Srinagar, Oct 22: As part of ongoing measures to curb narcotics-related activities, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached a single-story residential house valued at Rs 15,44,523, with a plinth area of 1258 sq. ft. under Survey No. 498 min, belonging to Mukhtar Ahmad Naikoo, resident of Meemander Shopian.

An official said that the property has been found to be acquired using money obtained through the sale of illegal drugs and narcotics. He said the accused has been previously involved in multiple NDPS cases, including FIR No. 41/2016 and FIR No. 27/2020 of Police Station Shopian.

The attachment process was executed in the presence of a duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar, and Chowkidar, ensuring full compliance with all legal protocols, official added.

Police reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law against narcotics-related offences and appealed to the public to report any information regarding drug-related activities.

Srinagar, Oct 22: National Conference legislator Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday said that the statement of the Leader of Opposition has vindicated the NC’s consistent stand that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will never form any government with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reacting to BJP leader Sunil Sharma’s recent statement categorically ruling out any alliance with the National Conference, Sadiq said the clarification has put an end to all speculations and conspiracy theories regarding a possible understanding between the two parties.

“Sunil Sharma’s statement has ended all conspiracy theories. There should be no further debate or doubt on the matter. It is now absolutely clear that there is no political understanding between the NC and BJP,” Sadiq said.

The NC lawmaker further said that the bill on land grants he tabled in the Assembly was aimed purely at protecting public interest. “The bill I introduced is for the people. We want the Land Grants Act of 1960, which was altered in 2022, to be revived in its original form,” he remarked.

Talking about the alliance with Congress, Sadiq said there are no differences between the two parties. “Our coordination and understanding with the Congress remain intact and focused on the larger goals of serving the people,” he added. [KNT]

Baramulla, Oct 22: A 17-year-old boy died on Wednesday morning after being critically injured while extracting sand in the Singpora area of Pattan in Baramulla district, officials said.

An official said that the boy had suffered severe head injuries late last night while extracting sand.

He was rushed to JVC hospital, Bemina in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead early this morning.

He has been identified as Amjaad (17) of Singpora. Police have taken cognisance of the incident—(KNO)

Budgam, Oct 22: As political temperatures rise ahead of the Budgam by-polls, National Conference (NC) candidate Aga Syed Mahmood Al Mosavi has made a pointed yet confident remark about Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, saying the latter “will do what is politically and ethically right for him and the party.”

Speaking exclusively to Greater Kashmir during the GK Dialogue, Aga Mahmood struck a candid tone, acknowledging the “crisis of trust” in Budgam and admitting that decades of neglect have left the district on the fringes of development.

“Budgam has been largely neglected all these years. On the development front, the constituency lacks big time,” he said.

“People here feel politically orphaned, despite the fact that our party has held power. They have expectations, and they are questioning the system.”

The seasoned politician, who has represented Pattan (1987) and Beerwah (1996) constituencies and served as MLC till 2017, said the upcoming by-election poses a “biggest challenge” for the party to reconnect with disenchanted voters.

“It is going to be a tough battle,” he admitted. “We will reach out to people with a strong, development-driven manifesto. Budgam deserves better.”

Calling on influential party figure, Aga Ruhullah, to step forward, Mahmood said:

“Although I haven’t spoken to Ruhullah yet — he’s in Delhi, I will reach out to him. Woh party ka banda hai. He will definitely do whatever is right for us as a party.”

The remarks come amid visible strains within the NC, as Ruhullah has publicly expressed displeasure with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s “passive stand” on critical issues, particularly the reservation policy. Ruhullah recently said he would vote for the NC but not campaign unless the government makes its stance on the reservation report public.

The bypoll, scheduled for November 11, promises a multi-cornered contest with candidates from BJP, PDP, AIP, Apni Party, and several independents in the fray. However, the most closely watched battle is expected between Aga Mahmood (NC) and Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi (PDP) — both from prominent clerical families of Budgam.

Muntazir, an advocate by profession, had lost to Omar Abdullah in the 2024 assembly elections by 18,000 votes. Omar’s subsequent resignation from the Budgam seat paved the way for this bypoll, where 1.26 lakh voters are expected to decide the future of one of Kashmir’s most politically symbolic constituencies.

With family ties, political legacies, and party rifts intertwining, Budgam’s bypoll is shaping up to be more than just an electoral contest — it’s turning into a test of loyalty, leadership, and legacy within Kashmir’s oldest political party.

Aga Syed Mahmood, who was also part of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as it’s senior Vice-president, while commenting on the former Chief Minister and PDP patron, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, recalling him as “a great administrator, an astute politician, and an able governor.”

Reflecting on his time working alongside Mufti Sayeed, Mahmood said, “He knew how to govern. The moment he decided to take any decision, he would stand by it and ensure its execution. I truly enjoyed working with him.”

Shopian, Oct 22: Shopian Police on Wednesday arrested five persons and seized ₹45,000 in stake money during a raid at a gambling spot in Deegam Nagbal area of the south Kashmir district.

Officials said that acting on a reliable input, a police team from Police Station Shopian conducted a swift raid on the location where the accused were found engaged in gambling activities. Despite an attempt to escape, all five were apprehended on the spot.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Adil Rehman Wachkoo, son of Ab Rehman, resident of Hergam Shopian; Suhail Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohammad Ahsan, resident of Keegam; Tariq Ahmad Bhat, son of Ab Gani, resident of Babmohalla Shopian; Sajad Ahmad Ganie, son of Ab Gani, resident of Berthipora; and Sajad Ahmad Wani, son of Ali Mohammad, resident of Mughalpora Keegam.

During the operation, police recovered ₹45,000 in stake money and a set of playing cards from their possession.

A case under FIR No. 224/2025 has been registered at Police Station Shopian under relevant sections of the Gambling Act, and investigation has been taken up.

Police said such actions are part of their ongoing drive to curb social evils and ensure a peaceful environment in the district. “Shopian Police remains committed to eradicating social crimes and maintaining peace and order,” an official statement added. [KNT]