New Delhi ,Srinagar | October, 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces for curbing terrorism in the Valley, stating that Kashmir, the Northeast, and Left-Wing Extremism-affected regions are now experiencing unprecedented peace and development.
Addressing a ceremony on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial, Shah highlighted the major success achieved in dismantling terror networks. He emphasized that internal security hotspots have transformed into hubs of progress and stability through the sacrifices of security personnel.
Pay tributes to fallen heroes, Shah noted that police officers represent both the first and last line of defence for internal security, securing borders and upholding democratic processes. Marking 2026 as a landmark year, he highlighted the nation’s freedom from Naxalism on March 31 after decades of conflict, which had claimed thousands of lives since 1981.
Shah recalled the origin of Police Commemoration Day, honoring the 10 CRPF personnel killed by Chinese troops at Ladakh’s Hot Springs in 1959. He also urged police forces nationwide to intensify their crackdown on illegal drugs, aiming for a drug-free India by December 31, 2029, under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ roadmap, warning that drug profits fund anti-national activities.
Marking the occasion, the Home Minister flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally themed ‘Fight Against Drugs,’ featuring 90 riders heading toward Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar. He further lauded the Central Armed Police Forces for maintaining peaceful, fatality-free proceedings during recent elections and securing the nation during major events, officials said.

New Delhi | October, 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasized that the ideals of Lord Ram continue to guide the nation, describing ‘Ram Rajya’ as an enduring model of good governance rooted in justice, equality, and public welfare. Addressing a large gathering on Vijayadashami at the DDA Utsav Ground in IP Extension, New Delhi, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to citizens, highlighting that the festival signifies the eternal victory of truth over falsehood and the end of tyranny, official sources said.
Reflecting on the deeper administrative meaning of Ram Rajya, officials said the Prime Minister underscored its role as a universal standard for an inclusive government. PM Modi stated, “Which is still considered the standard of good governance today. Ram Rajya, that is, such a governance where there is no discrimination against anyone, where everyone gets justice, where equal opportunities are available, and where the purpose of power is not to rule, but to serve the welfare of the people; this is the ideal of Lord Shri Ram. Therefore, we must always move forward with the mantra of treating the public as Janardan and ‘Citizen, you are God.’ We must prioritise the service of the poor and the deprived.”
Turning to national resilience and self-reliance, reports said the Prime Minister drew inspiration from Lord Ram’s journey to Lanka, stressing that challenges should never deter the country from reaching its objectives. PM Modi noted, “No matter how big the crisis may be, no matter how tough the challenge may be, we must not sit back relying on others. We must recognise our own strength. We must have faith in our resources. We must turn our resolve into power and find solutions through our own hard work. Lord Shri Ram taught us that the difficulties of the path cannot stop our journey. The ocean lay ahead, Lanka was far away, but the resolve was unwavering, so Ramji awakened the collective power of the people, made public participation his support, and turned an impossible-seeming goal into reality. This is the fundamental mantra of success.”
Calling for unified national purpose, officials said PM Modi urged all political parties and public institutions to stand together against internal and external threats that aim to divide society or undermine India’s cultural foundation. PM Modi remarked, “Our thoughts must align, our committees—that is, all the institutions of the nation, all political parties must stand together for the national interest. We must proceed with this very spirit; we must fight together against the enemies of the country. The forces that harm the nation, the people who divide society, the mindset that hates our culture. These are the enemies of the country.”
Highlighting ongoing efforts to restore national pride, reports said the Prime Minister pointed to the successful retrieval of hundreds of stolen historical artifacts from overseas. PM Modi affirmed, “A nation progresses when it possesses a sense of self-respect, and its heritage plays a major role in shaping that self-respect. That is why the country is now working to preserve its heritage and identity. For centuries, our heritage was looted and taken abroad. But today, we are bringing those treasures back. Over the past 12 years, more than 650 ancient idols have been brought back to India. India is giving its cultural centres a new identity on the world stage.” Concluding his address, officials said PM Modi expressed firm faith in humanity’s triumph, stating, “Vijayadashami is the festival of victory. This festival gives us the courage to believe that no matter how powerful the enemy, when we stand with truth and humanity, victory will ultimately be ours. This spirit of Vijayadashami has always been at the heart of India’s philosophy.”

