Srinagar – The Kashmir Horizon

HC directs NMC to expedite KMC inspection; action sought for inclusion of 150 MBBS seats in 2026–27 seat matrix

Mohammad Irfan — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:50:08 +0000

Srinagar, October 14: In a significant development favouring Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has issued firm directions to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to expedite the physical inspection of the institution and submit its compliance report by October 21, 2026.

The proceedings have brought renewed urgency to the long-pending matter concerning the inclusion of 150 MBBS seats of Kashmir Medical College in the 2026–27 seat matrix, with the institution pressing for immediate regulatory action to ensure that its inaugural academic session is not jeopardised by further delays.

Hearing the matter, Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani directed the NMC and its Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) to make every effort to conduct the inspection early in the week and submit the requisite compliance report within the stipulated deadline.

Kashmir Medical College has maintained that repeated administrative delays, despite substantial compliance with statutory requirements, cannot be allowed to deprive the institution of its legitimate opportunity to commence admissions or deny 150 aspiring medical students an academic year.

The dispute originated from MARB’s June 9, 2026 decision rejecting the college’s application on the grounds that its infrastructure remained under development. The institution challenged the decision, arguing that it had been taken without a physical inspection or the identification of specific deficiencies that could have been addressed in accordance with the applicable statutory framework.

On August 24, 2026, the Second Appellate Authority under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare remanded the matter to the NMC for reconsideration, observing that the college had substantially complied with statutory requirements, including infrastructure availability and procurement of necessary certificates.

DJMC IUST set to host Film Festival 2026

KH Web Desk — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:44:40 +0000

Awantipora, Oct 12: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), is organising the national-level Film Festival 2026 on October 15. The Film Festival shall be held at the Lal Ded Auditorium of the IUST Main Campus.

The film festival shall feature screening of short films and documentaries, panel discussion of experts and also a competition among school, college and university students for the best film awards to be judged by renowned filmmakers and critics. The jury members include Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean Academic Affairs and Dean of Media School, Central University of Kashmir; Mr. Mir Sarwar, renowned Bollywood actor and director; and Mr. Danish Renzu, renowned filmmaker and Founder, Renzu Films.

More than 20 short films and documentaries have been shortlisted for the competition. Student filmmakers from various colleges and universities from Jammu and Kashmir and other states of India are participating in the festival. Besides, some DJMC Production films shall be screened on the occasion. The festival aims to provide an opportunity to support young creative talent and contribute to the promotion of cinema, arts and culture in the region.

To mention, this initiative follows the success of the 2023 and 2025 editions hosted by DJMC IUST, which witnessed enthusiastic student participation and cross-institutional collaboration across the Valley.

Srinagar District Admin bids affectionate farewell to outgoing SDM West Irfan Bahadur

K H News Service — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:11:08 +0000

Srinagar | Oct,10:The District Administration Srinagar on Saturday organized a farewell function at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to bid a warm farewell to the outgoing Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) West, Irfan Bahadur, who has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Budgam.
On the occasion, Seerat Baji, who assumed the charge of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (West) was also accorded a warm welcome by the Officers and other Staff of the District Administration.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, AkshayLabroo, presided over the function.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aadil Fareed, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Umar Gulzar, All Tehsildars other Senior Officers and Officials of the District Administration Srinagar attended the function and appreciated the contributions made by outgoing SDM West, Irfan Bahadur during his tenure.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner extended his best wishes to the outgoing SDM for his new assignment and future endeavours in public service. He lauded his dedicated services, professionalism and valuable contribution to the District’s Revenue sector, particularly in digitization of Revenue records.
The DC also appreciated his role in ensuring the effective implementation of various public welfare initiatives within his jurisdiction. Other Officers and Officials present on the occasion also conveyed their best wishes to the outgoing SDM, expressing confidence that he would continue to make valuable contributions in his new assignment.
The outgoing SDM, in his address, expressed his gratitude to the Officers and Officials of the District Administration Srinagar for their active support and cooperation during his tenure as SDM West.
During the event, the District Administration Srinagar extended a warm welcome to SeeratBaji on her appointment as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (West), Srinagar, and conveyed its best wishes for her new assignment.

LG extends Navratri greetings

K H News Service — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:10:34 +0000

Srinagar | Oct,10:Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the eve of Navratri, which commences tomorrow, October 11, 2026.
In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said: “Greetings and warm wishes to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Navratri. As the nine sacred days of prayers of Maa Durga begin, we celebrate the eternal triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil.
May Goddess Durga shower her divine blessings upon every family, bestowing good health, happiness and prosperity.”

