Bandipora, Oct 16: Locals on Thursday alleged that expired medicines were distributed to patients at the Ayushman Bharat Comprehensive Primary Health Centre (PHC) Odina, in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

According to reports, a local female patient suffering from bone and joint pain was prescribed medication by a medic posted at the health centre. However, after collecting the prescribed medicines from the dispensary, the patient discovered that the tablets had already passed their expiry date.

“We are being given expired medicines that can endanger our lives,” said the female patient, showing the expired strips. “This is gross negligence, and the authorities must be held accountable.”

The attendants who accompanied the patient also voiced anger, alleging that the dispensary staff had handed over expired stock without checking the date of manufacture and expiry. “We want the administration to investigate whether this happened by mistake or if expired medicines are being distributed knowingly. Either way, this cannot be ignored,” they said.

When contacted, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Hajin, Dr. Syed Idrees Andrabi, confirmed that he has taken note of the allegations and ordered a detailed investigation. “A committee will be constituted to verify the claims. If it is proven that expired medicines were dispensed to patients, strict action will be taken against the concerned staff,” Dr. Andrabi said.

Meanwhile, locals have appealed to the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir to intervene and ensure accountability, saying that rural health institutions must not become “testing grounds for negligence. [KNT]

Srinagar, Oct 16: Deputy Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said the National Conference (NC) will present a full report card of its performance after completing its five-year term.

Defending the National Conference’s performance, Choudhary said, “After completing our five-year term, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and the entire cabinet will sit with the media. We will show our manifesto in one hand and our achievements in the other. Whatever was left incomplete by the BJP, PDP, and the LG administration, we will finish.”

He said the party would set an example by facing the public directly. “We are not afraid to be questioned. The people deserve to know what has been done, but they must also ask those who ruled for eleven years before us what they achieved,” Choudhary said.

Turning his criticism towards the former BJP-PDP coalition and the current LG administration, Choudhary accused them of wasting public resources and leaving developmental projects incomplete. “In Hyderpora, a community hall started in 2016 at a cost of ₹5 crore is still incomplete. The Natipura housing community hall, launched in 2018 for ₹2 crore, is also unfinished. In Gahama, Ganderbal, a bridge is hanging mid-way. Look at Bemina hospital and Kupwara buildings—everywhere you see delays and decay,” he said.

Choudhary questioned the functioning of Raj Bhawan, asking, “I want to ask LG sahib—what has been achieved in the last six years under direct administration? Why are projects initiated before 2019 still pending? Who is accountable for the wastage of public money?”

He accused BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma of “acting like Raj Bhawan’s spokesperson” rather than an opposition leader. “Whenever BJP-PDP’s failures are highlighted, Sunil Sharma defends both. That shows he represents the alliance and the administration,” he said.

Alleging a “covert understanding” between the BJP and PDP, Choudhary added, “One day Sunil Sharma issues a statement, the next day Mehbooba Mufti speaks, then Sajad Lone joins in. These are the same people who worked together to break the status of Jammu and Kashmir and downgrade it into a Union Territory.”

He also pressed the LG administration for answers on unemployment and transparency. “Why weren’t daily wagers, Rehbar-e-Khel, Rehbar-e-Ziraat, and firemen regularised? What happened to the Sub-Inspector recruitment scam report? Why has no inquiry been made public?” he asked.

Expressing solidarity with journalists, Choudhary praised the media for “standing tall despite harassment.” “Our journalists have fought for truth even when attempts were made to silence their pen. They are the real voice of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.

Reaffirming the NC’s stand on safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, Choudhary said, “When Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had the choice to go with Pakistan, he chose India instead. The Abdullah family brought Kashmir closer to India, and we are proud of that decision.”

He concluded with a challenge to the administration and political opponents alike: “Ask me after five years—I will answer every question. But today, ask the LG and Raj Bhawan what they did in the past eleven years. Why are so many promises still lying unfulfilled?”

Bandipora, Oct 16: In a shocking incident, at least 35 sheep were stolen during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday from Dudhwan SK Bala village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

According to local residents, unidentified thieves broke into the cowshed of Mohammad Shafi Sheikh, son of Abdul Rahim Sheikh, a resident of Dudhwan SK Bala, and took away his entire flock of sheep.

Villagers said the victim, a poor farmer, has suffered a devastating loss as the stolen livestock was his only source of livelihood. They appealed to the authorities to take immediate action and bring the culprits to justice.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation. A police official confirmed that efforts are underway to trace the stolen sheep and identify those involved in the theft. [KNT]

Karnah, Oct 16: A devastating fire late Wednesday night reduced a residential house to ashes in the Takia Bahadurkote area of Karnah, leaving a poor family homeless and in distress. The house belonged to Ali Haider Shah, whose family lost all their belongings in the blaze.

