Jammu, Dec 29: The population of Kashmir Stag, popularly known as Hangul, has shown a significant and encouraging increase over the years at a breeding centre in south Kashmir, officials said on Monday.

It reflects the success of sustained conservation efforts by the Department of Wildlife protection, they said.

According to officials, the population of the endangered and iconic wildlife species has risen to 323 at the Hangul Breeding Centre in Tral, marking a steady growth from 127 in 2008.

The positive trend was highlighted at the sixth meeting of the Wildlife Board chaired by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha here, an official spokesperson said.

He said the board accorded wildlife clearance to several projects and recommended some proposals to National Board of Wildlife for final approval.

These included projects of 4G-saturation, Jal Jeevan Mission, re-alignment of transmission lines, setting up of border security posts, development of horticulture nursery and installation of avalanche warning systems, the spokesperson said.

He said the board was apprised of various conservation and habitat improvement activities of the department. This includes measures taken in handling of human-wild animal conflict, establishment of rescue centres and habitat restoration works of wetlands.

Addressing the meeting, the LG called for prioritising sustainable management of biodiversity and conservation of wildlife habitats.

He emphasised promotional activities, particularly among school children, for major projects like Jambu Zoo, Hokersar and Gharana Wetlands.

He also asked to provide public transport to these destinations to promote eco-tourism.

The damage to agricultural crops by wild boars, blue bulls and monkeys was also discussed at the meeting, the official said, adding that the Board desired to explore the possibility of compensating for farmers’ losses caused by wild animals.

Srinagar, Dec 29: National Conference senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Chaudhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday said that Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s comments reflect a different approach to issues, not opposition to the National Conference, and said they continue to meet regularly during Parliament sessions.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Ramzan said internal debate should not be seen as disloyalty. “Aga Ruhullah and the chief minister Omar Abdullah have different approaches to solving issues,” he said. “This difference in modus operandi does not mean he (Aga Ruhullah) is against the National Conference. If he were against the party, he would have resigned.”

He added that they often discuss parliamentary issues together. “We met in the Parliament and shared ideas almost every day. He is a young leader with passion. He has to play a long political inning. May Allah give him good health and help him fulfil his aspirations”, Chaudhary said.

On administrative powers in the Union Territory, Chaudhary said the elected government still does not have full authority. He added that most powers remain with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) office, and that clear business rules are needed to define the roles of the LG, the cabinet, and elected representatives.

“We raised this issue in the Parliament, asking what was the purpose of elections if the elected government and MLAs still don’t have powers,” he said.

Responding to questions about CM Omar praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chaudhary said the Prime Minister’s position naturally invites respect.

Chaudhary said that the elected government received a strong mandate, but full powers promised after delimitation are yet to be restored. “Delimitation has happened, elections were held, but statehood has not been restored yet. This is our biggest priority,” he said.

On the issue of violence and attacks on Kashmiri residents outside the UT, Chaudhary condemned mistreatment of J&K youth and workers. He said the Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed all state administrations to ensure fair and respectful treatment to people from Jammu and Kashmir, and that action has already begun against those involved in violence.

Talking about J&K prisoners lodged outside the UT, Chaudhary said many are held in minor cases without proper facilities. He said the Home Minister assured legal assistance, medical support, and family access for such prisoners.

Regarding reservation, the NC leader Chaudhary said his party supports it and had included it in their manifesto. He said a Cabinet Sub-Committee submitted its report under Supreme Court guidelines. “The UT cabinet approved it and sent it to the Lieutenant Governor. Once signed, reservation will be implemented,” he said.

Kupwara, Dec 29: In response to a reported surge in suspicious online activity, the District Magistrate of Kupwara has imposed a complete ban on the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

The order, a copy of which is in the possession of news agency Kashmir Dot Com, was issued after the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara/Handwara, informed the district administration about an alarming increase in the use of VPNs by unidentified and suspicious internet users. According to the police, the misuse of VPN services poses serious risks to public safety, cyber security, and the overall integrity of digital governance in the district.

The administration noted that VPNs can be exploited for unlawful and anti-national activities, including the spread of inflammatory or misleading content, coordination of unlawful acts, and attempts to disturb public order and tranquility. Citing these concerns, the District Magistrate invoked emergency powers to impose immediate restrictions on VPN usage.

