The meeting was chaired by District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse wherein the district’s overall performance under the programme was reviewed threadbare and a roadmap for stringent enforcement and mass awareness was laid down.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara made a detailed presentation before the chair, apprising the meeting about the achievements made so far, challenges being faced, and enforcement statistics under COTPA-2003 across all blocks of the district.

The DDC directed all enforcement officers and concerned departments to intensify anti-tobacco drives and improve the rate of COTPA challans within their respective jurisdictions.

He further directed all participating officers to submit regular monthly progress reports on COTPA challans and other enforcement measures to the CMO Office, Kupwara, without fail.

The DDC also directed for installation of prominent Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material, containing provisions and health warnings under NTCP and COTPA, at all high-footfall public places across the district.

The meeting set a target of declaring 100 villages of the district as complete Tobacco-Free Villages by the end of the current year. The DDC further directed that all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, shall be made 100 percent Tobacco-Free Campuses by the end of December 2026.

The meeting was attended among others by SDM Lolab, Dr MudasirAhmad , CMO kupwara, DYSP Hqr Kupwara,  all Block Medical Officers (BMOs), Food Safety Officer , besides other concerned officers and officials.

Srinagar : National Conference Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has launched a sharp political challenge to party president Dr Farooq Abdullah over the JKNC’s position on Article 370, statehood and constitutional safeguards for Jammu and Kashmir, saying restoration of statehood cannot be treated as an adequate substitute for what was taken away in August 2019.

In a strongly worded letter to Abdullah, Ruhullah referred to the party president’s August 25 statement in which he questioned those seeking Article 370 while “begging from Delhi”. Ruhullah said the remarks resonated with the frustration felt by many in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned why he should face objections for raising the same questions within the party.

Ruhullah said that Jammu and Kashmir was now seeking statehood, which he described as a right recognised by the Supreme Court and a commitment made by the BJP in its 2024 Assembly election manifesto.

He argued that the JKNC’s position had effectively become no different from that of the BJP on statehood and questioned whether accepting statehood as the “outer limit” of Jammu and Kashmir’s political horizon amounted to legitimising and normalising the constitutional changes of August 2019.

The JKNC MP also questioned the party’s 2024 manifesto, which had promised restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

Pointing out that the BJP was already in power when the manifesto was drafted, Ruhullah asked why the restoration of Article 370 was included in the document if the party believed that the regime which abrogated it would never restore it.

“Were we making promises we knew we could not keep or perhaps never truly intended to keep?” he asked, according to the letter.

Ruhullah said that if the party had invoked the events of August 2019 for political mileage only to abandon its promises after forming the government, it would amount to deliberately misleading a population that had voted for the party with hope, trust and the expectation that it would honour its word.

Defending his political position, Ruhullah said Article 370 was not merely a constitutional provision but represented the struggle for the dignity, honour, constitutional guarantees and liberties of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He highlighted unemployment and lack of opportunities among the youth, concerns over land and resources, pressure on religious rights, traditions and language, besides environmental degradation caused by illegal deforestation, mining and construction in ecologically fragile areas.

“Our job as elected representatives is to fight this constant degradation and dehumanisation — and not to adjust our aspirations to what the BJP is willing to concede,” Ruhullah said.

He maintained that restoration of statehood could not be treated as an adequate substitute for what was taken away in August 2019 and called for continued efforts to secure constitutional guarantees protecting the people, their traditions, resources and land.

Ruhullah also recalled that Abdullah had been the Chief Minister when the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed the Autonomy Resolution, asking why the mention of constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir had now become so objectionable that the party president publicly demanded his resignation.

“What has changed — the aspirations of our people, or the JKNC’s willingness to stand up for them?” he asked.

On the resignation issue, Ruhullah made it clear that he would step down but insisted that accountability must come first.

“Rest assured, the resignation will come. It would have come even without you asking but before that must come accountability,” he said in the letter.

Ruhullah also hit back at what he described as a “rather disrespectful attack” over his political background, saying he was the inheritor of a long tradition of martyrdom and the proud son of a martyr.

He further said that he had not sought to become part of the JKNC and that Abdullah himself had invited him to join the party.

“Not many know this, Doctor Sahab. But you do,” Ruhullah said, urging Abdullah to remember this before making another public attack on his background.

The letter reflects a sharp disagreement between Ruhullah and the JKNC leadership over the party’s political roadmap on Article 370, statehood and constitutional safeguards for Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the occassion Speaker assured the community that their legitimate demands would be addressed with the relevant departments in a systematic and timely manner. He highlighted the importance of regular public engagement to ensure that development efforts align with the actual needs of the populace and emphasized the necessity of public participation for sustainable development. The Speaker also visited the Government Higher Secondary School in HarduDalwan, where he evaluated the institution’s facilities and needs. During this visit, students showcased their talents through a cultural program, and the school management expressed the need for additional desks, benches, and smart-class facilities to improve the learning environment. In response, the Speaker committed to securing the necessary funds to meet these requirements, underscoring the significance of quality education in empowering youth and encouraging them to contribute to their communities. Additionally, the Speaker inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 2.5 crore aimed at enhancing road infrastructure within the constituency. These projects included the macadamization of a 1.5-kilometer PMGSY road in Ahangar Mohalla and a one-kilometer road in Kakawring. He articulated that robust road connectivity is essential for socio-economic development, particularly in rural and hilly regions, as it facilitates access to education, healthcare, and markets. The Speaker reaffirmed that improving road infrastructure remains a top government priority, with ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and ensure safer movement for residents.

Tral :Our Silent Pain, a book by SaimohTral-based private-school teacher SarbjeetKour, has been released and is now available on Amazon.

The book explores the emotional journey of a daughter coping with the loss of her mother, while reflecting on love, grief, memories and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter.

