Baramulla, Dec 19: Panic gripped in Baramulla town on Friday evening after a portion of a stone quarry caved in at Khanpora.

Thick smoke and dust engulfed large parts of the town, including Khanpora, Drangbal, Sheeri and the Old Town.

Although no one was injured in the incident, but it triggered panic in the area, with people seen running to safety fearing that the situation could worsen.

In the Drangbal area, several inches of dust accumulated on lawns and rooftops of houses.

Residents have urged the administration to intervene, saying that the ongoing mining activity is causing immense problems for people living in the area.

Srinagar, Dec 19: People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said BJP leaders like Union minister Giriraj Singh want to make India a ‘Kaurav Rajya’ where women are disrespected.

“India is a secular country. It is the country of (Mahatma) Gandhi, who laid down his life for secularism. But leaders like Giriraj Singh want to turn it into ‘Kaurav Rajya’. I am not saying ‘Ram Rajya’, in which the Kauravs stripped Draupadi’s clothes,” Mufti told reporters here.

After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday triggered a row by pulling the veil off the face of a woman during an event to distribute appointment letters to Ayush doctors in Patna, Giriraj Singh on Thursday defended Kumar and said it is up to the woman to refuse the appointments or “go to hell”.

Linking Singh’s mentality to that of the Kauravs, Mufti said, “There is no respect for women. Draupadi was not a Muslim and was not veiled, yet her clothes were stripped off in public, with Kauravs like Giriraj applauding and laughing. They continue to do the same, so it should not surprise us. I have no expectations from BJP leaders.”

Referring to Nitish Kumar, the PDP chief said he should not have done what he did.

“I am happy that Iltija (Mufti) has lodged a complaint (against Kumar) today,” she said.

Earlier in the day, Mufti’s daughter and PDP leader Iltija lodged a police complaint seeking the registration of an FIR against the Bihar chief minister.

“I’m writing to bring to your attention a vile incident which has caused immense distress and hurt among Muslims, especially women. A few days ago, we watched with shock, horror and worry as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulled down the ‘naqab’ of a young Muslim doctor in full public glare at a government function,” Mufti said in her complaint to the Kothibagh SHO.

However, there was no word from the police on whether an FIR has been registered against the JD-U chief.

Srinagar, Dec 19: As part of its sustained drive against illegal mining, Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized ten vehicles, involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in Shopian, Awantipora and Pulwama.

In Shopian, during patrolling, a police party from Police Station Imamsahib seized (5 vehicles) 01 JCB and 04 tractors that were found illegally extracting minerals without valid royalty documents. In this regard, FIR No. 42/2025 and FIR No.43/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Imamsahib and further investigation has been initiated.

In Awantipora, a police party led by SHO PS Khrew have seized 02 tippers bearing registration numbers JK04B-0511 and JK09B-3344, used in illegal excavation and transportation of minerals in Khrew. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 98/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Khrew and further investigation has been initiated.

In Pulwama, Police has intensified night patrols across identified vulnerable areas of the district. During the intervening night of 18/19 December, a police team from Police Station Litter, while conducting targeted checks at Udipora, intercepted and seized two dumpers and one tractor, linked to unlawful mining activities. In this connection, case FIR No. 111/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Litter, and further investigation is underway.

Police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the district’s natural resources and ensuring strict legal action against those involved in illegal mining. They urged the general public to cooperate by reporting such unlawful activities, and assured the identity of informants will be kept confidential.

Shopian, Dec 19: Taking prompt action against irresponsible riding, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Shopian on Friday registered FIR No. 270/2025 under Sections 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act against a stunt biker for indulging in dangerous stunts on a public road, thereby endangering his own life and posing a serious risk to other road users, officials said

Police said, the motorcycle involved in the incident has also been seized and further investigation is underway.

A police spokesperson said in a statement that the accused rider has been identified as Furqan Ahmad Dar, son of Mohd Ashraf Dar, a resident of Zawoora, Shopian.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have reiterated that stunt biking and rash driving on public roads are strictly prohibited and will attract stringent legal action. Public roads are meant for safe commuting and such irresponsible behavior can lead to tragic consequences. The police have appealed to the youth to adhere to traffic rules and adopt responsible driving practices. Parents and guardians have also been urged to guide and counsel their children regarding road safety and traffic discipline.

Jammu and Kashmir Police remain committed to ensuring road safety and maintaining smooth and disciplined traffic movement across the district. Strict action against traffic violators will continue in the interest of public safety.