Srinagar | October, 19: India has firmly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in resolutions adopted at a recent Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, accusing Pakistan of leveraging the platform to advance its political agenda and mask its internal challenges.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterized the statements regarding India as “malicious, biased, and false,” expressing disappointment over their inclusion during the Council of Foreign Ministers’ session in Baghdad.
The Ministry asserted that Pakistan orchestrated these references and criticized the OIC for allowing itself to be used to promote Islamabad’s regional narratives. Reaffirming India’s unwavering stance, officials said the OIC has no locus standi to comment on matters that fall strictly within India’s internal affairs, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh remain integral parts of the nation.
Highlighting the rapid infrastructure development, tourism growth, and improved connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370, the MEA noted that these transformations have significantly benefited local residents. Conversely, the ministry cited severe human rights violations, media suppression, and violent repressions against civilian protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Officials stated that the core outstanding issues remain Pakistan’s illegal occupation of territories and its continued support for cross-border terrorism.

Breath Analyser, rapid Drug Tests conducted

Drunk driver booked, Vehicle Seized, DL disqualified

KISHTWAR, OCTOBER 18: On the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and under the supervision of ARTO Tasleem Wani, the Motor Vehicles Department, in collaboration with District Police, conducted a joint enforcement drive here at Shalimar Naka, with special focus on curbing drunken driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

The drive was led by Incharge Police Post Shalimar Parshotam Singh along with Motor Vehicle Inspectors Robin Parihar and Imran Choudhary.

During the drive, the enforcement team used breath analysers to detect drunken driving, while rapid drug test kits were employed to identify possible cases of driving under the influence of drugs.

One driver was booked under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act for drunken driving and his vehicle was seized, besides disqualification of his driving licence.

The enforcement drive aimed to deter traffic violations, promote responsible driving and ensure the safety of all road users.

The joint teams also sensitised drivers about the serious risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

JAMMU, OCTOBER 18: Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Minga Sherpa chaired a meeting to review the activities of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Jammu and the status of animal welfare measures in the district.

The DC reviewed the status of the anti-rabies vaccination programme in the district and took stock of the role being played by the Jammu Municipal Corporation, the Animal Husbandry Department and animal welfare organisations. He also reviewed the availability of anti-rabies vaccine with the concerned departments.

Directing the officers to organise dedicated camps for anti-rabies vaccination, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that sterilisation campaigns under the Animal Birth Control programme be carried out alongside vaccination for effective and humane management of the stray animal population. He underlined that these activities must not remain confined to the city and should be extended to the rural areas and other Urban Local Bodies of the district as per a fixed schedule.

The DC directed the concerned departments to prepare a scheduled action plan for the vaccination and sterilisation activities and to work in close coordination to achieve substantial progress on the ground within a defined timeframe.

Reviewing the progress of the Animal Care Centre for SPCA at village Chowadhi, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of the development of animal shelter infrastructure, installation of power infrastructure and provision of medical support to the shelters. He also reviewed the follow-up on decisions taken in earlier review meetings and directed the officers to ensure time-bound completion of the pending works.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Ajaypal Singh; SP Headquarters Jammu, Sandeep Bhat; Joint Commissioner JMC, Abdul Sattar; Assistant Commissioner General, Sania Haq Khan; RTO Jammu, Jasmeet Singh, besides other concerned officers.

Senior Vice President SPCA Jammu, Devinder Kaur Madaan was also present in the meeting.

The meeting was attended by DIGP Rajouri-Poonch Range Sandeep Wazir; SSP Rajouri Naresh Singh; SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Master Popsy; Additional SP Rajouri Waseem Mehmood; Additional SP Poonch Hamid Banday; DySP (DAR) Rajouri Khaliq Hussain Choudhary; DySP SOG, Rajouri Shammi Kumar; DySP Traffic Poonch-Rajouri Ajaz Choudhary; besides SHO Rajouri and DTIs of Poonch, Rajouri and Sunderbani.

