Normal life across north Kashmir’s Kupwara district was disrupted on Monday as public transport remained off the roads following a strike call by the transporters’ association, leaving commuters stranded at several places.

The strike affected movement to workplaces, educational institutions, and hospitals, with students and employees among the worst hit as many were unable to reach their destinations. Although markets remained open, overall activity in the district witnessed a sharp decline.

The protest was held against the government’s decision to introduce free Smart City bus services across districts—a move transporters claim could severely impact their livelihoods.

Several commuters expressed frustration over the sudden disruption. “I had to walk seven kilometres to reach my office as no vehicle was available due to the strike,” said a government employee from the Rajwar area of Handwara.

Another passenger, a student of the University of Kashmir, said, “We have exams going on, but due to the strike, many of us couldn’t reach our centres on time.”

An attendant of a patient at the Government Medical College Handwara, said the situation was particularly difficult for patients. “We had to arrange a private vehicle to bring our patient here. Today’s strike created serious problems for common people,” he said.

The agitating transporters urged the government, led by Omar Abdullah, to reconsider the decision and safeguard the interests of those dependent on the transport sector for their daily income.

Srinagar, Apr 20: A court in Anantnag Monday convicted five officials in a case related to misappropriation of foodgrains and empty bags in Pahalgam Circle in 1990.

The Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Anantnag, Ms Masarat Roohi convicted the officials under relevant sections of J & K PC Act-2006 and RPC. The convicted officials include Abdul Khaliq Shah, the then Store Keeper Food supplies Sale Center Pahalgam and Laripora, Ghulam Nabi Mir, the then Store Keeper Food Supplies Sale Center Dawatoo and Aru, Muhammad Shafi Rather, the then store keeper Ashumwam, Ghulam Hassan Hajam, the then store Keeper Food supplies sale centre Katsoo and and Muzaffar Ahmad Bichoo, the then store keeper Food supplies Sale centre Laripora and Pahalgam.

The accused were convicted in the misappropriation case registered under FIR No 09/1990 under section 5(2) of J&K PC Act-2006 read with Section 409 of RPC with Police Station Vigilance Organisation Kashmir (VOK), now ACB.

The officials were found guilty under Section 5(2) of J & K PC Act-2006 read with section 409 of RPC for misappropriation of food grains and empty bags by the store keepers of Pahalgam Circle for the period from April to 11 September 1989. The case was registered following a complaint filed by Deputy Director Food and Supplies Department Srinagar on November 2, 1989, stating therein about the embezzlement of Food Grains and empty bags to the tune of Rs 364235.84 on the hands of five accused convicted persons, according to prosecution.

After thorough investigation, a chargesheet was filed on September 9, 2003, and the case proceeded for judicial determination.

After appreciating the evidence, the court convicted the five officials and listed the case for argument on quantum of punishment on April 24.

Srinagar, Apr 20: The Karam Buland Folk Theatre, Hanjigund Wathora Chadoora, successfully presented its production “KANJOOS”, a play, on April 20 under the Scheme of Repertory Grant (Guru Shishya Parampara), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, at Government Degree College Sumbal.

The event was graced by the SDM Sumbal as the Chief Guest and the Principal, Government Degree College Sumbal, as the Guest of Honour, said a press release.

Among the special invitees were Nisar Naseem, Director, Producer & Writer, and Gulzar Ahmad Ganaie, Coordinator, NSD Branch Srinagar. The production effectively portrayed the socio-cultural realities of rural and urban life through authentic folk theatre expression, highlighting the struggles, aspirations, and cultural richness of society. The performance was widely appreciated for its artistic excellence, meaningful narrative, and impactful presentation. Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries praised the artists for their commitment to preserving and promoting folk theatre traditions and emphasized the importance of such cultural initiatives. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Secretary, Karam Buland Folk Theatre, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for its support through the Guru Shishya Parampara Repertory Grant Scheme. He also thanked the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, special invitees, college authorities, and all participants for their cooperation and encouragement in making the event a success.

Shopian, Apr 20: aSangaloo, once a pristine and glistening stream in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, is rapidly losing its sheen due to encroachment, pollution and official apathy.

The stream, which flows through the heart of the town, has shrunk to less than half its original width as a result of widespread encroachments. Once wide and gurgling with crystal-clear waters, it has now almost turned into a narrow, polluted channel, raising concerns among residents about its survival.

“It was once believed that its waters had curative properties. People from adjoining villages used to collect water from the stream, but now it has become unfit for consumption,” said MithaGatoo, a social activist from the district.

Over the years, the stream has also turned into a dumping site, with residents throwing household waste into it, further polluting the water body.

“It is very unfortunate that people themselves are polluting such a precious natural resource. This stream was part of our heritage, but today it is being treated like a drain,” Gatoo said.

He added that the degradation of the stream reflects both public negligence and lack of official intervention. “If timely measures had been taken, the situation would not have reached this level. There is no proper monitoring, no awareness, and no accountability,” he said.

The Jal Shakti Department has also been laying pipelines through sections of the stream over the past several years, further reducing its width. Residents say the pipes often obstruct the natural flow of water.

“Polythene and other waste materials get stuck in these pipes, blocking the flow and causing water to stagnate. This not only worsens pollution but also increases the risk of flooding during heavy rains,” Gatoo said.

He urged authorities to take immediate steps to restore the stream and prevent further damage. “There should be a complete ban on dumping waste into the stream. Encroachments must be removed, and the original width restored. If we continue to ignore this, we will lose this water body forever,” he warned.

Gatoo also stressed the need for public participation in conservation efforts. “People need to understand that this is their own resource. Without community involvement, no government effort alone can revive it,” he said.

Residents say the revival of Sangaloo is crucial not just for environmental reasons but also for preserving the town’s cultural and ecological identity.

Srinagar, Apr 20: The Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range (SKR), Javaid Iqbal Mattoo, today visited District Pulwama and chaired a comprehensive crime and security review meeting at the Conference Hall of District Police Lines (DPL) Pulwama. The meeting was attended by SSP Pulwama Tanushree along with other senior officers of Pulwama Police, including supervisory officers, SHOs, and investigating officers.

During the meeting, a detailed review of the overall crime scenario, investigation of cases, NDPS matters, and preventive measures was conducted. The DIG also reviewed the prevailing security scenario with special focus on counter-terrorism efforts and strengthening of the anti-terror grid in the district.

Emphasis was laid on enhanced coordination among security agencies, intensified area domination, and strengthening of intelligence networks to thwart any attempts by anti-national elements. Officers were directed to maintain a high level of alertness and ensure a prompt and effective response to any security challenges. The DIG SKR stressed the importance of professional policing, public cooperation, and proactive measures in maintaining peace and stability. He further directed officers to intensify action against drug trafficking and other criminal activities, while ensuring strict enforcement of law.

SSP Pulwama Tanushree briefed the chair regarding the district’s crime and security scenario and highlighted the steps being taken to curb criminal activities and maintain law and order.