The individual is involved in multiple NDPS cases registered at Police Station Bijbehara, vide FIR Nos. 83/2023, 216/2024, 139/2025 and 241/2025.

The attachment proceedings were initiated in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act as part of J&K Police’s sustained efforts to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and curb the drug menace.

J&K Police reiterates its commitment to taking stringent legal action against individuals involved in drug trafficking and to identifying and attaching properties acquired through illicit drug-related activities.

Says Officer Beenish Stood Her Ground, But Why Did No One Speak Up?; Seeks Law Making Intimidation a Crime

Srinagar, Oct 16:Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Friday strongly condemned a video of an IAS officer screaming at a woman KAS officer during a meeting, calling it “much more than workplace bullying.”

Lone praised the KAS officer, Beenish, for her courage. “She stood her ground and upheld her dignity,” he said.

He said the incident should not come as a surprise, since such conduct has become normalised. “Workplace bullying by officers exists,” he said, describing a “vicious circle” in which senior officers bully juniors, who in turn bully those beneath them, until the behaviour reaches its “most lethal form” among ordinary citizens.

Lone said the real shock was that none of the male officers present in the room, or those attending the video meeting remotely, spoke up for their colleague.

He demanded stern action in this case and a permanent institutional mechanism to discourage bullying and intimidation, with legal provisions making it a crime. He said the protection must extend to the public as well. “It should be a crime to shout at, intimidate or bully common masses,” he said.

Citing another example, Lone accused that a recently retired officer’s pension and post-retirement benefits were put on hold by a senior IAS officer over an “utterly flimsy reason.” “Nobody will speak up,” he said.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the language used by the officer was unacceptable and warranted a reprimand.

“Officers and ministers are here to serve the people and ease their difficulties, not to abuse them,” Abdullah said, expressing regret over the incident.

Referring to a video circulating on social media, Abdullah said he felt ashamed after watching the officer’s behaviour, adding that the incident had put the entire administrative fraternity in an uncomfortable position.

He demanded the officer’s removal from Jammu and Kashmir, saying such conduct should not be tolerated. Abdullah said that had he been Chief Minister when the incident occurred, he would have sent the officer back to where he came from.

Abdullah said the incident reflected developments in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, when the erstwhile state was reorganised into two Union Territories.

On the protests taking place in Delhi, Abdullah described them as positive, saying a new wave was emerging against what he termed autocracy and a “Hitlerian way of life”.

Commenting on renewed international conflicts, Abdullah expressed concern over civilian casualties and called for negotiations to resolve disputes.

“I hope that Trump will realise war is not a way of solution. Negotiation is a way of solution,” he said, adding that wars lead to the deaths of innocent people.

Inquiry to be completed within 15 days; Mandeep Kaur appointed to examine allegations against Rajeev Ranjan

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has appointed an inquiry officer to conduct an in-depth probe into the alleged misconduct of IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan towards Beanish Wani, a JKAS officer serving as Assistant Director, Employment, in Ganderbal.

According to Government Order No. 1654-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department on October 16, Mandeep Kaur, IAS (AGMUT: 2004), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer.

The inquiry will examine the allegations against Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS (AGMUT: 2010), Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, as reported in print and electronic media.

The government order directs the Inquiry Officer to submit her report within 15 days from the date of issuance of the order.

Amit Vermani, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as the Presenting Officer in the matter.

According to the MeT forecast, October 16 is expected to remain generally dry, with brief spells of rain at a few places.

From October 17 to 24, the weather is likely to remain generally dry across the Union Territory.

However, October 25 to 27 may witness cloudy weather with light rain at scattered places, while higher reaches may receive light snowfall. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected during the period.

Meanwhile, the MeT department has advised farmers to resume harvesting and other agricultural operations.

Officials told GNS that the locals spotted the bear roaming in the residential area early in the morning and immediately informed the Wildlife Department.

Acting swiftly, a team from Wildlife Control Room Achabal rushed to the spot and after hectic efforts, successfully tranquilized and captured the animal alive, without causing any harm.

The presence of the bear had created fear among locals for the past few days, with people apprehensive about venturing out, especially during morning and evening hours.

Officials said the bear will be subjected to medical examination and will later be shifted to a safer habitat away from human habitation.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has appealed to people to remain cautious and inform the department in case of any wild animal sighting.(GNS)

The SPO has been identified as Bashir Ahmed, son of Musa Dhar, resident of Wanipora Trigam, presently posted at Pedil post.

A top Police officer told GNS that his body was found early this morning with the weapon lying nearby.

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have reached the spot to ascertain the cause of death.

