Srinagar, Feb 14: The President of Janta Dal United (JDU) GM Shaheen meeting with the  Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, in New Delhi, wherein he cited agrarian distress and systemic regulatory failures adversely affecting the farming community of J&K.

During the deliberations, Shaheen unequivocally underscored the alarming proliferation of substandard, unverified, and in several instances counterfeit pesticides and fertilizers that are being indiscriminately sold in rural markets.

He stated in unambiguous terms that the unchecked circulation of such agricultural inputs is not merely a commercial irregularity but a direct assault on the economic survival of farmers, the ecological stability of agricultural land, and the long-term sustainability of food security.

Srinagar, Feb 14: In a landmark development for cancer care in the Valley, Paras Health Srinagar has launched Kashmir’s first Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care Program in the private sector, bringing advanced surgical treatment—including fluorescence-guided breast surgery—rehabilitation, and psychological support together under one roof.

The program, introduced in Srinagar, aims to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer receive complete, coordinated, and evidence-based care within Kashmir itself, significantly reducing the need to travel outside the region for specialized treatment, said a press release.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women in Jammu & Kashmir, with cases steadily rising over the past five years. Official figures show that 908 cases were recorded in 2021, increasing to 916 in 2022, 923 in 2023, 930 in 2024, and 938 by 2025. This consistent upward trend reflects a growing disease burden in the region and underscores the urgent need for structured, specialized, and locally accessible breast cancer services. Until now, many patients have had to seek advanced care outside the Valley, often facing delays, financial strain, and emotional stress during an already challenging period.

Commenting on this, Dr Shabnam Bashir, Director of the Program at Paras Health Srinagar, said, “Breast cancer care should not begin and end in the operating theatre. It requires precision in surgery, structured rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up. Our focus is to provide complete, evidence-based treatment within Kashmir so that women can recover with confidence and dignity, without having to leave their support systems behind.”

Dr Murtuza Habib, Facility Director, Paras Health Srinagar, added, “As a healthcare institution, our responsibility goes beyond introducing new services; We must strengthen systems of care. This program brings together advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and rehabilitation in a single integrated program, ensuring that patients in the Valley receive the same standards of treatment available in larger metropolitan centres.”

A key highlight of the program is the introduction of advanced fluorescence-guided breast surgery, a technology that uses a specialized dye and imaging system to help surgeons clearly visualise cancer tissue and lymphatic pathways during the operation. By providing real-time guidance, this approach enhances surgical precision, improves outcomes, and significantly reduces the likelihood of repeat surgeries. The Centre will also offer extreme oncoplastic breast conservation procedures, enabling women with larger tumors to preserve the breast while maintaining oncological safety and cosmetic outcomes.

Recognizing that breast cancer care extends beyond the operating theatre, the facility has established a dedicated Lymphedema Prevention and Breast Rehabilitation Unit focused on preventing long-term arm swelling and disability following surgery. The program also integrates specialized onco-nutrition support, pain and palliative care services, and professional psychological counselling for patients and their families. Each case will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary breast team comprising surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, along with radiologists, pathologists, physiotherapists, and counsellors to ensure individualized and evidence-based treatment planning.

Srinagar, Feb 14: As part of its ongoing drive against drug trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested four drug peddlers in separate incidents in Baramulla, Sopore, Anantnag & Budgam and recovered significant quantities of contraband substances.

In Baramulla, J&K Police received input that one individual namely Riyaz Ahmad Khan, son of Late Ghulam Nabi Khan, resident of Janbazpora, was attempting to sell charas in the area. Accordingly, a police party was immediately deputed to the spot and an Executive Magistrate 1st Class was informed. The suspect was apprehended and during his personal search, a green polythene bag containing 58 grams of charas was recovered.

In Sopore, a police party of Police Post Warpora at a checkpoint established at Botingoo Herpora, intercepted a suspicious person. During his personal search, charas-like substance along with Codeine Phosphate bottles were recovered and seized as per due procedure. He has been identified as Nisar Ahmad Malla, son of Mohammad Shaban Malla, resident of Muqam Shaheed Mir.

In Anantnag, a police party from Police Post Sangam, during routine patrolling duty at Doonipora near Weeta College, intercepted a suspicious individual. Upon search, approximately 5.66 kilograms of Ganja like substance was recovered. The accused has been identified as Sahil Fayaz Dar, son of Fayaz Ahmad Dar, resident of KV Pora Marhama.

In Budgam, a police party from Police Station Beerwah, led by HC Mohammad Ayaz, during routine naka checking near the Service Station at Beerwah, intercepted a suspicious individual. During his personal search, approximately 59 grams of charas-like substance, wrapped in corn husk, was recovered from his possession. The accused was arrested on the spot, and the contraband was seized in accordance with due legal procedures. The arrested individual has been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Hameed Bhat, a resident of Sunergund, Budgam.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been taken up.

J&K Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained, intelligence-driven action to protect youth and society from the scourge of drugs.

They also urged the general public to cooperate and share information to help eradicate the drug menace from the society.

Srinagar, Feb 14: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, has extended warm greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Hearath.

He said that such occasions remind us of the shared values of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and brotherhood that have long been an integral part of Kashmir’s religous and cultural ethos.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Khawaja Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Kangan, father-in-law of Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, Editor-in-Chief of Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Uzma.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Mirwaiz conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Mr Kaloo and other bereaved family members and prayed for Maghfirah, and Jannat-ul-Firdous for the deceased.

Mirwaiz also expressed grief over the passing of Mohammad Sultan Shah of Chandpora, Jama Masjid Srinagar, and Mohammad Rajab Dar of Mir Colony, Lal Bazar. He extended his condolences to their families and prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the departed souls, elevate their ranks in Jannah. (KNS)