Jammu, Feb 18: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Legislature Sunil Sharma on Wednesday, in a mild dig at his political opponent, stated that he was not aware if the statehood would be restored to J&K after consultations with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

“Yes, we too have no doubt about it that the J&K statehood will come. However, will that (statehood) come after Omar Abdullah Sahib’s consent – this I don’t know…Whether this process (of restoration of statehood) has begun after holding consultations with him (Omar)…I’m not aware. If he (Omar) says so then it is a good thing,” LoP replied, when asked to comment on the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement that the process of restoration was underway and the government was holding consultations with the Centre on that account.

He was responding to media queries outside the J&K Legislature.

Responding to another query, Sunil Sharma alleged, “Every section of society is suffering during the rule of Omar Abdullah government. Not just retirees, even the serving employees, are feeling harassed. The employees, who want their GP Fund for the marriage of their children, are standing in long queues. The Finance Department is headed by the Chief Minister and he also admits that the Government of India is generous in doling out finances to J&K. But the result is zero on the ground.”

Taking a dig at his political opponents, LoP mocked, “Without any vision or purpose, the Omar-government is running. In fact, its functioning has been totally left at God’s mercy. However, they (helmsmen), themselves, are enjoying to the hilt, pursuing all their leisure pursuits – golfing, skiing, cycling, jogging. They are busy in that but on the ground, the situation is dismal. Just have a glimpse of their capital expenditure, which could have been used to create jobs. Capex has not been increased. Omar Abdullah Sahib had promised to provide jobs to the unemployed within three months. Those jobs have been sold out. They have been outsourced to a company, which can be blacklisted.”

He alleged that eighty percent of the money flow from the Government of India was put into revenue expenditure, still retirees and in-service employees were waiting for their money.

“There is total chaos prevailing. There is no financial transparency here and for which the people of J&K will have to pay a heavy price,” he said.

With regard to a question about the National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Sunil Sharma said, “Farooq Sahib would change his statement in a jiffy, as per his convenience. He has cheated the people and the country. One cannot rely on his statement and his track record establishes it.”

Jammu, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested a revenue official for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 for carrying out demarcation of ancestral land in Reasi district.

In a statement issued here to news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau successfully apprehended a public servant in connection with a bribery case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

A case bearing FIR No. 04/2026 under Section 7 of the Act has been formally registered against Mohd. Saleem Banday, Girdawar, Halqa Judda, Tehsil Arnas, District Reasi, for demanding and accepting illegal gratification from a complainant, it reads.

The accused public servant unlawfully demanded a bribe from the complainant in lieu of carrying out the demarcation of his ancestral land an official duty the accused was legally obligated to perform without any monetary consideration. Unwilling to yield to the corrupt demand, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau seeking legal action against the accused under the provisions of law, it reads.

Upon receipt of the complaint, ACB conducted a thorough discreet verification exercise, which corroborated the demand of bribe by the accused public servant. Based on the verified findings, FIR No. 04/2026 was formally registered at Police Station ACB Udhampur and a detailed investigation was initiated forthwith, it reads.

Statement further reads, During the course of investigation, a specialized trap team headed by an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP) was constituted.

The team successfully executed the trap operation, during which the accused was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses.

The accused was arrested on the spot in strict adherence to due process of law, and the bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of the trap team witnesses, it reads.

Subsequently, a search was also conducted at the residential premises of the accused at Sallian Talab, Udhampur, in the presence of a Magistrate, as required under the law, it reads.

It is pertinent to mention here that 02 FIRs were already registered against the accused at Police Station ACB Udhampur, statement reads.

Jammu, Feb 18: In continuation of its unwavering commitment to safeguard public health and ensure consumer safety, on the directions of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on the eve of Ramadan , the enforcement team of the Food Safety Organisation (DFCO), Jammu Division, conducted a surprise inspection at the premises of M/s India Fish Company, Warehouse, Jammu and seized & destroyed decomposed and unsafe 5 quintal meat & 6000kg raw fish, under supervision of Smita Sethi, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration Jammu & Kashmir.

The inspection was led by the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Division, Jammu, along with a team of Food Safety Officers duly assisted by District Administration, J&K Police and Jammu Municipal Corporation.

During the inspection, the team unearthed a massive consignment of suspected unsafe fish, including approximately 150 cartons of raw fish measuring around 6000 kgs that had been transported by road from Andhra Pradesh on 10/02/2026 without adequate refrigeration and proper temperature control. Surveillance samples of the fish were drawn for analysis. Preliminary findings indicated that the consignment was unsafe for human consumption.

Additionally, approximately 500 kgs of decomposed meat were seized on the spot at the cost of the Food Business Operator (FBO). The meat was found to be rotten, spoiled, deteriorated, and emitting a putrid and foul smell, rendering it unfit for human consumption.

Legal action has been initiated under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). The FBO has been booked for violation of the Prohibitory order issued in the matter and other sections of the Food Safety Act ,2006 and Regulations of 2011, including maintaining insanitary conditions, storage and supply of unsafe food etc. The licence of the establishment stands liable for cancellation. Further action has been taken under Sections 56 and 58 of the FSS Act for gross violations, including failure to maintain the mandatory temperature chain.

Commissioner FDA J&K, Smita Sethi, reiterated that the Legal action has been initiated under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act)Minister H&ME Department Madam Sakina Itoo is monitoring the actions of the department has given clear directions of zero-tolerance against food adulteration, unsafe and insanitary practices. She has strictly directed all Enforcement Officers of DFCO J&K to intensify inspections across all districts and divisions to curb such malpractices and ensure strict implementation of the FSS Act, 2006, in letter and spirit.

The Department has expressed serious concern over the increasing instances of adulteration and improper storage of frozen non-vegetarian products, particularly during the summer season, which pose significant health risks, including food poisoning, hepatitis, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases.

The enforcement drive will continue across markets at block, district, and divisional levels to ensure the availability of safe, pure, and quality food products including meat, fish, milk, milk products, sweets, juices, and other consumables special vigilance shall be maintained during Holy month of Ramadan. Prohibition Orders have already been issued directing food business operators to maintain proper refrigeration for milk and non-vegetarian items, and strict compliance is being monitored.

During the inspection, the team also conducted on-the-spot awareness sessions for Food Business Operators and consumers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining temperature control for frozen products and strictly avoiding the use of unpermitted colours in food items.

The Department appeals to the general public to remain vigilant. In case of any suspected adulteration or unsafe food practices, especially concerning frozen meat, raw fish, or other non-vegetarian products, citizens are requested to immediately inform the Department on Toll-Free Number 104 for prompt action and redressal.

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Jammu, remains firmly committed to protecting consumer health and will continue its campaign against adulteration and unsafe food practices until this menace is eradicated.