Srinagar, Mar 12: Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Thursday spoke to National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and assured him that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the attack on him last night, sources said.

According to sources, the Lieutenant Governor directed Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the incident and to ensure that swift action follows.

Sources added that senior officials have also been instructed to ensure “airtight security” for protected persons in view of the incident.

Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was attacked Wednesday night at a wedding function in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu when a man fired a pistol at him from point-blank range. Abdullah, however, escaped unhurt.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders across party lines, who termed it a serious security lapse and called for a thorough probe into the matter.

Officials are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The accused, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal (63), a resident of Purani Mandi, was arrested from the scene.

Srinagar, Mar 12: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today announced power shutdown in several parts of Kashmir division in forthcoming days.

In a statement issued, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL said that the shutdown of 33 KV Pampore-Pampore line will be observed due to which power supply to Pampore, Khadermoh, Zewan, Tangan, EDI and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 12 Noon on 15 March 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 132 KV ICT-Ckt-II at 200 MVA, 132/33 KV Grid Station Pampore will be observed due to which power supply to Rawalpora, Sanatnagar, Chanapora, Hyderpora, Humhama, Baghat, Barzullah, Rambagh, Natipora, B&J Bagh-i-Mehtab, Rangreth, JAKLI, BEACON, Wanbal, Batagund, Aripal, Lurgam, Noorgam, Lalgam, Tral, Tral i Bala, Cheewa, Panzgam, LIS-I,II,III, K.Koot, Marhama, Khiram, Khellan, Konibal, Kadlabal, Shar Shali, IE Wuyan, IE Khrew, Cement Plants, Pahru, BK Pora, Nowgam Railway Stn. Summerbugh, Khanda, Ladhoo and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 14 March 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of  33 KV Mattan Pahalagam line and 33 KV Mattan Iqbalabad line will be observed due to which power supply to Hutmurrah, Seer, Salia, Pahalgam, Batkoot, Aishmuqam, Saller, Mattan, Iqbalabad and adjoining areas will be affected from 8: 30 AM to 02:30 PM on 14 March 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Delina-Sopore Tapline and 33 KV Baramulla-II line will be observed due to which power supply to Sopore Town, Amargarh, Wougub, Old Town, Tawheed Gunj, Drangbal, Jalsheeri, Sheeri, Heevan, Zogiyar and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 14 March 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV MES Kupwara line will be observed due to which power supply to MES Zangil, Kupwara and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 15 March 2026.

Srinagar, Mar 12: A meeting was convened today by MLA Uri, Dr. Sajjad Shafi Uri, with senior officials of NHPC Limited, including the Executive Director, to deliberate on several important developmental and public issues concerning the Uri constituency.

During the meeting, various matters related to infrastructure development, public welfare, and issues faced by the local population in areas affected by NHPC projects were discussed in detail. Dr Sajjad Shafi Uri emphasized the need for greater coordination between NHPC and the local administration to ensure that the concerns of the people are addressed effectively.

The MLA strongly urged NHPC officials to give first priority to local residents, particularly in employment opportunities and developmental initiatives. He stressed that the overall development of Uri is of utmost importance and called for focused efforts to improve civic amenities in the region.

Dr Sajjad Shafi Uri also highlighted the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and urged that CSR activities of NHPC should be implemented in Uri to directly benefit the local population affected by the projects.

The NHPC officials assured full cooperation and stated that they would carefully look into the issues raised during the meeting and take necessary measures in accordance with the existing guidelines and policies.

The meeting concluded with a positive outlook towards strengthening coordination between NHPC and local representatives for the overall development and welfare of the Uri constituency.

Srinagar, Mar 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau (JKACB) on Thursday said it trapped and arrested a Technical Assistant in the Rural Development Department Jammu and Kashmir at Block Budgam for allegedly demanding and accepting Rs 40,000 bribe for preparing and releasing bills related to work executed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

In a statement issued, the spokesperson said that ACB today received a written complaint alleging that Sajad Ahmad Raina, Technical Assistant in the office of the Rural Development Department (RDD), Block Budgam, resident of Kralwari Budgam, was demanding a bribe of Rs 40,000 for preparation and release of bills in favour of the complainant for completion of work executed under the MGNREGA scheme.

During the pre-trap verification, it was revealed that the accused public servant was insisting on payment of Rs 40,000 as bribe, which the complainant was unwilling to pay. The complainant arranged Rs 5,000 in cash and a cheque of Rs 35,000 and approached ACB. The verification confirmed the demand of bribe, accordingly FIR No. 06/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at P/S ACB Srinagar, and investigation taken up.

During the course of investigation, a trap team constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught the accused public servant red-handed in the office of RDD Block Budgam while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 in cash and a cheque of Rs 35,000 from the complainant. During the search of the accused’s handbag, Rs 39,300 in cash was also recovered. The accused was taken into custody after completing all medico-legal formalities.

Further investigation into the case is in progress, spokesperson added.

Srinagar, Mar 12: All Party Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) Chairman and senior political leader Jagmohan Singh Raina today strongly condemned the attack on National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, and termed it a “serious security breach”.

Raina said that while crime rates in Jammu are increasing, Kashmir has comparatively witnessed lower crime levels, but such an attack on a senior political leader raises serious concerns about security arrangements.

He appealed to the security agencies to conduct a proper and thorough investigation into the incident and identify those responsible.

Raina further stated that if a leader of Farooq Abdullah’s stature is not safe, it naturally raises questions about the safety of common citizens, urging authorities to ensure stronger security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.