A modern dental facility equipped with two high-tech dental chairs and supporting equipment was inaugurated at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Langate on Thursday. The facility is expected to benefit over 1.5 lakh people in Langate and adjoining areas.

The facility has been established with the support of Rotary Club Mumbai under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, while Army Camp Langate facilitated the project by coordinating between the Rotary Club and SDH Langate and providing the required logistical support.

Block Medical Officer (BMO) Langate Dr Nazir Ahmad, on the occasion, said that the new facility will improve access to dental consultation and treatment for people in the area, particularly those living in remote and underserved areas. “It is also expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to distant healthcare centres for specialised dental care,” he added.

Rotary Club Regal Governor, District 3141, Rajan Dua, while talking to Greater Kashmir, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening local healthcare infrastructure through civil-military cooperation and improving access to essential dental services for the local population. “We have been carrying out several people-friendly initiatives in district Kupwara, which include school buses in Machil last year, a school building in Army Goodwill School Wayen Kupwara and other projects, and ambulances for people living in border areas of Kupwara. I believe that very little has been done and much remains to be done,” he added.

Locals appreciated the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and Rotary Club Mumbai for supporting the establishment of the facility and contributing towards improved healthcare services in the area. “The people of over a hundred villages were suffering due to lack of better dental care facilities at SDH Langate, and now with the addition of improved facilities, people will certainly feel the difference and can avail treatment,” said Langate Traders Federation President Lateef Ahmad.

Srinagar, Sep 17: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehma Para has moved a resolution to Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, seeking the intervention of the House in convincing New Delhi for meaningful and sustained political process in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a resolution addressed to the Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir, MLA Para said the House must call upon the Government of India to begin a meaningful and sustained political process in Jammu & Kashmir and to take a historic step towards healing by offering a one-time, comprehensive amnesty to those affected by years of turmoil.

Para said the House must urge a humanitarian review of cases involving youth who were misguided, caught in circumstances beyond their control, or continue to carry cases and restrictions long after the events have passed.

He said that no young person should be condemned to a lifetime of suspicion because of an allegation, a past case or circumstances of conflict, and urged the House to call for a time-bound review of eligible cases, including restrictions affecting passports, security clearances, education and employment, with due process and safeguards for serious offences.

He also said the House believes that peace cannot be built by keeping an entire generation trapped in its past. Our youth must be given the chance to study, work, travel, support their families and rebuild their lives with dignity. This is not a plea for forgetting. It is a call for justice with compassion, accountability with humanity and peace with dignity, he said.

The House believes that the time has come to replace fear with trust, exclusion with opportunity and conflict with reconciliation.

History will remember whether we chose to perpetuate the wounds of the past or had the courage to heal them, MLA Para added.

Srinagar, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday apprehended nine drug peddlers in Anantnag, Sopore, Shopian, Pulwama and Kangan areas; and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

A police spokesperson said that in Anantnag, a police party from Police Station Anantnag intercepted two persons during naka checking operation at Dugga Petrol Pump, Naibasti Khanabal. During search, a total of 10.31 grams of charas was recovered from their possession. They  have been identified as Adil Ahmad Shah son of Bashir Ahmad Shah resident of Naibasti, A/P BED College Donichak Anzalla, and Adil Ahmad Wani son of Mohd Iqbal Wani resident of Krangsoo, Mattan Mohalla Khandipora.

In Sopore, during naka checking at Malgonipora, a suspicious individual was intercepted. During checking, contraband substance was recovered from his possession and seized in accordance with due legal procedure. The accused has been identified as Zakir Rashid Lone son of Abdul Rashid Lone resident of Wadoora, Sopore.

In Shopian, during naka checking at Audoora Rampathri, a police party from Police Post Keegam intercepted a suspicious person along with nylon bag. During search, 2.472 Kgs crushed Cannabis-like substance were recovered from his possession. The accused has been identified as Ab Ahad Mochi son of Gh Mohd Mochi resident of Audoora Rampthri.

The spokesperson said that in Pulwama, during naka checking at Old Bus Stand, Pulwama, the naka party apprehended three suspicious persons carrying polythene packets. During search, 286 grams of charas powder and 101.5 grams of charas-like substance were recovered from their possession. The accused have been identified as Abrar Ahmad Yatoo son of Gh Nabi Yatoo resident of Sunchakoo Pulwama, Owais Ahmad Baba son of Feroz Ahmad Baba resident of Gulshanabad Rajpora, and Mudasir Ahmad Dar son of Gh Nabi Dar resident of Gulshanabad Rajpora.

Similarly, during Naka checking, a police party of Police Post Newa apprehended Arshid Ahmad Ganaie son of Bashir Ahmad Ganaie resident of Chandgam, Pulwama, who was driving a Tata Ace Gold Load Carrier bearing registration No. JK13K-3132. During his search, 22 grams of charas was recovered from his possession. The vehicle was also seized as per legal procedure.

In Kulgam, a police party of Police Station Kulgam during a naka checking at Amnoo apprehended a suspected person identified as Ashfaq Ahmad Wani son of Bilal Ahmad Wani resident of Mirhama, Kulgam. During checking, 1.450 Kg of Ganja-like Contraband substance filled in a bag and cash amount of Rs 3,000/- pertaining to proceeds of narcotics have been recovered from his possession. He has been arrested and shifted to police station where he remains in custody.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigations have been initiated.

Police remains committed to its zero-tolerance approach against drug trafficking and will continue sustained action against those involved in the illegal narcotics trade, the spokesperson added.