As per the order, all forms of VPN services have been suspended within the territorial jurisdiction of Kupwara, except those specifically permitted by the government through an official authorization. The directive applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafés, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in the district.

The order further states that any violation of the ban will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law. Since it was not feasible to serve prior notice individually, the order has been issued ex-parte and is deemed to be applicable to the general public.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara/Handwara, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order on the ground. The restrictions will remain in force for a period of two months from the date of issuance, unless withdrawn or modified earlier by the competent authority.

The order was issued on December 29, 2025, and has come into effect with immediate effect.

Srinagar, Dec 29: In order to curb the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized 17 vehicles and 03 JCBs in separate operations in Baramulla and Ganderbal.

In Baramulla, a joint raid conducted by Police Post Old Town in coordination with the Geology & Mining Department, three JCB machines involved in the illegal extraction of stones were seized. The seized JCBs bear the following chassis numbers: 1384197A2010, HAR3DXXTA01488983, and HAR3DXSSC01846152. In addition, one dumper bearing registration number JK05J7048, which was found carrying illegally extracted sand, was also seized, the police in a statement said.

All seizures were made after due verification, and legal action under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) has been initiated against the violators.

In Ganderbal, Police teams seized 16 vehicles—including 12 Tippers and 04 Tractors involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals within the jurisdictions of PS Ganderbal, PS Kheerbawani, PS Lar and PP Nagbal. These vehicles were found transporting illegally extracted material from Nallah Sindh without the mandatory permissions. Acting swiftly and in close coordination with the Geology & Mining Department, teams from the respective police stations intercepted and seized these vehicles on the spot, tightening the clampdown on illegal mineral transportation in the area, the statement said.

J&K Police remains committed to curbing illegal mining activities and reiterates that strict action shall continue against anyone found violating the law, the statement added.

Shopian, Dec 29: Cyber Police Station Shopian has recovered and restored an amount of ₹63,22,792 to victims of various cyber fraud cases during the current year-2025, after completion of all prescribed legal and judicial formalities, officials said on Monday.

In a statement, an official spokesperson said that the recovery was achieved through prompt action and professional investigation by Cyber Police Station Shopian led by Shri Imtiyaz Ahmad (JKPS), SHO Cyber Police Station Shopian, under the supervision of SSP Shopian Shri Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary (JKPS).

He said, during the period under report, Cyber Police Station Shopian received complaints pertaining to UPI-related frauds, social media scams, fake loan applications, OTP misuse, and other online financial frauds. On receipt of complaints, immediate action was taken and investigations were conducted using technical and digital tools.

Due to timely intervention and effective coordination with concerned banks and financial institutions, suspicious transactions were frozen at critical stages, which helped prevent further financial losses and facilitated recovery of the defrauded amounts, he added.

He further said that the recovery reflects the continued efforts of Shopian Police in effective handling of cybercrime cases and providing timely relief to victims, in accordance with the directions of higher headquarters.

The general public is advised to remain vigilant and adhere to cyber safety practices, including not sharing sensitive banking details or OTPs, and to report cyber fraud immediately through Helpline 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Kulgam, Dec 29: SSP Kulgam Shri Anayat Choudhary (IPS), on Monday chaired a Joint Security Review Meeting of the Navyug Tunnel to review and strengthen the existing security, safety, and traffic management arrangements, officials said.

They said the meeting was attended by the Commanding Officer, 163 Battalion CRPF; Additional Superintendent of Police, NHW Qazigund; SDPO Qazigund; SDPO Banihal; representatives of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI); representatives of Qazigund Expressway Private Limited; and all jurisdictional officers.

Officials said during the meeting, recent road accidents inside and around the tunnel were also discussed. It was emphasized that overspeeding poses a serious risk to human life, and commuters were advised to strictly adhere to the permissible speed limit of 50 km/h inside the tunnel to prevent accidents and save lives.

SSP Kulgam issued directions for enhanced inter-agency coordination, round-the-clock surveillance, strict access control, and robust emergency response mechanisms. Emphasis was laid on adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), contingency preparedness, and effective communication among all stakeholders to ensure the security, safety, and uninterrupted functioning of the Navyug Tunnel.

All concerned agencies were directed to remain vigilant and work in close coordination in the interest of public safety.