Through its chapters, Kour portrays the pain and emotions that follow the loss of a loved one, while also highlighting cherished memories and the inner strength that helps one navigate grief.

Our Silent Pain captures feelings that often remain unspoken and seeks to remind readers of the enduring value of a mother’s love and the memories shared with her.

The book is aimed at readers who connect with emotional and reflective literature centred on love, loss and human relationships.

Ganderbal| Aug,  24 : For two days, a family in Bamloora held on to a single, desperate hope  that their nine-year-old son would somehow return home alive. On Monday, that hope was shattered when the body of Mohsin Mukhtar, son of Mukhtar Ahmad Lone, was recovered from Nallah Sindh at Check Duderhama in Ganderbal district.

Mohsin had reportedly fallen into the Nallah Sindh on Sunday, triggering an immediate search and rescue operation. As rescuers entered the water and began searching the area, his family waited anxiously, praying for a miracle.

The search continued through the day and entered its second day on Monday. Rescue teams searched the water channel and adjoining stretches, refusing to give up as the family waited for news of their little boy.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of DySP Headquarters Dr Urfaan and SHO Ganderbal Waseem Gull. Teams continued searching every possible stretch of the Nallah in the hope of bringing Mohsin back alive.

But after hours of painstaking efforts, the search ended with the most painful outcome. Mohsin’s body was recovered from the water, bringing an end to the family’s agonising wait but beginning a lifetime of grief.

The child who had left home before the tragedy would now return only for his final journey.

The body was taken for medico-legal formalities. After completion of the formalities, it was handed over to the bereaved family for the last rites.

The recovery left the family inconsolable and the residents of Bamloora deeply shaken. For those who had joined the search and prayed for his safe return, the news came as a devastating blow.

A child of just nine years, with a lifetime ahead of him, Mohsin’s journey ended suddenly in the waters of Nallah Sindh, leaving behind a grieving family and a community struggling to come to terms with the loss.

The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over Bamloora as the bereaved family prepares to bid a final farewell to their young son.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday Police said that a party from Police Post Newa intercepted a Tata Mobile vehicle (JK03N-2440) carrying 41 sheep. The occupants, Zakir Hussain Khari and Mushtaq Ahmad Khari—both residents of Kulgam district—failed to provide a valid explanation for possessing the livestock.

Upon verification, the sheep were confirmed to be stolen property. A case has been registered under FIR No. 149/2026 at Police Station Pulwama besides which the vehicle and livestock have been also seized and further investigation to identify the original owners and co-conspirators is underway.

Briefing the chair about progress of both components of the scheme, the ACD informed that the district has achieved around 95 percent progress under PMAY-G as well as PMAY-U so far, while the remaining 5 percent gap is expected to be covered soon.

Regarding PMAY-G, the meeting was informed that around 32,000 applications have been received in the district. Of these, 17,884 applicants were found eligible as per the prescribed PMAY-G guidelines, while around 14,000 applications were rejected on account of ineligibility under the scheme guidelines.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure that the remaining targets are completed within the stipulated timeframe. He also stressed upon the Block Development Officers (BDOs) to establish grievance cells at all blocks to facilitate applicants, respond to their queries and promptly address issues related to PMAY cases.

Dr. Bilal said that issues concerning prospective landless beneficiaries and applicants residing in areas falling under forest land should be examined and taken up with the concerned authorities for early resolution.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed the officers to ensure regular updation of beneficiary registration and verification, besides closely monitoring the physical and financial progress of sanctioned housing units. He also emphasized the timely release of installments to eligible beneficiaries so that construction work is not delayed.

He took the salute at a parade comprising J&K Police, CRPF, paramilitary forces, NCC cadets and school students. Various departments also presented tableaux showcasing development initiatives.

Wani highlighted government projects in roads, youth empowerment, sports, education and civic infrastructure. He said ₹103 crore has been earmarked under the District Capex Budget for around 1,600 projects.

He said the government envisions a peaceful and prosperous Kupwara with restored statehood, better employment opportunities and improved access to education, healthcare and justice.

Students presented cultural programmes, while meritorious officials, civil society members, media persons and others were felicitated.

Srinagar :  The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Saturday commemorated the 80th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration that emphasized the values of freedom, integrity, innovation, and national service. In-Charge Director Prof. RoohiNaaz led the festivities, which included the unfurling of the national flag at the Institute’s football ground, reinforcing NIT Srinagar’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation.

The event was attended by key figures such as the Registrar, Deans, and faculty members, with a ceremonial parade showcasing various contingents, including the Institute’s Security Wing. During her address, Prof. RoohiNaaz highlighted the significance of Independence Day as a reminder of the responsibilities each generation holds in nation-building. She underscored the crucial role of the academic and scientific community in transforming knowledge into innovative solutions for societal challenges. Additionally, she acknowledged the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the ongoing contributions of security personnel in safeguarding the nation. The Director also pointed out the Institute’s responsibility towards environmental sustainability, urging students to embrace emerging technologies while upholding scientific integrity and social responsibility. Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Institute’s role in preparing students for India’s technological and social advancement. He called for a commitment to integrity and social responsibility in technological pursuits, encouraging students to leverage their education to tackle pressing issues such as climate change and sustainable development. The celebrations included a separate flag-hoisting ceremony at Fountain Park, led by Prof. Rehman, and participation in the official Independence Day events at Bakshi Stadium, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the national flag. A notable highlight was the participation of ten girl cadets from NIT Srinagar’s NCC Unit in the parade at Bakshi Stadium, marking a proud moment for the Institute. Their selection was celebrated by Associate NCC Officer Lt. Dr. Nitika Kundan, who commended their dedication and discipline. The day concluded with various cultural programs on campus, showcasing enthusiastic participation from students and faculty families.