Srinagar, July 06: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday arrested three drug peddlers including a lady drug peddler in Kulgam and recovered substantial quantity of contraband substances from their possession.

A police spokesperson said that a police party led by IC Police Post Nehama under the supervision of SDPO DH Pora at a checkpoint established near Krishi Vigyan Kendra Pombay Kulgam intercepted a vehicle (Load carrier auto) bearing registration number JK18D-9075 with three persons including a lady on board. During search, 8.15 Kg of Poppy Straw like substance was recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Gani Bhat, resident of Watigam, Kulgam (driver); Raju Singh, son of Gurbaksh Singh, resident of Ludhiana, Punjab; and a lady resident of Moga, Punjab. They have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody.

He said a case vide FIR No. 49/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station DH Pora and investigation has been initiated.

Police urged the common masses that if you witness drug peddling or any other crime anywhere near you, feel free to contact nearest police establishment or dial 112. They also requested people to cooperate with police in curbing the menace of drugs from the society.

Srinagar July 06: The Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Sunday said that department has not yet taken any final decision regarding the extension of the summer vacations.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, DSEK Dr G N Itoo said that a review will be held on Monday- a summer vacation day, to announce the final decision regarding extension of summer vacations.

“Weather is likely to improve as per latest advisory,” he said.

Dr. G N Itoo further said the department was ready with alternative strategy to beat the heat wave and conduct academic activities without compromising on safety of students.

As already reported by this newspaper, Minister for Education earlier said a review will be taken on Sunday to decide about extension in the summer vacations.

The 15-days summer vacations for schools were announced from June 23 to July 7 of 2025.

As per the scheduled date, the schools will reopen from July 8 of 2025 post summer vacations, in case no extension is announced by the School Education Department (SED).

Srinagar, July 06: Union Minister Piyush Goyal enjoyed a ‘shikara’ ride on Dal Lake during his visit to Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

Goyal told ANI, “Even my Shikara’s name is Peace of Heaven. The peace I experience when I come to Dal Lake takes me back to my school days. I haven’t forgotten my childhood memories. God has given a heaven to the country.”

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir took a hit after the April 223 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people on April 23.

Goyal lauded the locals for their support during Operation Sindoor and added that tourism is growing as Amarnath Yatra has begun. The Union Minister told ANI, “We are indebted to the people of Kashmir for the way they supported Operation Sindoor and stood firm against terrorism. Like we have decided to end Naxalism by 2026, I am confident that together we will eradicate terrorism from its roots.”

Addressing reporters, Goyal said that tourism in Kashmir will boom due to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, which will lead to growth in the economy. “Now, the Amarnath Yatra has also started, and tourists have also come to Gulmarg. People have done homestays here. Today, home stay will start in thousands of houses, their income will increase, and Kashmir’s economy will also grow,” he said.

Meanwhile in Srinagar, the Union Minister met with various delegations and listened to their issues.
“Today, I met many delegations. The state government and the central government are jointly paying attention to all their issues and will give a boost to the industry and trade here like the Modi government brought a Rs 28000 crore scheme earlier,” Goyal told ANI.

Goyal said that he will try to reduce GST on handicrafts to 5 per cent. “We have discussed with you people about handicrafts here. Give me its draft. I will try to reduce the GST to 5 per cent so that the production of handicrafts here can increase. There has been a discussion about opening an assembly centre. We will open that too,” he said.

Ganderbal, July 06: A 49-year-old Amarnath Yatri from Uttar Pradesh died of a suspected heart attack while on the pilgrimage route in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday.

An official said that the deceased has been identified as Rakesh Kumar Soni, son of Shehnarawan Soni, a resident of Pantnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

He was initially rushed to District Hospital Ganderbal after he reportedly complained of severe chest pain. He was referred to SKIMS Soura for specialized treatment.

“However, upon arrival at SKIMS, the pilgrim was declared brought dead by the attending doctors,” official said. (JKNS)

Srinagar, July 06: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday participated in the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar, joining mourners in commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

According to KNS, LG Sinha walked alongside mourners at Bota Kadal in the city on Sunday morning.

He was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir V K Bidhuri, Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi, SSP Srinagar, and other senior civil and police officers.

The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, holds deep religious significance for Muslims, particularly the Shia community, who observe it by recalling the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.

Earlier this week, on the 8th of Muharram, the administration had permitted the traditional procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate. The decision was widely welcomed by the Shia community, and several religious leaders expressed their gratitude to the administration.

The administration ensured adequate security, medical support, and traffic arrangements during the Ashura procession. Senior officials monitored the event on the ground to facilitate peaceful observance.