Srinagar, June 18: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a drug peddler in Kupwara and recovered contraband substance from his possession.

A police spokesperson said that a  police party from Police Station Trehgam at a checkpoint established near Shumnag, intercepted a suspicious person who tried to flee from the spot but was apprehended tactfully. During search, substantial amount of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Faisal Ahmad Parray, son of Wali Mohammad Parray, resident of Trehgam, Kupwara.

He said a case vide FIR No. 24/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Trehgam and further investigation has been taken up to ascertain the source and network behind the illegal substance.

Srinagar, June 18: Anantnag Police has taken stringent action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by attaching properties worth Rs 40 lakhs belonging to individuals involved in narcotics-related cases.

A police spokesperson said that in connection with FIR No. 175/2022 under Section 8/20 NDPS Act registered at Police Station Bijbehara, the residential property of Mohd Afzal Bhat, son of Sanaullah Bhat, resident of Moomin Danji, Bijbehara, has been formally attached. The action was taken as part of legal proceedings to disrupt the illicit gains from drug-related activities.

He said additionally, in another significant development, a Hyundai Creta vehicle bearing registration number JK02CX-6665, owned by Sabzar Ahmad Das, son of Nazir Ahmad Das, resident of Wagihama Bijbehara, has been seized in connection with FIR No. 102/2025 registered under Sections 8/20, 29, and 27-A of the NDPS Act at the same police station.

The combined estimated market value of the attached residential house and the seized vehicle is approximately Rs 40 lakhs, the spokesperson said.

Police reiterated its firm commitment to continue the crackdown on drug peddlers and to take all necessary legal actions to dismantle the drug network in the district. They urged general public to come forward with any information related to drug peddling and help make the district a drug-free zone.

Srinagar, June 18: Deeply perturbed by continued neglect at all administrative levels, the Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduate Association (JKEEGA) on Wednesday staged a one-day mass protest across Jammu and Kashmir against the prolonged non-regularization of engineers in the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD). The protests were held simultaneously at the JKPDD Complex Bemina in Srinagar and Gladini in Jammu.

In a press statement issued to the Greater Kashmir, JKEEGA vowed to intensify protest if genuine demand of regularization not is met.

Er Pirzda Hidayatulla, President JKEEGA & Er Sachin Tickoo, General Secretary JKEEGA said, in a joint press statement, that “the proposal of regularization of Power Engineers, which was pending since last so many years, was placed before Establishment Cum Selection Committee on 27-02-2024 without any positive outcome. Worthwhile to mention that the then SAC in Oct 2019 vide Decision No: 258/22/2019, Dt: 22-10-2019 had directed to complete the regularization process of Power Engineers in two months time by providing one-time exception for referring the case to JK-PSC and instead complete the same through Departmental DPC level after approval from Establishment-cum Selection Committee. But till date even after a lapse of 05 years, the decision is yet to see the ray of light except for some handful retired engineers regularized.

In order to press for genuine demand of regularization JKEEGA held a massive mass protest of engineers across J&K on 08-01-2025 with threat to further intensify the protests and Govt. in order to pacify the protesting engineers held meeting of Establishment Cum Selection Committee on 20-01-2025 with agenda of regularization of engineers of JKPDD under discussion. The Government further assured to immediately settle the issue of regularization on priority. Based on assurances given, JKEEGA after due consultation with its apex body i.e. Guidance Council decided to provide time to government for settlement of issue of regularization. However to utter surprise of every power engineer of J&K the MoM of Establishment Cum Selection Committee meeting was not issued and circulated thus raising doubts on the intentions of Government.

In order to address the burning issue of non-regularization of engineers of JKPDD, Guidance Council of JKEEGA served a notice of 17 days followed by one more notice of 7 days to Government vide JKEEGA/JMU/KMR/2022-24/519-525 Dated 26/05/2025 & JKEEGA/JMU/KMR/2024-26/526-32 Dated 10/06/2025 with a plea to issue orders for regularization of engineers. However, Government failed to issue regularization orders of PDD engineers, thus forcing power engineers of J&K to hold peaceful mass protest on 18-06-2025 with a resolve to further intensify the protest and hold 2 days mass protest exactly after 1 month time on 16th and 17th July 2025 if the demand is not met. The protest was held without affecting essential services and with participation of all engineers from the ranks of Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer/Executive Director and Managing Director.

Throwing light on achievements of power engineers, Er Pirzada & Sachin Tickoo said that power engineers have always been instrumental in developmental activities of all forms. Apart from developmental activities power engineers of J&K have always been at the forefront in delivering services to public even during hostile conditions viz-a-viz Harsh Winters, Covid-19 and recent War like situation. It is however disheartening to inform that despite working to the best of their abilities, under most hostile conditions which Hon’ble Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal Khattar also acknowledged recently while reviewing power sector of J&K, the Power Engineering fraternity in the UT have been put to hardships by virtue of non fulfilments of promises viz-a-viz Regularization, ACP, Filling of Vacancies thus pushing power engineers to wall. Further power engineers are not at par with other sister engineering wings like R&B, MED, PHE when it comes to regularization, cadre strengthening and promotion opportunities.

