Srinagar, June 14: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday applauded the Lieutenant Governor’s administration for its decision to reopen tourist destinations that were closed as a precautionary measure following the tragic terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Bukhari said: “Reopening some of the tourist destinations that had been closed in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack is a welcome step. It is hoped that the Lieutenant Governor’s administration will soon take steps to reopen the remaining sites as well.”

He further said, “While it is quite understandable that these destinations were closed as a precautionary measure, the reopening of some of them sends a clear message to fellow citizens across the country that the Valley is once again safe for visitors. This step can help rebuild confidence and bring hope for the fresh arrivals of the tourists to the Valley.”

Srinagar, June 14: Police in Handwara booked a habitual drug peddler under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act and lodged him in jail.

A police spokesperson said that the accused Feroz Ahmad Khan, son of Late Abdul Ahad Khan, resident of Panditpora Kralgund, has been repeatedly involved in narcotics trafficking despite facing multiple FIRs. His persistent criminal activities posed a serious threat to public safety, particularly endangering the youth of the area.

Following the due procedure, competent authority after perusing the material evidences brought on record for its analysis, the detention of the accused under PIT NDPS Act was subsequently approved by the competent authority. This preventive detention is a targeted measure to incapacitate chronic offenders and disrupt the local narcotics supply chain, the spokesperson said.

He said the fresh action reflects police’s firm resolve to dismantle the drug ecosystem and protect the future of our younger generation. The police continue to pursue a multi-faceted strategy—combining preventive detention, strict law enforcement, and active public engagement—to build a drug-free Handwara.

Meanwhile in separate action against drug trafficking, police have arrested drug peddler in Budgam and recovered a significant quantity of contraband substance from his possession.

A police spokesperson said that a police team from Police Station Khansahib during patrolling in Dreygam village, intercepted a suspicious person carrying a nylon bag. During search, 14.7 kgs of poppy straw-like substance was recovered from the bag. Besides, a personal search further led to the seizure of ₹18,640 in cash and two mobile phones. He has been identified as Ghulam Rasool Beigh, son of Mohammad Abdullah Beigh, resident of Dreygam. He has been arrested and shifted to police station where he remains in custody.

Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 111/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Khansahib and further investigation is underway, he added.

Pahalgam, June 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced reopening of eight tourist destinations in Kashmir.

Talking to reporters here in south Kashmir, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Few tourist destinations were closed after April 22 terror attack as a precautionary measure. After assessing the situation it has been decided that the closed destinations will be reopened for tourists in phased manner.”

LG Sinha said that to begin with it has been decided that Betab Valley, Verinag, Kokerrnag and Achabal gardens, parks in Pahalgam market will be thrown open for public in Anantnag district.

While in Srinagar, Badamwari, Duck Park and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal will be reopened, he said.

LG Sinha exuded hope that the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra will help in reviving tourism in Kashmir. “I urge people to come forward and make annual Amarnath pilgrimage successful,” he said.

“This is your Yatra. It will help in improving your economy and reviving tourism,” he added.

Kulgam, June 14: In a candid address to farmers in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha clarified the limits of his administrative authority, stating that except for the police department, all other departments such as power, water, agriculture, and roads fall under the jurisdiction of the government.

The LG was responding to a series of demands made by the farmers, particularly the inclusion of horticulture under the Crop Insurance Scheme. Farmers had urged the LG to take steps to safeguard their produce from unpredictable weather and crop losses.

“You said, ‘LG Sahab give us something.’ The only thing I can give you is the police personnel,” Sinha remarked with a touch of humour. “Rest – roads, water, power, agriculture, are with the government. I will have no objection if the government concedes to your demands,” he added, expressing solidarity with the farming community.

His remarks highlighted the administrative distinction between the roles of the Union Territory’s Lieutenant Governor and the broader governmental apparatus, even as he showed a willingness to support just demands raised by the people. [KNT]

Srinagar, June 14: Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the administrative and logistical preparations for the incoming companies of paramilitary forces to be deployed for the Amarnath Yatra.

The meeting, held at the Police Control Room here, was attended by senior officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, ITBP, Telecommunication, SDRF, BSF, SSB, and other allied agencies, a police spokesperson said.

At the outset, the Zonal IGPs briefed the DGP on the status of CAPF induction of both the zones, he said.

The officers also briefed the chair regarding the administrative and logistical arrangements made for the incoming CAPF companies, he said.

The coordinating officers of the CAPF shared their feedback on the administrative arrangements at various camping sites and transit locations. The senior officers of CAPF also expressed their satisfaction with the administrative and transportation arrangements for the inducted companies, the spokesperson said.

He said the DGP issued directives for the smooth induction of CAPF companies and emphasised that district heads should ensure proper arrangements for incoming units and their efficient ground deployment.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ensure the safe and successful conduct of the yatra, which begins on July 3, the spokesperson added.