Srinagar, Feb 6: The Kashmiri folk musical theatre production Akanundun received an overwhelming response at Bharangam 2026, the Silver Jubilee edition of the International Theatre Festival of India, captivating a packed venue that included cultural stalwarts, theatre veterans, directors, playwrights, scholars, students of theatre, and a large general audience.

The performance marked a historic and celebratory moment for Kashmiri theatre on a major national and international platform, said a press release.

From the opening moments, Akanundun held the audience in rapt attention. The auditorium resonated with repeated applause and standing ovations, as the jam-packed crowd responded to the production’s powerful musical storytelling, live performance energy, and emotional depth. The musical language—rooted in Kashmiri folk traditions, Sufi poetry, and Reshi mysticism—created an immersive theatrical experience that deeply moved audiences.

The production was widely seen as a historic return of Kashmiri folk theatre, presenting the Bhand Pather form through a contemporary theatrical lens while remaining firmly anchored in tradition. Conceived as an experiment to bring Kashmir’s folk theatre into modern stage design and performance aesthetics, Akanundun demonstrated how indigenous forms can evolve without losing their essence. Its success at the festival affirmed the production as a hopeful model for the future of Kashmiri theatre.

Akanundun was presented by Theatre for Kashmir (Peather Baraye Kasheer) in collaboration with the National Bhand Theatre. The production was adapted, designed, and directed by Arshad Mushtaq, with original music composed by Manzoor ul Haq. Performance guidance and support were provided by Shah-e-Jehan Baghat, with the production brought to life by a dedicated ensemble of 35 actors and Sufi musicians, performing live on stage.

The International Theatre Festival committee felicitated the artists and the director, acknowledging the production’s artistic excellence and its significant contribution to the preservation and renewal of indigenous theatre traditions.

Widely appreciated by audiences and critics alike, Akanundun emerged as one of the standout performances at the festival. The success of the show stands as a testament to the collective effort, discipline, and artistic vision of the entire team—from performers and musicians to directors and designers—who brought this ancient tale alive for today’s audience.

Srinagar, Feb 6: Underscoring that Right to make reimbursement flows directly from the fundamental right to life, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) here has directed the government to deposit Rs 10 Lakh with its Registry in a medical reimbursement case involving a government employee who underwent liver transplant recently.

A bench of M S Latif Member (Judicial) directed the Rural Development Department to deposit with its Registry the said amount out of the medical reimbursement claim of the employee, Bashir Ahmad Pandith by March 5.

However, the Tribunal made it clear that the amount shall not be released in favour of the Pandith till detailed objections are filed by the authorities to his plea and the same are considered by the court.

In his plea Pandith is seeking to quash the communication dated August 28, 2025 issued by the Director Finance, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj whereunder the medical reimbursement has been refused to him for the reasons that a government employee shall prefer treatment at a Government Hospital or in any other hospital empanelled by the Government unless the prescribed medical authority refers the case for specific medical institute with justification.

He also seeks direction to the authorities to process, sanction and release his medical reimbursement claim amounting to Rs, 26 lakhs that he incurred at MIOT International Hospital, Chennai for his liver transplant treatment.

Pandith has assailed the refusal order on various grounds including the one that the order is in violation of the mandate of the judgement of the apex court delivered in case titled as Shiv Kant Jha versus Union of India, 2018 vol. 3 SLR 328 SC.

He submitted that in the judicial pronouncement, the apex court has held that an employee could not be denied reimbursement solely on the ground that he or she has taken treatment in a specialized hospital, not approved by the State.

The portioner submitted that the action of the respondents in withholding his reimbursement is wholly arbitrary, illegal and violative of article 21 of the Constitution of India. In support of his contention, he referred to a judgement of the High Court of J&K, Srinagar, titled as Bimla Ji Bhat and others versus UT of J&K and others (WPC No. 1726/2015) decided on 28-09-2022.

In response to the submissions, the Tribunal noted that Right to make reimbursement flows directly from the fundamental right to life, guaranteed under article 21 of the Constitution of India.

