Pulwama, Jun 9: National Conference leader and Srinagar Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday said he would participate in his party’s proposed protest in New Delhi and advocate for the restoration of both Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters in Pulwama, Ruhullah said the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar should not remain confined to a one-day demonstration but evolve into a sustained political movement aimed at restoring the constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I will go there to talk about the restoration of Article 370 and statehood,” he said.

The National Conference recently announced at its legislators’ meeting in Dachigam that party lawmakers would stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Ruhullah said the party’s struggle should go beyond the demand for statehood and include the restoration of Article 370 and other constitutional safeguards that existed before August 5, 2019.

“It should not be limited to the restoration of statehood alone, but should also seek the restoration of Article 370,” he said, adding that the people had given the National Conference a mandate to fight for the restoration of the constitutional and political rights that were altered after the abrogation of Article 370.

Commenting on the broader political situation, Ruhullah said lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir could only be achieved through justice.

He said several issues, including unemployment, reservation policies and land-related concerns, continue to generate public discontent and require urgent attention.

Referring to farmers in Pulwama, he alleged that they had been prevented from cultivating their land, describing it as an example of the injustices that must be addressed.

“Unless such injustices are addressed, there cannot be permanent peace,” he said.

The Srinagar MP also said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should focus on implementing the political commitments made to the people.

“Nearly two years have passed. We have yet to work on the constitutional and administrative issues,” Ruhullah said, stressing the need for greater attention to the promises made by the party regarding the restoration of rights and governance-related concerns.

On international developments, Ruhullah expressed concern over the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel, alleging that the Zionist regime was not interested in peace in the region.

He said hopes for de-escalation had emerged following diplomatic efforts and negotiations, but claimed that subsequent military actions had undermined those prospects.

“A hope for peace had emerged after the negotiations, but then they carried out a bloodbath in Lebanon,” he said.

Ruhullah expressed hope that the conflict would end soon and that lasting peace would prevail in the region.

Minamarg, Jun 9: The final breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel marks the culmination of years of engineering efforts undertaken in one of the most hostile and geologically challenging terrains of the country.

Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of the breakthrough event on Tuesday, the Hyderabad-based Design Director Muhammad Rafi said the construction team had to overcome formidable challenges posed by the Himalayan geology, seismic vulnerabilities, extreme weather conditions, and constantly changing rock formations during the execution of the ambitious project.

“The biggest challenge was working in this type of geology and under such extreme temperatures. This is Himalayan geology where rock conditions keep changing, forcing us to repeatedly reassess and redesign the support systems,” he said.

The Zojila Tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is considered one of India’s most important infrastructure projects because of its strategic and economic significance.

Describing the tunnel as “an important project for the nation,” Rafi said the engineering team remained committed despite numerous obstacles encountered during the last 5 years.

“There were several design modifications. The tunnel design underwent changes four to five times as geological conditions evolved during excavation,” he said. “In a project like this, designs cannot remain frozen because the ground realities keep changing.”

Rafi said the project was executed in a highly-sensitive seismic zone, requiring engineers to factor in earthquake risks while preparing the structural design.

“We had to continuously monitor rock behaviour and revise support systems accordingly. Every design decision had to account for the seismic nature of the region,” he said.

Apart from the main tunnel excavation, Rafi said the construction of avalanche protection structures along different sections of the project also posed significant engineering challenges.

The extreme winter conditions at Zojila Pass, where temperatures can plunge to minus 30 degrees Celsius, further complicated construction activities.

Despite heavy snowfall and prolonged winter closures in the region, the project team ensured uninterrupted work by undertaking extensive pre-planning and stockpiling construction material well in advance.

“We used to stock material for nearly six months before winter. Once inside the tunnel, the working conditions are different from the outside environment, allowing construction activities to continue even during severe weather conditions,” he said.

About Tuesday’s breakthrough blast, Rafi said the exercise was aimed at achieving “daylighting”, a stage where excavation from both ends of the tunnel becomes visually connected.

“After today’s blast, the tunnel alignment appears continuous, though some work remains. It establishes through connectivity for further execution activities,” he said.

However, Rafi clarified that substantial work was “still pending before the tunnel can be opened for traffic.”

“The main lining, electromechanical systems, ventilation infrastructure, and other equipment installations are yet to be completed. It will take at least one-and-a-half years before the tunnel becomes fully operational,” he said.

Talking about the strategic importance of the tunnel, Rafi said it would provide immense benefits to the armed forces and civilian commuters by ensuring uninterrupted movement throughout the year.

“Currently, traffic often faces disruptions due to snow accumulation and harsh weather conditions. Once operational, this will provide all-weather connectivity and ensure movement without interruption. Its strategic importance is immense,” he said.

Meanwhile, MEIL executive Suchika Joshi, who has been associated with the project through years of construction, said the breakthrough represents the culmination of relentless effort under extreme conditions.

“Every second was a challenge,” Joshi said.

She recalled working through harsh winters, heavy snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures that often dropped below minus 30 degrees Celsius.

She said the project demanded extraordinary commitment from engineers, designers, workers, and management teams.

“I don’t think our engineers, directors, and design teams slept properly when this project started. What you see today is the result of countless sleepless nights,” Joshi said.

She said difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and repeated machinery-related challenges forced teams to constantly adapt their plans and methods.

“Sometimes there were things that nobody knew would emerge. Only time revealed those challenges, and the company had to respond to them,” Joshi said.

