Srinagar, Aug 06: Ahmad and Haris Khan Charitable Trust has condoled the sad demise of G. A. Peer, former Secretary/Commissioner, who was also on board of the Trust for the last 10 years.

Chairperson of the Trust Mehbooba Khan expressed profound sorrow at the passing away of the fellow member G.A. Peer, who immensely contributed to the success of the Trust.

“G. A. Peer Sahib was an outstanding bureaucrat and worked tirelessly as one of eminent board members of the Trust. He loved to work close to the people and was always keen to extend helping hand to the poor and needy and alleviate their problems and suffering. His high level of integrity, intellect, knowledge and hard working nature will remain a constant guiding force for us in rendering services to the people of this region,” Mehbooba Khan expressed.

Mohammad Yousuf Khan (M Y Khan), one of the Trustees of the Ahmad and Haris Khan Charitable Trust has also expressed his deep sympathies with the bereaved family. “It’s a huge personal loss to me. His exemplary contribution to J&K’s bureaucratic governance will always be remembered and his passion for social service as one of the valuable board members of the Trust will continue to remain a beacon light for us to achieve our objective of serving to the poor and needy for all times to come,” said M Y Khan.

Srinagar, Aug 06: A number of delegations and public representatives called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Raabita office here today to discuss a wide range of issues concerning public infrastructure, traders’ issues, higher education, and opportunities for technocrats.

The day’s engagements began with a meeting of Members of the Legislative Assembly—Farooq Ahmad Shah (Gulmarg), Sajjad Shafi (Uri), Irshad Rasool Kar (Sopore), Shafi Ahmad Wani (Beerwah), and Pawan Gupta (Udhampur West)—who apprised the Chief Minister of various constituency-specific issues requiring immediate attention.

Subsequently, a delegation from the Traders Federation of Shopian raised concerns of the local business community. They sought the government’s intervention to resolve logistical challenges and improve market access for Shopian-based enterprises.

A separate delegation from the School of Architecture, Kashmir, met the Chief Minister to highlight the lack of job opportunities for architects in Jammu and Kashmir. They urged the government to create posts and integrate architectural expertise for urban development planning.

A deputation representing transporters and shopkeepers of the Old Batamaloo General Bus Stand also met the Chief Minister. They demanded the revival of commercial activity along with basic civic restoration at the Batmaloo.

The Chief Minister also held a separate meeting with former Minister and senior political leader Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, who discussed the developmental scenario in the Chenab Valley.

Scores of individuals also called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of various personal and public concerns.

The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to all delegations and assured that the issues raised would be appropriately addressed through the concerned departments.

Srinagar, Aug 06: The anti-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered the sixth day on Wednesday as security forces continued to battle the ultras hiding in the deep forest area.

A senior police official said the security forces were using all means, including drones and helicopters, to track down the terrorists in the difficult terrain in the forest area.

“The operation has entered its sixth day and is going on,” the official said, adding intermittent exchange of firing is going on.

Two terrorists have been killed while at least two security forces personnel were injured in the gunfight which began on Friday after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there.

After an initial exchange of fire between the two sides on Friday evening, the operation was halted for the night, but the cordon was strengthened, and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area, officials said.

Firing resumed on Saturday morning, during which the two terrorists were killed, they said.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists has not been ascertained so far, they added.

Budgam, Aug 06: Education and Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday visited Ichgam village in Budgam following the tragic electrocution incident that claimed the life of one youth and left another injured while bathing in a spring.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the minister assured locals of a transparent and time-bound probe, stating that any negligence by departments or officials would be dealt with strictly.

Interacting with the bereaved family and local residents, Sakina Itoo directed authorities to immediately assess the area for electrical hazards and take preventive measures to avert such tragedies in the future.

She also assured that the injured youth is receiving the best possible medical care and announced that the government will provide financial assistance to the affected families.

Residents welcomed the minister’s visit but urged authorities to improve infrastructure and safety measures in the area to prevent similar incidents.

Authorities have launched a preliminary inquiry, and further updates are awaited. (KNC)