Srinagar, Jun 22: In a security exercise ahead of the forthcoming Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), Kulgam Police on Monday intensified combing and area domination operations across the district’s higher reaches, dense forest belts, nurseries, orchards, and other vulnerable pockets to ensure a peaceful and incident-free pilgrimage.

Police said the operations were carried out in close coordination with other security agencies, including the CRPF, based on specific intelligence inputs and threat assessments aimed at neutralising any potential attempts by anti-national elements to disrupt the annual yatra.

Security personnel conducted thorough searches in remote and inaccessible terrains, forest routes, high-altitude areas, and sensitive zones. Specialised teams, supported by sniffer dogs (K9 squads), bomb disposal units, and technical surveillance teams, inspected potential hideouts and logistical corridors that could be exploited by militants.

During the operations, several Over Ground Workers (OGWs) — individuals suspected of providing logistical support such as shelter, transportation, cash, and intelligence to militant networks — were rounded up for questioning. Their activities and linkages are being thoroughly investigated as part of preventive measures.

Senior police officials described the exercise as part of a broader, multi-layered security strategy for the yatra, which is scheduled to commence on July 3, 2026, and conclude on August 28, 2026, spanning 57 days. This year’s arrangements are among the most robust in recent memory, featuring a record deployment of over one lakh security personnel, including 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Additional measures include the deployment of advanced technologies such as over 400 facial-recognition CCTV cameras, drones, night vision devices, anti-drone systems, and RFID-based tracking.

A three-tier security grid has been established across base camps, transit points, and routes, with particular focus on the Pahalgam and Baltal axes leading to the holy cave shrine.

In Kulgam, this includes intensified naka checking on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, vehicle inspections, mock drills (such as the recent one near Navyug Tunnel at Qazigund), and enhanced patrolling to secure pilgrim movement.

The officials emphasised that Kulgam Police and allied agencies remain fully committed to maintaining a robust security grid. Area domination and search operations will continue in the coming days across the district.

The Amarnath Ji Yatra draws lakhs of devotees annually to the sacred ice lingam in the South Kashmir Himalayas. Security has been further bolstered in light of past threats, with special attention to vulnerable routes, transit camps, and adjoining areas.

Meanwhile, the district administration and police have appealed to residents, commuters, and stakeholders to extend full cooperation to security forces. Citizens have been urged to immediately report any suspicious movement, activity, or unattended objects to the nearest police station to help ensure the safety of pilgrims and maintain public order.

Tulmulla, Jun 22: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah visited Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla Ganderbal to pay obeisance on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.

He also interacted with the devotees.

Talking to media persons, Abdullah said that it was heartening to see large number of devotees.

“We want our Kashmiri Pandit community to come here and live with us. Hopefully a day will come soon and they will return to their homeland,” Abdullah said. “It is the blessings of this deity that we are seeing brotherhood, which had been missing for many years, prevail again. We pray that the day is not far when Kashmiri Pandits return to their homes and live amongst us.”

He, however, asserted that the community as well has to make efforts for their return.

“I think people have to try themselves. Unless they make attempts, they cannot come. Preparations have been made, people in Kashmir want them to return. We also pray for their early return,” Abdullah said.

He said that the Centre and J&K government had taken several steps to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

Abdullah said that the mela reflects Kashmir’s spirit of brotherhood and communal harmony.

He expressed hope that Kashmiri Pandits would soon return to live alongside fellow Kashmiri Muslim once again.

Srinagar, June 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally registered an FIR against an Executive Engineer of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), who is also holding charge as In-Charge Superintending Engineer (SE), and a Peon of the civic body in connection with an alleged bribe-for-clearance case involving the processing of a contractor’s bill and signing of an official agreement.

While one of the accused is already in CBI custody following a trap operation, the In-Charge SE is absconding and is reportedly evading arrest.

Quoting an FIR, the news agency KDC reported that a contractor alleged that his firm had been allotted the work of installation of a 9-metre high mast pole and a 200-watt high mast light at Saderbal Chowk in Srinagar in April 2025. The contractor stated that the work was completed within the stipulated time and the bill was duly submitted to the department. However, the bill remained unprocessed as the agreement had not been signed by the concerned Executive Engineer.

The contractor alleged that when he met Executive Engineer Er Sajad Kawoosa on June 18, 2026, regarding the matter, the officer demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 for signing the agreement and facilitating the processing of the bill. Unwilling to pay the alleged bribe, the contractor approached the CBI and lodged a written complaint seeking action against the officials involved.

The complaint was marked for verification by the CBI. During the verification process, the agency allegedly established a demand for a bribe amounting to Rs 5,000 on the part of Sajad Hussain Bhat, a Peon posted in the office of the Executive Engineer, Left River Works Division (LRWD), Srinagar Municipal Corporation. The verification report further said that the demand was allegedly made by the Peon in conspiracy with Executive Engineer Er Sajad Kawoosa and that the Executive Engineer had allegedly communicated the demand through hand gestures.

Following the verification, the CBI on Friday laid a trap and caught Sajad Hussain Bhat red-handed while he was allegedly accepting the bribe amount of Rs 5,000. He was subsequently taken into custody by the investigating agency.

The CBI also carried out searches at the residence of Er Sajad Kawoosa near Gurdwara Shaheed Bunga in the Bhagat Barzulla area of Srinagar. However, the officer could not be apprehended and is currently absconding, with sources saying he is evading arrest.

Based on the findings of the verification and trap proceedings, the CBI registered FIR No. RC1232026A0006 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended, read with Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), against Er Sajad Kawoosa, Executive Engineer and InCharge Superintending Engineer, SMC, and Sajad Hussain Bhat, Peon, SMC.

Notably, Er Sajad Kawoosa was felicitated by the District Administration Srinagar earlier this year for rendering distinguished and meritorious services in public administration and service delivery. The CBI is continuing its investigation into the case and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the absconding officer.

Anantnag, June 22: A 10-year-old girl died after sustaining a severe neck injury while playing on the roof of her house in Gadiseer area of Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Tafheeda Khursheed, daughter of Khursheed Ahmad Dar, a resident of Gadiseer.

Officials said the girl suffered the injury while playing on the rooftop of her residence.

She was immediately rushed to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Bijbehara for treatment.

However, despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, they said.

The body has been kept at SDH Bijbehara for medico-legal formalities and would later handed over to the family.

Tulmulla, Jun 22: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the people in the Valley want Kashmiri Pandits to return and expressed hope that the day will not be far.

He, however, said that the Pandit community should make efforts in this regard as well.

Abdullah was speaking during his visit to the Kheer Bhawani temple in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district during the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani.

“It is the blessings of this deity that we are seeing brotherhood, which had been missing for many years, prevail again. We pray that the day is not far when Kashmiri Pandits return to their homes and live amongst us,” the three-time chief minister told reporters.

He, however, asserted that the community as well has to make efforts for their return.

“I think people have to try themselves. Unless they make attempts, they cannot come. Preparations have been made, people in the Valley want them to return. We also pray for their early return,” he said.

Abdullah said the government has taken several steps to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits from across the country thronged the Ragnya Devi temple here to celebrate the mela on Zaisht Ashtami festival.