According to locals, the fire broke out suddenly and spread rapidly, engulfing the entire structure before anyone could salvage household goods. Though no loss of life was reported, the family’s clothes, furniture, and essential items were completely destroyed.

Villagers rushed to the scene upon noticing the flames and joined hands to douse the fire. Their prompt efforts, supported by assistance from the Fire and Emergency Service Point Keeper, finally brought the blaze under control.

Preliminary reports suggest that the cause of the fire may have been an electrical short circuit, though an official investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact reason.

Locals have appealed to the district administration to provide urgent financial assistance and rehabilitation support to the affected family.

MLA Karnah Javid Marchal said he has taken up the matter with the concerned authorities for swift relief and rehabilitation of the victims. [KNT]

Srinagar, Oct 16: Reports of unseasonal flowering and leaf growth in apple, almond, and other fruit trees across parts of Kashmir have triggered concern among orchardists, who fear the phenomenon may signal deeper climate change impacts on horticultural patterns. However, experts have cautioned against drawing such conclusions, saying the recent developments are physiological responses to plant stress rather than indicators of changing weather cycles.

According to horticulture scientists, the premature sprouting of new leaves or flowers at this time of year occurs when trees experience stress caused by insect attacks, diseases, or leaf damage, followed by a spell of favorable conditions such as mild temperature and adequate moisture.

“This phenomenon often happens when leaves are badly affected by mites, insects, or fungal infections,” said Dr. Tariq Rasool, a noted plant physiologist. “If the weather turns favorable soon after, some buds meant for the next spring may break dormancy early and start sprouting again within the same season.”

Dr. Rasool explained that such occurrences have been observed long before climate change became a major topic of discussion. “In the mid-1980s, when I was a child, our elders would express concern on seeing almond trees produce new leaves or flowers out of season. We did not know the scientific cause then, but it was the same natural mechanism at work,” he recalled.

The expert warned orchard owners not to react hastily to the phenomenon. “Farmers should not irrigate or apply fertilizers after observing this new flush of growth,” Dr. Rasool said. “That will only encourage further premature sprouting and weaken the trees ahead of winter dormancy.”

He emphasized that the unseasonal growth generally stabilizes on its own once the trees enter their natural rest period during late autumn and winter. “This is not an indication of a permanent change in climate behavior but a temporary stress response,” he added.

Growers across Kashmir, especially in Sopore, Shopian, and Pulwama, reported noticing new shoots and flowering in apple and almond orchards during the first half of October, leading to confusion and anxiety among fruit growers.

Horticulture officials have assured that the department is monitoring the situation and will issue guidelines to prevent improper field practices that might aggravate the issue. [KNT]

Srinagar, Oct 16: Growing discontent is brewing within Srinagar’s private transport sector, as drivers and vehicle owners have accused authorities of arbitrarily closing several key routes and introducing major diversions, severely impacting both transporters and commuters.

Members of the Kashmir Transport Welfare Association said that the recent administrative measures have crippled the already struggling private transport industry, leaving hundreds of families on the brink of financial ruin.

“When the state of this industry is already unstable, several of our routes, such as Pampore, Narbal, and Budgam, have been closed,” Sheikh Muhammad Yousuf, General Secretary of the Association tsaid. “This has not only affected the livelihood of transporters but also subjected commuters to severe hardship.”

Sheikh Muhammad Yousuf said that the number of private passenger vehicles operating within Srinagar city has drastically fallen over the years. “In 2006, around 1,800 vehicles were operating; now we have barely 800 left. Even the few remaining vehicles are constantly targeted, and every day new restrictions are being introduced to push our families into distress,” he said.

He also expressed concern over what he described as “unjustified route extensions,” citing examples such as the Lal Chowk–Soura route, which has been stretched from 12 to 17 kilometers. “This wastes fuel and valuable time. Passengers are forced to spend more money and reach their destinations late,” he added.

Mukhtar Ahmad, another transporter, said, “The private vehicle services must be restored immediately. Though some buses are running, the waiting time is long, and daily commuters — including students and patients, are facing huge difficulties.”

Transporters allege that the ongoing restrictions are part of a larger attempt to weaken the private transport network in favor of other services. They demanded that the administration restore traditional routes and hold consultations with stakeholders before implementing new traffic plans.

Appealing directly to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Association urged immediate intervention to “protect the livelihoods of thousands of transporters” and ensure that “the people of Srinagar are not left stranded due to unilateral administrative decisions.” [KNT]