Jammu, Apr 02: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday announced that a tunnel connecting Machil sector to hinterland at Z-Gali in Kupwara has been sanctioned to provide all weather connectivity to the border residents.

Replying to a question raised by National Conference Legislator, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone in the Legislative Assembly, Choudhary said the tunnel was cleared under the ‘Other than Capital Acquisition’ head with preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) underway for its inclusion in the Annual Works Plan (AWP) 2026-27.

He said the Machil area experiences heavy snowfall during winter months, which affects the connectivity and poses difficulties for the residents.

“An institutional mechanism is in place to address the essential requirements during winters, with advance planning and necessary arrangements made to ensure availability of basic services, including healthcare and essential supplies for the people in the remote areas,” he said.

The deputy chief minister said representations for construction of a tunnel to link Lolab in Kupwara with Bandipora district have been received from the local population, citing its strategic and connectivity importance.

Srinagar, Apr 02: Continuing its sustained efforts against the menace of drugs, police in Anantnag achieved a significant success in Kokernag area by arresting two accused persons and recovered contraband substance from their possession.

As per police statement, a police party from Police Station Kokernag, along with SOG Kokernag, at a checkpoint established at Hangulgund, Kokernag. During checking, two persons were noticed roaming in suspicious circumstances who were tactfully apprehended. During their search, contraband substances resembling brown sugar weighing approximately 5.50 grams and 6.40 grams were recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Abid Ahmad Naikoo, son of Abdul Gani; and Suhail Ahmad Dar, son of Mohd Ashraf, both residents of Nagam, Kokernag.

Accordingly, a case FIR No. 18/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Kokernag, and further investigation has been taken up.

Police remain committed to eradicating the drug menace and urge the general public to cooperate by sharing any information related to drug trafficking or substance abuse, statement reads.

Srinagar, Apr 02: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday said they have filed a charge-sheet against five officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and a private beneficiary for allegedly facilitating illegal construction of a commercial complex in Rajbagh by misusing official permissions.

In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau produced Charge sheet in case FIR No. 11/2020 for the commission of offences U/S 5(1)(d) r/w5(2) of J&K Prevention of Corruption Act. Svt. 2006, 120-B RPC at Police Station ACB Srinagar Kashmir before the Court of Additional Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar against 05 accused persons of the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC) Namely 1. Choudary Mehraj-Din Bhuja S/O Ghulam Qadir R/O Maharaj Bazar A/P Bemina the then Ward Officer. 2. Showkat Hussain Hamdani S/O Gh Nabi Hamdani R/O Khankai Mohalla Srinagar then Ward officer 3. Nisar Ahmad Rah S/O Ghulam Mohammad R/O Jamalata A/P Shah Mohallah Nawab Bazar, the then Building Inspector. 4. Gulzar Ahmad Bhat S/O Ali Mohd Bhat R/O Chekpeth Dooru Ananatnag, Tehsil Dooru Anantnag the then Building Inspector 5. Mudasir Hussain Banday S/O Gh Mohd R/O Nowshera Srinagar then CEO SMC, and one beneficiary namely Mohammad Abdullah Dar S/O Abdul Qadir Dar R/O Rajbagh Srinagar, in connection with abuse of official position, criminal conspiracy and conferring undue benefit to private individual.

He said, the instant case was registered for illegal construction of 04 storey Commercial Shopping Complex “namely Abdullah Shopping Plaza” at Kursoo Rajbagh Srinagar raised by one Mohammad Abdullah Dar S/O Abdul Qadir Dar R/O Rajbagh Srinagar in connivance with the officers/ officials of SMC Srinagar under the garb of building permission issued by the SMC Srinagar for construction of the residential house.

The spokesperson said, the investigation conducted by Police Station ACB Srinagar, on the basis of oral and documentary evidence, has fully substantiated the charges levelled against the accused officers/officials and private beneficiary. The conspiracy between the accused government functionaries and the beneficiary was proved beyond doubt.

“After obtaining the requisite sanction for prosecution of public servants from the Govt. the charge sheet against 05 accused public servants one 01 private beneficiary was produced before the of Hon’ble Court of Additional Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar for Judicial determination. The next date of hearing has been fixed on 11-05-2026,” said the spokesperson.

Srinagar, Apr 02 : National Conference Member of Parliament, Mian Altaf Ahmad has written to the Union education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan raising the issue and concern of vacant key positions in NIT Srinagar over a long period of time now which is hampering the functioning of this vital institution.

As per a statement, Mian Altaf wrote a letter to the union education minister urging him to appoint and fill these key positions on priorities.

“Discussed the issue of NIT Srinagar with you for many times but nothing happened despite assurances. Again I am writing that positions of Chairperson, Board of Governors (BOG), Director, and Registrar have been vacant for over three years, causing hindrances in the smooth functioning and development of the institute” the letter reads.

“As an Institute of National Importance, NIT Srinagar plays a crucial role in providing quality education and research opportunities to students from across the country. However, the absence of these key positions has resulted in delays and inefficiencies in decision-making processes, ultimately affecting the academic and administrative activities of the institute. We request your intervention in this matter and urge you to appoint the Chairperson, BOG, Director, and Registrar on priority. This would not only ensure the smooth running of the institute but also facilitate its progressive development and betterment of students and staff. We believe that your prompt attention to this matter would be a significant step towards strengthening the institution and fulfilling its mandate as an Institute of National Importance” the letter reads.