Emphasising focused and data driven enforcement, the IGP Traffic J&K directed officers to intensify enforcement in rural areas, audit school buses and commercial vehicles, identify accident hotspots, organise road safety awareness programmes and establish joint checking points (Local Police/Traffic Police).

He also stressed strict action against traffic violations, particularly riding without helmets, triple riding and mobile phone use while driving. Officers were further directed to resolve parking issues and strengthen interdepartmental coordination.

The IGP Traffic J&K underscored the need for sustained field level action and coordinated efforts to reduce road accidents, improve traffic discipline and ensure safer and smoother traffic movement across the Rajouri–Poonch region.

Suleman Choudhary directed all officers to ensure that the directions issued during the meeting are implemented in letter and spirit with regular monitoring of enforcement activities and accountability at every level. He stressed that visible police presence, coordinated efforts and strict adherence to traffic regulations are essential to preventing road accidents and ensuring the safety of commuters across the region.

LEH, OCTOBER 18: A Ceremonial Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, presided over by Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, was held at Leh today to commemorate the historic inauguration of the Ladakh Bench, marking a significant milestone in bringing constitutional justice closer to the people of the Union Territory.

Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Justice Sanjay Parihar, Justice Shahzad Azeem and. Justice Yash Paul Bourney, Judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, also graced the Bench.

Addressing the Ceremonial Bench, Vishal Sharma, Deputy Solicitor General of India, Jammu Wing, described the establishment of the Ladakh Bench as a reaffirmation of the constitutional promise of accessible justice, strengthening the rule of law and bringing constitutional remedies closer to the people.

Tahir Majid Shamsi, Deputy Solicitor General of India, Srinagar Wing, traced the evolution of judicial institutions in Ladakh since 2019 and observed that regular judicial sittings, digital facilities and legal aid would substantially alleviate the hardships faced by litigants.

Advocate Gonbo Stobgyal, President, Bar Association, Leh, termed the occasion the fulfilment of a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Ladakh and assured the fullest cooperation of the Bar in the effective administration of justice.

Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan, President, Bar Association, Kargil, described the establishment of the Bench as a historic milestone and acknowledged the sustained efforts of the judicial leadership in bringing justice closer to the people.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, described the establishment of the Ladakh Bench as the realization of a decades-long aspiration for accessible, inclusive and equitable justice.

Chief Justice observed that the people of Ladakh had long endured difficult terrain, harsh climatic conditions and substantial travel expenses to pursue their cases at Srinagar and Jammu. The establishment of a permanent Bench would ensure that geographical isolation no longer translated into judicial exclusion.

Chief Justice expressed profound gratitude to the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, for his visionary leadership and acknowledged the collective efforts of the Union Government, the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Union Territory Administration in translating this historic initiative into reality within a short span.

Chief Justice emphasized the responsibility of the Bench and the Bar to uphold constitutional values, safeguard the rights of vulnerable sections and preserve Ladakh’s fragile environment. Expressing optimism about the future, His Lordship envisioned the Ladakh Bench as a beacon of fairness, truth and timely justice for generations to come.

On the occasion, the Full Court adopted a resolution emphasizing the need to promote access to education and provide safe, accessible and affordable residential facilities for girl students in Ladakh, particularly those belonging to remote and far-flung areas. Recognizing the challenges of geographical remoteness, long travel distances and inadequate accommodation, the Full Court called for enhanced legal awareness and coordinated efforts among educational institutions, legal services authorities and other stakeholders to ensure equal educational opportunities. The resolution also requested the Regular Bench to take further action in the matter.

The occasion was also graced by the presence of the spouses of the Judges of the High Court. Aishwarya Bhati and Archana Pathak Dave, Additional Solicitors General of India, were also present.

Officers of the Registry of the High Court, including Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice; Rajeev Gupta, Registrar Vigilance; Umesh Sharma, Registrar Information Technology; Faizan-i-Nazar, Central Project Coordinator, eCourts and Chemit Yurgal, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Kargil, who has been entrusted with overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the Registry of the Ladakh Bench, also attended the proceedings.

