Srinagar, Sep 05: A fresh controversy has erupted over the installation of the Ashoka emblem at the Hazratbal Dargah shrine; with National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq stating that the move contradicts the fundamental Islamic belief of Tawheed.

In a post on X, Sadiq said that while he was not a religious scholar, Islam strictly forbids idol worship, calling it the gravest of sins. “The foundation of our faith is Tawheed,” he wrote.

He argued that placing the Ashoka emblem, described as a sculpted figure, inside the Dargah goes against this very principle. “Sacred spaces must reflect only the purity of Tawheed, nothing else,” Sadiq added.

The interior of the shrine was renovated and inaugurated on Wednesday.

Bandipora, Sept 05: A flood-like situation has gripped Kaniyari, a neglected village in Bandipora district, after rising waters from Wular Lake submerged road connectivity and entered several houses, leaving residents distressed and fearful.

Locals alleged that authorities have repeatedly ignored their long-standing demand for permanent land allotment to relocate from the flood-prone area. “We are living in constant fear. Authorities have assured us land allocation many times, but we are still waiting,” said the villagers while talking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust (KNT).

They said that despite repeated assurances from successive governments, no permanent relief has been provided, forcing them to face the same ordeal every year when water levels rise.

Floodwater has already entered residential areas, causing immense hardships for families. The concerned Tehsildar visited the spot and advised those feeling unsafe to temporarily move to a nearby school, where arrangements were made for their stay. Villagers, however, dismissed the step as a temporary measure that fails to address the core issue of their relocation.

On Thursday evening, authorities including Tehsildar Hajin Abdul Wasee-ul-Rouf Deva, SHO Hajin Qaiser Bashir, and other officials, reached the village to review the situation. On Friday morning, the district administration ordered the evacuation of Kaniyari residents to Government High School Gund Jahangir as a precautionary measure.

The villagers have once again appealed to the government to take immediate and concrete steps to address their long-standing demand for relocation and ensure their safety from recurring floods.

Srinagar, Sep 05: Calling teachers as the ‘unsung architects of nation building’, the Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) and former President Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), Abdul Qayoom Wani, has extended warm greetings to the entire teaching fraternity and paid glowing tributes to their invaluable services.

In a statement, Wani said that teachers are not only academic instructors but the true architects of society who shoulder multifaceted responsibilities. They contribute far beyond the classrooms—working in difficult terrains, performing extra assignments, ensuring community awareness, upholding moral values, and even rendering services during crises and public emergencies. Their role extends to shaping responsible citizens with character, integrity, and vision.

He emphasized that teachers in Jammu and Kashmir have historically performed their duties with dedication, honesty, and a spirit free from corruption, proving their commitment to the larger cause of society.Their ability to nurture minds, instill values, and guide generations reflects their unmatched importance in nation building.

Wani added that the teaching community deserves utmost respect and recognition for working selflessly, often under challenging circumstances, yet remaining steadfast in their mission. On behalf of JKCSF, he assured that the organization will always stand for the dignity, welfare, and empowerment of teachers.

While extending his best wishes, he called upon all stakeholders to acknowledge the contribution of teachers as torchbearers of knowledge and guardians of societal values.

“Happy Teachers’ Day to all our noble teachers who continue to inspire, guide, and enlighten,” Wani concluded.

Budgam, Sep 05: Budgam Police, in collaboration with the Food Safety Officer Charar-i-Sharif, conducted extensive market inspections across Pakherpora jurisdiction, imposing fines on violators and registering an FIR against two restaurants for recovery of rotten meat and unhygienic practices.

In a statement, Budgam Police headed by DO Pakherpora PSI Aarif Mushtaq along with Food Safety Officer, Charisharif carried out extensive market checking in various areas falling under the Jurisdiction of Police Post Pakherpora. During the inspection, several violations of food safety and hygiene standards were found. As a result, fines were imposed on the erring restaurant owners and other Food Business Operators (FBO).

In addition, FIR no.67/2025 under sections 271,275 BNS has been registered against two restaurants namely New Arabian Nights and Shahi Darbar at Police Station Charar-i-Shareif for recovery of rotten meat products, unhygienic practices and other gross violations endangering public health, it reads.

Police have urged all traders and food business operators to strictly adhere to the prescribed guidelines, warning that strict action will be taken against violators in the future as well, reads the statement. (KNC)