JKEEGA as last resort though this medium appeals Hon’ble Union Power Minister of India, Hon’ble Chief Minister UT of J&K and Wothry Chief Secretary UT of J&K to intervene and solve the issue of non-regularization of power engineers and direct the concerned Administrative authority to issue regularization orders of JKPDD engineers adopting similar yardsticks like in other sister engineering wings without any further delay. JKEEGA also appeals Honourable Chief Minister UT of J&K to save this Department from going into despair and revive the hopes of Power Engineers towards this Government.

Tangmarg, June 18: Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), led by Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the “loot” of water from the Ferozpora Nalla and the ongoing environmental degradation in Tangmarg and Gulmarg. Wani called for immediate intervention, terming the diversion of water as “theft, not policy” and “injustice, not governance.”

Speaking on behalf of the people of Tangmarg, Magam, Pattan, and surrounding areas, Wani said the Ferozpora Nalla—a vital water source for drinking, agriculture, and horticulture—is being diverted to other districts through large underground pipelines. “This sacred and life-sustaining stream has nourished the region for generations. Yet today, people living along its banks are left to suffer,” he said.

In a statement issued to *Greater Kashmir*, the JKCSF Chairman said, “This water is not ordinary—it is the lifeline of our region. It is the source of drinking water for lakhs of people, the backbone of our agriculture, and the sustainer of our horticulture, on which thousands of families depend for survival. From paddy fields to apple orchards, from domestic use to livestock, Ferozpora Nalla supports every form of life in Tangmarg and its adjoining belts. Yet today, the people of Tangmarg, Magam, Pattan, and nearby villages are watching helplessly as their rightful share is siphoned away, leaving their taps dry, their fields barren, and their orchards dying. This is not just mismanagement—it is an open betrayal of the people who have protected and relied on this stream for centuries. The water of Ferozpora belongs to us, and we will not allow it to be stolen any longer.”

“The unauthorized and unjust diversion of water to other districts, done without any public consent or consultation, is deeply discriminatory. Such a major decision, taken without transparency, environmental clearance, or a fair water-sharing policy, amounts to nothing less than institutional betrayal. It is both legally questionable and morally indefensible,” he added.

“Adding to the crisis is the reckless use of heavy machinery, including JCBs, in the stream to alter its natural flow. This practice, despite being prohibited by the Supreme Court, continues unabated. The result is the destruction of the stream’s ecological balance, erosion of its bed, lowering of water levels, and damage to aquatic life. These irresponsible actions must be stopped immediately to preserve what remains of this vital natural resource,” he said.

He said Ferozpora Nalla is not just a water source—it is central to the identity, ecology, and economy of Tangmarg. Tangmarg and its adjoining areas are among the most visited tourist zones in Jammu & Kashmir, and any damage to its water bodies directly affects tourism. But sadly, the region continues to suffer from widespread environmental degradation. Unregulated tree-cutting, unauthorized construction, lack of scientific waste disposal by hotels in Tangmarg and Gulmarg, and the hazardous use of chemicals for snow melting have collectively poisoned our soil and water. These chemicals seep into the environment after snowmelt, affecting forests, harming public health, and endangering biodiversity.

He said that the ongoing violation of the official construction ban in Gulmarg worsens the situation. Concrete structures continue to rise unchecked, threatening the ecological balance and natural charm of this world-famous tourist spot. The government must intervene urgently to halt such unregulated development. Instead of allowing rampant construction in ecologically fragile Gulmarg, the administration should promote tourism infrastructure from Narbal to Tangmarg, enabling people from surrounding villages to benefit from tourism and hospitality opportunities. This inclusive model would decentralize tourism and promote economic equity.

Furthermore, the establishment of high-tech sewage treatment plants in Gulmarg, Tangmarg, and Baba Reshi has become indispensable. These facilities will help manage the increasing waste generated by tourists and local populations alike and are essential to protecting the fragile ecology of these areas.

At the same time, the long-pending alternate road project to Gulmarg, starting from Bedran village of Magam Budgam, which passes through Pinjoora, Goigam, Wussan, Bungam, and finally reaches Drung, must be expedited. This route holds the potential to connect untouched tourist destinations like Chek-Freshte-reshi, Gogaldara, Bederkot, Darakshi, Ringawali, Danwas, and Rangmarg, opening avenues for development and livelihood in the overlooked parts of our region, he added.

