One Youth Dies, Another Critical After Consuming Poisonous Substance in Shopian’s Pahnoo Area

ambulance

One youth died and another was hospitalised in critical condition after both reportedly consumed a poisonous substance at the Pahnoo area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

The victims have been identified as Liyaqat Ahmad, son of Mohammad Shaya Khatana, aged 18 years, resident of Reasi, presently putting up at Pahnoo, and Ishfaq Ahmad Khatana, son of Mohammad Jameel Khatana, aged 20 years, resident of Rajouri, also staying in the same locality.

According to reports, the duo had consumed some poisonous substance inside their tents two days ago. They were shifted to District Hospital Shopian for treatment, from where they were later referred to Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital for specialized care.

However, Liyaqat Ahmad succumbed today, while Ishfaq Ahmad remains admitted at SMHS Hospital under medical observation.

Police had already taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances that led to the consumption of the poisonous substance. [KNT]

Driver Raj Kumar Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances in Srinagar’s Sanat Nagar Area

Dead body

A 44-year-old man working as a driver with a highway maintenance company was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Sanat Nagar area of Srinagar, summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

The deceased has been identified as Raj Kumar, a resident of Lathi, Udhampur, who was employed with the LN Malviya Company engaged in highway maintenance work. He was temporarily residing in the Housing Colony, Sanat Nagar.

According to preliminary information, Raj Kumar had reportedly consumed alcohol in Sanat Nagar before losing consciousness in his room. He was later shifted to Ahmedia Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, reported news agency KNT.

Following the incident, the body was shifted to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for medico-legal formalities. Police have taken cognizance of the case and initiated proceedings under relevant sections to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Conducts Two-Day Capacity Building Programme on Standardization for J&K Officials at JK IMPARD

Bureau of Indian Standards

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO), successfully conducted a two-day Capacity Building Programme on Standardization at the Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (JK IMPARD).

The programme witnessed active participation from 22 officials representing two key departments of the Union Territory — Jal Shakti and Roads & Buildings (R&B).

The introductory session was conducted by BIS Resource Person, Umar Mukhtar, who briefed the participants about the importance of standards and the role of BIS in ensuring quality and safety across sectors.

The technical sessions were delivered by Shri Kamaljit Ghai, Resource Person, BIS-JKBO, who provided detailed insights into standard formulation, implementation mechanisms, and conformity assessment procedures relevant to the engineering and infrastructure sectors.

The two-day programme aimed to enhance awareness about the use of Indian Standards in public projects, promote quality infrastructure, and strengthen coordination between BIS and state departments in the effective implementation of standards.

Officials from both departments appreciated the initiative and emphasised the need for continued collaboration with BIS for promoting a culture of quality in government works.

Mega Fruit Mandi Coming Up in Kulgam on 300 Kanals, Says Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar

Mega Fruit Mandi

Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday said that a mega fruit mandi at Aar Mohala, Kulgam on 300 kanals is being established and the transfer of land in favour of the department is under process.

The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by Legislator, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi regarding compensation for crop losses to farmers in Legislative Assembly today.

He said that the department has already established two Fruit and Vegetable Markets in the district Anantnag, at Batengo and at Jablipora, which are functional and adequately cater to the marketing needs of the growers and traders of the entire district. He also added that in Kulgam district one mandi namely Apni Mandi has been established at Nunmai, which is at developmental stage.

The Minister further informed that damages to Horticulture crops in J&K has been assessed over an area of 531.06 ha, however, as per SDRF/NDRF norms compensation is admissible only for crop losses exceeding 33% which accounts for an area of 431.091 ha.

He also added that in South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama, a total compensation Rs 4.088 lakh has been paid.

The Minister further informed the house that there is one C.A. Storage Unit with capacity of 5000 MT in Anantnag district.

He said that CA stores are established by private entrepreneurs and Government provides subsidy for the same. He added that the assistance is open to any entrepreneur who is willing to apply as per the norms and procedures.

The Minister also informed that most CA stores are located in the Industrial Growth Centre at Lassipora, Pulwama, and the Industrial Estate at Aglar, Shopian, while as efforts are underway with the Industries and Commerce Department to establish sector-specific industrial estates for horticulture and post-harvest management in other districts.

