Bandipora, June 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with his ministers and advisor, visited north Kashmir’s Bandipora today to review the pace of development and assess the progress of key initiatives across the district.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Chief Minister detailed the agenda. “We reviewed the delivery of last year’s plan for Bandipora,” he said.

“We discussed where the shortcomings were and where improvements were needed.”

He noted that local representatives, including the MLAs from Gurez, Bandipora, and Sonawari, “put forward the people’s expectations regarding their constituencies, the demands, and areas where things need to be fixed.”

Addressing these concerns, he stated, “They have been assured that we will do whatever is possible from our end.”

A key issue raised during the visit was the Bandipora District Hospital, which shifted to a new building in 2019 but has not yet received official District Hospital status. The Chief Minister confirmed the issue was discussed, noting, “This matter has been brought up.” 

He added that Minister Sakina Itoo, who joined the meeting virtually from Jammu, “has assured the Honorable MLA and the others that wherever anything remains to be done, it will all be completed by her department.”

When asked about recent national political developments involving the DMK and Shiv Sena, the Chief Minister chose to keep the focus on local matters. “Neither you nor I can answer this question,” he said. 

“Now, standing here in Bandipora, how can I tell you what the DMK or Shiv Sena people will do? That is up to them; that is up to their conscience. They will go as far as their conscience allows them to.”

He clarified his own party’s stance, adding, “As far as National Conference MPs are concerned, we will never support this thing. What the rest will do, what can I say about that?”

Anantnag, June 17: As part of the security preparedness for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Anantnag Police conducted a comprehensive mock drill at Bumzoo to assess operational readiness and strengthen emergency response mechanisms.

The exercise simulated various security scenarios and focused on coordinated action, rapid response, area domination, evacuation procedures, and effective handling of contingencies. Personnel demonstrated preparedness in dealing with potential challenges while ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims and the general public.

The mock drill also served as an opportunity to evaluate inter-unit coordination, communication systems, and standard operating procedures under realistic conditions. Senior officers supervised the exercise and reviewed the performance of participating personnel.

Anantnag Police remains committed to ensuring foolproof security arrangements and is continuously undertaking training and preparedness measures to facilitate the safe, secure, and smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.

Srinagar, Jun 17: Two persons died, while 11 others, including four tourists, were injured in twin road accidents in Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said.

A vehicle skidded off the Aru-Pahalgam road and fell into a deep gorge in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, resulting in the on-the-spot death of two persons and the injury of six, the officials said.

They said the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital.

Police took cognisance of the incident, they said.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the accident.

In a post on X, the CM’s office said Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength for them in this difficult time.

“The chief minister also directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and provide all necessary assistance to the affected families,” the CM’s office said.

Earlier, four tourists and a local driver were injured when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned in Tangmarg, Baramulla district in north Kashmir.

Tangmarg is the main market and the gateway to the famous ski resort of Gulmarg.

The officials said the injured were shifted to a hospital where their condition is stable.

Anantnag, June 17: At least two persons were killed and six others injured after a vehicle met with an accident in the Aru area of Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday.

Reports said a car was involved in the accident. Soon after the incident, rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched an operation to evacuate the victims.

Two bodies were recovered from the accident site, while the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

One of the deceased was identified as Imran Ahmad Ganie, who was reportedly driving the vehicle. Officials said the occupants of the vehicle, bearing registration number JK03C-6737, were residents of Pethbugh, Dialgam in Anantnag district.

Officials said the rescue operation was underway when reports last came in. The identity of the second deceased and the condition of the injured were yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident, and further investigation is underway.

Srinagar, June 17: Four tourists were among five people injured on Wednesday when a bus overturned in Tangmarg in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said.

The accident occurred in the main market in Tangmarg, which is near the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in the north Kashmir district.

They said at least four tourists and a local driver were injured in the accident.

The injured have been shifted to a hospital where their condition is stated to be stable, the officials added.

Srinagar, June 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has banned begging across the capital city of Srinagar, urging the general public to report any such activity to facilitate appropriate rehabilitation measures under the Centre-sponsored Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme, officials said.

The officials said the scheme, being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is being actively enforced in the district with a focus on rehabilitation, social support and reintegration into society rather than punitive measures.

They said the govt has pressed mobile publicity vans into service across Srinagar to raise awareness about the ban on begging. Through public announcements, residents are being informed that begging is prohibited and are being urged to assist authorities in identifying individuals engaged in the activity.

The district administration stated that over 1,000 individuals involved in begging have been rehabilitated over the past two years. Depending on their age and circumstances, they have been provided accommodation in old-age homes, shelter homes and juvenile care institutions.

Authorities said a substantial number of those rescued and rehabilitated were juveniles. Children found begging are being provided protection, counselling, education-related support and access to welfare schemes through the established rehabilitation framework.

The administration said the campaign is aimed at addressing the growing presence of beggars, particularly children, at markets, traffic junctions, roadsides and tourist destinations across Srinagar. Officials noted that many such children are vulnerable to exploitation and require institutional support and care.

The move has received support from residents, who have welcomed the administration’s efforts to curb begging and protect vulnerable children. Several citizens said the presence of juvenile beggars in public places had become a matter of concern and that rehabilitation was a more sustainable solution.

The district administration has appealed to the public not to encourage begging by offering money on the streets. Instead, residents have been asked to immediately inform the Srinagar district administration or designated SMILE Scheme officials whenever they come across any person engaged in begging anywhere in the district.

Officials said awareness campaigns, rescue operations and rehabilitation measures will continue across Srinagar to ensure social protection, child welfare and the successful reintegration of vulnerable individuals into mainstream society.