Srinagar, Sep 28: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce by-elections for the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies in Jammu & Kashmir, alongside the schedule for the Bihar polls.

In an official statement released today, the poll body announced the deployment of observers for Budgam and Nagrota—two seats currently lying vacant in the J&K Assembly. The move signals that the announcement of elections for these constituencies is imminent.

“The Election Commission of India has decided to deploy 470 officers (320 IAS, 60 IPS, and 90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS, etc.) serving in various states as Central Observers (General, Police, and Expenditure) for the forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly of Bihar and bye-elections in Jammu & Kashmir (AC–Budgam & Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC–Anta), Jharkhand (AC–Ghatsila), Telangana (AC–Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC–Tarn Taran), Mizoram (AC–Dampa), and Odisha (AC–Nuapada),” the statement reads.

The announcement of the Bihar election schedule is expected in the second week of October, following a visit by the three-member commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to the state. Prior to this, the ECI is slated to hold a briefing in New Delhi on October 3 for the appointed general, police, and expenditure observers.

As far as political dynamics are concerned, the BJP and National Conference (NC) hold an upper hand in Budgam and Nagrota seats, respectively.

Nagrota is likely to witness a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and National Conference-led alliance (NC). Budgam, on the other hand, is expected to see a triangular battle involving NC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Peoples Alliance for Change-a coalition comprising the Peoples Conference, Peoples Democratic Front, and Justice and Development Front (JDF)—(KNO)

Handwara, Sep 28: Handwara Police has solved a case of blind hit and run case after undertaking a meticulous investigation of the case which led to the arrest of the accused driver and seizure of the vehicle involved in the incident.

In a press statement, a police spokesperson said, “on September 12, 2025, an accident case was reported from Gund Kuhroo. An unknown vehicle had hit a pedestrian, identified as Ab Rehman wani s/o Habib ullah Wani, a resident of Gund Kuhroo. The injured was initially shifted to GMC Handwara and later referred to SKIMS Soura Srinagar, where he succumbed.”

Police Station Handwara had registered a case under FIR number 209/2025 and launched an investigation. A team led by Incharge Police Post Langate PSI Rayees Ahmed pursued the leads in the case relentlessly to trace the accused, he added.

Police said that after hectic efforts, police were able to identify the driver, and he was arrested. The vehicle involved in the incident, bearing registration number JK09C 8246, has also been seized.

The community members from Gund Kuhroo have appreciated the efforts of police in solving the case. They have expressed their satisfaction over the investigation taken up by police in the matter.

Police have assured the locals that they remain committed to acting tough against individuals involved in criminal acts. SSP Handwara has reiterated that efforts of Handwara Police should assure community members that Police is resolved to act against those who endanger lives through reckless behaviour.

Citizens are once again urged to follow traffic rules and immediately report any such incidents to the nearest police unit.

Handwara, Sep 28: Continuing its relentless drive against the menace of drug trafficking and substance abuse, Handwara Police today attached a motorcycle under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, officials said.

In a statement, A police spokesperson stated, “A police party of Police Post Zachaldara, acting on legal provisions, attached a motorcycle bearing registration number PB91E-1017, belonging to Ghulam Mohammad Rather, son of Mohammad Asadullah Rather, resident of Kralpora, Kupwara. The said individual is involved in FIR No. 164/2025, registered under Sections 8/15 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Handwara.”

The action was carried out under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, which empowers law enforcement agencies to freeze, seize, or attach property/vehicles used in illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs. This step forms part of the broader strategy of Handwara Police to not only prosecute offenders but also strike at the financial gains and assets derived from the drug trade, he added.

SSP Handwara, Shri Mushtaq Ahmad Chowdhary (JKPS), reiterated that stringent action will continue against drug peddlers, suppliers, and their facilitators. “Our priority is to safeguard the younger generation from the disastrous effects of drugs. Anyone found involved directly or indirectly will face strict legal consequences,” he said.

Handwara Police once again urged the general public to extend full cooperation and share credible information regarding drug peddling and related activities. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential. Together, we can defeat this social evil and build a drug-free society.

Srinagar, Sept 28: Stray dogs have dug up a large patch of Joggers Park, in the posh Raj Bagh area of Srinagar city, leaving the once well-maintained recreational ground in disarray. The damage, visible across the lawns, has raised serious concerns among locals, particularly joggers, about the absence of staff oversight and the accountability of those tasked with maintaining the park.

Joggers Park, located in the heart of Raj Bagh, is one of Srinagar’s few open green spaces frequented by morning walkers, elderly residents, and children. Locals said that the park has gradually fallen into neglect, with stray dogs roaming freely and causing destruction. “This is the only place for us to walk in peace, but now dogs have made it unsafe and destroyed the grass cover. Who will take responsibility?” asked a morning walker.

Despite the presence of garbage bins and other infrastructure in the park, locals complained that routine maintenance is missing and staff rarely show up to address problems. “Where are the employees whose job is to look after this park? Accountability is nowhere to be seen. Authorities are only good at inaugurating facilities, but when it comes to upkeep, there is no system,” another jogger remarked.

They said damage caused by stray dogs is not uncommon in urban parks but can be minimized through fencing, regular patrolling, and better waste management to keep animals away. However, in Srinagar, lax enforcement has allowed the problem to persist unchecked.

Joggers and families who rely on the park for exercise and recreation have appealed to the Floriculture Department to immediately repair the damaged lawns and deploy regular staff to monitor the premises. They warned that if such negligence continues, public spaces will lose their purpose and remain unsafe both for recreation and for maintaining Srinagar’s green character. [KNT]

Baramulla, Sept 28: A road accident in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district left around 18 sheep and goats dead after a speeding school bus ran over a herd near Kunzar on the Tangmarg road. The accident has pushed the affected pastoral family into despair, as the livestock were their only source of income.

According to locals, the herd was crossing the road when the bus, allegedly moving at high speed, lost control and rammed into the animals. The livestock died instantly, leaving the owner shocked and devastated. Police confirmed that a formal case has been registered and that the matter is under investigation.

The owner of the livestock, belonging to a poor pastoral family, expressed deep anguish over the loss, saying the incident had destroyed their livelihood. “These animals were our bread and butter. Losing them means we have no way left to survive,” the family said in an emotional appeal to authorities, urging financial assistance and strict action against reckless driving.

Locals present at the site said that overspeeding has become a recurring menace on the Kunzar–Tangmarg and Gulmarg stretches. They noted that despite traffic police conducting awareness drives, many drivers continue to flout traffic rules, creating constant danger on the roads. “Every day we see vehicles being driven carelessly. Unless rules are enforced properly, accidents like this will keep repeating,” said a local.

Authorities are expected to assess the family’s loss and consider appropriate relief measures in the coming days. Meanwhile, traffic police have reiterated their appeal to drivers to strictly follow speed limits, especially in areas where locals and their livestock frequently cross the road. [KNT]