BUDGAM, JUNE 03: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today chaired a meeting to assess the progress and implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana across the district.

During the meeting, the DC reviewed the status of applications, rooftop solar installations, subsidy disbursement, and implementation of solar projects in both residential and government sectors.

A detailed assessment of progress achieved across various electrical sub-divisions of the district was also undertaken.

The DC was apprised that Significant progress has also  achieved in the installation of rooftop solar systems across households of the District.

Reviewing progress in the government sector, the DC was informed that solar installations have been completed in a large number of targeted government buildings, reflecting steady advancement towards renewable energy adoption in public institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC highlighted the transformative impact of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in promoting clean energy, reducing electricity expenses for consumers, and strengthening energy security.

The DC directed concerned officials to intensify awareness campaigns and undertake extensive outreach activities to educate people about the financial and environmental benefits of rooftop solar installations. He stressed that sustained awareness efforts, effective inter-departmental coordination, and regular monitoring are essential for maximizing the benefits of the scheme.

The DC further urged all stakeholders to maintain the momentum and ensure timely completion of the remaining targets. He said that the District Administration is committed towards promoting renewable energy resources. He assured full administrative support for the successful implementation of the programme and directed concerned officers to closely monitor progress to ensure that all objectives are achieved within the stipulated timeframe.

The meeting was attended by JD planning Budgam, ACD Budgam, Executive Engineer KPDCL, Assistant Executive Engineer JAKEDA Budgam, District Nodal Officer JAKEDA Budgam, representatives of installation companies, Assistant Executive Engineers, and other concerned officers.

In a statement issued to media here, the police said that the detention order was issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla vide Order No. 07/DMB/PSA/2026 dated 30.05.2026 after a detailed assessment of her involvement in activities prejudicial to the security of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

The detainee has been found involved in multiple criminal cases registered under various provisions of law, including offences related to unlawful and anti-national activities. These include FIR No. 281/2019 U/S 13 ULAP & 153-A & 506 RPC of PS Handwara, FIR No. 58/2021 U/S 426 IPC, 4 PDPP Act & section 3 of Sabotage Act of PS Handwara, FIR No. 151/2021 U/S 13,23,39 ULAP, 506 IPC of PS Bandipora and FIR No. 58/2022 U/S 436, 307 IPC of PS Sopore. Investigations in these cases revealed her association with anti-national elements and involvement in activities aimed at disturbing public order and security.

Following the execution of the PSA warrant, the detenue was taken into preventive custody and subsequently lodged in District Jail Bhaderwah under adequate security arrangements.

The action reflects the firm commitment of Baramulla Police to act against individuals involved in activities detrimental to peace, stability, and security. Baramulla Police shall continue to take all necessary legal and preventive measures against such elements to ensure a safe and secure environment for the people of the district, reads the statement.

RAMBAN, JUNE 03: To strengthen grassroots governance and ensure doorstep delivery of public services, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today convened a comprehensive Public Outreach Camp at Panchayat Batni in Block Gandhri. Leading a team of officers from across line departments, the DC patiently listened to public grievances and resolved most of the issues on the spot.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, women groups, youth, former PR representatives. They raised a wide range of demands related to development and public welfare. Several public grievances and developmental demands projected by the residents were resolved on-the-spot by the Deputy Commissioner by issuing necessary directions to the concerned officers.

PO ICDS Abdul Qayoom, ACD Sheraz Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer, Tehsildar, Executive Engineers of PWD, PMGSY and JPDCL, CHO, CAHO, DSHO and other senior officers attended the outreach programme.

The Deputy Commissioner also encouraged the locals and youth to join hands with the administration in making Ramban a drug-free district under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. To promote environmental conservation, he also planted a sapling during the programme.

 Highlighting the government welfare initiatives, he urged farmers and youth to avail themselves of the schemes being implemented by the Agriculture, Horticulture and allied departments. He noted that Gandhri possesses immense horticulture and agriculture potential and encouraged residents to take advantage of available subsidies, quality planting material, seeds and other support mechanisms. He also elaborated on self-employment initiatives, including Mission YUVA, under which aspiring entrepreneurs are provided financial assistance along with handholding support to establish sustainable livelihood ventures.

The Deputy Commissioner urged residents to provide feedback regarding the implementation of directions issued by the administration. He encouraged them to directly communicate with the administration regarding genuine issues for timely action.

Regarding road connectivity, he informed the gathering that a comprehensive project is being formulated to address the recurring landslide problem on the Gandhri road. “A technical team has been engaged to prepare a permanent mitigation plan, including retaining and protection structures, to stabilize the vulnerable stretch,” he informed.

Addressing concerns related to mobile connectivity, he informed that technical teams would be deputed shortly to assess network issues and explore measures for improving signal strength and bandwidth in the area.

