Kupwara, Jun 14: Like other parts of Kashmir, paddy cultivation is currently underway in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district with the crop being cultivated on 16,000 hectares of land across the district. Thousands of families are directly involved in agricultural activities who are anticipating a successful harvest at the end of the year. Planting of paddy saplings starts in May and lasts upto ending June but in plains the process extends upto the first week of July.

Paddy cultivation remains the backbone of agriculture in the lush valleys of Kupwara, where the changing seasons bring forth a spectacle of vibrant landscapes. As the fields come to life, one might ponder the variety of paddy saplings adorning this picturesque region.

Paddy sowing was done earlier on community basis. People would happily join each other and plant paddy in their fields but in the recent years, a noticeable transformation has taken place in the realm of paddy cultivation, with skilled outsiders increasingly sought after for their expertise in the field. This shift reflects the evolving agricultural dynamics of Kupwara. Sowing of paddy saplings not only generate livelihood for local labourers but for non-locals as well. A non-local from West Bengal said that he along with his colleagues purposefully come to Kashmir for paddy sowing. “We charge Rs 750 per kanal for planting paddy saplings and at an average we sow saplings in around thirty kanals every day,” he added.

AbidMaqbool, a local in Langate area of the district said that they prefer non-local labourers over local because of their efficiency and love for work. While talking to Greater Kashmir, a senior Agriculture Officer shed light on the vast expanse of paddy cultivation, covering approximately 16,000 hectares of land across Kupwara. He highlighted the preference for the SR4 variety in the plains, while the higher altitudes favor the SR5 variety, cultivated with unwavering passion and commitment. “Furthermore, the cultivation of red rice in Karnah, Tumina, and Chowkibal emerges as a lucrative endeavor for local farmers, fetching a handsome price of Rs 6000 per quintal in the market,” he added.

Srinagar, June 14: Budgam Police on Sunday warned elements posting Shia-Sunni communal divide content on social media platforms and added that any attempt to breach the communal harmony will invite strict legal action against the involved.

Budgam police in its official X handle wrote: “It has been observed that certain people are posting contents on social media which may provoke Shia-Sunni communal sentiments.

Budgam Police is closely monitoring these platforms and any post, comment, debate, or content that can disturb communal harmony, especially during the month of  Muharram, will invite strict legal action”.

Budgam Police appealed to all citizens to act responsibly and contribute towards maintaining communal harmony, brotherhood, and a peaceful atmosphere during the month of Muharram.

Srinagar, June 14: Director General of Police (DGP) J&K Nalin Prabhat chaired a security review meeting at the Conference Hall of PCR Kashmir, to assess and strengthen security arrangements for the smooth, safe, and peaceful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.

The meeting was attended by Special DGP Coordination J&K S.J.M. Gillani, ADGP Armed J&K, ADGP CID, IGsP of PHQ Hqrs, Kashmir Zone, Jammu Zone, Railways, Traffic, CID J&K, all Range DIsG of Kashmir & Jammu Zones, DIsG of IRP Kashmir, CID Kashmir, Traffic Kashmir, Armed Jammu, Armed Kashmir, Security J&K, Railways J&K. Also present were all district SSsP of J&K including PDs, AIG (CT & Int) PHQ, SSsP of PCR Kashmir, Jammu, Traffic City Srinagar, Railways Kahsmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, Security Kashmir, CID SB Kashmir, CID CI Kashmir, APCR Srinagar, APCR Jammu, Telecom Kashmir, Traffic City Jammu, Traffic Rural Jammu, NHW, SO to IGP Kashmir, SP Cargo Srinagar and other senior officers.

Reviewing the overall security preparedness, the DGP J&K directed officers to maintain a high state of readiness and ensure close coordination at all levels. He instructed officers to maintain heightened vigil across all sensitive and vulnerable locations. He called for enhanced surveillance, regular area domination exercises, intensified CASO’s, continuous patrolling duties along Yatra routes, railway tracks, vulnerable pockets and major tourist destinations. He further directed that daily anti-sabotage checks be conducted along the Yatra routes and all the major arteries remain under round-the-clock security domination.

To strengthen emergency response mechanisms, the DGP ordered the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at strategic locations to provide immediate assistance whenever required. The DGP emphasized wide publicity in order to aware general people and yatris about the cut-off timings. He also directed regular inspections of security arrangements and other facilities established for Yatra pilgrims.

The DGP emphasized the optimum utilization of modern security technologies and surveillance systems, including CCTV networks, to enhance security at all important Yatra locations, transit camps, base camps and along the pilgrimage routes. He further directed that RFID-based tracking and monitoring systems be effectively utilized to strengthen security mechanisms and improve emergency response capabilities for pilgrims and authorized Yatra vehicles.

The DGP also directed officers to keep a close watch on terrorist associates and other anti-national elements, while ensuring adequate deployment in hinterland areas and other vulnerable locations. He stressed the importance of safeguarding all sensitive installations and vulnerable areas connected with the Yatra.

The DGP instructed District SSsP to maintain close coordination with the civil administration to ensure effective implementation of security and logistical arrangements. He further directed officers to ensure efficient deployment of personnel along the National Highway and other critical locations to facilitate the safe and secure movement of pilgrims and tourists. The DGP stressed the need for regular coordination meetings and comprehensive contingency planning, particularly with regard to disaster management, emergency response, fire incidents, adverse weather conditions, and other unforeseen situations.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the DGP also reviewed security preparations for the upcoming Muharram observances and the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani. He directed officers to put in place the security arrangements, ensure effective crowd management, and maintain close coordination with all concerned agencies to facilitate the peaceful and smooth conduct of these important events.

The meeting concluded with the DGP directing all officers to remain fully prepared and committed for ensuring a smooth, safe, secure, and peaceful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.

Srinagar, June 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has nabbed three persons, including a forest range officer in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, in an alleged bribery case, official said on Sunday.

They said the arrests were made after the CBI registered an FIR over the alleged demand of a bribe for the release of official documents linked to a furniture unit.

The case was registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Manzoor Ahmed, posted as Range Officer in Budgam, a forester and a casual labour.

As per the officials the case was registered on June 13 following a written complaint lodged by a resident of Shippora Nasipora in Budgam alleging that official of the Forest Department had taken documents related to their family-owned furniture unit and that the accused officer later demanded Rs 15,000 for their release. The alleged bribe amount was negotiated down to Rs 10,000.

The verification by CBI confirmed the demand of illegal gratification by the accused public servant.

Following the verification, the agency registered a regular case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and entrusted the investigation to a regular-rank officer of the CBI ACB Srinagar.

During the investigation, a trap team was constituted by the CBI, who successfully trapped and caught the accused public servants red-handed while accepting a bribe.