He added that continuous awareness programs and seminars are organized in all districts including Anantnag and Kulgam, to create awareness among the fruit growers about available incentives for cold storage and other post-harvest related activities.

Legislators Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi and Showkat Ahmad Ganie raised supplementary questions on the subject.

J&K Government Introduces Amendments to Panchayati Raj and Cooperative Societies Acts in Assembly

Panchayati Raj

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, today introduced a Bill in the Legislative Assembly seeking to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (Act No. IX of 1989).Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“I rise to introduce a bill to ammend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (Act No. IX of 1989) (L.A. Bill No.5 of 2025). The Bill has already been published in an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette,” the minister said.

Javid Ahmad Dar, who also holds the portfolio for Cooperative Department also introduced Cooperative Societies Amendment Bill, 2025 in the Assembly

“I rise to introduce a Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies Act, 1989 (Act No. XVII of 1989) (L.A. Bill No.7 of 2025). The Bill has already been published in an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette,” the minister said.

BJP Candidate Aga Syed Mohsin Accuses Omar Abdullah of MCC Violation Over Law University Announcement in Budgam

Aga Syed Mohsin

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the upcoming Budgam by-election, Aga Syed Mohsin, has filed a formal complaint before the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The complaint pertains to a statement made by Omar Abdullah during the proceedings of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly earlier today, wherein he announced the setting up or commencement of temporary classes for a so-called “National Law University” at Ompura in the Budgam district.

According to the complaint, this announcement made from the floor of the Assembly is being widely circulated across media platforms and social networks and appears to be intended to influence the electorate of Budgam by projecting imminent developmental benefits in the constituency.

According to the complaint, the MCC prohibits announcements or promises of new projects or benefits during the election period and “Shri Abdullah’s statement amounts to a inducement with clear electoral intent,” it stated.

“The statement constitutes a promise of benefit to electors, made by a political leader of high

stature, thereby attracting the definition of corrupt practice under Section 123(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” it added.

The complaint alleged that the announcement was made from within the Assembly, not at a private event, giving it an official

and authoritative colour and compromising the independence and integrity of the electoral process.

The complaint sought that the Election Commission take immediate cognisance of this incident and direct an inquiry through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J-K and the District Electoral Officer (DEO) Badgam. It also sought to issue a show-cause notice to Omar Abdullah for violating MCC and influencing voters, and direct immediate restraint on any administrative or publicity action related to the said announcement.

“Obtain and review the official Assembly proceedings or video record of the announcement. Initiate appropriate action under the MCC and the RPA, 1951,” the BJP candidate demanded in his complaint.

“We place our full faith in the Election Commission’s impartial oversight to safeguard the independence, fairness, and sanctity of the ongoing electoral process in Jammu & Kashmir,” he added further.

On the Budgam seat, National Conference’s Agha Mehmood will be up against PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi in the Budgam bye-election. AAP has also fielded Deeba Khan from the constituency, while the BJP has gone with Aga Syed Mohsin.

The polling is scheduled for November 11, and the results will be announced on November 14, alongside the Bihar Assembly polls results. (ANI)

Omar Abdullah Says National Law University Likely to Start Next April, Ompura Budgam Considered as Site

National Law University in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the National Law University (NLU) in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to start functioning from April next year from rented accommodation and that Ompura in Budgam could be the primary location for the varsity.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Speaking in the Assembly over the resolution brought by MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, CM Omar, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the government has plans to come up with the National Law University (NLU) as the grant of Rs 50 crore has already been kept for it.

As the resolution was passed in the House, the Chief Minister stated that they expect that the classes at the university would start from April next year.

“Although there has been no decision on the location yet, I have asked my colleagues to identify an apt location for it. However, at present, we have a space available in Ompura, Budgam, which is lying vacant. We have an option to come up with the varsity there as well,” he said.

Bhat brought the resolution to the House, seeking construction of the NLU in Bandipora constituency. MLA Sonwari, Hilal Akbar Lone, however, brought amendment in this regard, seeking the university to come up in his constituency—(KNO)

55-Year-Old Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh Dies After Motorcycle Accident in Batmaloo

Dead body

A 55-year-old man from Alochibagh Srinagar, who was injured after being hit by a motorcycle, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital on Wednesday, officials said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

An official said that the man was injured on October 26 while crossing the road near Guzar Batmaloo.He said that the man was admitted to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries today.