SMC bids Farewell to Commissioner Fazl Ul Haseeb

K H News Service — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:51:21 +0000

Anantnag | Oct,10:Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) accorded a warm farewell to Commissioner, FazLul Haseeb, in recognition of his dedicated service, exemplary professionalism, and valuable contributions to the Corporation.

During his tenure, Haseeb made significant contributions to strengthening civic administration, improving municipal services, and advancing initiatives aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and the overall quality of life in Srinagar. His effective leadership, professional approach, and unwavering commitment to public service were widely appreciated by his colleagues and officers of the Corporation.
The farewell ceremony, held at the SMC Headquarters, was attended by Joint Commissioner, Administration, Nuzhat Qureshi; Joint Commissioner Suhail Ul Islam; Joint Commissioner, Works, Hamid Iqbal Mir; Secretary SMC, Tahir Ahmad; Health Officer, Dr. Fauzia Habib; SE, City Drainage Circle, Sajad Ahmad Kawoosa, and other senior officers of the Corporation.
On the occasion, the officers shared their views and expressed their appreciation for Haseeb’s leadership, administrative guidance, and valuable contributions to the functioning of the Corporation. They acknowledged his commitment to public service and highlighted the initiatives undertaken during his tenure to strengthen municipal governance, enhance civic infrastructure, and improve service delivery.
Addressing the gathering, Haseeb expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Corporation and acknowledged the cooperation and support extended by the officers and staff during his tenure. He expressed confidence that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation would continue to make progress in fulfilling its mandate of delivering efficient civic services, strengthening urban governance, and ensuring better civic amenities for the citizens of Srinagar. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation placed on record its sincere appreciation for the contributions and services rendered by FazLul Haseeb, and extended its best wishes for success in his future assignments.

Satish Sharma meets delegations, exhorts departments to address public issues on priority

K H News Service — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:00:16 +0000

Srinagar| Sept, 28:Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, Monday held a series of meetings with various delegations, during which issues concerning youth, sports, transport, food and public distribution, information technology, science and technology, employment and public services were raised.
The delegations, representing different groups, associations and sections of the public, apprised the Minister of their specific issues and sought his intervention for resolution of the same.
During the interactions, the representatives highlighted concerns related to sports infrastructure and facilities, opportunities for youth, employment and livelihood avenues, transport services, delivery of public services and other matters requiring government attention.
While responding to the issues raised by the delegations, the Minister assured them that all their genuine concerns would be examined on priority and appropriate action would be taken to sort out the same.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to examine the issues falling within their respective jurisdictions and take necessary action wherever required.
Issues concerning youth development and sports figured prominently during the interactions.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s focus on providing young people with better opportunities to participate in sports, develop their skills and pursue avenues for employment and entrepreneurship. He emphasised that strengthening sports infrastructure, improving access to sporting facilities and supporting emerging talent are important components of youth empowerment.
Several issues relating to transport facilities and public service delivery were also brought before the Minister.
Satish Sharma directed the concerned authorities to examine the matters raised by the delegations and ensure that issues within the departmental framework are processed appropriately.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of Information Technology and Science & Technology in improving the governance, enhancing service delivery and creating new opportunities for the younger generation. He said that technology-driven solutions can help make government services more accessible, efficient and transparent, while also opening new avenues for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
He maintained that his departments would continue to engage with the stakeholders and work towards strengthening youth-oriented initiatives, sports infrastructure, transport services, public distribution and consumer-related services, technology-driven governance and scientific innovations.

DC Srinagar chairs District Road Safety Committee meeting

K H News Service — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:59:49 +0000

