The residents of Kulangam, Chogal and adjoining areas Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against the halt in work on the Government Medical College (GMC), demanding immediate resumption at the original site (Chogal) or a nearby alternative.

The protesters said that the report of the committee led by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir was yet to be made public which raises serious questions about transparency.

“We fail to understand why the report is not being made public. The people deserve transparency,” said Abdul Jabbar War from Gund Chogal.

The protesters appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha to intervene into this matter as the same project was e-inaugurated by Home Minister himself seven years ago.

“We will not accept shifting of the GMC to Nutnussa. It will deprive our area of much-needed healthcare and development and most importantly we have sacrificed for this project by donating over five hundred kanals of land without any compensation,” Mohammad Amin a local from Kulangam said.

“When the government first approved Gund Chogal location for the construction of GMC, the entire village was filled with hope and optimism. Farmers willingly vacated their land, which had been cultivated for generations. Many even felled trees to clear the area, viewing it as a pathway to development and prosperity for the entire region,” Abdul Rashid War, a local said.

“We have been waiting for years but instead of progress, the project has been stalled without any clear reason, leaving us in agony. If authorities have nothing to hide, they should release the report immediately and clear the confusion,” he added.

The protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will intensify their agitation in the coming days. In light of the widespread discontent, the protesters urged the government to reconsider the relocation of GMC Handwara.

Srinagar, May 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hinted at launching a sharp political offensive in the coming days, declaring that he was currently “holding himself back” from making political remarks but would speak openly soon.

Speaking at a public function in the Tangmarg area of Baramulla district, Abdullah said the present occasion did not permit a detailed political address, even as he indicated that he was preparing to make a forceful intervention on political developments in Jammu and Kashmir and the country.

“I want to burst like a cloudburst,” Abdullah remarked while addressing the gathering, a statement widely seen as signalling an impending political response on key issues.

Though he stopped short of elaborating on the exact nature of the message, the Chief Minister suggested that he was consciously avoiding political commentary for the moment and would address matters in detail later.

The remarks came amid heightened political speculation triggered by claims from PDP leader Waheed Para that discontent was brewing within the ruling National Conference and that some of its legislators were allegedly in touch with PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.

Reacting strongly to the allegations, Abdullah later spoke to mediamen, dismissing the claims as “baseless reports” and accusing the PDP of indulging in rumour-mongering for political relevance.

“Do you think I would be attending these functions if some MLAs were preparing to leave? These are baseless reports,” Abdullah told reporters after the event.

In a sharp counterattack on the PDP, the Chief Minister alleged that the party had indirectly facilitated the BJP’s victory in the Rajya Sabha elections held last year in Jammu and Kashmir.

“These are the same people who helped the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls. It is not that we are saying this; it was revealed by RTI,” Abdullah said.

The Chief Minister was referring to disclosures made through the Right to Information Act which reportedly showed that the PDP had not appointed a chief polling agent during the Rajya Sabha elections, a development that allegedly benefited the BJP candidate despite the party lacking adequate numbers on its own.

“There is no such MLA in the National Conference who will leave the party to support the BJP,” Abdullah asserted, firmly rejecting the possibility of defections from his party ranks.

PDP’s Waheed Para, in his social media post earlier, had also questioned Abdullah’s silence over the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision to declare JamiaSiraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Responding to the criticism, Abdullah said he does not function according to the political line dictated by opposition parties and maintained that both the government and the National Conference speak whenever necessary.

“I do not work according to what some other party says. When I have to say something, I say it. Neither my government nor I is silent,” he said.

“Wherever issues come up on which we have to talk, we talk either on behalf of the government or the party,” the Chief Minister added.

CM Abdullah also weighed in on the controversy surrounding deletion of voters from electoral rolls and the debate over the Special Intensive Revision process, while referring to recent electoral developments in West Bengal.

“So many voters were deleted from the voter list, and the court said they will hear the matter after the elections. What will the hearing now achieve? Elections are over and those people did not get an opportunity to vote,” he said.

“If the BJP had to do it for winning, then be it, they have won now. We will have to see what impact it will have in the rest of the country,” he added.

On the issue of cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah chose not to reveal any timeline but hinted that a decision would be taken when required.

“Why are you people so concerned about it? When we have to do it, we will do it,” he said in a brief response to reporters.

The Chief Minister also addressed concerns related to tourism and security restrictions at several destinations that continue to remain closed after last year’s Pahalgam attack.

He said the government had already reopened a number of tourist spots and that the remaining destinations would also be reopened in a phased manner.

“This was raised in the Assembly as well. Many places have been reopened, some remain, and they will also be reopened gradually,” Abdullah said.

Srinagar, May 06: Days after a Valley-wide “chakka jam” over the Smart City bus row, transporters in Kashmir on Wednesday announced an indefinite strike from May 12, warning of a complete halt in public transport if the government fails to address their demands.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Transport Association Kashmir President Shabir Matta, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the decision follows continued “inaction” by the authorities despite repeated outreach by transport bodies after the April 20 shutdown.

“We have given the government time till May 11. If our genuine demands are not met, the entire Kashmir will observe a chakka jam from May 12,” Matta said.

He said transporters from South, North and Central Kashmir had attempted to engage with the administration through visits and public outreach but received no response. “Had the government called us for talks earlier, this situation would not have arisen,” he said.

