Srinagar, Feb 27: Dean Students Welfare (DSW), National Service Scheme (NSS) and Department of Law, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, organized the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament–2026 at Tulmulla Campus Friday.

The programme centred on the theme, “50 Years of Emergency: Lessons for Indian Democracy,” witnessed participation from faculty members, research scholars and students.

In his keynote address, Dean, School of Legal Studies, Prof Farooq Ahmad Mir, highlighted the educational significance of Youth Parliament. He observed that if one seeks lasting change, educating young minds is the most enduring investment. He described Youth Parliament as an essential component of modern education that instils democratic values and nurtures critical thinking.

Prof Farooq Ahmad Mir reminded students that democracy forms the basic structure of the Indian constitutional framework and must be cherished and protected. He stressed that Youth Parliament serves as a practical training ground where students learn the art of debate, discipline and tolerance. “It is not merely about speaking persuasively but about listening patiently, respecting divergent opinions and engaging constructively,” he added. He particularly highlighted its relevance for law students, for whom debate and constitutional awareness are integral to academic and professional growth.

Kupwara, Feb 27: An intervention carried out at a natural spring in Trehgam village of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has triggered serious environmental and public health concerns after residents reported dead fish in the water and authorities declared the source unfit for consumption.

Locals said the activity at the spring was not part of any routine sanitation programme and came as a surprise to many villagers who rely on the water source for daily use. “Whatever was done there was not normal cleaning,” said Mansoor Malik. “Soon after the work, the water changed colour and fish started floating dead. We immediately stopped using it.”

The spring serves as a primary drinking-water source for several households, making the sudden deterioration in its quality particularly alarming. Residents said they alerted officials after noticing a foul smell and murkiness in the water.

Health and water supply departments later visited the site and collected samples for laboratory analysis. Villagers said they were verbally advised not to consume the water, though no formal public notice had been displayed at the spring or in the locality at the time of filing this report. Environmental observers warn that unsupervised or poorly planned interventions in natural springs can severely disrupt fragile ecosystems. “Disturbing sediments or introducing chemicals without proper assessment can lead to oxygen depletion and the release of harmful substances,” said Tahir Ahmed an environmental activist working in the region. “Such actions must follow scientific protocols.”

Residents are now demanding clarity over who authorised the activity and under what guidelines it was carried out. “This spring is our lifeline,” said Abdul Jabbar. “We want to know who decided to interfere with it and why there was no expert supervision.”

“This spring is surrounded by chinar trees, and their leaves keep falling into the water. Since no one cleans them regularly, the leaves decompose inside the spring, which can lead to contamination and depletion of oxygen. That could be one of the reasons behind the death of the fishes,” said Khalid Ahmad Mir, a local veterinarian by profession.

The incident has renewed debate around the absence of strict procedures for interventions in Kashmir’s natural water sources, many of which support rural communities and sensitive aquatic life. For now, villagers remain dependent on alternate water supplies, waiting for answers, and for the spring to be declared safe again.

By: Tawheed Qadir

Bandipora, Feb 27: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister, Naeem Akhtar today expressed deep solidarity with the traders affected by the devastating fire incident in Bandipora’s main market, describing it as a grave setback for the local business community.

He said that a substantial portion of the market has suffered extensive damage, leaving several families in distress and pushing many traders into severe financial uncertainty. Calling the incident deeply unfortunate, he noted that the losses incurred have shaken the economic backbone of numerous households dependent on the market for their livelihood.

Naeem Akhtar urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide immediate and adequate financial assistance to the affected traders to enable them to rebuild their businesses at the earliest. He stressed that timely intervention by the administration is essential to prevent prolonged economic hardship and restore confidence among the business community.

He also called upon the district administration to ensure swift redressal of the genuine issues faced by the traders and to implement effective preventive measures to safeguard the market from recurring fire incidents in the future.

Reiterating the PDP’s unwavering commitment to stand by the business community during this difficult time, Naeem Akhtar assured the affected families of all possible support and emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of fire safety mechanisms across the region to avert such tragedies.

Srinagar, Feb 27: Continuing its sustained drive against drug trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two drug peddlers in north Kashmir and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

A police party from Police Post Palhallan established at a checkpoint established at Gundbal near Government Primary School, intercepted a suspected individual person who after noticing police party, attempted to flee from the spot. However, he was tactfully apprehended by the alert police team. He has been identified as Mohd Ahsan Ganaie, son of Ab Ahad Ganaie, resident of Shahgund, Hajin. During search, 115 grams of charas-like substance, one mobile phone, and cash amounting to ₹40,000 were recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile in Sopore, a Police team at a checkpoint established at Naseerabad, Chinkipora Sopore, intercepted a vehicle (truck) bearing registration number JK02BQ-6164. During search, substantial quantity of poppy straw was recovered and seized as per due procedure. The accused driver has been identified as Shamdin, son of Sarajdin, resident of Dhirti, Katra.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered and investigations have been initiated to ascertain the source and wider linkages involved.

J&K Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained enforcement to safeguard youth and society from the menace of drugs.