Bandipora, Jun 13: Literary Forum Bandipora (LFB) on Saturday organised its annual “Nazki Day” programme to commemorate the literary legacy of Prof. Rashid Nazki and highlight his contribution to the promotion and development of the Kashmiri language and literature.

Noted scholars, poets, writers and literary activists from across Kashmir. Among those present were Prof. Sonauallah Parvaiz, Dr. Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Majrooh Rashid, President Adbi Markaz Kamraz Mohammad Amin Bhat, Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, Shafaq Sopori, Dr. Maroof Shah, M. Yousuf Mashoor, Mir Dachigami, Mubashir Saleem Nazki, Sufi Showkat, Mir Tariq, Dr. Adil Mohiuddin, Mansoor Muntazir, Sheikh Saleem, Fayaz Tilgami, Tanha Nizami, Ayoub Dilber, Rashid Jawahar and Abid Ashraf.

Poet and Researcher Basharat Fauqir presented a paper examining the literary works and intellectual contributions of Prof. Rashid Nazki.

Delivering the keynote address, Majrooh Rashid described Nazki as a poet who helped revive Persian and Central Asian influences in Kashmiri literature and played a significant role in shaping the modern literary identity of the language. Recalling his association with the late poet, Dr. Ayaz Rasool Nazki shared personal memories and anecdotes highlighting Prof. Nazki’s influence in literary and public life. Mohammad Amin Bhat said the enduring relevance of Nazki’s work could be seen in the continued growth of institutions founded by him, including Literary Forum Bandipora and Adbi Markaz Kamraz.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sonauallah Parvaiz described Prof. Nazki as a poet of thought, existence and metaphysics whose writings engaged with philosophical and theological questions. He said Nazki consistently worked for the preservation and development of language and culture. A major highlight of the event was the posthumous conferment of the Nazki Award on late poet and former Director of Doordarshan, Farooq Nazki, in recognition of his contribution to Kashmiri language and literature. The award was received by his daughter, Roohi Nazki, while the citation was read by Dr. Adil Mohiuddin.

Farooq Nazki, a noted poet in both Kashmiri and Urdu, was widely known for his works exploring themes of identity, memory, love and social realities. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1995 for his Kashmiri poetry collection “Naar Hyutun Kanzal Wanas”. The Forum also conferred the Charaag-e-Sukhan Award on Prof. Naseem Shafaie for her recent publication “Bu Vanyeth Zaan Kass”. Prof. Shafaie is regarded as a leading contemporary Kashmiri poet and became the first Kashmiri woman to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award for Kashmiri literature in 2011. On the occasion, Prof. Rashid Nazki’s book “Irfanuk Pai” was also released. The event concluded with a poetry session sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, chaired by Prof. Naseem Shafaie, Shahnaz Rashid, Munawar Parwana and Gul Tanveer. More than a dozen poets presented their latest poetry that enthralled the audience. The programme was supported by The Kashmir Convener, The Academy of Art ,Culture and Languages, Shudh Spices, Design and Eff Ess Traders. LFB President Sufi Showkat presented the vote of thanks.

Srinagar, Jun 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the homecoming of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland was the truest victory.
Attending the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave at Srinagar, LG Sinha said, “A moment of transformation is here. Those once uprooted from their homeland return, and this homecoming is the truest victory. The presence of business leaders, corporate heads, technology entrepreneurs, and cultural icons sends a powerful message of confidence in the peace of Jammu Kashmir, and trust in the administrative stability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The journey of the Kashmiri Pandit Community has been scarred by genocide, exile and struggle. The world once witnessed their wounds and now the triumph. The community chose a different path. They refused to be defined by wounds and struggle. Instead, they transformed that pain into strength.”
The event was attended by distinguished personalities of the Kashmiri Pandit community from India and abroad to celebrate Kashmiri Pandit community’s journey of resilience, renaissance and return.

