Budgam, June 12: Addressing a large gathering at Jamia Masjid Ichgam, Budgam, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq said that the occasion called for deep reflection, introspection and self-accountability, both at the individual and collective level.

He said that as another Islamic year draws to a close, it is important for people to pause and reflect on the passage of time, the blessings and challenges experienced during the year, and their responsibilities towards Allah and society.

Highlighting the Islamic concept of Muhasabah (self-accountability), the Mirwaiz said that just as individuals are encouraged to evaluate their actions and conduct, societies too must reflect upon their condition and direction. He said communities should continually assess whether they are moving closer to the values of faith, compassion, justice, honesty and mutual respect, which form the foundation of a healthy and strong society.

Referring to the various challenges faced by society over the years, Mirwaiz said that many families have endured pain, uncertainty and hardship, while a large section of youth continue to grapple with concerns regarding their future. He stressed the need to strengthen the moral and social values that bind communities together and to work collectively for the welfare and progress of society.

Mirwaiz said that a strong society is not built merely through material advancement, but through strong families, educated and responsible youth, concern for the underprivileged and economically disadvantaged sections of society, and a shared commitment to justice, dignity and the common good.

The Mirwaiz also emphasised the important role and responsibility of religious scholars, khateebs and preachers in guiding society. He said that the pulpit is a sacred trust and should be used to promote faith, moral reform, wisdom, compassion and social harmony. He urged religious leaders to rise above differences and avoid rhetoric that fuels discord or division among Muslims.

Stressing the importance of Muslim unity, Mirwaiz said that at a time when the Ummah faces numerous challenges across the world, there is a greater need to focus on the common bonds that unite Muslims rather than the differences that divide them. He said that the message of Islam is one of brotherhood, mutual respect and collective responsibility, and that strengthening unity within the Ummah remains one of the foremost needs of the time.

Srinagar, June 12: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi chaired a security review meeting to assess preparedness and strengthen security arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), Muharram observances, and Mela Kheer Bhawani at PCR Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the senior officers of J&K Police, CRPF, ITBP, Intelligence Agencies, BSF, SSB, Traffic, Railways, Telecommunication, and other agencies. Among those present were the IG BSF Ftr Hqrs Kashmir, IG CRPF KOS, IG CRPF Srinagar, IG ITBP, Addl Commissioner SB Srinagar, DIG IR Kashmir, all range DIsG of Kashmir Zone, DIsG of SSB Srinagar, Traffic Kashmir, Armed Kashmir, Railways J&K, ITBP, CRPF South Srinagar, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSsP/PDs of Kashmir Zone, SSsP of Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kasmir, security Kashmir, APCR Kashmir, CID CIK, Telecom Kashmir, Asst Director SIB Srinagar, GSO1 (IS) HQ 15 Corps, SP Cargo Srinagar and other senior officers.

During the meeting, participating officers briefed the chair on the deployment strategies, route security, intelligence coordination, traffic regulation, communication preparedness, emergency response mechanisms and logistical arrangements put in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming events. Reviewing the arrangements, IGP Kashmir stressed the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination, uninterrupted communication channels and a unified operational approach to ensure a safe and secure environment during the forthcoming events.

Reviewing the security arrangements and preparedness for SANJY-2026, IGP Kashmir V K Birdi directed the officers to ensure strict adherence to established SOPs and to undertake preventive measures. He underscored the importance of maintaining high level of alertness and readiness, particularly at vulnerable locations and along designated pilgrimage routes. IGP Kashmir also reviewed contingency planning, disaster response preparedness, crowd management mechanisms and coordination protocols to ensure swift and effective handling of any unforeseen situation.

While reviewing arrangements for Muharram, IGP Kashmir emphasized the importance of ensuring the peaceful and smooth conduct of all religious processions and gatherings across the Valley. He directed officers to make comprehensive security and traffic arrangements along designated procession routes, establish effective crowd management mechanisms, and maintain close liaison with organizers and community representatives.

Reviewing preparations for Mela Kheer Bhawani, IGP Kashmir directed officers to put in place robust security and facilitation measures for devotees expected to participate in the annual religious event. He emphasized the need for thorough sanitization of the shrine premises, adequate deployment of security personnel, and proper traffic management plans. IGP Kashmir  further stressed that all necessary measures should be taken to provide a safe, secure, and hassle-free experience to the devotees visiting the shrine.