She credited the project’s progress to coordination between MEIL, the NHIDCL, consultants, and government agencies.

Beyond its engineering significance, Joshi said the tunnel was expected to transform connectivity to Ladakh, which remains cut off by heavy snowfall for several months every year.

“This is not just a tunnel. It is important for the country’s security, for the Army, and for the people of Ladakh who often remain disconnected during winter,” she said.

Although the breakthrough allows excavation from both ends to meet, the tunnel is not yet ready for public traffic.

Officials said extensive finishing work, including concrete lining and installation of operational systems, must be completed before the tunnel can be opened.

“We are trying to deliver it to the nation as soon as possible,” Joshi said.

She said that the progress would continue.

Srinagar, June 09: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today announced power shutdown in several areas of the division in forthcoming days.

In a communication, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL said the shutdown of 33 KV LJHP Gantamulla- Uri Line will be observed due to which power supply to Salamabad, NHPC, MES, TFC, Garkote, Balkote, Uri, Mohura, Rampur, Bani, Bijhama, Dhani and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 10 & 13 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Amargarh-Watergam Line will be observed due to which power supply to Watergam, Hachipora, Palpora, Behrampora, Dangiwacha, and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 13 June 2026. 

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV  Malpora- Chandoosa Line will be observed due to which power supply to Chandoosa, Hospital, Dangerpora, Sultanpora, Gantamulla, Malpora, Hevan, Namblan, Nowshera and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 15 June 2026.

Similarly shutdown of 33 kV Amargarh-Sopore Line will be observed due to which power supply to Sopore Hospital, Court Road sopore, Main Chowk sopore, Model Town, Sadiq Colony and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11 June 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Amargarh Nowpora Line will be observed due to which power supply to Mundi, Seelo, Behrampora, Bomai, Nowpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 13 June 2026.

Furthermore shutdown of 33 KV Amaragarh- Arampora Line will be observed due to which power supply to Panzipora, Shari Colony, Tarzoo, PHC Hospital Tarzoo and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 20 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Amargarh-Bandipora will be observed due to which power supply to Duroo, Watlab, Tujjar, warpora, Hathlangoo, Arampora, Adipora, Sopore Town-I & Town-3 and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 16 June 2026.

Likewise, Shutdown of 33 KV Nehalpora-Pattan Line will be observed due to which power supply to Pattan, Zangam, Buran, Hamray, Tapper, Wanigam, Tantraypora, MES and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM ton03 PM on 10 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Mattan- Pahalgam Line will be observed due to which power supply to District Jail, Anantnag, Seer, Salia, Sallar, Aishmuqam, Batkoot, Pahalgam and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11, 13, 15, 17 & 20 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Wanpoh Ashajipora line will be observed due to which power supply to Ashajipora, Dialgam, Rohu, Mirbazar, Schichen, Brinty.Malaknag, Reshi bazar, Janlatmandi, Shirpora BB Nowgam. Thajiwara, Brakpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 10 & 13 June 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Wanpoh Qazigund Mir Bazar line will be observed due to which power supply to Mir Bazar, Akhran. veesu, Qazigund,Veesu. Kund & adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 13 & 15 June 2026.

 Likewise, shutdown of  33 KV Wanpoh Qaimoh line will be observed due to which power supply to Qaimoh, Redwani and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11 & 14 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Badampora Wangipora/Safapora Tap Line, 33 KV Badampora lar Line and 33 KK Badampora Dab Line will be observed due to which power supply to Batwina, Nowgam, Wangipora Zazna Ahan,Waskura, Kharbagh, Sumbal, Nesbal, Lar, Watlar Repora, Dangerpora, Watlar Theeru, Larsun, Kurhama, Youngoora Barsoo, Old Dab, Checki Baba Salun, Sainik School, Rabitar,  Kondbal GCET Safapora and  adjoining Area will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11 June 2026.

Srinagar, June 09: In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, J&K Police arrested three drug peddlers in separate operations across Anantnag, Sopore and Pulwama districts, recovering heroin and charas-like substances from their possession.

A police spokesperson said that in Anantnag, a police party from Police Post General Bus Stand apprehended a suspicious individual during routine patrolling in the Bus Stand area after he attempted to flee on noticing the police. The accused was identified as Arshad Ahmad Sofi son of Abdul Ahad Sofi resident of Kanelwan. Heroin was recovered from his possession. Accordingly, FIR No. 176/2026 was registered at Police Station Anantnag and investigation was initiated.

He said in Sopore, during naka checking at Hib Dangerpora Crossing under the jurisdiction of Police Post Watergam, police intercepted and searched a suspicious individual. A charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. The accused was identified as Aamir Nazir Tantray son of Nazir Ahmad Tantray resident of Gund Brath, Sopore. FIR No. 53/2026 was registered at Police Station Dangiwacha and further investigation is underway.

He also said that in Pulwama, Police Station Kakapora apprehended Umar Farooq Lone, son of Farooq Ahmad Lone, resident of Nehama, during naka checking on Railway Road. Approximately 1.53 kilograms of charas-like substance (Bang Boosa) was recovered from a nylon bag abandoned by the accused while attempting to flee. FIR No. 47/2026 has been registered and investigation taken up.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and affirmed that sustained efforts under the anti-drug enforcement campaign will continue to dismantle narcotics networks and protect society from the menace of drugs.