Kupwara, Feb 12: MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed on Thursday demanded the establishment of an industrial estate, construction of key bridges and development of a proper drainage system in his constituency while speaking on the Demands for Grants of the Public Works, Mining and Industries Departments in the Legislative Assembly.

MLA demanded that an Industrial Estate be established in Langate to generate employment opportunities for the local youth and most importantly boost the local economy.

The MLA sought early completion of Lach Drungsoo bridge and the restoration of damaged bridges to ensure safe and reliable connectivity. He also demanded construction of three bridges at Guloora, Haripora and Ujroo.

Shiekh Khursheed emphasised the need for improved infrastructure and sought a concrete drainage system from Kulangam to Watayen along the Sopore-Kupwara National Highway to prevent waterlogging and protect the road from deterioration.

On mining issues, the MLA demanded a complete ban on the e-auctioning of Nallah Mawer. He urged government to allow customary mining practices to safeguard local livelihoods while ensuring environmental protection.

“Strengthening infrastructure, improving drainage and promoting industrial development are essential for public safety and sustainable job creation in the constituency,” he said.

Baramulla, Feb 12: The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla on Thursday issued guidelines for the school heads in view of the culmination of the winter vacations for the educational institutions.

As already reported, the winter vacation for schools from kindergarten to 8th class will culminate on February 28 while the vacations for classes 9th to 12th will culminate on February 22 of 2026.

As per the order issued for winter vacations by the School Education Department (SED) the teaching staff has been directed to their respective institutions on February 20 of 2026.

“It is hereby enjoined upon all Principals, Zonal Education Officers, Headmasters and Heads of Institutions to ensure that necessary preparatory arrangements are completed well in advance for smooth and orderly reopening of schools,” reads a fresh circular issued by CEO Baramulla.

CEO Baramulla has issued instructions that all the institutions shall ensure that reopening day is conducted in a warm, welcoming and festive manner.

“Students shall be greeted cordially on the first day, and institutions may arrange a child‑friendly ambience including welcome assemblies, motivational interactions and distribution of candies as a gesture of encouragement to create a joyful and stress‑free atmosphere,” the circular reads.

The schools have been asked to undertake a cleanliness drive of the entire school campus including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, offices, corridors and playgrounds, ensuring safe and obstruction‑free access.

“Clean and disinfect water storage tanks, ensure availability of safe drinking water and fully functional washrooms with adequate water supply,” it reads.

The school heads and staff have been asked to inspect electricity supply, wiring, lighting and switchboards.

“Replace fused bulbs and carry out necessary minor repairs of furniture, doors, windows and boards,” it reads.

The schools have been asked to ensure 100 percent availability of textbooks, teaching‑learning material and other essential instructional resources.

The heads of the schools have been instructed to review the syllabus covered prior to winter vacation, identify learning gaps and prepare structured month-wise and unit-wise academic plans, including remedial interventions wherever required.

“All HOIs shall mandatorily convene a staff meeting on February 25, 2026 to discuss in detail the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, District Report Card of Baramulla,” it reads.

Heads of the schools have been asked to create a welcoming environment on reopening besides promoting activity-based and experiential learning.

“Plan library, sports and co-curricular activities to ensure holistic student development,” it reads.

Awantipora, Feb 12: The Court of Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Awantipora on Thursday convicted two persons in a cheque bounce case dating back to 2019 and sentenced them to one year of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹28,08,000.

The case, titled Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh versus Ess Kay Filling Station and another, was decided by Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Awantipora Muneer Ahmad Bhat. The court convicted Muhammad Sultan Koka, son of Ghulam Mohammad Koka, resident of Parraypora Majeedbagh Srinagar, and Abid Yousuf Dar, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, resident of Wuyan Pampore.

The court held that the accused had knowingly issued a cheque to the complainant Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, resident of Noorpora Awantipora, which was subsequently dishonoured.

While delivering the judgment, the court observed that the accused had intentionally issued the cheque with knowledge that it would likely be dishonoured, thereby causing financial loss to the complainant. The court noted that the cheque was issued for personal gain despite awareness of insufficient funds.

After examining witnesses and evidence on record, the court sentenced both accused to simple imprisonment for one year. In addition, a fine of ₹28,08,000 was imposed along with six percent interest from the date of issuance of the cheque till the date of judgment.

The court directed that the entire amount be paid to the complainant within three months from the date of pronouncement of judgment. In case of failure to pay within the stipulated period, the accused shall undergo an additional imprisonment of three months. [KNT]

Jammu, Feb 12: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has reconstituted and expanded the mandate of its Sexual Harassment Probe Committee to include matters relating to transgender persons, in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India.

According to an order issued by the Registrar General, the committee, already in place, shall henceforth have the mandate to prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment concerning women as well as transgender persons. The move follows directions rendered by the Supreme Court in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1245/2025 titled Geeta Rani versus Union of India and others.

The order states that the existing Sexual Harassment Probe Committee will continue to function with its revised jurisdiction. Separate committees have been notified for the Jammu and Srinagar wings of the High Court.

For the Jammu Wing, the committee will be headed by Hon’ble Ms Justice Sindhu Sharma as Chairperson, with senior advocates and officials including Mr U.K. Jalali, Ms Seema Khajuria Shekhar, Ms Deepika Mahajan, Ms Rimpash Sangotra, Mr Prem Sadotra and the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee as members.

For the Srinagar Wing, the committee will be chaired by Hon’ble Ms Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, with Mr Nazir Ahmad Beigh, Ms Masooda Jan and Ms Naseema Hassan Baqal among the co-opted members.

The High Court has directed circulation of the order to all concerned judicial and administrative authorities for information and necessary action. [KNT]