Matta said the protest is driven by “survival concerns” of thousands associated with the sector. “We are not against the government or development. But our employment is being snatched. First save our livelihood, then we can discuss other issues,” he added.

Referring to the April 20 strike, he acknowledged the hardship caused to the public, particularly students and patients. “We understand people suffered; students missed exams and patients faced difficulties. We don’t want to repeat that, but we are being forced,” he said.

The transport leader reiterated concerns over the expansion of Smart City bus services into routes traditionally operated by private transporters, alleging that local stakeholders are being sidelined in the process.

He urged the government to initiate dialogue, stating that the sector supports thousands of drivers, conductors and vehicle owners across the Valley. “We want to work with the government, not against it. But if ignored, we will be compelled to intensify agitation,” he said.

Transport bodies have further appealed to operators across Kashmir to support the proposed strike, which, if implemented, is likely to severely disrupt daily life, affecting commuters, students and patients across the Valley.

Notably, as already reported by KNO, a Valley-wide “chakka jam” on April 20 had paralysed public transport across Kashmir, leaving commuters stranded and forcing authorities, including Kashmir University, to make alternate arrangements for affected students.

Anantnag, May 06: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district banned the sale of a specific batch of Tops brand Soya Sauce after laboratory tests found it unsafe for consumption, officials said Wednesday.

The order, issued by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner and Designated Officer for Food Safety in Anantnag, applies to “SOYA SAUCE” under the Tops brand, bearing Lot No. 6A1617AK.

According to the official order, a sample of the product was collected by a Food Safety Officer in Qazigund and sent for testing to the National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad.

“Food Analyst, National Food Laboratory Ghaziabad vide report No. JK-146/APR/26/154, dated 20-04-2026 confirmed the sample of SOYA SAUCE as unsafe quality due to sorbic acid content exceeding the maximum prescribed limit,” the order read.

Sorbic acid is commonly used as a preservative, but officials warned that levels exceeding prescribed limits could pose health risks.

“Consumption of SOYA SAUCE containing sorbic acid content above the maximum prescribed limit may pose a threat to consumers’ health,” the order said.

The product is manufactured and marketed by G.D. Foods Manufacturing (India) Pvt. Ltd., with facilities listed in Punjab and New Delhi.

Citing provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, the authority stated that manufacturing and selling unsafe food is prohibited by law.

“Manufacturing/sale of unsafe foods defined under Section 3 (1) (zz)(xi) is prohibited under FSSA, 2006,” the order read.

Invoking powers under Section 36(3)(b) of the Act, Designated Officer Sheikh Zameer Ahmad announced an immediate ban on the product’s sale within the district.

“Now in exercise of powers conferred under Section 36(3)(b) and in the interest of general public health, I hereby prohibit the sale of the food product under reference in the district of Anantnag until further orders,” the order added.

Officials did not immediately say whether a wider recall would be initiated beyond the district.

The order was issued under reference number DO/ANG/2026/1651-54 and dated May 6, 2026.

Srinagar, May 06: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today said that due to unavoidable repair and maintenance work, the power supply in several parts of Kashmir areas will remain affected in coming days.

In a communication, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL said the shutdown of 132 KV Mattan will be observed due to which power supply to Achabal, Gopalpora and Pahalgam will be affected from 09:30 AM to 01:30 PM on 11 May 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 132 KV Wanpoh 1st will be observed from from 2:30 PM to 04 PM and shutdown of 132 KV Wanpoh 2nd will be observed from 04 PM to 05 PM, due to which power supply to Anantnag, Malaknag, Qaimoh, Qazigund, Ashajipora, SICOP and Shopian will be affected on 11 May 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 132 KV Lisser will be observed due to which power supply to Hiller, Kokernag and Dooru will be affected from 09:30 AM to 11 AM on 14 May 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 132/33 KV GSS Mattan will be observed due to which power supply to Achabal, Gopalpora and Pahalgam will be affected from 11 AM to 01:30 PM on 14 May 2026.

Further, shutdown of 132 KV IRCON-I will be observed due to which power supply to GSS Qazigund of Northern Railways will be affected from 02:30 PM to 04 PM on 14 May 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 475 MVA GSS Mirbazar and 220 KV New Wanpoh-1st & 2nd will be observed due to which power supply to Kulgam, Ashmuji, Kilam, Devsar, Chambgund, Nillow, Rambhama, D.H Pora, Nagam, Chawalgam, Yaripora, Behibagh, Achabal, Gopalpora, Pahalgam, Hiller, Kokernag, Dooru, Anantnag, Malaknag, Qaimoh, Qazigund, Ashajipora, SICOP, Shopian, Landoora, Reshipora, Buildtech, Moman, IGC Lassipora, Keegam, Gulshanabad, Mitrigam, Chararipora, Pulwama, Tenghar and adjoining areas will be affected from 09:30 AM to 03:30 PM on 16 May 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of  33 kV HMT line will be observed due to which power supply to Rose Avenue, Umarabad, Malpora, Hajibagh, Palpora, ICCC, Zainakote, Industrial, HMT, Shalteng, Mujgund, Bakshipora, Industrial Area SIDCO and adjoining areas will be affected from 11 AM to 03:30 PM on 07 May 2026.