Srinagar, June 27: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Saturday announced power shutdown in several parts of Kashmir division in forthcomign days.

In a communication, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the shutdown of 33 KV Pampore-Khrew (JK Cement line) will be observed due to which power supply to Shar, Wahab Sahab, Bathan and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 02 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV  Tujjar Tapline of Amargarh Bandipora line will be observed due to which power supply to Tujjar, Harwan, Shrine and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 30 June 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 kV Safakadal-Wanganpora line will be observed due to which power supply to Safakadal, Eidgah, Rathpora, Saidapora, Safakadal, Baghwanpora, Ganderpora, De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 30 June & 02 July 2026.

 Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Budgam-SIDCO line will be observed due to which power supply to Ompora, SIDCO, Nasrullahpora, Bemina, Budgam Town and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 30 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Potushai-Bandipora-Ajar line will be observed due to which power supply to Panzigam, Kuloosa, Kazipora, Khayar, Ajar, Town Arin, Arin, Aham Sharief and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 28 June 2026.

Further, shutdown of 33 KV Potushai Ajas line will be observed due to which power supply to Nishat, Papchan, Ajas, SK Bala, Sadunara, Bazipora, Nadihal, Guroora, Argam and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 28 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Manigam Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Manigam, Gutlibagh, Wayil, PTS and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 30 June 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of  33 KV Kanipora-IGC Aglar line will be observed due to which power supply to IGC Aglar, Mega Fruit Mandi and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 28 June & 05 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Kanipora-Pinjoora line will be observed due to which power supply to Pinjoora, Puhnoo, Trenz, Mohanpora, Imam Sahib, Kiloora, Arhama, Zawoora, Chowdrigund, Reshinagar, Vehil, Palpora, Benimpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 30 June & 02 July 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Awantipora- Tral-2nd line will be observed due to which power supply to Batagund, Lurgam, Nanar, Taki, Lam, Jawaharpora, Aripal, Khangund, Satoora and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 29 June & 01 July 2026.

Jammu, Jun 27: In a boost to the marketing of Kashmir’s seasonal fruit, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has dispatched over nine tonnes of fresh plums to Chennai and Kolkata through parcel services over the past five days, an official said.

After the successful loading of cherry and litchi, this consignment of plum is the next important step in the series of transporting fresh fruits from Jammu & Kashmir to different parts of the country, a railway spokesperson said.

He said Jammu Division successfully loaded and dispatched 284 packets (three tons) of fresh plum from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station to Chennai on Friday. In addition, approximately 587 packets (6.1 tons) of plum have already been sent from Jammu Tawi to Kolkata between June 22 and 25, he said.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Uchit Singhal said the successful loading of plum from Katra and Jammu Tawi is another milestone for the department.

“After cherry and litchi, the loading of plum proves that our efforts are directly connecting the farmers of Kashmir to major markets. Railways are ensuring quick booking, safe handling, and time-bound delivery,” he said.

He said the aim is to ensure that every seasonal fruit of Kashmir reaches every corner of the country. Traders and orchardists should make maximum use of the Railways’ parcel service, he said.

The spokesperson said through parcel services, Jammu Division is connecting the orchardists of Kashmir directly with the national market.

“The continuous loading of plum after cherry and litchi demonstrates that Railways is emerging as the most reliable and cost-effective option for transporting fresh and perishable fruits. This is ensuring better prices for farmers and timely delivery of fresh fruits to consumers,” he said.

Kulgam, June 27: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, South Kashmir Range, Javed Iqbal Mattoo on Saturday chaired a high-level security review meeting at Navayuga Tunnel, Qazigund, to assess preparedness for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, Police, CRPF and BSF, including Commander 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, SSP Kulgam Anayat Ali Chowdhary (IPS), Deputy Commander 2 Sector RR, commanding officers of 1 and 9 RR, 18, 46 and 163 Battalions of the CRPF, Additional SP Kulgam, Additional SP NHW Qazigund, and other sectoral officers.

Discussions focused on security arrangements for base camps and the yatra route, communication networks, traffic regulation on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and adjoining roads, vehicle parking, deployment of security personnel and emergency response measures. Officials decided to deploy adequate manpower in advance to secure camps and routes, while rescue teams will be stationed at strategic locations to assist pilgrims.

The DIG stressed the need for close coordination among all security agencies and the civil administration to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage. He directed officers to strengthen communication systems, review sector-level security plans and address any vulnerabilities through effective deployment.

Mattoo also called for heightened surveillance at sensitive locations and base camps, with special emphasis on road opening parties (ROPs), lateral deployment and law-and-order arrangements to counter potential threats. He said adequate manpower, mobility support, CCTV surveillance and other security equipment would be made available.

The officers from various security forces presented their preparedness plans, shared operational suggestions and highlighted logistical requirements for ensuring the safe and successful conduct of the yatra.

Srinagar, June 27: A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the richter scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday evening, sending tremors across several parts of Kashmir and causing panic among residents.

According to details provided by National Center for Seismology, the earthquake occurred at 7:04:51 PM IST. The epicentre was located at 36.442°N latitude and 70.672°E longitude, about 74 kilometres south of Fayzabad, Afghanistan, at a depth of 215 kilometres.

Tremors were felt across multiple districts of Kashmir, prompting people to rush out of their homes, offices and commercial establishments as a precautionary measure.

