Srinagar, Feb 24: In a continued and sustained drive against narcotics trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Kashmir has achieved yet another significant success by apprehending two Punjab-based drug peddlers in separate operations conducted in district Srinagar and district Budgam, leading to the recovery of 79 grams of heroin.

According to the statement, in the first operation, acting on credible and specific intelligence, ANTF Kashmir apprehended one Punjab-based drug peddler namely Ajay Kumar, son of Joginder, resident of Village Mustafabad Jattan Gurdaspur Punjab from the Gangbugh area of district Srinagar. During the search, 42 grams of heroin were recovered from his possession. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had procured the contraband substance from Punjab and intended to distribute the same in the Gangbugh area.

In this regard, FIR No. 02/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station ANTF Kashmir.

In another successful operation, ANTF Kashmir apprehended another Punjab-based drug peddler namely Jhon Masih, son of Balwinder Masih, resident of Mustafabad Jatin Gurdaspur Punjab in district Budgam and recovered 37 grams of heroin from his possession. Consequently, FIR No. 03/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station ANTF Kashmir.

Both operations were carried out based on specific intelligence inputs developed by ANTF Kashmir regarding the involvement of the accused persons in inter-state narcotics trafficking. The accused individuals have been taken into custody. Further investigation is underway to uncover the forward and backward linkages of the drug supply chain and to identify other individuals involved in the illicit trade.

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force, J&K reiterated its firm commitment to intensify its crackdown against drug smuggling and dismantle the networks operating behind the narcotics trade. ANTF J&K remained resolute in its mission to eradicate the menace of drugs from society.

The general public is urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share any credible information related to drug trafficking to help safeguard the youth and ensure a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir, the statement reads.

Srinagar, Feb 24: Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Nalin Prabhat, on Tuesday called for consequent relentless operations against Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed these remarks during a high-level security review meeting in north Kashmir’s Bandipora.

The DGP was accompanied by Special Director General (Coordination) Syed Javed Mujtaba Geelani and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V K Birdi. Senior officers briefed him on the prevailing security situation, counter-terror strategies, and measures being undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the district.

During the review meeting, the DGP stressed the need for generating precise and actionable intelligence and conducting sustained, relentless operations to neutralise Pakistani terrorists and dismantle their support networks.

He also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts, community engagement, and proactive policing to thwart any attempts aimed at disturbing peace in the region.

Ganderbal, Feb 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged Indian students from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently in Iran not to take the fresh advisory by the Indian Embassy for granted and return home without delay.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar Abdullah said the advisory makes it imperative for students to depart immediately before any further restrictions or closure of airspace impede their ability to return. “I want to tell the students of Jammu and Kashmir don’t take this advisory for granted. Otherwise, tomorrow when the airspace is closed, their parents and families will raise concerns and panic, adding that later it gets difficult for us as well in such circumstances,” Omar said.

He requested the students and Indian nationals in Iran to book their tickets and come out of Iran, adding that when the situation will become peaceful again they should return later.

Notably, the advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran, issued on February 23, 2026, advises Indian nationals including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists to depart Iran using any available mode of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving security situation.

On the issue of alleged harassment of students from Kashmir in CT University Punjab, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he will take up the issue with the chief minister of Punjab and assure no students are harassed forthwith. Omar however said that the government of Punjab has always supported Jammu and Kashmir and with assurance I can say that the Punjab government would in no way had said this to the university but this might be something within the university and it will be looked into.

Earlier, Chief Minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated key development projects in Ganderbal constituency involving a total investment of Rs 84.41 crore. This will strengthen urban infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, roads and public services across the constituency.

Srinagar, Feb 24: National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday urged Indian students from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently in Iran to return home without delay following the fresh advisory issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran advising all Indian nationals to leave the country by available means of transport amid rising tensions and fears of military conflict.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the advisory makes it imperative for students to depart immediately before any further restrictions or closure of airspace impede their ability to return. “I want to tell the children of Jammu and Kashmir to leave immediately. Otherwise, tomorrow when the airspace is closed, their parents and families will raise concerns and panic. It is better to leave before that situation arises, because later there may be no one to evacuate them,” he said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran, issued on February 23, 2026, advises Indian nationals including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists to depart Iran using any available mode of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving security situation. It also reiterates caution to avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy, and keep travel documents readily available.

Farooq’s appeal reflects growing concern over the safety of Indian students in Iran amid escalating geopolitical tensions and has added to calls for clear guidance and support from authorities to ensure their safe return to India. (KNC)

Srinagar, Feb 24: The Traffic Police Srinagar has issued a detailed traffic advisory for February 26 in view of a proposed VVIP visit to the city, announcing temporary restrictions and diversions on several key routes.

According to the advisory, no motorist will be allowed to ply towards Nishat, Shalimar, Harwan and adjacent areas via Badyari Chowk and Gupkar. Similarly, traffic movement from Ram Munshibagh towards Grand Place will remain suspended and vehicles will be diverted towards Dalgate, Sangermal and Ikhwan Chowk for onward movement.

Authorities said that no traffic will be allowed on the Dalgate, Khayam, Khanyar, Rainawari, Saidkadal and Hazratbal road stretch during the restriction period.

Motorists intending to travel from Harwan, Shalimar, Nishat, Ganderbal and adjoining areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to adopt the Burzahama route via Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh and 90 Feet Road and vice versa.

Those travelling from Dalgate, Lal Chowk and nearby areas towards Harwan, Shalimar and Nishat have been directed to use the Sangermal, Ikhwan Chowk, Nowhatta, 90 Feet and Malbagh road route to reach their destinations.

Motorists heading towards Srinagar Airport from Harwan, Shalimar and Nishat will be permitted to move through Burzahama, Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh and 90 Feet Road.

Vehicles travelling from Panthachowk and Pandrethan towards R M Bagh will be allowed via Peaks, Nowgam and the Bypass.

Officials said that medical emergency cases will be facilitated after due verification. Citizens requiring assistance may contact the Traffic Police Control Room at 103. [KNT]