Srinagar, May 25: A meeting of the managing body of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid was held today at the head office of Jama Masjid Srinagar under the chairmanship of President, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, to review and finalize arrangements in connection with Eid-ul-Azha, which is falling on Wednesday, May 27.

The meeting discussed in detail the arrangements for the smooth conduct of Eid prayers and related religious gatherings. It was decided that, InshaAllah, the Eid prayers according to the prescribed Sunnah shall be offered at the historic Eidgah Srinagar at 9:30 a.m.

Prior to the prayers, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir will deliver a special sermon from 8:30 a.m. on the philosophy and significance of Eid-ul-Azha and Qurbani, highlighting the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, compassion and devotion embodied in this sacred occasion.

During the meeting, Mirwaiz instructed the Auqaf authorities to coordinate with the Waqf Board regarding necessary arrangements at Eidgah Srinagar and also remain in touch with the civil administration to ensure smooth and hassle-free conduct of the congregational prayers.

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir also visited Eidgah Srinagar and personally reviewed the arrangements and condition of the ground. He observed that, if the weather is favourable, Eid prayers can be smoothly conducted at the Eidgah.

The Auqaf expressed hope that the authorities will not create any hurdles in offering Eid prayers at Eidgah Srinagar. It said that the Eidgah ground is presently in good condition and the work on the new mimbar has also been completed, leaving no justification for any restrictions or obstacles in holding the prayers there.

The Auqaf further stated that in case of inclement weather, the Eid prayers shall be offered at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar. However, it said that unfortunately the administration has repeatedly followed a practice of keeping people waiting till the last moment and then disallowing Eid prayers either at Eidgah or at Jamia Masjid, which deeply hurts the religious sentiments of the people and amounts to blatant interference in their religious rights and freedoms.

The Auqaf expressed hope that the administration will not follow such a course this Eid and will allow the faithful to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah without any confusion or last-minute uncertainty.

Budgam, May 25: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Sunday visited Galwanpora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district and expressed concern over what he described as declining moral values and institutional failure following the death of a minor girl whose case police say prima facie appears to be one of rape and murder.

After meeting the bereaved family and addressing reporters, Ruhullah said incidents of violence against children were becoming increasingly alarming and demanded strict enforcement of law and speedy justice.

“These incidents are on the rise. It is the duty and obligation of police, judiciary and government to enforce stringent laws and ensure severe punishment,” Ruhullah said.

He said the incident had raised serious questions about the effectiveness of institutions responsible for protecting society.

“Questions are being raised on institutions that have failed to implement laws in letter and spirit,” he said.

The MP alleged that while police often act swiftly in suppressing dissent and invoking stringent laws such as the Public Safety Act, similar urgency was expected in crimes involving vulnerable victims.

“Police are quick in suppressing dissent and quickly slap PSA, but in such incidents where goes the will and power of the police?” he asked.

Ruhullah, however, expressed hope that the investigating agencies would act decisively and ensure justice to the family.

“I hope the mother and father of the victim will be given justice,” he said.

Referring to the victim’s routine, Ruhullah said the tragedy had intensified public anxiety over safety of children.

“The victim was going to a seminary. If children are not even safe while going to seminary, where are they safe then?” he asked.

He urged police to solve the case on a fast-track basis and bring those responsible to justice.

Ruhullah also called for social introspection, saying families and society must examine how children are being raised and whether materialism and weakening moral responsibility were contributing to social decline.

“We also need to check ourselves and our homes, how we are bringing up our children. We are lost in materialism,” he said, adding that there were elements in society whose upbringing reflected serious moral failure.

The MP’s remarks came amid continuing outrage and protests over the Galwanpora incident, which has triggered emotional scenes and demands for swift action across parts of Kashmir.

Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident and said investigation is underway. [KNT]

Bandipora, May 25: Saying that narco-terrorism and drug trafficking pose one of the biggest threats to Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the administration will not rest until drugs are completely eradicated from the Union Territory.

Addressing a large gathering at SK Stadium Bandipora during the Mega Padyatra organised under the ‘J&K Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’, the Lieutenant Governor said money generated through drugs is reaching terrorists and destroying families across Jammu and Kashmir.

“J&K faces the highest threat from narco-terrorism. Drug money is funding terrorism. Because of terrorism, hundreds of children have been orphaned and many innocent lives have been lost. We will make J&K drug-free and there will be no fear at all,” he said.

Despite unfavourable weather conditions, the Lieutenant Governor reached Bandipora and led the anti-drug campaign march. “When I came here the weather was unfavourable, but I still came,” he told the gathering.

He said people from every section of society are joining the anti-drug movement, including women, students, civil society members, NGOs, religious leaders, lawyers and common citizens.

Highlighting the government’s crackdown against drug peddlers, Manoj Sinha said that in the last 45 days alone, around 800 FIRs have been registered, nearly 950 people arrested in drug-related cases, while around 850 PIT-NDPS cases have also been registered.

“Our police force is fighting strongly against drug peddlers. Thousands have been arrested so far. Properties linked with drug networks are being attached while driving licences and passports are also being seized,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said there will be “no safe haven” for narco-terrorism and drug networks in Jammu and Kashmir. “We will not rest until this menace is completely eradicated,” he said.

He said the police and security agencies are systematically breaking the supply chain of narcotics across the Union Territory.

Referring to rehabilitation efforts, the Lieutenant Governor said youth trapped in drug addiction should be treated as victims and helped through counselling and rehabilitation programmes.

“We have to save our future and our youth. Those affected by drugs will be counselled and rehabilitated because they are victims,” he said.

Calling the anti-drug campaign a collective mission, Manoj Sinha said terrorism and drug trafficking can be defeated only when people stand united.

“When people join together, neither terrorism nor drug peddlers can affect us. This is not just a dream, it is a mission and the government will complete it,” he added.

A large number of people participated in the padyatra at SK Stadium Bandipora under the ongoing ‘100 Days Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan’ led by the Lieutenant Governor.(KNS)

Srinagar, May 25: The body of a man who had jumped into River Jhelum near Budshah Bridge in Srinagar was retrieved on Monday after a six-day-long search operation.

An official said that the SDRF QRT Jhelum Srinagar resumed the search operation for the sixth consecutive day on May 25 to trace Javaid Ahmad Dar, a resident of Hamdaniya Colony Bemina, who had jumped into the river on Wednesday May 20.

The body was subsequently taken into custody for completion of medico-legal formalities. (JKNS)

Bandipora, May 25: A massive public turnout was witnessed in Bandipora on Monday during the Mega Padyatra organised under the ongoing ‘100 Days Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan’, aimed at spreading awareness against drug abuse and promoting a healthier society.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha arrived at SK Stadium Bandipora to lead the anti-drug padyatra, receiving a warm welcome from locals, youth and members of civil society. Participants appreciated the Lieutenant Governor’s initiative and his visit to the district to strengthen the fight against narcotics.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, youth, officials, volunteers and residents from different areas of the district. Speakers during the programme highlighted the growing need to protect the younger generation from the menace of drugs and urged them to play a constructive role in society.

Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasized that the youth are the true builders of the nation and called upon them to stay away from substance abuse and contribute positively towards the development of society and the country.

The 1-kilometre mega padyatra, led by LG Manoj Sinha, was organised as part of the government’s intensified campaign to make Jammu and Kashmir drug-free through public awareness, community participation and youth engagement.

Officials said the “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan” is being carried out across the Union Territory with active support from the administration, police, educational institutions and local communities to eradicate the drug menace from society.(KNC)