Kupwara, Feb 27: An intervention carried out at a natural spring in Trehgam village of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has triggered serious environmental and public health concerns after residents reported dead fish in the water and authorities declared the source unfit for consumption.

Locals said the activity at the spring was not part of any routine sanitation programme and came as a surprise to many villagers who rely on the water source for daily use. “Whatever was done there was not normal cleaning,” said Mansoor Malik. “Soon after the work, the water changed colour and fish started floating dead. We immediately stopped using it.”

The spring serves as a primary drinking-water source for several households, making the sudden deterioration in its quality particularly alarming. Residents said they alerted officials after noticing a foul smell and murkiness in the water.

Health and water supply departments later visited the site and collected samples for laboratory analysis. Villagers said they were verbally advised not to consume the water, though no formal public notice had been displayed at the spring or in the locality at the time of filing this report. Environmental observers warn that unsupervised or poorly planned interventions in natural springs can severely disrupt fragile ecosystems. “Disturbing sediments or introducing chemicals without proper assessment can lead to oxygen depletion and the release of harmful substances,” said Tahir Ahmed an environmental activist working in the region. “Such actions must follow scientific protocols.”

Residents are now demanding clarity over who authorised the activity and under what guidelines it was carried out. “This spring is our lifeline,” said Abdul Jabbar. “We want to know who decided to interfere with it and why there was no expert supervision.”

“This spring is surrounded by chinar trees, and their leaves keep falling into the water. Since no one cleans them regularly, the leaves decompose inside the spring, which can lead to contamination and depletion of oxygen. That could be one of the reasons behind the death of the fishes,” said Khalid Ahmad Mir, a local veterinarian by profession.

The incident has renewed debate around the absence of strict procedures for interventions in Kashmir’s natural water sources, many of which support rural communities and sensitive aquatic life. For now, villagers remain dependent on alternate water supplies, waiting for answers, and for the spring to be declared safe again.

By: Tawheed Qadir

Bandipora, Feb 27: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister, Naeem Akhtar today expressed deep solidarity with the traders affected by the devastating fire incident in Bandipora’s main market, describing it as a grave setback for the local business community.

He said that a substantial portion of the market has suffered extensive damage, leaving several families in distress and pushing many traders into severe financial uncertainty. Calling the incident deeply unfortunate, he noted that the losses incurred have shaken the economic backbone of numerous households dependent on the market for their livelihood.

Naeem Akhtar urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide immediate and adequate financial assistance to the affected traders to enable them to rebuild their businesses at the earliest. He stressed that timely intervention by the administration is essential to prevent prolonged economic hardship and restore confidence among the business community.

He also called upon the district administration to ensure swift redressal of the genuine issues faced by the traders and to implement effective preventive measures to safeguard the market from recurring fire incidents in the future.

Reiterating the PDP’s unwavering commitment to stand by the business community during this difficult time, Naeem Akhtar assured the affected families of all possible support and emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of fire safety mechanisms across the region to avert such tragedies.

Srinagar, Feb 27: Continuing its sustained drive against drug trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two drug peddlers in north Kashmir and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

A police party from Police Post Palhallan established at a checkpoint established at Gundbal near Government Primary School, intercepted a suspected individual person who after noticing police party, attempted to flee from the spot. However, he was tactfully apprehended by the alert police team. He has been identified as Mohd Ahsan Ganaie, son of Ab Ahad Ganaie, resident of Shahgund, Hajin. During search, 115 grams of charas-like substance, one mobile phone, and cash amounting to ₹40,000 were recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile in Sopore, a Police team at a checkpoint established at Naseerabad, Chinkipora Sopore, intercepted a vehicle (truck) bearing registration number JK02BQ-6164. During search, substantial quantity of poppy straw was recovered and seized as per due procedure. The accused driver has been identified as Shamdin, son of Sarajdin, resident of Dhirti, Katra.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered and investigations have been initiated to ascertain the source and wider linkages involved.

J&K Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained enforcement to safeguard youth and society from the menace of drugs.

Pangong Tso, Feb 27: Army’s Fire and Fury Corps proudly supported the 4th Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon 2026 at Pangong Tso, the world’s highest frozen lake (approx 14,000 ft). In a true test of endurance and grit, over 450 runners battled sub-zero temperatures, thin air and an unforgiving icy track, competing across categories from 5 km to the full marathon.

The GOC, Fire and Fury Corps, and all ranks congratulate the personnel of the Ladakh Scouts for their outstanding performance.

The winners of 10 km marathon category include Agniveer Mehboob Ali (1^st), Naik Rinchen Gurmet (2^nd), and Lance Naik Jigmat Stobdan (3^rd).

In 21 km half marathon, the winners are Rifleman Tsetan Namgial (1^st), Agniveer Tashi Namgyal (2^nd), and Agniveer Sarfaraz Hussain (3^rd).

In 42 km full marathon, the winners are Naik Tsering Nurboo (1^st), Agniveer Tsering Stobgais (2^nd), and Rifleman Kadim Hussain (3^rd).