Expressing shock, Wani said that despite being a key destination, Tangmarg continues to be neglected in terms of basic public infrastructure, particularly healthcare. The Chest Disease Hospital in Tangmarg, established in 1931, remains functionally outdated. The hospital lacks essential equipment such as a central heating system, CT scan, MRI, portable ultrasound, modern blood bank, and operation theatres. The same is true for hospitals in Kunzer, Magam, and Pattan, where even routine diagnostics are unavailable. Patients—including tourists—are forced to travel to Srinagar or Baramulla for basic treatment, despite the presence of qualified doctors and dedicated paramedical staff. This continued neglect is a denial of the right to health and dignity.

“The long-awaited Mini Secretariat at Tangmarg, the foundation stone of which was laid in 2012, still lies incomplete due to unknown reasons. This delay is unjustifiable. The government must release a white paper on the status of the project and take necessary steps to complete it. Once completed, the Mini Secretariat will bring all key public offices under one roof and will save the people from the hassle of running from one office to another for basic administrative work,” Wani added.

Another serious concern, he said, is the forced inclusion of more than 32 villages under the jurisdiction of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA). This move has created deep distress among the locals, who are not even allowed to construct essential shelters like cow sheds. This restriction on basic rural livelihood activities must end, and these villages should be immediately delinked from the GDA to prevent further exploitation of their rights.

Talking about another issue, he said, “Let me bring to your notice another serious issue concerning the people of Gulmarg/Tangmarg. Since people of Gulmarg/Tangmarg are purely dependent on tourism, which has suffered a setback, the people of the area are economically crushed. But it is unfortunate that the PDD is charging exorbitant rates from its consumers—poor people living in sheds and kothas who deserve welfare measures like concessions in electricity tariff as per AAY and BPL norms—which is sheer injustice. The authorities should conduct a survey and take necessary steps for the benefit of these poor people.”

“All these issues—from water diversion to environmental destruction and healthcare collapse—are deeply interconnected. They reflect a long-standing pattern of administrative apathy, policy failures, and socio-political marginalization. The people of Tangmarg have shown immense patience, but silence can no longer be sustained in the face of such gross injustice.”

Raising the issue of lack of sports infrastructure in the area, Wani said, “Another important issue that needs immediate attention is the condition of sports infrastructure in our region. Playgrounds at Kunzer, Tangmarg, Shrai, and other areas lack basic facilities like proper turf, dressing rooms, fencing, and maintained outfields. While we talk about protecting our youth from drug abuse and social evils, we must also provide them the means to engage positively. Investment in sports infrastructure is essential to motivate youth, help them pursue sports as a career, enable them to compete with athletes from other parts of the country, and keep our youth away from this drug menace.”

He said that despite the valiant efforts of SDPO Tangmarg, SHO Gulmarg, SHO Tangmarg, and SHO Kunzer to curb the drug menace, this social evil is gripping our area at an alarming pace. “I want to assure these dedicated officers that JKCSF will stand shoulder to shoulder with them in the fight against this social evil.”

Further, Wani said, “JKCSF appeals to Hon’ble MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah Sb, Former Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir Sb, Former MLA Mohammad Abbas Wani Sb, PDP Leader Shabir Ahmad Mir Sb, AIP Leader Adil Nazir Sb, socio-political figure Tejinder Singh Ji, socio-political activist Munshi Mukhtar Sb, Bar Association Tangmarg, Traders’ Associations of Tangmarg, Kunzer, Pattan, and Magam, the local Journalists’ Associations, and to all responsible public figures and community leaders, to come together on a common platform, setting aside political, social, or organizational differences for the greater cause of the area, especially Tangmarg and Gulmarg.”

“To facilitate this, JKCSF has decided to organize a seminar in the coming days where all political parties, social and religious organizations, bar associations, trade unions, traders’ associations, pony and guide unions, hoteliers, media personnel, and prominent public figures of the area will be invited. The aim is to draft a Common Minimum Programme to resist the continued loot of our water resources, fight against environmental degradation, and drug abuse,” he added.

As the Chairman of JKCSF, Wani said, “I urge all our district presidents and sub-divisional leaders to stand up in their respective areas—against drug abuse, social evils, rising economic injustice, and environmental issues. JKCSF is ready to act as a bridge between all sections of society committed to peace, justice, and sustainable development.”

He warned, “If these concerns are not addressed immediately, JKCSF will not hold back in launching a peaceful, democratic campaign across the region, taking all the stakeholders on board to safeguard the rights, resources, and dignity of our people. We do not seek confrontation; we seek fairness. We are ready to fight—peacefully, lawfully, and relentlessly—for what is ours. We belong to Tangmarg. We believe in Tangmarg. And if the time comes, we are prepared to bleed for Tangmarg.”