Srinagar| Sept, 28:Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, AkshayLabrooMonday chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee here at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to review the road safety scenario in the District.
The DC assessed measures being taken by various Departments for prevention of road accidents and ensuring safer mobility for commuters and pedestrians, besides improving assistance to accident victims.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner held detailed discussions on road safety concerns requiring immediate attention, measures to improve roads and allied safety infrastructure, corrective measures for identified accident-prone black spots and pedestrian safety, besides timely emergency medical response, post-crash care and expeditious settlement of assistance and compensation claims for road accident victims, with the objective of reducing road accidents and fatalities and ensuring safer road conditions for all road users.
On the occasion, the DC emphasised the need for greater outreach to road accident victims and their families so that eligible victims can avail the assistance available under the PM Rahat (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme under which, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh
per victim, for period of seven days from the date of accident. He directed the concerned ARTO to ensure that information regarding the scheme reaches accident victims and eligible beneficiaries in a timely manner.
The DC also stressed the need for effective inter-departmental coordination among all concerned agencies to strengthen road safety measures and ensure timely implementation of necessary corrective interventions to minimise the risk of road accidents.
During the meeting, the DC also directed the R&B Department to draft a comprehensive Road Safety Plan under District road Safety Fund incorporating corrective measures for identified black spots, pedestrian safety engineering interventions and other necessary road safety measures.
The DC also stressed the importance of effective implementation of the Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD) and directed the concerned agencies to ensure timely and accurate reporting of road accidents through the system. He underscored that reliable accident data is essential for identifying accident-prone locations and planning evidence-based corrective measures.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, IAS Probationer, Sai Kiran, Chief Planning officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Superintending Engineer of R&B(North), Shabir Ahmad, Superintending Engineer of R&B (South), Tatheer Manzoor, Joint Commissioner, Hamid Iqbal Mir, Chief Education Officer, Ghulam MohiUd Din, Executive Engineer R&B, Abdul Qayoon, Executive Engineer R&B, Khalid Mehmood, District Health Officer, Dr Rubeena, ARTO, Showkat Ahmad, District Informatics Officer, Shahnaz, Accounts Officer, DC Office, Mohammad Iqbal and other Officers of concerned Departments.

National Mid-Term CME of IACAM concludes in Srinagar

K H News Service — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:57:53 +0000

Srinagar| Sept, 28:The 4th National Mid-Term CME of the Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (IACAM) concluded in Srinagar on Sunday after three days of discussions on the ethical, legal and clinical dimensions of child and adolescent mental healthcare.
Held from September 25 to 27, the CME was organised by IACAM in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Psychiatric Society (JKPS). The programme, themed “Children, Ethics and Laws”, brought together psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, legal professionals, researchers and other mental-health practitioners from across the country.
The conference was inaugurated by Dr Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean Government Medical College, Srinagar, who attended the conference as Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Shah highlighted the expansion of mental-health services in Kashmir and acknowledged the sustained efforts of professionals working in the field.
Dr Savita Malhotra, Life President of IACAM, stressed the need to train and deploy more mental-health professionals to meet the growing psychological and developmental needs of children and adolescents.
Dr Vivek Agarwal, President, IACAM, and Dr Rachana Bhargava, General Secretary, IACAM, underlined the importance of integrating ethical and legal considerations into child and adolescent mental-health practice. They emphasised that such an approach is essential for ensuring responsible, rights-based and child-centred care.
The scientific programme examined the relationship between mental healthcare, child rights and the legal framework governing children and young people. Sessions addressed ethical dilemmas in clinical practice, legal issues involving children, mental-health assessments, child protection, developmental concerns and the responsibilities of professionals working with young people.
The CME featured lectures, interactive workshops, panel discussions and academic exchanges. Across the sessions, speakers emphasised that children should be recognised not only as recipients of care but also as individuals with rights, voices, vulnerabilities and evolving capacities.
The programme included contributions from several distinguished experts and academicians, including Dr Shekhar Seshadri, whose work in child and adolescent mental health, ethics and child rights has influenced professional practice and training in the field. Clinicians, academicians and experts from diverse disciplines also participated in the scientific deliberations.
A Panel Discussion on ‘From chalkboards to chatbots ‘ deliberated on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbots in education and human interaction. The speakers discussed the potential of AI to support more equitable and individualised learning while also examining concerns relating to critical thinking, creativity, human interaction and the changing nature of communication and social relationships.
The discussion noted that AI is emerging as a significant technological development with far-reaching implications for education and society. Speakers emphasised the need to engage with the technology responsibly, while ensuring that human creativity, critical thinking, social interaction and independent learning remain central to education and human development.
The organisers called for evidence-based, ethical, compassionate and rights-based mental healthcare for children and adolescents. They noted that addressing child and adolescent mental health as a public-health priority would require sustained cooperation among professionals, families, schools, healthcare institutions, policymakers and legal authorities.
The conference also highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s growing role in academic and professional engagement in mental health and strengthened links between practitioners in the region and colleagues from across India.
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to developing accessible, ethical and child-centred mental-health systems that place the dignity, voice and best interests of every child at the centre of clinical practice, policy and law.