Further investigation is underway, the officer added.(GNS)

Officials told GNS that fire tenders from Fire Station Headquarters and Gawkadal had been rushed to the spot and the flames have now been doused. In this incident two shops were affected.

No loss of life or injury was reported in the incident, while cause of fire and assessment of damage is being ascertained.

Further details awaited.(GNS)

The Department clarified that the extensive review meeting focused on assessing departmental performance across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It further stated that the complete recording of the meeting is available with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

During the deliberations, the Chair emphasised the high expectations associated with Mission YUVA and urged district officers to work with utmost dedication, responsibility and commitment. The officers were reminded of the importance of ensuring effective implementation of the mission and timely delivery of its benefits to eligible youth.

The Department reiterated that mutual respect, discipline and professional decorum are essential in official interactions, and that all officers and officials are expected to maintain due respect towards their seniors while discharging their official duties. It also emphasised that provocative remarks and inappropriate language have no place in professional administrative engagements, which must remain guided by mutual respect, restraint and institutional dignity.

Expressing regret over the developments surrounding the meeting, the Department stated that the circulation of selectively edited video clips by certain social media handles, without the complete context of the proceedings, was a matter of concern. It reiterated that the clips being circulated are unverified and that selective editing of internal administrative discussions may create a misleading impression of the actual proceedings.

The Department further stated that the matter would be taken to its logical conclusion in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

The Department has appealed to members of the media and the public to exercise caution and refrain from sharing or relying on unverified and sensationalised content circulating on social media. It reiterated its commitment to youth empowerment, effective implementation of Mission YUVA and improved public service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.

Issued by:
Department of Labour and Employment
Government of Jammu and Kashmir

Reviews Ring Road, Sindh River Front and Town Hall projects; interacts with fruit growers at Zazuna Mandi

GANDERBAL, OCTOBER 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed the overall development scenario in Ganderbal district, inaugurated five completed development projects worth ₹16.72 crore and laid foundation stones for two new projects worth ₹41.54 crore, taking the total value of the projects to ₹58.26 crore.
The projects include improved road connectivity, a new school building, a bridge over the River Jhelum and a multi-purpose auction platform at the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Zazuna, aimed at strengthening public infrastructure and supporting the district’s horticulture economy.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of a bridge over the River Jhelum at Guzhama Shilwat at a cost of ₹39 crore. The bridge is expected to improve connectivity for local residents. He also laid the foundation stone for a multi-purpose auction platform at the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Zazna, at a cost of ₹2.54 crore to strengthen trading facilities for fruit and vegetable growers.
The Chief Minister inaugurated five completed projects, including roads connecting Tehsil Bagh with Lar Bypass and Yanihama with Dangerpora; the road from Dar Mohalla Wattalbagh to Dangerpora and allied links; the double-storey building at High School Gogjigund; the widened and upgraded road from Fatehpora Dak Bangloo to Gadoora Bridge; and the Pati Waskura to Kharbagh Bund road along the River Jhelum. These works, completed at a combined cost of ₹16.72 crore, are expected to improve local connectivity and educational infrastructure.
During the tour, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Srinagar Ring Road project and was briefed by engineers at Dr Farooq Abdullah Environmental Park, Manigam, on the ongoing construction and upgradation of the Pandaach-Manigam section.
The 12.115-kilometre highway project, being executed by the National Highways Authority of India at a cost of ₹290.51 crore, involves upgrading the existing two-lane road to a four-lane dual carriageway. The project includes bridges, a flyover, culverts and service and slip roads, and is scheduled for completion by May 2028.
The Chief Minister also reviewed ongoing works on the Sindh River Front and the Municipal Town Hall in Ganderbal. The first phase of the Sindh River Front project, being developed at an approved cost of ₹4.83 crore, includes a protection wall, landscaping, a paved walkway, a viewpoint, a patio café and ornamental lighting.
Reviewing the Town Hall upgrade and extension project, approved at a cost of ₹3 crore, the Chief Minister directed the concerned officers to expedite the works and ensure their early completion so that the facilities could be made available to the public at the earliest.
During his visit to the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi at Zazuna, the Chief Minister assessed arrangements and activities during the ongoing harvest season and interacted with farmers and progressive growers. The growers apprised him of issues affecting their work and the horticulture sector. Omar Abdullah assured them that their genuine demands would be taken up for appropriate resolution.
The Chief Minister’s visit focused on reviewing ongoing infrastructure projects, assessing the implementation of development works and addressing issues raised by local residents and growers.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shreya Singhal, along with senior officers, heads of departments, engineers and other concerned officials, accompanied the Chief Minister during the tour.