The Deputy Commissioner further assured the public that an ambulance along with a driver would be stationed in the area through interim arrangements until permanent deployment is made. He added that issues concerning health infrastructure and staffing are also being addressed to improve healthcare services in the region.

The Deputy Commissioner assured that all genuine grievances and developmental demands would be addressed in a time-bound manner through coordinated efforts of the concerned departments.

The meeting, described by Omar Abdullah as an “off-site”, was held at Dachigam National Park, nearly 22 kilometres from Srinagar and known for limited mobile network connectivity.

As NC legislators and MPs gathered at the Chief Minister’s private office on Gupkar Road in Srinagar, they were boarded onto waiting buses without being informed about the final destination, sources said. Omar Abdullah himself travelled with the group and later shared photographs from the journey on his social media handle.

“We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months – the good, the not so good & everything in between,” Omar posted on X.

The meeting assumes significance amid increasing concern within sections of the ruling National Conference over the delay in restoration of statehood and political rights to Jammu and Kashmir following the formation of the NC-led government in October 2024.

Party insiders said the legislators were expected to deliberate on governance challenges arising from Jammu and Kashmir’s union Territory status, reservation policy, delay in restoration of statehood and other long-pending political and administrative matters. Discussions on possible expansion of the council of ministers and appointment of the Advocate General were also likely to figure in the meeting.

Independent MLAs supporting the government were also invited to attend the deliberations.

The meeting comes at a time when opposition parties, including the BJP, have claimed that the ruling National Conference is facing internal strain. Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma termed the gathering as Omar Abdullah’s “floor test” to assess whether party MLAs continue to stand with him.

People’s Conference chairman and Handwara legislator Sajad Lone said, “ So this is the bombshell threatened by CM sahib. Tourist to the core. A trip to the scenic and beautiful Dachigam. Dachigam is actually symbolic for today’s congregation. It is secluded, isolated, entry is restricted. That actually sums up the state of the present government. Aloof, secluded, isolated and entry restricted.”

“A little bird told me. The MLAs have been shifted into the Wildlife area of Dachigam. And an ultimatum will be served. They will be told, “ Fall in Line” or else stay back and provide company to inhabitants of the Zoo. But the inhabitants of the zoo are apparently aghast,” Lone wrote on X.

BJP leader Sajid Yousuf Shah taunted the NC, saying holding a crucial meeting at Dachigam National Park was perhaps Omar Abdullah’s most appropriate political decision.

“After all, the gathering included NC MLAs, Ministers, Black Bears, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bears, Hangul, & other rare species. Some species are struggling to survive because of nature; others because of the policies of the National Conference. Rest is history!” he said.

Meanwhile, J&K Government on Wednesday claimed that entry to Dachigam National Park remains fully open for visitors and no restrictions have been imposed on public access today.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed the death and said it was coordinating with local authorities to support the victim’s family.

According to Kuwait’s Health Ministry, at least 63 people were injured, including airport staff and passengers. Kuwaiti authorities reported damage to airport infrastructure and nearby diplomatic facilities during the attack. One person was killed, while several others sustained injuries.

Moreover, flight operations at Kuwait International Airport were temporarily suspended following the incident.

Kuwait’s health ministry also informed that seven people require emergency surgeries.

Terminal 1 of the airport sustained severe damage, forcing a suspension of all flight operations before services resumed from Terminal 4 after safety assessments were completed, as per the Kuwaiti News Agency KUNA.

The Kuwaiti military said it intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones since dawn, though debris fell across several residential areas.

The attacks drew swift condemnation from across the region. Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait on Wednesday as a “clear violation” of international law.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed its “strongest condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian aggression and the blatant violation” of the sovereignty of Bahrain and Kuwait.

Reiterating its “categorical rejection” of the attacks, the ministry said the strikes constitute a “clear violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations” and undermine international efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in the region.

It renewed its solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait and “full support” for any measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty, security and stability.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called for a unified Gulf response, warning that the strikes carried broader implications.

“The aggression does not target one country alone, but all of us,” he said.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun also condemned the strikes on civilian sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, while in Bahrain authorities reported intercepting three missiles and several drones. Iran claimed its forces had targeted the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet, an airbase, and military helicopters in the region.

US Central Command said the Iranian strikes largely failed to reach their intended targets. Washington confirmed it had carried out operations near the Strait of Hormuz, including action against a tanker heading toward Iran. The strikes Tehran condemned as violations of international law and an existing ceasefire framework dating to 8 April.

Iran’s foreign ministry warned it would “utilise all capacities to counter aggressive actions”, placing responsibility on Kuwait and Bahrain for allegedly permitting their territory to be used in operations against Iran.

Global oil prices rose more than 2% amid mounting concern over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route handling a significant share of the world’s oil and gas exports.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was involved in discussions with Washington.

