream will also be started in the college from next academic session, besides other streams as per demand of students will also be started.

Reflecting on the commitment of Omar Abdullah led government to holistic development of health infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Sakeena highlighted that advanced medical care facilities are being established in J&K, with special focus on far flung and under served areas.

She added that the new building of Primary Health Centre Mattan will be equipped best and diagnostic facilities so as to ensure timely and advanced medical attention at the local level.
MLA Shangus-Anantnag East Reyaz Ahmad Khan and MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the Minister also visited Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Seer and inaugurated newly established Physiotherapy Unit.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena said that this facility will strengthen rehabilitative and therapeutic healthcare services in the area. She added that the unit is equipped with modern physiotherapy equipment and trained staff to assist patients recovering from orthopaedic, neurological, and post-surgical conditions.

The Health Minister on the occasion also interacted with the medical staff and local residents, assuring them of continued support in upgrading healthcare services and addressing manpower gaps. She also directed health officials to maintain high standards of patient care and cleanliness in all health facilities.

During the visit, the Minister also interacted with locals and general public who projected various issues and problems before the Minister. She assured them prompt redressal of these issues.

The locals expressed gratitude to the Minister for Government’s proactive approach in bringing vital educational and health infrastructure to the area.

Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) Conducts Surprise Searches at Srinagar and Kupwara Jails

Srinagar Central Jail

The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Saturday carried out surprise searches at multiple jails across the Valley, including Central Jail Srinagar and District Jail Kupwara.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the search operation was launched as part of an ongoing drive to monitor activities inside jails and ensure that no prohibited material is being used or exchanged by inmates.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Teams of Counter Intelligence Kashmir carried out searches at Central Jail Srinagar and District Jail Kupwara today. The exercise is aimed at strengthening internal security and checking any suspicious activity,” officials said.

The searches were conducted in coordination with prison authorities. Sources said that documentation, barracks, and inmate belongings were examined during the search—(KNO)

Sopore Police Launch Major Crackdown on SIM Card Misuse to Curb Terror and Cybercrime

SIM Card Misuse

In a sustained effort to curb the misuse of SIM cards by terrorists, their associates, and criminal networks, Sopore Police today launched a coordinated crackdown across the Police District. Multiple teams conducted simultaneous inspections of SIM vendors at various locations to ensure strict compliance with Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The special drive focused on verifying customer documentation, KYC procedures, and vendor licensing compliance to prevent fraudulent SIM issuance. Vendors were counselled about their legal responsibilities and warned of stern action in case of negligence or violation of regulatory norms.

This initiative is part of Sopore Police’s proactive measures to prevent the use of SIM cards in terror communication, cybercrime, online fraud, impersonation, and misinformation campaigns, ensuring that communication systems remain secure and transparent.

Sopore Police reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting national and public security, preventing misuse of digital infrastructure, and maintaining vigilance against any activity that threatens peace and stability in the region.