Furthermore, Wani said, “Finally, I, on behalf of JKCSF Tangmarg, want to pay heartfelt tribute to the legendary figures of Tangmarg who, despite different political ideologies, played a significant role in preserving and protecting our environment and local water resources. We salute these stalwarts and feel their absence deeply in these challenging times. It is both our responsibility and obligation to remember and honour their legacy.These legends, namely:”

1. Lt. Gh. Ahmad Munshi
2. Lt. Mohd. Maqbool Mir (Gulla Sb)
3. Lt. Former MLA M. A. Zaildar
4. Lt. Ali Mohd. Sofi (Hari-watnoo)
5. Lt. Ab. Aziz Dar (Qazipora)
6. Lt. Gh. Nabi Wani (Ferozpora)
7. Lt. Gh. Ahmad Beigh (Noon) (Kralweth)
8. Lt. Peerzada Nisar (Duroo)
9. Lt. Ab. Samad Pathwari (Merchipora)
10. Lt. Gh. Mohd. Reshi (Chanpora)
11. Lt. G. M. Bhat (Qazipora)
12. Lt. Ghulam Ahmad Gada (Lalpora)
13. Lt. Gh. Ahmad Lali (Lalpora)
14. Lt. Mohd. Yaseen Shabnum (Ougmuna)
15. Lt. Mohd. Ameen Khuto (Gani Baba)
16. Lt. Sonaullah Wani (Wussan)
17. Lt. Ab. Rasheed Khan (Cheksari)
18. Lt. Gh. Mohd. Mir (Nehalpora)
19. Lt. Ab. Gani Mir (Nehalpora)
20. Lt. Mohd. Subhaan Naik (Chek Ferozpora)
21. Lt. Gh. Mohammad Mir (Aboora)
22. Lt. Abdul Rehman Khan (Heing)
23. Lt. Gh. Mohiuddin Rather (Lalpora)
24. Lt. Abdul Ahad Bhat (Ferozpora)
25. Lt. Habibullah Lone (Drung)
26. Lt. Mohd. Akbar (Aka-Mama) (Chandilora)
27. Lt. Gh. Rasool War (Ogmuna)
28. Lt. Gh. Rasool Yali (Former MLA)
29. Lt. Ab. Rehman Khanday (Hard Bani)
30. Lt. Peerzada Ab. Rasheed Shah (Hard Shoora)
31. Mohd. Siddique Khutoo (Pariswani)
32. Mohd. Abdullah Parray (Bungam)
33. Lt. Gh. Hassan Dar (Kunzer)
34. Lt. Molvi Gulzar Ah. Sofi (Kunzer)
35. Lt. Haji Ab. Rahman Pala (Kulhama)

Have left behind a roadmap of courage and dedication, which we must now uphold and carry forward, he concluded.

Srinagar, June 18: Apni Party on Wednesday organised a Shikara rally at the famous Dal Lake here to send a message to the people of the country that Kashmir was eagerly waiting for them and was as safe as any other part of the country.

Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari said houseboat and shikarawalas, hoteliers, and taxi drivers in Kashmir were under duress and steps must be taken to help them.

“This rally has been organised to send a message to the people of the country that Kashmir is waiting for you and is safe. Visit Kashmir… your safety is guaranteed. Kashmir is as safe as any other part of the country,” Bukhari told reporters after flagging off the rally.

He said the rally was held to also show solidarity with the tourism stakeholders.

“Be it the houseboat and shikarawalas, hoteliers, or tempo and taxi drivers, they are under duress, but we stand with them,” he said.

The Apni Party chief also appealed to the government to help the tourism stakeholders.

“There is a need for handholding… they need some help and that help should be provided to them,” Bukhari added.

The tourism trade came to a standstill in most of Kashmir after the April 22 terror attack on tourists at Baisaran in Pahalgam, in which 26 people — 25 tourists and a local service provider — were killed.

Srinagar, June 18: At least thirteen residential structures were damaged in a massive fire incident that broke out late Tuesday night at Pamposh Colony, Noorbagh in Srinagar.

An official from the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) said that the fire call was received at 10:35 PM and the first emergency unit turned out just a minute later at 10:36 PM.

The blaze engulfed thirteen structures including two double-storey houses, five single-storey pacca houses, and six sheds made with GCI sheets, he said.

The F&ES Department stated that all the GCI sheet sheds and household goods were severely damaged. Additionally, the roofs, ceilings, doors, windows, and other belongings in the five single-storey structures and one side of both double-storey homes were partly damaged. Heat, smoke, and water caused indirect damage to nearby residential units as well, official said.

Firefighting units from multiple stations including F&ES Headquarters, Safakadal, Shalteng, Mujgund, Babademb, and MR Gunj were pressed into service. The fire was finally brought under control by 11:22 PM, as confirmed by the on-ground fire officer, they said.

No casualties were reported, and the cause of the fire is being investigated. (JKNS)