Srinagar, June 12: A school bus driver was killed while two girl students sustained injuries after a school bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in Neego Brenwar village of Budgam district on Friday, officials said.

According to officials, the accident occurred in the district when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a gorge.

The driver died on the spot due to severe injuries sustained in the crash, while two girl students travelling in the bus were injured. Both students were immediately rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Rescue teams and local authorities rushed to the scene soon after the incident and launched a rescue operation. The damaged bus was later retrieved from the gorge.

Officials said the condition of the injured students is stated to be stable. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

Srinagar, June 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday executed a court-issued proclamation order against Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and three others for allegedly evading arrest and avoiding legal proceedings in a militancy-related case.

Police identified the accused as Salahuddin alias Mohammad Yousuf Shah, a resident of Soibugh in Budgam. He is a designated terrorist and the chairman of the United Jihad Council (UJC).

The others include Ghulam Nabi Khan alias Amir Khan, a resident of Liver Srigufwara in Anantnag who is also a designated terrorist and HM commander, Sher Mohammad alias Bahadur alias Riaz, a resident of Malangam in Bandipora, and Nasir Yousuf Qadri, a resident of Sheeltang in Dar Mohalla of Habba Kadal area here, they said.

“The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) executed a proclamation order issued by the Additional Sessions Judge TADA/POTA (Special Judge, Designated under the NIA Act), Srinagar, under section 84 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023 against four accused persons evading arrest in case FIR No. 05/1996 registered at Police Station CIK,” a police spokesperson said.

During the course of the investigation, the accused were found to be evading arrest and deliberately avoiding legal proceedings, he said.

The spokesperson said the court had initiated proclamation proceedings and directed the accused to appear before it on July 14, 2026, at 10 am, failing which further legal action would follow.

“In compliance with the court’s orders, CIK team today executed the proclamation order issued against the accused in strict compliance with all the legal procedures and pasted the order at all conspicuous places in their respective locations and at the main gates of the accused persons as well,” he said.

The execution of the proclamation was also photographed and videographed as part of the legal process, the spokesperson added.

Srinagar, June 12: Former Member of Parliament Dr. Mehboob Beg has paid rich tributes to his father and veteran Kashmiri leader Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beg, popularly known as “Fakhr-e-Kashmir” (Pride of Kashmir), on his 44th death anniversary, recalling his contribution to land reforms and the welfare of the common people.

A gathering was organised at Mirza Afzal Beg’s residence in Sarnal, Anantnag, where political workers, admirers and local residents assembled to remember the late leader’s political legacy and public service.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mehboob Beg said Mirza Afzal Beg played a pioneering role in championing the rights of ordinary Kashmiris and emerged as a prominent voice for the people during the political developments that followed the events of 1931.

He said Beg forcefully represented Kashmiri aspirations before commissions such as the Milton and Glancy Commissions and remained steadfast in advocating for the interests of the people. Dr. Beg also recalled that his father resigned from the Maharaja’s cabinet when he felt the concerns of Kashmiris were not being adequately addressed.

Highlighting Mirza Afzal Beg’s role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s land reforms, Dr. Mehboob Beg said the measures introduced under his leadership helped reduce economic disparities and empowered the farming community. He described the reforms as a landmark achievement that continues to be cited as a model of social justice.

Dr. Beg also spoke about his father’s legal expertise and political stature, stating that his work and vision earned appreciation from noted legal minds, journalists and public figures.

Remembering the late leader’s dedication and foresight, Dr. Mehboob Beg said Mirza Afzal Beg devoted his life to the welfare of the people and remained committed to safeguarding Kashmiri interests throughout his political career.

Participants at the event recalled Mirza Afzal Beg’s contributions to Jammu and Kashmir’s political and social landscape and paid floral tributes in his memory. The gathering concluded with prayers for the departed leader.

Srinagar, June 12: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday called for the revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Union Territory, arguing that if the Centre believes the security situation has improved elsewhere, the same principle should apply to Jammu and Kashmir.

Her remarks come a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that AFSPA would be withdrawn from the entire Northeast next year, except for one or two states. Speaking after the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland on mineral oil operations in the Assam-Nagaland boundary areas, Shah said the shrinking footprint of AFSPA in the region was a reflection of improved peace and stability.

Reacting to the development, Itoo said Jammu and Kashmir too deserves similar consideration if the government maintains that the situation on the ground has improved.

“If it is better, then it should be removed from here too. If they say that the situation has improved, now there is nothing here. Now there are no stones, nothing is happening. After that, I think it should be removed from here first,” Itoo told reporters.

The minister also reiterated the demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the elected government has consistently raised the issue with the Centre.

“We have been trying for two years. Our Chief Minister has raised this demand many times. We are not asking for anything new—statehood was already there. We hope it will be returned,” she said.

On the education front, Itoo expressed concern over the deployment of teachers for Census-related duties, saying it was affecting academic activities in schools.

She said more than 14,000 teachers have been assigned Census work, leading to disruptions in classroom teaching and examinations during the ongoing academic session.

“We have written many times. We will continue to take up the matter so that children’s studies do not suffer,” she added.

Sopore, June 12: Burglars targeted three residential houses during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, decamping with cash, gold ornaments and other valuables.

According to reports, unidentified burglars broke into the house of Mohammad Ramzan Bhat in Mumkak Mohalla, Sopore, and allegedly stole gold ornaments worth several lakhs of rupees along with cash. The family discovered the theft in the morning and immediately informed the police.

In a similar incident, burglars struck the residence of Ghulam Nabi Kanjwal in Baghat, Sopore, where cash and valuables were reportedly stolen. Another burglary was reported from the house of Feeroz Ahmad Shoosha in Sangrampora, Sopore, where thieves allegedly entered the premises and fled with household valuables.

The incidents have triggered concern among local residents, who expressed apprehension over the increasing number of thefts and burglaries during night hours. Residents urged the authorities to strengthen night patrolling and take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of people and their property.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incidents and launched an investigation. Search operations have been initiated to trace the burglars. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the thefts.

Police have assured the public that all aspects of the cases are being thoroughly investigated and that the culprits will be brought to justice.