“Government has a constitutional obligation to provide health facilities to its citizens. If a Government servant has suffered an ailment, which requires treatment at a specialized and approved hospital and on reference by the Government to the said hospital, if the employee, suffering from such disease, is in need of reimbursement of money, it is but the duty of the state to bear the expenditure incurred by the Government servant, which requires to be reimbursed to the employee by the State forthwith,” the Tribunal said. The Tribunal observed that in Shiv Kant Jha judgement the apex court has categorically held that reimbursement of medical expenses cannot be denied merely on the ground that treatment was taken in a non-empanelled hospital and without prior permission.

In response to the submission that the medical reimbursement of the petitioner cannot be denied merely on the procedural technicalities, more particularly, in cases involving chronic illness, the Tribunal said: “…. the facilities of medical reimbursement of an employee is a valuable right, which the employer offers to its employees. The inhibitive interpretation of the said policy, which has the effect of defeating it altogether, can never be accepted”.

The Tribunal noted that in an emergency and in a life-threatening situation, a patient has no time to wait for permission for undergoing treatment at a government hospital or an empanelled hospital, particularly, when the right to life, guaranteed under the Constitution, mandates timely and effective medical care. The Tribunal said it is not in dispute that Pandith has not undergone the medical procedure, which is substantiated by the certificate, issued by the MIOT International Hospital, Chennai, coupled with the bills. “The petitioner has already spent a huge amount of Rs. 26 lakhs as stated and the said amount must have been spent by him from his own sources and even might have borrowed the same by availing loan facilities.” While the court issued notice to the government on Pandith’s plea, seeking its response by March 5, it said: “In the meanwhile, it has become expedient in the interest of justice to direct the respondents to deposit an amount of Rs 10 lakh out of the medical reimbursement claim of the petitioner with the Registry of this Tribunal by or before next date of hearing”.

Srinagar, Feb 06: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Friday announced power shutdown in few parts of Kashmir division in coming days.

In a communication, the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL informed that shutdown of 33 KV Sangam-II line will be observed due to which power supply to Siamoh, K Koot, Kaigam, Hariparigam, Chakoora, Gulzarpora, Panzgam, Railway and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 08 February 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Pampore-Pulwama line will be observed due to which power supply to Kakapora, Newa, Pahoo, Nehama, Zadoora, Gudoora, Parigam and adjoining areas from 09 AM to 03 PM on 14 & 16 February 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Wanpoh SICOP line will be observed due to which power supply to Veer, Srigufwara, Zirpara, Shamsipora, Bijbehara SICOP areas and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 AM to 03 PM on 09, 11 & 14 February 2026.

Srinagar, Feb 06: Chairperson Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board, and BJP senior leader Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi today interacted with media persons at the Dak Bungalow, Kulgam, on the Union Budget 2026–27.

Dr Andrabi said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Union Budget focuses on grassroots economic stability, infrastructure-led growth, and industrial capacity building. She emphasized that the budget is not limited to a single fiscal year but is futuristic in nature, laying a strong foundation for India’s journey towards self-reliance.

“The Union Budget is a guarantee document for Viksit Bharat. It emphasizes strengthening domestic manufacturing, ensuring energy security, and reducing import dependence. Inclusive measures supporting employment, agriculture, household purchasing power, and universal services have been prioritised,” said Dr Andrabi.

She further noted that the budget targets an economic growth rate of over 7 percent, the highest among major global economies.

Highlighting allocations for Jammu & Kashmir, Dr Andrabi said that the union budget has increased the allocation for the Union Territory by Rs 2,000 crore this year.

“The Central Government has announced Rs 43,290 crore for Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the Prime Minister’s strong and unwavering commitment to accelerating development and economic growth in the Union Territory,” she said.

Dr Andrabi also informed that Rs 40,000 crore outlays under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme and the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 will significantly strengthen India’s global technological standing and establish the country as a semiconductor power in the coming years.

She added that new fast-track railway infrastructure, highways, and waterways will revolutionize India’s connectivity network. Special emphasis on reforms in rural agriculture, healthcare, and education will yield long-term positive outcomes. Initiatives aimed at strengthening textiles, handicrafts, and rural livelihoods are expected to open diverse global markets.

Dr Andrabi concluded by stating that the spirit of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat is reflected across every sector of development envisioned in the Union Budget 2026–27.