Srinagar, June 25: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday expressed hope that more film-makers would make movies in Kashmiri language to showcase the Valley’s beauty and local talent.

Speaking to reporters after premiere of the first-ever Kashmiri-Kannada film ‘Harmukh’ in Srinagar, he said, “This is very good, they have acted very well.”

The former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, said more films should be made in Kashmiri language, which could then be dubbed in other languages to reach a wider audience.

“I hope they make more films in Kashmiri language, like in other states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Bengal and Bollywood. We want them to make Kashmiri films that are watched everywhere, because there are Kashmiris everywhere. We can dub these movies in other languages so that others can understand them as well,” he said.

The veteran politician, however, asked the film-makers to make quality films, unlike “some in the past that could not be screened” over lack of artistry.

“Let our producers and directors make good films. Kashmir is a beautiful place and there is tremendous talent. The local actors will get a break here, they can then showcase their talent elsewhere,” he added.

About ‘Harmukh’, Abdullah said he felt happy after watching it. “God willing, it will soon come on Netflix and the whole world can watch it,” he said.

Srinagar, June 25: Multi-layered and in-depth security arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra to ensure safe and smooth pilgrimage, Kashmir Police chief V K Birdi said on Wednesday.

“The Shri Amarnath Yatra this year is starting next week. Jammu-Kashmir Police and other security forces have made all security arrangements for the yatra. Compared to last year, this time there are multi-layered and in-depth security arrangements so as to make the yatra safe and smooth,” the inspector general of Kashmir Police told reporters in Anantnag.

Birdi visited the Nunwan base camp of the yatra along the Pahalgam axis and reviewed the security arrangements for the pilgrimage which starts July 3.

The IGP said the security arrangements for the 38-day pilgrimage have been divided into different levels, including zonal, and security drills were held at every level on Wednesday ahead of the yatra.

“The aim of the drills is to refine our alertness, and preparedness of our actions and responses at the time of any contingency. Such drills were conducted at every place like camps, roads or interior sections along the yatra routes so that all the security forces remain alert and know what specific tasks they have to carry out to fight any contingency,” he added.

Asked about the local support to the yatra, Birdi said the yatra cannot be conducted without the support of the local population.

“They become successful due to the help and support by the locals. This time also, the people are excited to welcome the yatris and provide them any possible help,” the IGP said.

Meanwhile, security forces conducted drills at Pahalgam, Anantnag, and Qazigund in south Kashmir; Pantha Chowk in Srinagar, and Sumbal in north Kahsmir’s Bandipora district.

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.