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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J&K Government Orders Major IAS JKAS Reshuffle; Over Two Dozen Officers Transferred

22 JKAS officers transferred

The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday ordered a major reshuffle of IAS and JKAS officers, transferring and assigning new responsibilities to over two dozen officers with immediate effect.

According to Government Order No. 230-JK(GAD) of 2026 issued by the General Administration Department, Ashwani Kumar, IAS (AGMUT: 1992), awaiting orders of adjustment, has been posted as Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department. He shall also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Mining Department. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, IAS (AGMUT: 1994), Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Tourism Department, shall additionally hold the charge of Administrative Secretary, Agriculture Production Department.

Shailendra Kumar, IAS (AGMUT: 1995), Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Agriculture Production Department, has been transferred and posted as Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance Department.

M. Raju, IAS (AGMUT: 2005), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, shall also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department.

R Alice Vaz, IAS (AGMUT: 2005), awaiting orders of adjustment, has been posted as Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, and shall also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Information Department.

Yasha Mudgal, IAS (AGMUT: 2007), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports Department, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Cooperatives Department.

Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IAS (AGMUT: 2009), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Science and Technology Department, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports Department.

Dr. Piyush Singla, IAS (AGMUT: 2012), Secretary to the Government, Information Technology Department, shall also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Public Grievances Department, relieving Sh. Naveen S L, IAS (AGMUT: 2012) of the additional charge.

Babila Rakwal, JKAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Cooperatives Department, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Science and Technology Department.

Anjali Sehrawat, IAS (AGMUT: 2013), awaiting orders of adjustment, has been posted as Mission Director, Jaleev Mission, vice Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Shah, JKAS, who shall await further orders of posting.

Nidhi Malik, IAS (AGMUT: 2013), Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, has been transferred and posted as Inspector General of Registration, J&K, vice Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, IRS (2014).

Owais Ahmed, IAS (AGMUT: 2014), Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir, holding additional charge of Special Secretary to the Government, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, has been transferred and posted as Director, Skill Development, J&K, while continuing with his additional charge..

Dr. Sagar D Dattatray, IAS (AGMUT: 2014), awaiting orders of adjustment, has been posted as Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir.

Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan, IAS (RJ: 2016), Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam.

Kumar Abhishek, IAS (AGMUT: 2016), awaiting orders of adjustment, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Reasi.

Akriti Sagar, IAS (AGMUT: 2016), awaiting orders of adjustment, has been posted as Managing Director, National Health Mission, J&K, and shall also hold the additional charge of Special Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department.

Dr. Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat, IAS (AGMUT: 2017), Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag.

Minga Sherpa, IAS (AGMUT: 2017), Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, vice Ms. Saloni Rai, IAS (AGMUT: 2016), who shall await further orders.

Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, IAS (AM: 2017), Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla.

Harvinder Singh, IAS (AGMUT: 2019), Deputy Commissioner, Doda, has been transferred and posted as Director, Employment, J&K, and shall also hold the additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Mission Youth and Mission Director, Mission YUVA.

Shahzad Alam, IAS (AGMUT: 2019), Director, Employment, J&K, holding additional charge of CEO, Mission Youth and Mission Director, Mission YUVA and Director, Skill Development, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam.

Krishan Lal, JKAS, Special Secretary in the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Doda.All transfers and postings shall take effect immediately, the order reads.

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Udyam Jagriti 4.0 Day Three Sees Strong Participation at BGSBU

Udyam Jagriti 4.0

The third day of the week-long programme “Udyam Jagriti 4.0”, organised under Mission YUVA from 16–20 February 2026, concluded on a very positive note at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU).

The event witnessed active and enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members across various departments. The strong response highlights the university’s firm commitment to making Mission YUVA a meaningful and impactful initiative.

Over the past three days, the steady participation has reflected a growing interest among students in entrepreneurship and self-employment. The programme aims to build a vibrant startup culture among young people and encourage innovation, aligning with the broader development goals of the region and the country.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

On the third day, departments that participated included Management Studies, Gojri, Pahari, Economics, Microbiology, Education, B.Voc., Information Technology, Computer Science, Biotechnology and Biosciences.

The programme featured expert sessions by Dr Malik Mubasher Hassan, Nodal Officer, Mission YUVA and Convener, Training & Placement Cell, and Dr Shafqat Nabi Mughal, Principal, University Polytechnic. They explained the mission’s framework, objectives and implementation strategies in detail.

Several Heads of Departments, Faculty Coordinators, Assistant Professors and officials from the Training & Placement Cell were also present. Their participation reaffirmed strong institutional support for the continued success of Mission YUVA at the university.

Faculty members and staff who attended the programme included Dr Qamar Rayees Khan, Dr Parvez Abdullah, Dr Javed Iqbal, Dr Dil Pazir, Dr Layaqat Nayyar, Dr Mudassir Rashid, Dr Azad Ahmad Andrabi, Dr Kafeel Ahmed, Dr Ed Gowhar, Dr Mohd Arif, Dr Mohammad Kousar Ali, Dr Manzoor Hussain, Dr Shaheen Akhtar, Mr Zakir Hussain (TPC), and Mr Zaheer Usman.

The programme continues to motivate students to explore new career paths through entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthening the university’s role in nurturing future job creators.

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Five Detained as Police Intensify Hunt for Escaped Gangster in Jammu

drug peddlers in Srigufwara

At least five suspected persons have been detained for questioning amid intensified search for a gangster who remained at large after escaping a juvenile home, along with two Pakistani inmates, in a border village of Jammu, officials said on Wednesday.

Both the Pakistani nationals were arrested on Tuesday, within 20 hours of the incident near Ambala railway station in Haryana, while they were heading for Nepal.Karajeet Singh alias Gugga, a resident of Dablehar in R S Pura, and Pakistan citizens, Mohammad Suna-ullah (20) and Ahsan Anwar (21), allegedly attacked police personnel and fled from the juvenile home around 5 pm on Monday (February 16). Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Two cops were injured in the incident.A purported video of the gangster, said to be associated with the ‘Khauff’ gang, showing Singh resorting to a few rounds of firing inside the juvenile home, is circulating on social media, drawing public concern.

The officials said Singh, who is believed to be the mastermind of the escape, is still at large, and efforts are on to arrest him.

Special teams have been fanned out and are conducting raids at various places within and outside Jammu to nab him, they said, adding that Singh’s mother is also missing from her Jammu residence and is believed to be accompanying him.

They said five people, who were in regular contact with the gangster inside the juvenile home, were detained for questioning.

Singh was arrested along with nearly a dozen other accused in connection with the murder of rival gang leader Sumit Jandiyal alias ‘Gataru’ in the Jewel chowk area in January last year and was subsequently lodged in the juvenile home.

Six police personnel, including an assistant sub-inspector, were placed under suspension for dereliction of duty in connection with the incident.

The officials said police have registered an FIR under sections 109 (attempt to murder), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 262 (resisting, obstructing, or escaping from lawful custody), 307 (theft with preparation to cause death, hurt or restrain), 111 (organised crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections 3 and 25 under Arms Act (unauthorised possession, carriage, use of firearms).

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