Concluding the meeting, IGP Kashmir expressed confidence in the collective preparedness of all participating agencies and reiterated the commitment of the security establishment to ensure peaceful, secure and successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, Muharram and Mela Kheer Bhawani.

Srinagar, June 12: A school bus driver was killed while two girl students sustained injuries after a school bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in Neego Brenwar village of Budgam district on Friday, officials said.

According to officials, the accident occurred in the district when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a gorge.

The driver died on the spot due to severe injuries sustained in the crash, while two girl students travelling in the bus were injured. Both students were immediately rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Rescue teams and local authorities rushed to the scene soon after the incident and launched a rescue operation. The damaged bus was later retrieved from the gorge.

Officials said the condition of the injured students is stated to be stable. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

Srinagar, June 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday executed a court-issued proclamation order against Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and three others for allegedly evading arrest and avoiding legal proceedings in a militancy-related case.

Police identified the accused as Salahuddin alias Mohammad Yousuf Shah, a resident of Soibugh in Budgam. He is a designated terrorist and the chairman of the United Jihad Council (UJC).

The others include Ghulam Nabi Khan alias Amir Khan, a resident of Liver Srigufwara in Anantnag who is also a designated terrorist and HM commander, Sher Mohammad alias Bahadur alias Riaz, a resident of Malangam in Bandipora, and Nasir Yousuf Qadri, a resident of Sheeltang in Dar Mohalla of Habba Kadal area here, they said.

“The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) executed a proclamation order issued by the Additional Sessions Judge TADA/POTA (Special Judge, Designated under the NIA Act), Srinagar, under section 84 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023 against four accused persons evading arrest in case FIR No. 05/1996 registered at Police Station CIK,” a police spokesperson said.

During the course of the investigation, the accused were found to be evading arrest and deliberately avoiding legal proceedings, he said.

The spokesperson said the court had initiated proclamation proceedings and directed the accused to appear before it on July 14, 2026, at 10 am, failing which further legal action would follow.

“In compliance with the court’s orders, CIK team today executed the proclamation order issued against the accused in strict compliance with all the legal procedures and pasted the order at all conspicuous places in their respective locations and at the main gates of the accused persons as well,” he said.

The execution of the proclamation was also photographed and videographed as part of the legal process, the spokesperson added.

Srinagar, June 12: Former Member of Parliament Dr. Mehboob Beg has paid rich tributes to his father and veteran Kashmiri leader Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beg, popularly known as “Fakhr-e-Kashmir” (Pride of Kashmir), on his 44th death anniversary, recalling his contribution to land reforms and the welfare of the common people.

A gathering was organised at Mirza Afzal Beg’s residence in Sarnal, Anantnag, where political workers, admirers and local residents assembled to remember the late leader’s political legacy and public service.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mehboob Beg said Mirza Afzal Beg played a pioneering role in championing the rights of ordinary Kashmiris and emerged as a prominent voice for the people during the political developments that followed the events of 1931.

He said Beg forcefully represented Kashmiri aspirations before commissions such as the Milton and Glancy Commissions and remained steadfast in advocating for the interests of the people. Dr. Beg also recalled that his father resigned from the Maharaja’s cabinet when he felt the concerns of Kashmiris were not being adequately addressed.

Highlighting Mirza Afzal Beg’s role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s land reforms, Dr. Mehboob Beg said the measures introduced under his leadership helped reduce economic disparities and empowered the farming community. He described the reforms as a landmark achievement that continues to be cited as a model of social justice.

Dr. Beg also spoke about his father’s legal expertise and political stature, stating that his work and vision earned appreciation from noted legal minds, journalists and public figures.

Remembering the late leader’s dedication and foresight, Dr. Mehboob Beg said Mirza Afzal Beg devoted his life to the welfare of the people and remained committed to safeguarding Kashmiri interests throughout his political career.

Participants at the event recalled Mirza Afzal Beg’s contributions to Jammu and Kashmir’s political and social landscape and paid floral tributes in his memory. The gathering concluded with prayers for the departed leader.