Div Com reviews removal of bottlenecks for Srinagar Ring Road Phase-II, II-A

K H News Service — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:13:34 +0000

Srinagar | Sept. 12: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, Saturday chaired a meeting to review the clearance of impediments for Srinagar Ring Road (SRR) Phase-II and II-A to expedite the completion of the project.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Traffic Rural, Project Director NHAI, and officers from R&B, PHE and KPDCL.
On the occasion, officers of NHAI gave a detailed presentation on the project, highlighting the impediments faced by the executing agency, including land acquisition status, compensation disbursed, demolition of Government and private structures, shifting / alteration of establishment structures, utility shifting, court cases and tree felling.
During the meeting, the Div Com directed the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal to depute a joint team comprising ADC Ganderbal, Tehsildar, NHAI and the contractor to hand over possession of acquired land to the executing agency by Tuesday. He further directed NHAI to take possession of the greenfield land parcels as there is no issues faced by the agency.
He also directed documentation of private structures and demolition of all such structures by Saturday to remove black spots and bottlenecks.
The Div Com further directed phased felling of Chinar and Walnut trees falling within the road alignment, as per due procedure.
He also impressed upon the NHAI officers to undertake immediate maintenance of existing roads in Ganderbal damaged due to movement of their project vehicles.

Chief Justice inaugurates 3rd National Lok Adalat at District Court Complex Srinagar

K H News Service — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:13:14 +0000

Says “Lok Adalats promotes amicable dispute resolution, access to Justice for all”

Srinagar| Sept. 12:In a significant stride towards delivering timely and amicable justice, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, successfully organized the 3rd National Lok Adalat of the year 2026 at the District Court Complex Mominabad, Srinagar and Court of the Additional Special Mobile Magistrate/JMIC Pantha chowk.
The National Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Dr.Pushpendra Singh Bhati Chief Justice of High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) in presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by M.K Sharma Registrar General High Court of J&K and Ladakh, ShaziaTabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority and. Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge/ Chairman, DLSA Srinagar, along with Secretary, DLSA Srinagar and other Judicial Officers of District Court Complex Srinagar.
Moreover, ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by the Jammu & Kashmir Police, marking a dignified and respectful beginning to the proceedings. Following the guard of honour, a Chinar sapling and a yellow maple sapling was planted by the Chief Guest and Executive Chairman J&K Legal Services Authority, within the court premises, as a gesture towards environmental protection and promotion of a greener and cleaner environment.
The dignitaries visited and observed the functioning of various benches at the District Court Srinagar, offering encouragement to litigants and reinforcing the ethos of participatory justice.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice emphasized the transformative role of Lok Adalats in the justice delivery system, stated “Lok Adalat is not just a mechanism for resolving disputes, it is a platform that creates a win-win situation for all parties involved. It saves time, reduces litigation costs, and fosters goodwill. I encourage the public to actively participate in this initiative for peaceful, timely, and amicable settlements. Justice through Lok Adalats strengthens the very foundation of participatory and compassionate justice.”
The Lok Adalat received an enthusiastic response from litigants, a testament to the growing public trust in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. A wide range of cases, including civil matters, matrimonial disputes, criminal compoundable offences, bank recoveries and pre-litigation issues were taken up, with a significant number being resolved on the spot.
To facilitate the amicable settlement of cases, 11 benches were constituted in the district. The Bench where MACT claims were settled was presided over by Mr. Farooq Ahmad Bhat (Add. District & Sessions Judge Sgr) and Mr. Dinesh Gupta 3rd Add. District & Sessions Judge Sgr) in which 85 cases were taken, out of which, 33 cases were amicably settled and Rs 6,72,35,000 were awarded as settlement amount and cheques amounting Rs 3,42,45,000 were on-spot distributed among the claimants by the Chief Justice in presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority), Haq Nawaz Zargar Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar, Ms. ShaziaTabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority and other Ld. Judicial Officers of District Court Srinagar.
The Bench No 05 was presided over by Fida Hussain Nayak (Municipal Magistrate Srinagar) and comprised of Junaid Imtiyaz Mir (Sub-Judge, Srinagar). Out of the 63 cases 19 cases were settled with an amount of Rs. 1,01,24,17,752.
By the concerted efforts of all presiding officers of all the courts, cooperation rendered by the learned advocates and officers of various government departments, insurance companies and banking institutions, a total number of 9,888 cases were taken up by 11 benches in the district, out of which, 9,394 cases were settled in the said Lok-Adalat.
An amount of Rs, 1,11,14,88,832/ (Hunderd-Eleven Crores Fourteen Lakh Eighty-Eight Thousand Eight-Hundred Thirty Two Only ) was awarded as settlement amount in all the cases including award of Rs. 6,72,35,000 in 33 MACT Cases.
The 3rd National Lok Adalat of 2026 witnessed a huge participation of officers and officials from different departments besides litigants. The success of the event reflects the judiciary’s commitment to resolve the disputes through mutual understanding and compromise. Such initiatives not only lessen the backlog of cases in the courts but also strengthen the public’s faith in the legal system.