Srinagar, Sep 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has formally accepted the Private Member’s Resolution moved by MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi on Hokersar Wetland. The Speaker has admitted the Resolution under Rule 179, clearing the path for it to be taken up in the House.

MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi will table this Resolution after the balloting scheduled for 18 September 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Office Chambers of the Secretary, Legislative Assembly.

Key Demands of the Resolution:
Demarcation of Wetland and Adjoining Areas: The resolution demanded clear examination of the present and historical extent of Hokersar Wetland and adjoining habitation/agricultural lands to protect genuine rights of the people and check arbitrary expansion.

Operation of Flood Gates and Water Levels: The resolution emphasized on thorough review of the operation of flood gates and the practice of maintaining high water levels throughout the year that has caused repeated inundation of residential and agricultural areas.

Impact on Habitations and Farmland: It demanded detailed assessment of how current water-level management is damaging homes, crops and the daily life of the surrounding population.

Condition of the Seven Nallahs: The resolution sought assessment of the present condition and carrying capacity of the seven Nallahs connected to the wetland, which directly affect flooding and drainage.

Compensation for Losses Suffered: It also sought recognition of the losses already suffered by residents and agriculturists and demanded for appropriate compensation for damage to property and livelihood.

Balance Between Conservation and People’s Rights: The resolution impressed upon to ensure conservation of Hokersar Wetland without compromising the legitimate rights and interests of the people living in its vicinity.

The resolution is a decisive political intervention. For years, the voices of the people living around Hokersar were ignored while their fields remained submerged and their homes faced constant threat. By forcing the Assembly to constitute a House Committee, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has converted public pain into legislative action. The move sends a clear message: conservation cannot become a cover for injustice, and the rights of ordinary citizens will no longer be sacrificed in the name of environmental management. It is a strong assertion that the Assembly must stand with the people, demand accountability, and deliver justice, the resolution added.

Srinagar, Sep 17: The Director, Geology and Mining, Pawan Kumar Sharma on Thursday conducted an extensive inspection of multiple mining sites in Pulwama District to review ongoing mining operations and to obtain a first‑hand assessment of departmental measures aimed at curbing the menace of illegal mining. He was accompanied by the Joint Director Mining, Kashmir, and the District Mineral Officer, Pulwama during the visit.

The inspection also covered the major mineral blocks, where the Director interacted with the lessees and underscored the imperative of conducting mining activities strictly in accordance with the applicable norms, guidelines, and statutory provisions. He categorically directed that environmental safeguards must be adopted and adhered to, without exception.

During the course of the visit, the Director issued strict instructions to the field functionaries to enforce a regime of zero tolerance against illegal mining activities. He emphasized that any deviation from prescribed norms would invite immediate and stringent action under the relevant rules.

The Director further reiterated that such inspections shall continue in future as part of a sustained monitoring mechanism to take stock of the implementation of departmental directives, thereby ensuring that compliance standards are consistently upheld across all mining sites.

This inspection reflects the Department’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable mining practices, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring strict regulatory compliance in Pulwama District.

Srinagar, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the Government of India has planned a month-long programme to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, with various events scheduled across the country.

Speaking at a programme organized with sick children at Government Medical College, Bemina, Sinha highlighted what he described as the achievements of the Modi government in economic growth, infrastructure development and welfare schemes.

“Across the country, the Prime Minister’s birthday is being celebrated from today. The government has issued a detailed month-long programme,” Sinha said, adding that a programme had also been organized at Bemina with sick children to mark the occasion.

He said India had moved from being known as a “fragile five economy” to a “top five economy” over the past 12 years.

“It is a matter of pride for the country that a country which was once known as a fragile five economy has, over the past 12 years, through the efforts of the Prime Minister, become a top five economy,” Sinha said.

“If we look at the economic growth rate, broadly speaking, our current economic growth rate is 7.8%, which is the best in the world,” he said.

Sinha credited Modi with the country’s progress across sectors, particularly infrastructure and welfare.

“The progress the country has made in every sector over the past 12 years certainly deserves credit to the Honorable Prime Minister,” he said.

Referring specifically to Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said the Union Territory had witnessed major changes in infrastructure and social security schemes.

“If I talk about Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is infrastructure here or social security schemes, or ending the discriminatory system, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed quite revolutionary changes in six years,” he said.

Sinha said more than ₹1.5 lakh crore worth of work was underway in Jammu and Kashmir in road infrastructure and tunnels.

“If we talk about road infrastructure and tunnels, roughly more than ₹1.5 lakh crore worth of work is underway here,” he said.

He also referred to the completion of the railway connection to Kashmir, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream.

“There had been a long-standing dream of connecting Kashmir by railway, and that dream has been fulfilled,” Sinha said.

Highlighting welfare measures, he said 25 crore people had moved out of poverty, while 80 crore people were being provided free rations.

“Broadly speaking, today 25 crore people have been able to come out of poverty in six years. The Government of India is providing free rations to 80 crore people. Eleven crore people have received gas, and four crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have benefited people in Jammu and Kashmir as well,” he said.

Sinha appealed to people in Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the month-long programmes being organized to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday.

“I would certainly appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate enthusiastically in the month-long programme,” he said.

In his earlier remarks, Sinha had also urged J&K residents to take part in the celebrations.

“I would appeal to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to increase their participation in the programmes being held throughout the month and to celebrate them with enthusiasm,” he said.