Srinagar, Sep 27: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested three drug peddlers in Sopore, Budgam and Shopian and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

An official said that in Sopore, a police party during naka checking at Nadihal intercepted a vehicle (Truck) bearing registration number JK05F-4786 with two persons on board. During search, large quantity of psychotropic capsules (SpasmoProxyvon Plus) were recovered from the said vehicle. The accused identified as Bilal Ahmad Lone, son of Habibullah Lone, resident of Nadihal and Barkat Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Rashid Dar, resident of Chakloo have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody.

Similarly in Budgam, a police party from PP Narbal intercepted a suspect during patrolling near the Railway track at Bachipora. During search, 63 grams of wet charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. The accused identified as Rouf Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Haru Aboora, has been arrested and shifted to police station where he remains in custody.

Further in Shopian, acting on specific information, a police party from PS Zainapora accompanied by the Executive Magistrate 1st Class, raided the specific location at Dachoo Zainapora. During search, 31.8 Kgs of charas like substance was recovered from the residential house/cow shed of Showkat Ahmad Dar, son of late Abdul Satar Dar, resident of Dachoo Zainapora. Further investigation is going on and efforts are being made to arrest the absconding accused person.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation is going on, official said.

Police reiterated its firm zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and assured the public that strict action will be taken against all individuals involved in this menace which poses a grave threat to society.

Srinagar, Sep 27: “Vision of a sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity will shape a brighter future of tribal community in Jammu Kashmir Union Territory,” the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said earlier today. He said bringing Pahari tribal community to mainstream is commitment of the Centre and their empowerment will build a resilient and prosperous Union Territory. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a gathering of Pahari Tribal Community at Srinagar.

The Lieutenant Governor began his address by recalling historic decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure Scheduled Tribe Status to Pahari Ethnic Groups. The Lieutenant Governor said that empowerment of tribal communities is the top priority of the central government.

“There is need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the community who were provided Scheduled Tribe status by the Parliament last year as their prosperity is fundamentally linked to our inclusive growth goal,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Responding to the demands put-forth by the representatives of the Pahari community, the Lieutenant Governor said it will be ensured that Pahari Ethnic Groups enjoy their rights as per the act passed by the Parliament.

The Lieutenant Governor urged the tribal communities and all the sections of society to stand united against terrorism and actively counter extremist propaganda to safeguard peace and stability.

Some divisive elements are trying to peddle fake narrative like terror outfit TRF. It poses a serious threat and people must counter it, the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion the Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former Deputy Chief Minister; Zafar Iqbal Manhas, former MLC and Chairman, Pahari Welfare Society; Raja Aijaz Ali, Chairman, Pahari Culture and Welfare Forum, various Pahari leaders, prominent personalities and a large number of members from the Pahari tribal community and people from all walks of life were present.

Anantnag, Sep 27: Tightening the noose around drug traffickers, District Police Anantnag today attached property belonging to a drug peddler under Section 68-F (1) of the NDPS Act, officials said.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said, “The attached property, located at Chowgam Uttersoo, belongs to Bashir Ahmad Mantoo, S/O Mohammd Jamal Mantoo R/O Chowgam attached in Case FIR No. 64/2022 U/S 8/20-15 NDPS Act of P/S Uttersoo. The details of the attached assets include Doble-storey residential house, Cowshed and Sumo bearing registration number JK03D-0475 having an estimated market value of ₹2000000.”

He stated that the attachment order has been submitted to the competent authority for confirmation as per legal procedure. District Police Anantnag remains committed to dismantling the drug menace and taking strict action against those involved in its trade.

Sonmarg, Sept 27: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday said the people of Ladakh are now facing the consequences of the 2019 decision that separated the region from Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that their long-standing demands deserve serious attention from the Central Government.

Speaking to reporters at Nilgrath Sonmarg, Ruhullah said Ladakhis had peacefully demanded statehood and constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule for the last five years, but their appeals went unheard. He said the recent violent incident in Leh was being used to tarnish their movement.

“The unfortunate episode in Leh is being misused to defame their struggle. Instead of addressing their aspirations, they are being maligned. It is unfair to brand patriots as anti-national. If they wish to rejoin Jammu and Kashmir, we are with them. If they seek 6th Schedule protections, we are equally with them. The people of Jammu and Kashmir extend full support to Ladakh,” Ruhullah said.

Turning his criticism towards New Delhi, the Central Kashmir MP said the ruling dispensation pays little heed to the voices of people. “Those in power in Delhi care nothing for the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our demands go beyond statehood. We also want restoration of special status. When we raise these issues democratically, the least the government can do is listen,” he remarked.

Ruhullah also endorsed the recent statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had called for keeping the BJP away from power in the Union Territory. “It is important for us to ensure that the BJP does not come back to power in Jammu and Kashmir. People have given their mandate, and it must be respected,” he said. [KNT]

Srinagar, Sep 27: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that narratives pushed by groups like Terrorist Resistance Front (TRF) on social media pose a “serious threat” if ignored.

Speaking at an event at Tagore Hall in Srinagar, LG Sinha urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand united against terrorism and actively counter extremist propaganda to safeguard peace and stability.

He said that they have a direct connection and if such narratives are being spread on TRF’s social media and “we remain silent, it is dangerous. We must pay attention to it”.

“The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of security forces alone but also of citizens. More than 40 lives have been lost due to terrorism, and it must be completely eradicated not just by the forces but by citizens too. I believe people must come forward,” he said.

The LG said that despite decades of suffering, J&K is witnessing a significant transformation, with stone pelting becoming “a thing of the past” and local terrorist recruitment declining. “Whenever there is a division in any family, we must try to put our house in order,” he added.

Sinha said that major changes followed after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which are an important milestone in J&K’s history.

The LG also said that steps like granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Pahari community, strengthening the Forest Rights Act, and launching Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas reflect the government’s commitment to social and economic justice.

“Now equal rights are being given to Pahari community. No one can stop this community. What is their right will be given to this community,” he added.

Sinha said that terrorism and left-wing extremism have significantly declined across the country, particularly in the northeast, and expressed confidence that Naxalism will soon be eliminated.

“J&K has suffered for a long time, and end of terrorism is necessary. Security agencies are doing their job, and we as citizens must behave responsibly and not engage in any wrong activities,” he said—(KNO)

Baramulla, Sept 27: The District Magistrate Baramulla has ordered the immediate closure of mining operations near Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, citing a Supreme Court directive that prohibits mining within a one-kilometre radius of protected forests. The order came after the Wildlife Warden North Kashmir Division Sopore reported that several gypsum units in Uri and Boniyar subdivisions were operating within the prohibited zone.

In February this year, the Supreme Court ruled that mining activities in eco-sensitive zones and within one kilometre of sanctuary boundaries were illegal and must cease forthwith. Acting on this, the Baramulla administration verified the locations of local gypsum units and found that 14 such mines, including units in Dara Gutliyan, Dachina Salamabad, Bagna, Nalusa, Zamboor Patan, and Jabador, fell inside the restricted area.

The District Magistrate said the order must be implemented with immediate effect. Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Uri, Tehsildars of Uri and Boniyar, the District Mineral Officer, and officials from the Forest and Pollution Control departments have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.

Authorities emphasised that the measure is intended to protect the ecological integrity of Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary and to comply fully with the Supreme Court’s judgment. While the move is expected to affect gypsum mining activities in the region, officials noted that environmental safeguards and legal compliance take precedence over commercial interests. [KNT]