The LG said the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave celebrates the community’s patience and resilience and honours their achievements and, above all, lays the foundation for the return of the community members.
He called upon distinguished members of the Kashmiri Pandit Community to set up industries, academic and cultural institutions in J&K that will become the immortal story of their heritage and provide opportunities to generations to come. LG Sinha said that the Kashmiri Pandit Community’s contribution was needed across industry, education, arts and spirituality.

“I believe the true measure of life lies in what we give back, in the hope we inspire, and in the change we leave behind for our society and nation. That is the essence of a meaningful life, and that is the real service. And it is this legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come,” he said. The LG said that the world remembers the 1990s, when the Kashmiri Pandit community faced unimaginable brutality and endured massacres and, overnight, families were forced to leave everything behind and live in exile in their own country.

“Lives marked by pain and struggle gave the Kashmiri Pandit community only two choices – despair or rebuilding. They chose creation, rebuilding, and selfless service and in doing so, the community made history. Carrying the weight of the massacre, they never turned away from their purpose. Hardship never broke the spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Suffering did not silence their ambition. Instead, they shaped their own destiny by building industries, founding institutions, driving innovation, and earning respect across the world. Today, I am proud that the Kashmiri Pandit community is celebrated for reaching new heights of success. The world honours their talent, leadership, and contributions to humanity,” he said.
LG Sinha said that the Global Conclave also indicates that the time has come for the reconstruction and revival of the ancient glory of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

He said the discussions at this conclave on building global industries and institutions here and a shared economic future are blueprints and pathways for cultural revival, economic empowerment, and community restoration. “You turned struggle into strength, and that struggle forged community leaders who achieved excellence in technology, finance, medicine, the arts, and civil services. In that struggle, your commitment produced entrepreneurs who built companies shaping global markets, and I believe it also produced scholars who enriched the academic world and influenced policy. Through your advancement, the Kashmiri Pandit community reminded the world that resolve, courage, and determination are the greatest weapons. Today, as the world celebrates your accomplishments, it honours your talent, your patience, and the spirit that refused to bow,” the LG told the distinguished members present at the conclave.

He said the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community reflects that after 2019 a new Jammu Kashmir has been born. “The strength of this new Jammu Kashmir reflects your resolve. Its hope reflects your vision. Jammu Kashmir, which witnessed the massacres, pain, and displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community, has been transformed into a centre of reconstruction by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I often say that history is written by those who rise again after suffering and confronting countless challenges. Having earned global recognition, you are now returning to your roots. This dignified return is also the resolve of the Prime Minister. I salute your courage. I honour your steadfastness. I appreciate your achievements, and I express the commitment that together we will ensure a future brighter than the past and that the pride of the Kashmiri Pandit community will shine again for the welfare of all humanity,” LG Sinha said.

He said that the contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community towards building a Viksit Bharat would be significant and would play an important role in the nation’s development journey. On the occasion, the participants witnessed various sessions during which distinguished speakers and prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community shared their experiences and insights.

Among those present on the occasion were Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister; Uphaar Kotru, President, Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA); Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator and Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD); Ashwani Bhat, President, Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA) Mumbai; Sanjay Koul, President All Minority Employees Association Kashmir (AMEAK); Autar Krishan Trakroo, social activist and Organising Secretary, Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra; Dileep Mattoo President Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM); and R K Bhat, President, Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj.
Senior officers from the Police and Civil Administration, prominent citizens, youth and a large number of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community also attended the conclave.
 

Srinagar, June 13: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporatioin Limited (KPDCL) today announced power shutdown in several parts of Kashmir division in upcoming days.