Jatinder Jamwal, Law Secretary, UT of Ladakh; Spalzes Angmo, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Leh and Sheikh Gowhar Hussain, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kargil, along with their respective teams of Judicial Officers, were also present.

The proceedings of the Ceremonial Bench were conducted by M.K. Sharma, Registrar General of the High Court.

LEH, OCTOBER 18: In a historic milestone for the administration of justice in the Union Territory of Ladakh, Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, today inaugurated the newly established Ladakh Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Melongthang, Leh. The establishment of the Bench marks a significant step towards bringing justice closer to the people of Ladakh, particularly those residing in remote and far-flung areas, by reducing the hardships, time and expenditure involved in travelling to Srinagar or Jammu for judicial proceedings.

The dais was graced by Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India; Justice M. M. Sundresh, Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Arun Palli, Judges of the Supreme Court of India; R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India; Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh; Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Judges of the High Court; and Ashish Kumar Kundra, Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh.

The occasion was further graced by Justice Tashi Rabstan, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; all the Judges of the High Court, accompanied by their spouses; the Director General of Police, Law Secretary, Administrative Secretaries and senior officers of the army, civil administration, police and other departments of the Union Territory of Ladakh. Officers of the High Court Registry, headed by M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, Additional Solicitors General of India (ASGIs), Deputy Solicitors General of India (DSGIs) and Presidents of the Bar Associations of Leh and Kargil also attended the ceremony.

Upon his arrival, Chief Justice of India was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour, following which he unveiled the inauguration plaque. A group photograph was taken, followed by a guided tour of the Court Complex.

The formal proceedings commenced with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

In his address, Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati emphasized that access to justice had been the guiding principle behind the establishment of the Ladakh Bench. He observed that, under the visionary leadership of the Chief Justice of India, the establishment of a constitutional Court in one of the highest-altitude regions of the world marked a historic milestone in bringing justice closer to the people, particularly those residing in remote and geographically challenging areas of Ladakh.

The Chief Justice of India also virtually inaugurated the Green Wall, symbolising the judiciary’s commitment to environmental conservation. The initiative was marked by the presentation of planters to the dignitaries and screening of a short video.

In his special address, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, termed the establishment of the Ladakh Bench a historic milestone in strengthening access to justice in the region. He also highlighted the significance of the Green Wall initiative in promoting environmental conservation and ecological sustainability in Ladakh.

Justice M. M. Sundresh, Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Arun Palli, Judges of the Supreme Court of India, and R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, also addressed the gathering on the occasion.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of four significant initiatives by the Chief Justice of India, comprising the Green Wall and  digital initiatives, namely, the e-Filing Portal and Document Management System (DMS) for the Ladakh Bench and the Online Recruitment Portal of the High Court. The e-Filing Portal will enable advocates and litigants, particularly those from remote areas, to file cases electronically without travelling to the Court, while the DMS will facilitate digital management of judicial records. The Online Recruitment Portal will streamline recruitment in the High Court and District Judiciary, promoting transparency, accessibility and efficiency.

Significantly, the Ladakh Bench shall function as a fully IT-enabled, paperless Court, equipped with modern digital infrastructure. The Court Complex also houses a dedicated Digitisation Centre, Filing Counter, Bar Room, Litigants’ Sitting Area, Conference Room and Video Conferencing (VC) Room, ensuring efficient and technology-driven judicial functioning.

The Chief Justice of India also initiated work for the installation of solar power systems at 11 locations, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

In his Presidential Address, Chief Justice of India emphasised the role of technology and legal aid in ensuring access to justice in Ladakh and appreciated the e-Initiatives launched to overcome geographical barriers.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ashish Kumar Kundra, Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, followed by the National Song and National Anthem.

The inauguration of the Ladakh Bench, together with the launch of digital and infrastructure initiatives, heralds a new chapter in the judicial history of Ladakh, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to accessible, efficient, technology-enabled and citizen-centric justice, while ensuring that geographical distances and difficult terrain do not become barriers to the administration of justice.