SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and other respondents on a plea challenging the setting up of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalion camping site on 1,324 kanals (67 hectares) of land at Brein Nishat in Srinagar. The petition argues that the land falls within an ecologically sensitive conservation reserve and is legally prohibited for construction, reports appearing in the media said.

A bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, heard the matter on Thursday. The case has been filed by 73-year-old Ghulam Mohiudidin Shah and others, represented by advocate Saurabh Sharma. The applicants have objected to the proposed camping site for the 61st, 79th, 117th, and 132nd CRPF battalions at Brein in Tehsil Khanyar, Srinagar district.

The plea contends that the site is not only the home and livelihood source of the petitioners but also lies within the Brein Nishat Conservation Reserve. It states that the area falls within the catchment of the Dachigam National Park, is notified as a conservation reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and comes under the ambit of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Srinagar Master Plan 2035 designates it as a buffer zone and green belt where construction is prohibited.

The plea also flagged seismic risks. “The construction of the CRPF Camp in an area of approximately 1,324 Kanals of land would entail levelling and cutting of the Zabarwan mountain range, which would severely affect the earthquake vulnerability of this area since it falls within highly active seismic zones 4 and 5,” the petition stated.

Another concern raised was the risk of pollution from military infrastructure. The applicants said contamination from heavy metals, hazardous chemicals, and explosives could affect the environment, with Dal Lake—barely 200 metres away—particularly vulnerable to permanent damage.

The petitioners clarified that they do not oppose security infrastructure but insisted that it be located in a less ecologically sensitive area to avoid damage to the environment, public health, and wildlife.

After hearing the matter, the tribunal issued notice both on the original application and the interim relief plea, directing the respondents to file their replies by way of affidavit at least one week before the next hearing. The applicant has also been directed to serve notice to the respondents and submit an affidavit of service.

The case has been listed for November 24, 2025.

Srinagar, Sep 27: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested three drug peddlers in Sopore, Budgam and Shopian and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

An official said that in Sopore, a police party during naka checking at Nadihal intercepted a vehicle (Truck) bearing registration number JK05F-4786 with two persons on board. During search, large quantity of psychotropic capsules (SpasmoProxyvon Plus) were recovered from the said vehicle. The accused identified as Bilal Ahmad Lone, son of Habibullah Lone, resident of Nadihal and Barkat Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Rashid Dar, resident of Chakloo have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody.

Similarly in Budgam, a police party from PP Narbal intercepted a suspect during patrolling near the Railway track at Bachipora. During search, 63 grams of wet charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. The accused identified as Rouf Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Haru Aboora, has been arrested and shifted to police station where he remains in custody.

Further in Shopian, acting on specific information, a police party from PS Zainapora accompanied by the Executive Magistrate 1st Class, raided the specific location at Dachoo Zainapora. During search, 31.8 Kgs of charas like substance was recovered from the residential house/cow shed of Showkat Ahmad Dar, son of late Abdul Satar Dar, resident of Dachoo Zainapora. Further investigation is going on and efforts are being made to arrest the absconding accused person.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation is going on, official said.

Police reiterated its firm zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and assured the public that strict action will be taken against all individuals involved in this menace which poses a grave threat to society.

Srinagar, Sep 27: “Vision of a sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity will shape a brighter future of tribal community in Jammu Kashmir Union Territory,” the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said earlier today. He said bringing Pahari tribal community to mainstream is commitment of the Centre and their empowerment will build a resilient and prosperous Union Territory. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a gathering of Pahari Tribal Community at Srinagar.

The Lieutenant Governor began his address by recalling historic decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure Scheduled Tribe Status to Pahari Ethnic Groups. The Lieutenant Governor said that empowerment of tribal communities is the top priority of the central government.

“There is need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the community who were provided Scheduled Tribe status by the Parliament last year as their prosperity is fundamentally linked to our inclusive growth goal,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Responding to the demands put-forth by the representatives of the Pahari community, the Lieutenant Governor said it will be ensured that Pahari Ethnic Groups enjoy their rights as per the act passed by the Parliament.

The Lieutenant Governor urged the tribal communities and all the sections of society to stand united against terrorism and actively counter extremist propaganda to safeguard peace and stability.

Some divisive elements are trying to peddle fake narrative like terror outfit TRF. It poses a serious threat and people must counter it, the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion the Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former Deputy Chief Minister; Zafar Iqbal Manhas, former MLC and Chairman, Pahari Welfare Society; Raja Aijaz Ali, Chairman, Pahari Culture and Welfare Forum, various Pahari leaders, prominent personalities and a large number of members from the Pahari tribal community and people from all walks of life were present.

Anantnag, Sep 27: Tightening the noose around drug traffickers, District Police Anantnag today attached property belonging to a drug peddler under Section 68-F (1) of the NDPS Act, officials said.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said, “The attached property, located at Chowgam Uttersoo, belongs to Bashir Ahmad Mantoo, S/O Mohammd Jamal Mantoo R/O Chowgam attached in Case FIR No. 64/2022 U/S 8/20-15 NDPS Act of P/S Uttersoo. The details of the attached assets include Doble-storey residential house, Cowshed and Sumo bearing registration number JK03D-0475 having an estimated market value of ₹2000000.”

He stated that the attachment order has been submitted to the competent authority for confirmation as per legal procedure. District Police Anantnag remains committed to dismantling the drug menace and taking strict action against those involved in its trade.

Sonmarg, Sept 27: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday said the people of Ladakh are now facing the consequences of the 2019 decision that separated the region from Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that their long-standing demands deserve serious attention from the Central Government.

Speaking to reporters at Nilgrath Sonmarg, Ruhullah said Ladakhis had peacefully demanded statehood and constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule for the last five years, but their appeals went unheard. He said the recent violent incident in Leh was being used to tarnish their movement.

“The unfortunate episode in Leh is being misused to defame their struggle. Instead of addressing their aspirations, they are being maligned. It is unfair to brand patriots as anti-national. If they wish to rejoin Jammu and Kashmir, we are with them. If they seek 6th Schedule protections, we are equally with them. The people of Jammu and Kashmir extend full support to Ladakh,” Ruhullah said.

Turning his criticism towards New Delhi, the Central Kashmir MP said the ruling dispensation pays little heed to the voices of people. “Those in power in Delhi care nothing for the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our demands go beyond statehood. We also want restoration of special status. When we raise these issues democratically, the least the government can do is listen,” he remarked.

Ruhullah also endorsed the recent statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had called for keeping the BJP away from power in the Union Territory. “It is important for us to ensure that the BJP does not come back to power in Jammu and Kashmir. People have given their mandate, and it must be respected,” he said. [KNT]