There were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ganderbal, June 27: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Central Kashmir Range (CKR) Rajiv Pande today conducted a comprehensive review of the security arrangements at Joint Police Control Room (JPCR), Baltal.

The meeting was attended by SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama and other senior officers of police & CAPF.

During the visit, the DIG CKR took a detailed assessment of the overall security preparedness, deployment arrangements, communication systems, traffic management measures and coordination mechanisms put in place for ensuring a safe, smooth and peaceful pilgrimage.

SSP Ganderbal along with other senior police officers briefed the DIG CKR regarding the security architecture, advance preparations and measures being implemented on the Baltal axis for the upcoming Yatra.

The DIG CKR emphasized the need for maintaining highest standards of alertness, effective coordination among all stakeholders and ensuring prompt response mechanisms to meet any emerging challenges. He directed the officers to further strengthen area domination, surveillance, route security and facilitation measures for the pilgrims.

Srinagar, June 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday said it has attached multiple movable and immovable properties, including a residential house, land parcels and gold ornaments, belonging to a former Naazir in the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Srinagar, in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

In a statement issued, an ACB spokesperson said that the attached assets belong to accused namely Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat S/o Lt. Gh. Mohammad Bhat R/o Firdousabad Batamaloo Srinagar, who was posted as Naazir in the office of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar. The attachments were made in connection with FIR No. 09/2025 registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar.

The attached properties include a single-storey tin roofed residential house along with land measuring (06) marlas & 172 Sqft under survey No.3173/2683/2385/478min Khewat No. 349 Khata No. 999 situated at Firdous Abad Batamaloo Srinagar owned by accused and his spouse; land measuring 10 marals under Khasra No. 1820 min Khewat No.754,Khata No.1215 recorded in the name  of accused`s daughter under mutation No.3525 situated at Nambal Mouza Nowgam Srinagar; land measuring 04 marlas 136 Sqft under survey No.2410 min Khewat No.316, Khata No. 579 recorded in the name of accused`s wife under mutation No.3526 situated at Nambal Mouza Nowgam Srinagar; land measuring 08 marals 136 sqft under survey No. 1821 min, Khewat No. 754, Khata No.1216 recorded in the name of accused`s wife under mutation No.3526 situated at Nambal Mouza Nowgam Srinagar; and gold articles weighing approximately 1266 grams seized during investigation.

The spokesperson said that on 22-05-2025, the instant case was registered by PS Anti Corruption Bureau Srinagar on the outcome of secret verification into the allegation of accumulation of assets disproportionate to known sources of income by one Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat S/O Lt. Gh. Mohammad Bhat R/O Firdousabad Batamaloo Srinagar, who was posted as Naazir in the office of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and investigation set into motion.

He said that during the course of investigation, initially the PS ACB Srinagar searched the house of above named alleged accused person and found property in form of copper utensils, golden ornaments and other luxury items lying in his house, which were subsequently seized in the instant case. The accused person was rounded up in the instant case, who is presently on bail on court directions.

Investigations continued and came to fore that the above named public servant has accumulated huge assets, both moveable and immovable, disproportionate to known sources of income. In this connection this Police Station after obtaining approval from competent authority constituted two teams head by Dy.SP level officers for attachment of above mentioned illegal properties. The teams were deputed to Batamaloo and Nowgam Srinagar for carrying out the process of attachment. After fulfilling all legal requirements, the above mentioned properties of the accused were attached on the spot. Sign boards were erected for information of general public.

The agency urged general public not to buy or exchange attached house or land in question.

Srinagar, June 27: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has strongly demanded “a comprehensive economic and housing package” for the people living in Srinagar’s old city. He said that “the historic city has suffered decades of official neglect, leaving its residents to struggle with severe economic hardships and an acute housing crisis.”

In his statement, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “Acute poverty is evident in the localities of the old city, historically known as Shehr-e-Khaas. Many residents live in inadequate housing, and overcrowding is a common reality. In many cases, two or even three families are forced to share a single house. These living conditions reflect not only severe economic hardship but also years of neglect and inadequate urban development.”

He further said, “Unfortunately, the existing reservation system also works against the interests of residents of the city, as most of them do not fall under any reserved category except the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Even this quota has now been reduced from 10 per cent to 3 per cent. For many young people, the future appears bleak, with little hope of securing stable employment and a decent livelihood.”

Apni Party President said that unemployment, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate housing have also contributed to growing social concerns. “One of the major reasons for delayed marriages, or in some cases the decision not to marry at all, is unemployment, lack of economic opportunities, and inadequate housing. These challenges have created deep social and economic concerns, particularly among the youth,” he said.

He went on to say, “The old city is the soul of Srinagar and cannot be left in its present condition. The residents deserve better living conditions, quality education, decent housing, and access to sustainable livelihoods.” 

He urged the elected government to take immediate and concrete measures to bring the city out of its current state of neglect and decline.

He said, “The government must raise this issue with the Union Government and seek a special economic and housing package for the residents of the city. It is the government’s responsibility to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”

“The city not only needs a special economic and housing package but also modern public infrastructure. Recently, even an hour of rainfall left several downtown areas of Srinagar flooded, while waterlogging disrupted normal life for hours. This clearly shows that the city’s drainage system is inadequate and in urgent need of improvement. The government must pay serious attention to upgrading the city’s infrastructure, particularly its drainage, roads, and public services,” he added.