Srinagar, June 25: Police on Wednesday said that continuing its crackdown against the elements affiliated with the proscribed organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), which stands banned under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), carried out search at the residential premises of a suspected JeI member.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that the search was carried out in connection with FIR No. 29/2019 U/S 10, 13 ULA(P) Act, registered at Police Station Handwara, as part of ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the ecosystem of the banned organization.

The premises searched belonged to a JeI affiliate identified as Mohammad Amin Shah s/o Gh Mohammad Shah resident of Gonipora now putting up at Baghatpora New Colony, Handwara, he said.

The search was conducted following due legal procedure and was aimed at uncovering incriminating materials, documents, electronic devices, or any evidence pointing toward continued unlawful activities or affiliations with the banned outfit, he said.

Handwara Police remains committed to acting tough against individuals involved in supporting or propagating the ideology of proscribed organizations and reiterates its resolve to ensure peace and security in the region, reads the statement.

Srinagar, June 25: In a significant breakthrough, police in Awantipora solved a theft case by arresting five persons involved in the commission of crime and recovered stolen property from their possession.

A police spokesperson said that on 23.06.2025, Police Station Awantipora received a written complaint from Mohd Zubair regarding the theft of cattle from village Barsoo. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 145/2025 under relevant sections of law was registered in Police Station Awantipora and investigation was initiated.

During the investigation, a police team was constituted under the close supervision of SDPO Awantipora Raja Majid Batt, headed by SHO PS Awantipora DySP (P) Aatif Zahoor. Acting swiftly, the team conducted a thorough investigation, gathering leads and intelligence from the local area. As a result of the team’s efforts, one suspect, Azam Bakerwal, son of Maqmood Bakerwal, resident of Dat Gund Gulshapora Tral, was brought in for questioning. The accused confessed to his involvement in the crime along with four other individuals during questioning. Subsequently, the remaining four accused identified as Nisar Ahmad Mir son, of Sanaullah Mir, resident of Y K Pora Qazigund; Rashid Ahmad Mir, son of Mohd Yaqoub Mir, resident of Kuchipora Qazigund; Liyaqat Ali, son of Makhan Ahmad Bomla, resident of Kudigam Qazigund; and Mohd Sabir Khari, son of Mulla Bakerwal, resident of Gulshanpora Tral were also arrested. All the accused confessed to their involvement in the commission of the crime.

On their disclosure, 34 sheep and goat were recovered. The recovered cattle have been handed over to their rightful owners after completion of legal formalities. Further investigation is going on, the spokesperson said.

Police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public property and maintaining law and order, and urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to help curb criminal activities.

Srinagar, June 25: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member, Ghulam Ali Khatana today stated that imposition of emergency on June 25, 1975 was blatant suspension of civil liberties, press freedom and democratic rights in the country. He was addressing a press conference at BJP headquarters here in Srinagar, to mark Emergency Day as a solemn reminder of the dark chapter in India’s democratic history.

BJP leader Khatana recalled the imposition of the emergency in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which lasted for 21 months and stated it saw a blatant suspension of civil liberties, press freedom, and democratic rights.

He termed it as the “blackest period in independent India” and paid tribute to all those who resisted authoritarian rule and sacrificed their freedom to uphold the Constitution and democratic values.

“The Emergency was a direct attack on the soul of our democracy. It is our duty to remind the new generations of this betrayal of constitutional governance,” Khatana said.

“Today, we rededicate ourselves to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens, as envisioned by our Constitution makers.”

MP Khatana emphasized the role of BJP as the true guardian of democracy, tracing its ideological lineage to the Jana Sangh, which was at the forefront of the resistance movement during the Emergency. He also lauded the sacrifices made by thousands of party workers, social activists, and opposition leaders who were jailed, tortured, and silenced during this period.

He further added that the observance of Emergency Day is not just an act of remembrance but also a warning against any future attempts to undermine democracy.

Srinagar, June 25: As Kashmir reels under what experts describe as the worst irrigation crisis in a century, PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para has sharply criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for what he said failing to respond to the unfolding agricultural emergency.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Para questioned why crucial positions in the Irrigation Department, including that of Chief Engineer Kashmir, other Chief Engineers (CEs), and Executive Engineers (XENs), continue to remain vacant even as large parts of the Valley face dry canals, failed pumping stations, and defunct irrigation schemes.

“The Irrigation Department is paralyzed. Why are key posts like Chief Engineer Kashmir, CEs, and XENs still vacant? Why can’t Hon’ble CM @OmarAbdullah fill this vacuum that’s fueling the disaster?” Para posted, tagging both the Chief Minister’s handle and the official handle of the J&K government. “Why sit on files while a crisis looms overhead?” he added.

Farmers across multiple districts, especially in south and central Kashmir, have reported failing paddy fields due to lack of water. Many irrigation canals are running dry, and several lift irrigation and tube well schemes are lying defunct due to poor maintenance and staff shortage.