In a communication, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL said the shutdown of 33 KV Kangan -Surfraw Line will be observed due to which power supply to Gund, Kulan, Gagangeer, Sonmarag, Fraw, Ganiwan and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 15 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 75 MVA, 132/33 KV Bank-I and 50 MVA, 132/33 KV Bank-II (Grid Substation Zainakote) will be observed due to which power supply to Zainakote, Bakshipora, Shalteng, Narbal, Snoor Kalipora, Railway Station Mazhama, Shariefabad, Soibugh, Wadwan, Kawoosa Hospital, Noora Hospital, All India Radio Lawaypora and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 AM to 02 PM on 14 June 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Arampora Handwara hot & Kupwara old Line and 33 KV Amargarh- Nowpora Line will be observed due to which power supply to Handwara Town, Chogal, Kulangam, Sagipora, Marathgam, Whole Lolab, Machil valley, Nowpora, Seelo, Achabal, Behrampora, Bomai, Bugoo , Dangerpora, Saidhpora, Brath, Hep Dangerpora, Wadoora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 15 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Arampora Handwara old & Kupwara hot Line will be observed due to which power supply to Zachaldara, Rajwar, Hangah, Haril, Lach, Kupwara Town, DC Office, Drugmulla, Nagri, Batergam, Gulgam and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 17 June 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Keran Tap line & Dolipora Tap Line will be observed due to which power supply to Keran, Dolipora, Magam, Vilgam and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 16 June 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Nihalpora- HMT Line will be observed due to which power supply to Singhpora, Diver, Mirgund, Duslipoar, SKUAST, Rambilgrah, Kalsari, Shadipora, Odina, Maloora Panjinara , Ganistan and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 PM to 01 PM on 15 June 2026.

Anantnag, June 13: In a heartening act of courage and humanity, SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure today felicitated a young boy, Sehran Ashraf S/o Mohd Ashraf Hakeem R/o Bangidar Anantnag, for his extraordinary bravery in saving the life of an elderly woman who had jumped into the River Jhelum in an apparent attempt to end her life.

Displaying remarkable presence of mind and selfless courage, Sehran immediately sprang into action upon noticing the woman struggling in the river. Risking his own safety, he successfully rescued her from the fast-flowing waters and brought her to safety, thereby averting a tragedy.

Recognizing his exemplary act, SSP Anantnag felicitated Sehran and commended him for his courage, quick response, and humanitarian spirit. He stated that such acts of bravery inspire society and reflect the values of compassion, responsibility, and selfless service.

The SSP further lauded the young boy’s heroism and expressed hope that his noble deed would encourage others to come forward and assist those in distress. He also emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding lives and fostering a caring society.

Anantnag Police salutes the courage and selflessness displayed by Sehran Ashraf and wishes him a bright and successful future. His timely intervention stands as a shining example of how one individual’s bravery can make a life-saving difference.

Srinagar, June 13: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Police arrested 5 drug peddlers in Anantnag, Awantipora & Pulwama and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

Police in a statement said that in Anantnag, police achieved significant success by apprehending two drug peddlers in separate operations. In the first operation, a police party of Police Station Utrasoo apprehended one person identified as Mohd Yousuf Magray son of Wali Mohd Magray resident of Cherpora near village Sheikhpora Chund. During search, 715 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. Similarly, in another operation conducted during naka checking at Khanpora Crossing, Police Station Utrasoo apprehended one drug peddler identified as Javaid Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Khaliq Bhat resident of Shangus. During search, 158 grams of charas powder-like substance was recovered from his possession.

In Awantipora, during routine checking at Satoora, a motorcycle bearing registration No. JK22B-8187 was intercepted. The persons travelling on bike attempted to evade checking but were tactfully apprehended by the police party. During search, 199 grams of cannabis powder was recovered from their possession. The accused have been identified as Adil Ahmad Dar son of Ali Mohammad Dar and Muzaffar Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Maqbool Dar, both residents of Satoora. Both individuals have been arrested and the motorcycle used in the commission of the offence has also been seized as per law.

Similarly in Pulwama, a police party of Police Post Newa at a checkpoint established at Urwan, intercepted a Sumo vehicle bearing registration No. JK13A-3176. During the search, approximately 7 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from the possession of the driver, identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Hajam son of Abdul Rashid Hajam resident of Newa. The accused was arrested on the spot and the vehicle involved in the commission of the offence was also seized.

Accordingly, cases under relevant provisions of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been set into motion to ascertain the source and intended destination of the contraband.

Police remain committed to its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and urge the public to continue supporting anti-drug efforts by sharing information related to narcotics and other unlawful activities, statement added.