He has been identified as Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh (55) son of Mohammad Ismail of Alochibagh, Srinagar. Police have taken cognisance of the incident—(KNO)

Founder Vice Chancellor of SKUAST J&K Dr. Allaudin Ahmed Passes Away in Patna After Brief Illness

Dr. Allaudin Ahmed

Dr. Allaudin Ahmed, the Founder Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu & Kashmir, passed away yesterday evening (28 October 2025) at around 7 pm in Patna after a brief illness. His passing has brought a deep sense of sorrow among the academic community, students, and everyone who worked with him during his long and respected career.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

A Visionary Leader in Agricultural Education

Dr. Allaudin Ahmed played an important role in the growth and establishment of SKUAST J&K. When he became the first Vice Chancellor of the university, the institution was still in its early stages. Under his leadership, SKUAST grew into one of the most respected institutions in agriculture, horticulture, and veterinary sciences in Jammu & Kashmir.

He focused on modern research, scientific farming methods, and training young students to improve food and agricultural development in the region. Many teachers, researchers, and agricultural scientists who studied or worked under him continue to serve the country today.

Contributions to Society

Throughout his career, Dr. Ahmed worked on key agricultural challenges faced by farmers. He was known for his simple nature, strong leadership, and passion for improving farmers’ lives. His research and policy guidance helped in introducing better seeds, modern tools, and new farming practices.

He also supported young minds, especially students from rural backgrounds, to pursue careers in agriculture and become future leaders for the country.

A Guiding Light Remembered

Colleagues remember him as a humble and inspiring leader. Students often called him a mentor who encouraged innovation, discipline, and dedication. His strong commitment to education built the foundation of SKUAST J&K, which continues to thrive and help thousands of people.

The news of his passing has led to an outpouring of condolences from academic circles, alumni, and government officials. Many messages on social media described him as a “pillar of agricultural education” and a “true builder of institutions.”

Final Goodbye

Dr. Ahmed breathed his last in Patna, where he had been receiving medical care. His funeral plans have not yet been officially announced, but many are expected to attend and pay their final respects.

With his death, Jammu & Kashmir has lost a great academician and a remarkable human being. His contributions will always be remembered in the history of agricultural science and education in India.

Div Com Reviews Final Arrangements for ‘Run for Unity’ and UT Foundation Day Celebrations in Srinagar

Run for Unity

Ensure befitting and meticulous execution of entrusted responsibilities for the smooth and successful conduct of “Run for Unity” and celebration of UT Foundation Diwas/ Ekta Diwas directed Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg to officers while chairing a meeting at SKICC, today.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

While taking the final review of preparations with officers, the Div Com issued slew of directions for comprehensive arrangements to ensure no space for loophole or lackadaisical approach.

The Div Com directed for conduct of step-by-step proceedings in a synchronized manner for vibrant celebrations of the day.

He directed departments for the enthusiastic and overwhelming participation in the programmes and instructed participants to arrive at the venue before 8:30 AM.

The Div Com issued detailed directions regarding arrangements, including erection of pandals in the SKICC back lawn, singing of the National Anthem before the flag-off of the “Run for Unity” and at the conclusion of the UT Diwas celebration in the auditorium. He further instructed for stage decoration, distribution of caps, pick-and-drop facilities, VIP and participant seating, parking management, and distribution of refreshment.

He directed Information Department for finalization of documentary to be screened during the event, installation of video walls and standees and creation of creative backdrop highlighting the theme of unity and progress.

Div com directed Traffic Police to issue advance traffic advisory for effective and meticulous traffic regulation.

He also reviewed compilation of success stories by departments and performance of cultural programmes.

Meanwhile, he took stock of the readiness of a photo exhibition showcasing vibrancy of UT of J&K besides achievements by the departments.

Moreover, he issued directions to civil departments for ensuring comprehensive arrangements for basic amenities including availability of drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, mobile toilet facility, medical staff, ambulances, and fire tenders.

Besides Deputy Commissioner Srinagar & DIG Police, the meeting was attended by HoDs and officers of Health, Education, JKEDI, Information, Horticulture, Agriculture, ICDS, JalShakti, KPDCL, Handloom and Handicraft, Hospitality and Protocol, police, BSF, Sanitation Welfare, RTC, SMC, Floriculture and other concerned departments.