Iran, however, has consistently maintained its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes.

Jammu June 3^rd :  The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta said that the BJP is rapidly losing its political ground in Jammu because of its failure to deliver on the promises made to the people. Instead of addressing pressing public issues such as unemployment, inflation, deteriorating infrastructure, shortage of essential services, and the continued denial of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leaders are attempting to divert public attention towards non-issues.

While inaugurating Public Langer at Janipur Colony Jammu accompanied by Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, S. Tejinder Pal Singh Provincial President YNC Jammu, Mohinder Singh former Chairman JCCB and Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone. The Public Langer was organized by Sardar Gurnam Singh District Secretary Jammu Urban, Pushp Jandial and Kewal Sharma.

On this occasion Mr. Rattan Lal Gupta said that the people of Jammu are fully aware of the BJP’s non-performance during the past several years. Having failed to fulfill its commitments and unable to justify its record before the electorate, local BJP leaders have adopted an apologetic posture before the voters. Their repeated attempts to shift the political discourse away from issues affecting the common people clearly reflect their nervousness and growing disconnect with the public.He emphasized that the BJP’s policies have disappointed every section of society, including youth, farmers, traders, employees, and weaker sections. The people expected development, employment opportunities, economic growth, and restoration of democratic rights, but instead they have witnessed unfulfilled promises and increasing hardships.

Mr. Gupta asserted that the growing public dissatisfaction is evident across Jammu province. The BJP leadership is now finding it increasingly difficult to face the electorate, as people are demanding accountability for the party’s failures. The desperate attempts to create distractions and raise irrelevant controversies cannot hide the reality of its poor governance and broken promises.

He added that the National Conference remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the people, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring inclusive development and social justice for all sections of society. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are politically conscious and will not be misled by diversionary tactics aimed at concealing administrative and political failures.

Those who were present on this occasion: Attal Singh District Vice President Jammu Urban YNC, Ranvir Singh, S. Badal Singh, Surjeet Singh, Mangat Ram Gupta and others.

Statement Issued Amid Speculation Over Access to National Park Following NC Legislature Party Meeting.

Srinagar, June 3 : The Government on Wednesday clarified that entry to Dachigam National Park remains fully open for visitors and no restrictions have been imposed on public access today.

In an official statement, the Government spokesperson said the clarification was being issued in response to certain claims circulating regarding alleged restrictions on entry to Dachigam National Park on June 3, 2026.

“It is clarified that entry for all visitors to Dachigam National Park remains completely open as per the usual procedure. No restrictions have been imposed by the Government regarding entry to the park for today, June 3,” the spokesperson said.

The statement further advised the public not to pay attention to unverified reports and to follow the standard protocols applicable for visits to the National Park.

“The public is advised to follow standard procedures for their visit and not to pay heed to unverified news,” the spokesperson added.

The attached property comprises a two-storey concrete residential house constructed over 6 marlas of land, having an estimated market value of approximately ₹60 lakhs.

The property belongs to notorious drug peddler Aasif Hussain Khan alias Soab Don, son of Abdul Gani Khan, resident of Anchidora, Anantnag.

The attachment has been carried out under Section 68F of the NDPS Act after following due legal procedure. The property has been identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities.

This action forms part of Anantnag Police’s intensified efforts to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug traffickers and ensure that illicit gains amassed through drug-related crimes are seized in accordance with law. Such measures are aimed at curbing the drug menace and preventing offenders from benefiting from proceeds of crime.

Anantnag Police remains steadfast in its commitment to making the district drug-free and urges the public to continue extending support by sharing information about drug peddling and other criminal activities.

The Cyclothon, organised under the “My Youth My Pride” initiative, seeks to inspire young people to embrace active lifestyles and make sports a part of their daily lives.

Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Sogami also participated in the event.

An official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the searches are being carried out in FIR No. 02/2015 of P/S CIK Srinagar registered under section 14 of the Foreigners Act, sections 15, 16, 17 and 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and section 7/25 of the Arms Act, they said.

Based on recent intelligence inputs, technical analysis and sustained investigation by the CIK, the search locations have been identified in Srinagar (two), Bandipora (two), Kupwara (one), Anantnag (one), Kulgam (one) and Sopore/Baramulla (one), officials added.

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The suspects are alleged to be in contact with Pakistan-based terrorist handlers through encrypted communication platforms and are suspected to be involved in dissemination of extremist propaganda, radicalisation activities and facilitation of terrorism, they said.

“The searches are aimed at recovery of incriminating material, establishing terrorist linkages, identifying associates, facilitators and overground workers, and generating actionable intelligence to further the investigation,” a CIK official said.

Necessary legal formalities are being completed and search warrants have been obtained from the competent court, the official said, adding that the searches shall be conducted in accordance with established legal procedures with adequate security arrangements and technical support teams. (KNS)