Srinagar, Aug 23: Administrative Judge for District Kargil, Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani, visited various courts in the district and reviewed judicial infrastructure and inspected criminal and civil files, according to a statement.

Justice Wani was warmly received at Drass by Spalzes Angmo, Principal District & Sessions Judge Kargil.

Earlier, on his arrival to Kargil he was received by Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Kargil and other officers. Justice Wani later visited District Court Complex where he was accorded Guard of Honor. After that Justice Wani inspected the Courts of Principal District and Session Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate and Special Judicial Mobile Magistrate. He also inspected the old criminal and civil files.

Justice Wani was also briefed upon all the pending cases in district Kargil. Later Justice Wani interacted with the staff members and enquired of their grievances.

He also visited the upcoming New Court Complex at Kurbathang and was briefed about the project by Sadiq Ali, Executive Engineer PWD. Justice Wani inspected and reviewed all the upcoming buildings in the complex and also congratulated the Engineers affiliated with this project and the Members of the Judicial Fraternity present on the occasion for the upcoming new court complex, the statement said.

He also had a brief meeting with the Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Executive Engineer PWD, Judicial Officers and Members of the Bars with regard to the timely completion of the Project. He also discussed pending DPRs pertaining to the Judicial Infrastructure.

Srinagar, Aug 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today interacted with the members of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in Srinagar.

The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the efforts of the Indian Chamber of Commerce to promote the interests of trade, commerce, and industry in Jammu Kashmir. He said the ICC’s members meeting at Srinagar will provide a platform for networking and collaboration for local businesses.

“India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. For us, relationships are not transactional. It is based on compassion and brotherhood. Our unique cultural heritage and traditional values have made our economy resilient and established India as a great and powerful nation.

By organizing this meeting in Srinagar, Indian Chamber of Commerce has also assured the industrial ecosystem that no terrorist force can ever subdue India. This event in Srinagar is a huge statement against the enemies of our great nation and it will inspire Industries in J&K to aim for greater goals,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, spoke about the investment opportunities, prevailing peace and economic transformation taking place in Jammu Kashmir over the past few years.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu Kashmir is witnessing the industrial revolution and UT of J&K has emerged as an attractive destination for investment.

We have achieved historic milestones in road, air, and rail connectivity, successfully extending the reach of industrial investment to every corner of Jammu & Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the significant contribution of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in policy advocacy, partnership with the global business community and discharging its responsibility of connecting investors, regulation for a business-friendly environment and increasing India’s competitiveness in the global market.

He said the role of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, as one of the important pillars of our strong economy is extremely important in the historic and transformative journey of India towards Viksit Bharat in 2047.

The Lieutenant Governor also thanked all the business leaders and stakeholders who have contributed to attracting domestic and foreign investment and establishing India as a stable and strong economy.

He assured industry players and potential investors of all necessary support and handholding to explore profitable investments and economic opportunities in J&K.

Abhyuday Jindal, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director, Jindal Stainless Limited; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Department; Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General Indian Chamber of Commerce; Rahul Sahai, Chairman, ICC Jammu Chapter; Shri Khalid Wani, Chairman ICC Kashmir Chapter; business leaders, members of Indian Chamber of Commerce and senior officials were present.

Srinagar, Aug 23: Jammu and Kashmir Police in Sopore have booked a habitual drug offender under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS).

An official said the individual identified as Mehraj-ud-din Mir @Dina resident of Chijhama had a history of involvement in multiple narcotics-related cases. Despite repeated arrests and preventive actions, he continued his illegal activities, posing a persistent threat to society.

He said that after compiling a detailed dossier and obtaining approval from the competent authority, a detention order was executed, and the offender has been booked under PIT NDPS Act and has been lodged in Central Jail Jammu.

J&K Police reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics and warned all repeat offenders to desist from such activities. They also urged public to remain vigilant and support efforts to ensure a drug-free Sopore.

Srinagar, Aug 23: Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, has expressed serious concern over the continued closure of tourist destinations following the April 2025 terror attack at Pahalgam Baisaran.

While unequivocally condemning the cowardly act of terror, JKCSF maintains that ordinary people must not be made to suffer endlessly. Since April, thousands of families dependent on tourism—ponywallas, guides, hoteliers, transporters, and local vendors—have lost their livelihood. The prolonged shutdown has brought untold hardship upon them, JKCSF in a statement said.

Chairman JKCSF Abdul Qayoom Wani stated, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are themselves victims of violence and denying them their bread and butter in the name of security is unjust. Tourism is our economic backbone, and the government must ensure both safety and livelihood together.”

JKCSF strongly urged the administration to: (1) Opening of Yousmarg, Doodh pathri, Tous maidan in district Budgam and Boota pathri and the Drang at Tangmarg and Gulmarg, which remains under unjustified restrictions despite humble requests and protest by effected families and socio political activists, and (2) To facilitate and allow Electric Vehicle (EV) mobility in Tangmarg, Drang and Badrakout areas for creating sustainable tourism opportunities and jobs for local youth.

The forum appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, Chief Minister, Tourism Department, and district authorities to act without delay and added, “Reopening these destinations will not only restore livelihoods but also revive confidence in Kashmir’s tourism sector”.