Srinagar, Jul 19: As thousands of devotees brave the rugged Himalayan terrain to undertake the Amarnath Yatra, it is the personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) who are emerging as the unsung heroes—offering critical assistance, rescuing distressed yatris, and ensuring their safety throughout the pilgrimage.

Faced with unpredictable weather, steep mountain paths, and the high-altitude challenges of the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, many pilgrims have found themselves in life-threatening situations.

Time and again, SDRF teams have stepped in, providing swift evacuation, medical aid, and guidance through some of the most difficult stretches of the pilgrimage. The SDRF, alongside the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), forms the backbone of the Command Control Centre for the annual Amarnath Yatra. This hi-tech control centre brings together nearly 60 personnel from 20 departments, including J&K Police, CRPF, Health, PHE, and Telecom, all working round the clock to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage.

This year, 45 Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) from SDRF, NDRF, BSF, JKAP, CRPF, SSB, and Homeguards were ceremonially flagged off on June 24 from the SDRF 1st Battalion in Srinagar.

The deployment covered both Pahalgam and Baltal axes—two critical routes of the Yatra. These highly trained MRTs are equipped with specialized gear and have undergone rigorous training in high-altitude rescue, avalanche response, and emergency disaster relief.

Alok Kumar, Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF J&K, addressed the teams during the ceremony, lauding their courage and urging them to continue serving Yatris with compassion and commitment.

“Your presence along the Yatra routes is vital. You are not only rescuers but also the emotional and physical support for pilgrims who find themselves overwhelmed by the terrain,” he had said.

Over the course of the pilgrimage, numerous pilgrims who suffered injuries, fatigue, or altitude-related complications were safely rescued and provided medical assistance by SDRF personnel.

The forces’ proactive presence has reassured Yatris and significantly boosted the confidence of those taking part in the arduous journey.

Beyond Yatra, the SDRF and NDRF have played a crucial role in responding to drowning incidents and natural calamities across Kashmir.

In June and July when the Valley witnessed its hottest month in 19 years, resulting in multiple drowning deaths, it was the SDRF teams who led search, rescue, and recovery operations—often under extremely challenging conditions.

With battalions spread across 13 districts, the SDRF remains on 24/7alert, prepared to tackle a range of disasters, including floods, fires, and accidents. Senior officers affirm that the force continues to upgrade its skills and equipment to meet the growing demands of disaster response in the region.

Srinagar, July 19: Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from society, Police have arrested three drug peddlers in Baramulla & Kulgam and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

A police statement said that a police party from Police Station Tangmarg headed by SHO PS Tangmarg established a checkpoint at Ferozpora Mahyan Crossing. During checking, one person identified as Younis Mohammad Bhat, son of Gh Mohammad Bhat, resident of Reram, Kunzer was intercepted. Upon search, 06 grams of Brown Sugar-like substance was recovered from his possession. He has been arrested and shifted to police station where he remains in custody.

Similarly, a police party of PS Kulgam at a checkpoint established at Village Chancer intercepted a vehicle (Truck) bearing registration number JK19-4106 with two persons on board. During search, 6.785 Kg of Poppy Straw like substance was recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Mohd Sahil, son of Irshad Ahmad Wani, resident of Seri Ramban (driver) and Majid Ahmad Malik, son of Rafiq Ahmad Malik, resident of Tazipora, Mohammadpora, Kulgam. They have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody. Vehicle used in commission of crime has also been seized.

The police stated that cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation has been initiated.

The police urged general public to report any instances of drug peddling or other criminal activities to the nearest police station or by dialing 112, and assured the community that police will continue to act firmly against such offenders as per the law.

Srinagar, July 19: In a major fillip to Kashmir’s famed craft sector, hand-made products worth ₹309.62 Cr have been exported to various overseas destinations in the First Quarter of the current financial year, up from ₹126.90 Cr in the same quarter last year.

As per figures made available by the concerned financial institutions, exports have recorded a huge jump of 243% and is the highest for Q1 in last four years.

In a press statement issued here today, a spokesperson from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, stated that the Department is targeting craft exports of over Rs.1500 Cr during the current FY, provided global conflicts relent. “Higher exports of craft products to overseas destinations secures the welfare of Kashmir’s famed artisans and weavers,” he said.

Last year, craft products worth ₹733.59 Cr were exported, largely affected due to various global conflicts. “While Kani, Sozni shawls and hand-knotted carpets continue to lead exports, the other products exported include crewel, papier mache, chain stitch and wood carving items,” he added.

The spokesman urged the exporters to avail Export Subsidy Scheme notified by the Government, which provides incentive of 10% of the total volume of GI registered handloom/ handicraft export products to any country with maximum reimbursement up to ₹5.00 crore in favour of eligible exporters registered with the Department,” he explained.

Highlighting the Government’s strategy for welfare of artisan community, the spokesman further stated that the Department has a well-established Design Studio in the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology at Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan and unique prototypes conceived by the School of Designs and Craft Development Institute. “We urge the business stakeholders to access these designs and packaging models to add value to their products in high-end global markets,” he added.

Srinagar, July 19: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Saturday conducted searches at ten locations across four districts of Jammu and Kashmir– Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam and Pulwama–linked to a terror case under NIA Act. During investigation, suspicious technical signatures were traced as the suspects were found using suspected encrypted messaging applications, officials confirmed.

As per a press statement issued to the Greater Kashmir, “searches at multiple locations across Kashmir were conducted by CIK officers after obtaining search warrant from the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, designated under NIA Act, Srinagar in a terror linked case FIR No. 07/2023 U/S 13, 18, 38, 39 ULA(P) Act r/w 120-B IPC of P/S CIK Srinagar.”

“During further analysis, various suspects were found using a ‘specific encrypted messaging application’ which is widely used by terrorists/handlers from across for coordinating, financing and executing a variety of terrorist related activities including recruitment into terrorist ranks” it adds.

It reads, these individuals /users are suspected to be in touch with adversaries including ‘Abdullah Gazi’, a Pak based LeT/ JeM terrorist handler across the border. As such, maintaining the element of surprise, the searches were meticulously planned and conducted in furtherance of the investigation by CIK into this terrorist recruitment/financing module of Jaish-e-Mohammad/LeT terrorist outfit, operating from a known city in Pakistan which has been established by peaking into the server of encrypted messaging application.

It further reads that the terrorist commander/ handler was in continuous touch with these local Kashmiri youth and reportedly trying to radicalize them for recruitment into terrorist ranks. The terrorist commander/handler is operating in close coordination with Pak ISI.

During searches, large number of documentary evidence and digital devices having bearing on the investigation of the case were seized. So far, 10 suspects have been rounded up. Analysis of the data would follow and leads that would emerge would become the basis for further investigation.

It is pertinent to mention here, reads the statement, that the operation is primarily aimed on prevention, to save the precious lives and careers of local Kashmir youth from falling prey to the designs of terror organizations besides, to uncover crucial evidence, curb illicit activities, prevent the misuse of communication devices, such as mobile phones, and dismantling the terror ecosystem in the UT by identifying terrorist associates/ Over Ground Workers (OGWs) supporting and abetting terrorism and also ensuring legal action against them as envisaged by the law of the land.