Handwara, May 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited the residence of Member of Parliament Er Rashid and MLA Langate Khursheed Ahmed Sheikh to offer his heartfelt condolences on the demise of their father, Khizar Mohammad Sheikh, who passed away last week after a prolonged illness.

Khizar Mohammad Sheikh, 85, breathed his last at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi where he had been undergoing treatment.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister Javid Ahmed Dar, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Choudhary Mohammad Ramzaan, several legislators and other dignitaries.

During the visit, the Chief Minister spent time with the bereaved family and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He offered words of comfort and solidarity to the family members during this difficult time.

The Chief Minister prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience for them to bear the irreparable loss.

Srinagar, May 24: Police on Sunday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered near her residence in Galwanpora area of Budgam hours after she went missing, officials said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam K K Hari Prasad said that a five-member SIT has been constituted to investigate the case.

“We have already constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team. Her post-mortem examination has been conducted. As soon as the doctor’s detailed report comes, we will add other relevant sections of law,” SSP Hari Prasad said.

He further said that, “Right now, it is a kidnapping and murder case. As soon as the doctor’s detailed examination report comes, we will also explore the sexual assault angle.”

“All angles are being explored,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Budgam Police in an official statement issued to JKNS said that on May 23, 2026 at around 10:00 PM, Police Station Budgam received information regarding the disappearance of a minor girl aged about 12 years from her residence during evening hours.

Acting promptly on the complaint, police registered FIR No. 139/2026 under relevant sections of law and immediately launched an extensive search operation.

Police said that during the early morning hours on Saturday, the body of the minor girl was recovered at a short distance from her residence, following which medico-legal and investigative formalities were initiated.

The SIT constituted for the investigation is functioning under the supervision of Shri Sajad Ahmad-JKPS, DySP Headquarters Budgam, police said.

“The investigation team is examining all possible angles to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and assures that the investigation shall be carried out in a fair, transparent and professional manner,” the statement reads.

Police also appealed to media organizations and the public, particularly social media users, not to reveal the identity or photograph of the minor, stating that disclosure of such details is prohibited under law.

“The general public is requested not to circulate unverified information or indulge in speculation regarding the matter, as such actions may hamper the investigation and cause unnecessary distress,” police added. (JKNS)

Srinagar, May 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum and Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners United Front, under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, have expressed deep concern and anguish over the non-release of salaries to government employees, pensions of retired employees, wages of temporary and casual workers, and long-pending payments to contractors ahead of the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Azha

In a joint statement, the organisations termed the situation highly unfortunate and insensitive, especially at a time when lakhs of families across Jammu and Kashmir are preparing for one of the most important religious festivals of the Muslim community. Eid-ul-Azha is not merely a festival but a sacred occasion associated with sacrifice, compassion, charity and collective happiness. Denial or delay of legitimate financial dues at such a crucial time has pushed thousands of families into severe emotional and economic distress.

The organisations said that despite repeated appeals from civil society groups, employee unions, pensioners, contractors and various social organisations, the government has failed to respond seriously to the genuine concerns of the people. They stated that where there is a will, there is always a way, and similar measures had been taken in previous years whenever Eid fell after the 21st of the month.

The statement particularly highlighted the plight of low-paid workers including Anganwadi workers, cooks, contingent paid staff, daily wagers, AAYAs, ASHA workers and other temporary employees whose wages have remained unpaid for months together. According to the organisations, these economically weaker sections are facing unbearable hardship during a period when household expenses rise significantly due to Eid preparations.

JKCSF and JKPUF further said that contractors and small business owners are also suffering because of the non-clearance of pending bills. The continued delay in payments has badly affected the market economy in Jammu and Kashmir. Small traders, shopkeepers and local business establishments are among the worst affected, as purchasing power among the common people has sharply declined.

The organisations criticised the government for allegedly prioritising enhancement of privileges and facilities for legislators and VIP institutions while ignoring the pressing concerns of employees, pensioners and common citizens. They maintained that timely release of salaries and dues is not a favour but a legitimate right of the people.

Abdul Qayoom Wani stated that if the government had shown seriousness and commitment towards public welfare, temporary financial arrangements could have been made through institutional support mechanisms, including short-term banking arrangements, to ensure release of salaries before Eid. He added that failure to do so reflects administrative insensitivity towards the aspirations and emotions of the people.

The organisations urged the administration to immediately release all pending salaries, pensions, wages and contractors’ payments without further delay so that families may celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with dignity, peace and a sense of security.

Budgam, May 24: Abdul Ahad Dar, younger brother of Chadoora MLA Ali Mohammad Dar and a resident of Doniwara Chadoora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, passed away on Saturday morning, family sources said.

Family sources said that the younger brother of the Chadoora MLA, breathed his last this morning.

His demise has sparked grief and sorrow across the area, with political leaders, relatives and well-wishers expressing condolences to the bereaved family.

People from different walks of life prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the loss. —(KNO)