The Top Gun runners of Forever in Operations Division were also appreciated for their impressive collective performance in the 5 km and 10 km events.

These achievements by serving personnel, and the steadfast support extended by Trishul Division, reaffirm the Indian Army’s commitment to promoting winter sports and a culture of fitness in Ladakh, even in the toughest of terrains and conditions, Defence spokesperson said.

Srinagar, Feb 27: In a significant step towards dismantling terror networks and reinforcing the rule of law, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has secured Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) against four accused persons operatives of proscribed terrorist organizations Hizb-Ul-Mujahideen (HM) in connection with FIR No. 05/1996 registered at Police Station CIK under Sections 121, 121-A, 153-A, 153-B of the Ranbir Penal Code, read with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sections 2/3 of the E&IMCO Act.

The Hon’ble Court of Additional Sessions Judge TADA/POTA (Special Judge designated under the NIA Act), Srinagar, after hearing the prosecution as well as IO and carefully examining the case record, has issued non-bailable warrants against Mohd Yousuf Shah also known as Syed Salah-ud-din, son of Ghulam Rasool Shah, resident of Soibugh, Budgam.

As per the statement, the absconding accused is the chief of the so-called United Jihad Council (UJC) and the proscribed terrorist organization Hizbul Mujahideen. He is a known terrorist operator and instigator. The absconder is involved in several terrorist related FIRs registered in various police stations across the Kashmir Valley”.

Ghulam Nabi Khan also known as Amir Khan, son of Ghulam Rasool Khan, resident of Liver Srigufwara, Anantnag, J&K. “The absconding accused is the Deputy Supreme Commander of the proscribed terrorist organization Hizb-Ul-Mujahideen (HM) and is a known terrorist handler. The absconder is involved in other numerous terrorist related activities which includes and not limited to recruitment into terrorists ranks, coordination of terrorists related activities and FIRs stand registered against him in various police stations across the Kashmir Valley, and in central investigation agencies as well”.

Sher Mohammad also known as Bahadur /Riyaz, son of Sher Ahmad, resident of Malangam, Bandipora, J&K. The absconding accused as per the statement is a commander of the proscribed terrorist organization Hizb-Ul-Mujahideen (HM).  He is also involved in variety of terrorists related activities and cases have been registered against him under the provisions of the UAP Act. and provisions of the EIMCO Act as well”.

Nasir Yousuf Qadri son of Mohammad Yousuf Qadri, resident of Sheeltang, Dar Mohalla, Habbakadal, later at Abu-Baker Colony, Bemina, Srinagar. “The absconding accused is associated with the proscribed terrorist organization Hizb-Ul-Mujahideen (HM) and is working for the terror narrative machinery. The absconder is also involved in operating Kashmir Media Service (KMS), which is engaged in disseminating false narratives against the Indian State and issuing general threats against communities and individuals”.

The case originated on 05 April 1996 following credible information received at Police Station CIK, Srinagar, revealing that Pakistan-based terrorist handlers and intelligence agencies were actively motivating and facilitating Kashmiri youth to undergo terrorist training in PoK/PAK with the objective of waging war against the Union of India.

During the course of investigation, substantial material evidence was gathered establishing prima facie involvement of the accused affiliated with banned terrorist organization Hizb-Ul-Mujahideen (HM) in unlawful and anti-national activities, including radicalization, recruitment, and facilitation of terrorist operations. Despite sustained and continuous efforts by CIK to apprehend them, the accused have remained absconding and have deliberately evaded arrest, statement said.

Upon careful consideration of the evidence presented by CIK, the Hon’ble Court observed that the offences alleged are grave in nature, directly pertaining to waging war against the State and activities prejudicial to national security.

The Court further held that custodial examination of the accused is essential for effective investigation and for securing the ends of justice. Being satisfied that sufficient grounds exist, the Court allowed the application and directed the issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants, instructing the Station House Officer/Investigating Officer of Police Station CIK, Srinagar, to execute the warrants and produce the accused before the Court at the earliest.

This decisive legal action underscores CIK’s sustained and uncompromising resolve to pursue terror-related cases to their logical conclusion, irrespective of the passage of time. Counter Intelligence Kashmir remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national security and ensure that individuals involved in activities threatening the sovereignty and integrity of the nation are brought firmly within the ambit of law, statement added.

Srinagar, Feb 27: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the discharge of former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders by a court in a corruption case had exposed the “high-handedness” of the investigative agencies.

“Today’s judgement discharging Kejriwal, Sisodia & Kavitha in the excise policy case exposes the high handedness of investigative agencies,” Mufti said in a post on X.

She said when agencies are wielded like political swords, justice becomes the first casualty, and truth surfaces only after “years of pain and tears.”

“No prima facie case. No credible evidence. Yet years of incarceration. Nothing is more dangerous than the misuse of power and the weaponisation of institutions. Yet somehow it continues unabated,” she added.

In a big relief to Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, a Delhi court on Friday discharged the former Delhi chief minister and his ex-deputy in the politically charged liquor policy case, as it refused to take cognisance of the CBI chargesheet.

Besides the two leaders, 21 more were discharged in the case.