Srinagar, Dec 16: As part of its sustained and intensified drive against illegal mining activities, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Shopian have seized three tractors, one tipper and two JCB machines involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals from various locations across the district.

According to the statement, the action was taken during routine patrolling and enforcement drives, resulting in the registration of the cases under (1) FIR No. 68/2025, Police Station Heerpora – One tractor seized; (2) FIR No. 41/2025, Police Station Imamsahib – One tractor seized; (3) FIR No. 50/2025, Police Station Keller – One JCB seized; (4) FIR No. 69/2025, Police Station Heerpora – One tractor seized; and (5) FIR No. 267/2025, Police Station Shopian – One tipper and one JCB seized.

All the seized vehicles were found involved in illegal mining activities without valid permission or royalty documents. Investigations in all the cases are underway.

Police reaffirm their firm commitment to safeguarding the district’s natural resources and ensuring strict legal action against those involved in illegal mining. The general public is urged to cooperate with the police by reporting such unlawful activities, the statement reads.

Srinagar, Dec 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday submitted a charge-sheet before the Special Anti-Corruption Court in Srinagar against a former Sarpanch from Ganderbal in a bribery trap case.

In a statement issued, J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau presented Charge-sheet in case FIR No. 13/2023 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 of Police Station ACB Srinagar Kashmir against accused public servant namely Mohammad Muzaffer Rather, then Sarpanch Manigam Ganderbal, in a bribery case before the Hon`ble Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Srinagar.

The FIR was registered on 01-08-2023 on a written complaint alleging therein that aforesaid accused demanded ₹9,000/- as bribe for affecting settlement between the complainant and his sister, of a property dispute between them, it reads.

A trap was laid down and the accused was caught red-handed while accepting ₹9000/- as bribe from the complainant. The bribe money was recovered on spot and chemical tests later confirmed the presence of phenolphthalein on the accused’s hands, it reads.

Statement reads that, based on the facts and circumstances together with cogent evidences brought on record, the investigation established the commission of offence u/s 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against the accused public servant namely Mohammad Muzaffer Rather, then Sarpanch Manigam Ganderbal.

After obtaining the requisite sanction for prosecution from the Govt. the charge-sheet has been presented before the Hon’ble Court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Srinagar, today on 16 December 2025 for judicial determination.

The next date of hearing has been fixed on 02-03-2026, reads the statement.

Srinagar, Dec 16: As Kashmir continues to reel under shivering cold, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, in its latest forecast on Tuesday, predicted light snowfall at the higher reaches of the valley from December 18 to 21.

According to a weather update shared by the MeT Srinagar, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy over the next two days, from December 16 to 17, across J&K.

From December 18 to 19, the weather is likely to witness a slight change, resulting in “very light snowfall” at isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir. However, the rest of the valley will generally remain under cloud cover.

Following this change, the MeT said that during December 20 to 21, the Kashmir division will witness “partly to generally cloudy” weather, with the “possibility” of light snowfall over higher reaches. Meanwhile, the plain areas of J&K are likely to experience light rain towards the afternoon.

Moving ahead, cloudy weather is predicted to provide slight respite from the shivering cold from December 22 to 28.

The cloudy conditions are forecast to persist towards the end of the year, from December 29 to 31, coupled with likely light snowfall at the higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir.

An MeT spokesperson cautioned that “shallow to moderate” fog is likely to continue at many places in the Kashmir division and at isolated places in the Jammu division.

He warned that light snowfall, coupled with freezing temperatures over higher reaches, may result in slippery road conditions, especially during the late night of December 20 and the morning of December 21.

Further, he advised travellers and transporters to follow traffic and administrative advisories.

Srinagar, Dec 16: Senior political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti and Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi have strongly condemned the conduct of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a video surfaced showing him publicly pulling at a Muslim woman’s burqa during an official function, triggering widespread outrage and debate.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said she was deeply shocked by the incident, stating that she had personally known and admired Nitish Kumar in the past. In a sharply worded reaction, Mufti questioned whether the act should be attributed to old age or to what she described as the growing normalisation of publicly humiliating Muslims. She said the incident itself was disturbing, but what was even more unsettling was the manner in which those present appeared to watch the episode unfold as a form of entertainment. Mufti remarked that such behaviour was unbecoming of a person holding a high constitutional office and asked whether it was time for Nitish Kumar to step down.

Echoing similar concerns, National Conference Member of Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi described the Bihar Chief Minister’s conduct as indefensible and deeply disturbing. In a statement issued by his office, Ruhullah said that publicly pulling at a Muslim woman’s burqa amounted to a serious violation of dignity and personal respect. He asserted that Nitish Kumar owed the woman and the public an unconditional apology.

Ruhullah further said the erratic nature of the conduct raised alarming questions about the Chief Minister’s composure and mental clarity, which he said were essential for anyone occupying a constitutional position. He added that seeking medical attention and stepping aside from office was necessary in light of the incident.

The incident has drawn sharp reactions across political and social circles, with many calling for accountability and a clear response from the Bihar government. [KNT]