Srinagar, Feb 18: Member of the Legislative Assembly Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday accused the administration of discriminating against sections of the local media by selectively withholding government advertisements, and called for a transparent and uniform advertising policy.

Raising the issue in the Assembly, Tanvir Sadiq said several reputed newspapers and media channels in Jammu and Kashmir have allegedly been denied government advertisements for years, placing them under severe financial strain.

Describing government advertisements as “not charity,” he said they are institutional mechanisms meant to disseminate public information. “If they are distributed selectively, it creates an uneven playing field and raises serious concerns,” he told the House.

He said the issue was not merely about revenue but reflected deeper policy flaws affecting the media sector. “Official advertisements are a critical revenue stream for media organisations. Withholding them impacts operations and sustainability,” he said.

Calling the free press a pillar of democracy, Sadiq asserted that media houses should not be treated as adversaries. “Financially punishing media organisations, whether directly or indirectly, undermines public trust,” he added.

Seeking greater transparency, he demanded that the government disclose the criteria being followed for empanelment and allocation of advertisements. He also questioned the distribution of advertisements to what he described as obscure and lesser-known publications, naming several such outlets during his address, which drew laughter in the House.

Sadiq further urged the government to review the Media Policy 2020, alleging that it allows for arbitrary and unjustified distribution of advertisements.

In addition, he called for the introduction of a pension scheme for journalists, citing the lack of job security in the profession. “Media persons have no security of tenure. The government must consider including them in a pension scheme to safeguard their livelihoods,” he said.

Srinagar, Feb 18: The National Board of Examinations has accredited three DrNB Cardiology seats to the Department of Cardiology GMC Anantnag.

As per a press release, given that the GMC Anantnag has a bed strength of more than 500, these seats will be equivalent to DM in Cardiology.

Under the patronage of Principal and Dean Prof Dr Rukhsana Najeeb, leadership of Dr Syed Maqbool (HOD cardiology) and relentless hardwork and support of the faculty including Dr Shamim Iqbal, Dr Showkat Hussain Shah and Dr Shahood Kakroo, this is seen as a major feat.

“Since the department’s rapid expansion in early 2025, it has fundamentally changed the cardiac care landscape for the region: The department has performed over 3,000 procedures since its cath lab became operational in April 2025,” said the press release. Over 1,000 life-saving procedures have been conducted, including primary angioplasties and pacemaker implantations. Notably, the team achieved a record 15–20 minute door-to-balloon time for eight primary angioplasties in a single 12-hour window, it said.

Apart from dealing with emergencies, the facility routinely handles high-end interventions previously unavailable in the area, such as: Device Implantations: CRTP, CRTD, and technically demanding LBBA pacing. Complex Coronary Car include Rotablation, orbital atherectomy, IVL, left main, bifurcations, triple vessel disease, DCB angioplasty and CTO interventions.

Structural interventions like BMV, ASD & PDA, RSOV Device closure are a routine now. Peripheral interventions like subclavian, carotid and lower limb interventions are performed as and when required. By providing these services locally, the department has saved countless lives of patients from South Kashmir, Ramban, Banihal, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Gool and other areas, who previously faced high mortality risks during the long transit to Srinagar, said the press release.

Head of Cardiology Dr Syed Maqbool thanked all the officials and staff who supported the department to make this breakthrough possible. He specially thanked MS MMABM Associated Hospital Dr Arshad Hassan, DNB Coordinator Dr Tajali Shora and his Team, faculty members of all other departments and desk officers for their much needed efforts and timely support This accreditation from the National Board of Examinations (NBEMS) solidifies GMC Anantnag’s status as a premier hub for both advanced cardiac treatment and specialist medical training and sets a benchmark for the peripheral medical colleges in the rest of the country.

Srinagar, Feb 18: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi on Wednesday chaired a high-level security conference in connection with upcoming events in Gulmarg.

During the meeting, comprehensive deliberations were held on security arrangements, area domination, deployment plans, access control measures, traffic regulation, emergency response mechanisms, crowd management and inter-agency coordination to ensure smooth and secure conduct of upcoming events.

The IGP Kashmir directed all agencies to maintain close synergy and ensure foolproof security arrangements. The officers reiterated their commitment to ensure that the upcoming events are conducted in a safe, secure and well-coordinated manner.

The meeting was attended by DIG-P NKR Baramulla Maqsood ul Zaman, Commander 79 Mountain Brigade and senior officers from Indian Army/ RR, CAPFs, civil administration, intelligence agencies, Tourism Department, Fire & Emergency Services, Health Department and District Police Baramulla.

Notably, the world famous ski resort Gulmarg is set to host 6^th edition of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 from February 23 to 26. The first leg of KIWG 2026 was held in Ladakh from January 20 to 26. Gulmarg will see four medal events – Ski mountaineering, Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (cross-country) and snowboarding.

Srinagar, Feb 18: Continuing its firm action against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Police have arrested three drug peddlers in separate operations in in Pulwama & Shopian and seized substantial quantities of contraband substances from their possession.

A police party of PS Litter during naka checking intercepted a vehicle bearing registration No. JK13J-1331 at Gudoora Crossing. During search, a carry bag containing approximately 750 grams of charas powder-like substance was recovered. The driver of the vehicle identified as Mudasir Ahmad Malik, son of Ghulam Mohidin Malik, resident of Tahab was arrested and the vehicle used in the commission of the offence has also been seized.

In another operation, a naka party of PS Pulwama apprehended a drug peddler identified as Farooq Ahmad Mir, son of Gh Mohd Mir, resident of Rakhi Shilwat Sumbal Bandipora, at Gudoora crossing. During search, approximately 137.5 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from his possession.

In Shopian, acting on specific information, Police Station Keller registered a case under FIR No. 06/2026 of NDPS Act and obtained a search warrant from competent authority. A team from Police Station Shopian accompanied by the Executive Magistrate, raided the house of Bashir Ahmad Dar, resident of Vishroo Payeen Keller. During search, 1.880Kgs of Charas and 8.570Kgs of Cannabis-like substance was seized and accused was arrested on spot and further investigation has been initiated.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and investigations have been initiated.