A Session court in Anantnag has sentenced a CRPF constable to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife by strangulation inside their residential quarters at a CRPF camp in 2021.

The Court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Anantnag sentenced Shankara Naik to life imprisonment following his conviction in an FIR (57/2021) registered at Police Station Anantnag under Section 302 (murder) of the IPC.

According to the prosecution, on March 29, 2021, following a domestic quarrel, the accused allegedly strangled his wife, Sama Bhai, with a scarf inside their residential room at the CRPF Camp in Raghunath Mandir, Sheerbagh Anantnag. He subsequently informed his superior officers, following which police registered the case and launched an investigation.

During the trial, the prosecution examined medical experts, forensic specialists, investigating officers and other witnesses. The post-mortem and forensic evidence established that the victim died due to ligature strangulation, conclusively ruling the death as homicidal, the court said.

 The Court, after evaluating the evidence, concluded that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the deceased suffered an unnatural homicidal death inside the room exclusively occupied by the couple. The chain of circumstantial, medical and scientific evidence pointed solely to the guilt of the accused and was inconsistent with any hypothesis of innocence, the court noted.

Moreover, the court underscored that the accused failed to provide any satisfactory explanation for the circumstances in which his wife sustained the fatal injuries while in his exclusive company. The defence version, it said, was neither probable nor supported by evidence capable of creating reasonable doubt.

Consequently, the court convicted the accused under Section 302 of IPC and sentenced him to undergo imprisonment for life besides imposing a fine in accordance with law.

Bandipora, Jun 30: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bandipora-1, Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, today organised a one day awareness programme on “Apple Leaf Blotch Miner and its Management.”

The programme aimed to create awareness among apple growers regarding the identification, surveillance, damage symptoms, and scientific management of the emerging invasive pest. A large number of apple growers from different villages of Bandipora district participated in the programme along with scientists from SKUAST-Kashmir, officials of the Department of Horticulture, Bandipora, and KVK Bandipora 1.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tariq Sultan, Head, KVK Bandipora-1, emphasized the importance of timely awareness programmes for protecting apple orchards from emerging insect pests. He urged growers to remain vigilant, monitor their orchards regularly, and adopt scientific recommendations for effective pest management.

Dr. Barkat Hussain, Professor, Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, highlighted the importance of early detection, regular surveillance, and coordinated efforts among scientists, extension agencies, and farmers to contain the spread of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner.

Dr. Zewar Hussain, Associate Professor, Division of Entomology, explained the methods of field surveillance, pest identification, and monitoring techniques. He advised farmers to inspect their orchards regularly and seek timely technical guidance whenever infestations are observed.

Dr. Sajad Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, delivered the keynote technical lecture on the biology, life cycle, damage symptoms, and integrated management of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner. He emphasized orchard sanitation, destruction of fallen leaves and infested debris, scraping of loose bark, installation of pheromone and sticky traps, conservation of natural enemies, and timely application of recommended insecticides for effective management of the pest.

Dr. Tahir Saleem, Subject Matter Specialist, Vegetable Science, KVK Bandipora-1, highlighted the importance of scientific orchard management practices, balanced nutrition, and timely advisory services for maintaining healthy orchards and improving apple productivity. He encouraged farmers to remain in regular contact with KVK Bandipora-1 for need based technical guidance.

Shabnum Mumtaz, Subject Matter Specialist, Entomology, KVK Bandipora-1, emphasized the importance of early pest surveillance, orchard sanitation, and adoption of integrated pest management practices for effective control of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner. She advised farmers to regularly monitor their orchards and report any unusual pest incidence for timely scientific intervention.

During the interactive session, farmers raised several queries regarding the identification and management of Apple Leaf Blotch Miner, which were satisfactorily addressed by the experts.

The programme concluded with the commitment of KVK Bandipora-1, the Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, and the Department of Horticulture, Bandipora, to strengthen farmer awareness and promote sustainable management of emerging pests in apple orchards.

The programme was also attended by Mohd Abbas, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Bandipora, officials of the Department of Horticulture, Bandipora, scientists from SKUAST-Kashmir, officials of KVK Bandipora-1, and a large number of progressive apple growers from different villages of the district.

Srinagar, Jun 30: In ongoing preparations for the Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Security, J&K, Sujit Kumar on Tuesday conducted a detailed on-ground review of the yatra base camp at Baltal and the transit camp at Manigam.

The visit underscored the remarkable improvements implemented by the Security Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees.

This year’s security arrangements at both key locations reflect a heightened focus on technology-driven surveillance, multi-layered access control, and seamless inter-agency coordination, aligning with the broader multi-tiered security grid established across the yatra routes.

During his inspection, IGP Sujit Kumar took stock of the upgraded facilities and operational readiness.

The Security Wing has introduced several state-of-the-art measures: that include joint CCTV Control Rooms have been established for real-time monitoring, providing comprehensive coverage of the camps and surrounding areas.

Face Recognition Technology

Advanced Face Recognition Cameras have been deployed at strategic points to identify flagged individuals and enable prompt intervention.

Triple Layer Security Checks

A robust three-tier access control system has been put in place to regulate entry into the camps, significantly enhancing perimeter security.

Dedicated Anti-Sabotage Teams

Specialised teams are actively operating on the ground to counter any potential threats through proactive sweeps and rapid response capabilities.

Synergistic Coordination

Excellent synergy and coordination among all security forces, including J&K Police, CAPFs, and other stakeholders, ensuring unified command and efficient operations.

Additional infrastructure upgrades include clear earmarked macadamised roads from the highway up to the Yatri Shivir, well-defined security AC check spaces equipped with galleries and sheds, and structured lady frisking chambers for smooth and dignified screening of women yatris.

IGP Security Sujit Kumar appreciated the efforts of the Security Wing and field officers, directing them to maintain the highest standards of vigilance and preparedness.

He emphasised that these enhancements, combined with ongoing mock drills and inter-agency rehearsals, will contribute to an incident-free yatra.

The visit comes as part of intensified reviews by senior police leadership, including IGP Kashmir V KbBirdi and district SSPs.

These measures complement Kashmir-wide initiatives like Project Hawk Eye in Anantnag, extensive drone surveillance, sniper deployments, and disaster response mechanisms.

With the yatra scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, authorities have rolled out one of the most extensive security plans in recent years.

Srinagar, June 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to announce the summer vacations for Kashmir schools from July 6 to 19 of 2026.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani said the proposal has been approved and order will be issued as well.

“The proposal submitted by the Directorate has been approved by the Administrative Department. Official order will be issued as well,” Wani told Greater Kashmir.

Earlier, Minister for Education Sakina Itoo said that the summer vacations will be announced from the second week of July.

“We have planned to announce the vacation from July second week but the date has not been finalized yet,” she had told Greater Kashmir.

Ganderbal, June 30: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V K Birdi-IPS today conducted a comprehensive on-ground review of the security arrangements and deployment plan in district Ganderbal.

He was accompanied by DIG Central Kashmir Range, DIG North Kashmir Range, SSP Srinagar, SSP Ganderbal, SSP Bandipora, SP Ops Srinagar and other senior officers from Police and Civil Administration.

During the visit, IGP Kashmir inspected the Transit Camp Manigam and took a detailed assessment of the arrangements being put in place for the smooth, secure and hassle-free movement of pilgrims. He also reviewed the deployment of Police, CAPF’s and other security components at important locations along the Yatra route.