Kulgam, Sep 22: One person was killed another left injured in a road accident that occurred at Nai Basti, Qaimoh area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday.

An official said the incident took place when a scooty (JK18B-3020) collided with a Tata mobile load carrier (JK11J-7717) driven by an unknown driver.

The scooty rider, Ab Gani, son-in-law of Mohd Jabar Mir of Harvit DH Pora, died on the spot, he said.

The pillion rider, Mohd Ayoub Malik of Bugam, sustained serious injuries and was initially shifted to the local hospital in Qaimoh before being referred to GMC Anantnag for further treatment, hesaid.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and further investigation initiated. (KNC)

Srinagar, Sep 22: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Ansul Garg on Monday said that more than one lakh thirty-seven thousand metric tons of fruit have been dispatched from the Valley in recent days through the Mughal Road, Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, and the railway parcel service.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Garg said that the dispatches have been carried out as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) followed for the past ten days under the directions of the Chief Secretary. He noted that every day around 1,500 to 2,000 fresh fruit trucks accumulate in the Valley and are being systematically sent to Jammu with the help of Traffic Police.

“The movement of trucks has now improved significantly. Earlier, it was around 1,500, but today nearly 4,000 trucks are being seen on the highways. Around 2,000 trucks from Qazigund alone left for Jammu today,” Garg said.

He added that fruit evacuation has been given top priority and is being facilitated both via NH44 and the Mughal Road. In addition, consignments are being dispatched through trains directly to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi. He said that fruit from North Kashmir is also being evacuated on a daily basis.

Responding to concerns over fuel availability, the Divisional Commissioner as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said there is no scarcity of supplies. “There is fuel stock available for a week and replenishment is taking place regularly. People should not believe in rumours. There is sufficient stock, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation,” he clarified.

Garg said the weather has remained conducive for restoration works and buffer stocks are expected to increase in the coming days. He emphasised that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are personally monitoring and reviewing highway restoration and fruit evacuation efforts.

The Divisional Commissioner also thanked locals for their cooperation, saying that public support enabled the administration to mitigate hardships and streamline operations during the recent disruption. [KNT]

Anantnag station accounted for the largest share, loading 4,30,013 boxes across ten trains, including a single-day record of 91,662 boxes on 20 September, an official said, adding that Budgam followed with 94,388 boxes transported in eight trains, along with additional commodities such as 225 walnut bags and 74 walnut giri boxes. From Baramulla, one train carried 18,298 boxes, including 18,098 apple boxes and 200 pear boxes, he said.

The smooth and timely dispatch of these trains plays a critical role in supporting the Valley’s horticultural economy. “The railway network ensures that fresh produce reaches major markets without delay, benefiting both growers and consumers,” the official said.

Officials said the shipments highlight the vital role of railways in facilitating the movement of Kashmir’s high-quality horticultural produce during the peak harvest season, ensuring economic support for growers and maintaining supply chains efficiently. (KDC)

Srinagar, Sep 22: National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday likened running the government in Jammu and Kashmir under the present circumstances to “walking on the edge of a sword.”

Speaking to reporters, Farooq Abdullah said despite the challenges, governance has to continue. “To run the government in the current scenario is just like walking on the edge of a sword, but we have to run the government,” he remarked.

The NC chief reiterated that the restoration of statehood remains a vital demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Statehood is an important issue and people of Jammu and Kashmir hope it will be restored,” he said, adding that focus should remain on pressing Delhi for this demand.

When asked about the issue of separatist leader Yasin Malik, Abdullah declined to make any substantive comment. “The matter is before the court and the court will decide,” he told reporters.

On the Public Safety Act (PSA) slapped on Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, Abdullah expressed his disapproval, though he criticised the legislator’s choice of words. “The PSA on Mehraj Malik is not justified, but the unparliamentary language he used was wrong. We have no authority on this subject; the authority lies with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha,” he said.

Responding to a query about the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST), Farooq Abdullah said that the issue of statehood must take precedence. “It is better to talk about statehood than GST,” he stated, indicating that political status and constitutional guarantees remain higher on his party’s agenda. [KNT]

Srinagar, Sept 22: Former Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Ghulam Jeelani Pandit, who served as the fourth DGP of J&K Police and later superannuated, passed away on Sunday evening, leaving behind a legacy of service, simplicity and integrity.

Born on 22 February 1933, Pandit Sahab breathed his last on 21 September 2025.

Known for his grace, humility, and commitment to duty, Pandit was remembered by colleagues and well-wishers as a thorough gentleman who earned respect across ranks during his distinguished career in the police service.

The present Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, along with all ranks of J&K Police, have expressed deep sorrow over his demise. The force collectively mourned the loss, offering heartfelt condolences and prayers for strength to the bereaved family in this hour of grief, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com.

In their tribute, police officers described Pandit as a leader who embodied honesty and humility throughout his tenure, setting an example for generations of officers to follow. (KDC)