Baramulla : Justice Moksha Khujuria Kazmi, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for District Baramulla, paid an official visit to the District Court Complex Baramulla and Court Complex Sopore on Saturday to review the functioning of the district judiciary, assess judicial infrastructure, and interact with Judicial Officers and members of the Bar.

During her visit to the District Court Complex Baramulla, the Judge inaugurated the newly established Ladies Advocates’ Bar Room, created to provide a dedicated workspace for women advocates and further enhance the professional working environment within the court complex. The inauguration was attended by the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Baramulla, Jawad Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr. S.F. Hamid; Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh; Judicial Officers, senior officers of the Civil Administration and Police, and members of the Bar Association Baramulla.

Interacting with members of the Bar Association Baramulla, the Judge appreciated the vital role of advocates in the justice delivery system and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the Bench and the Bar to ensure the effective administration of justice.

The Judge also inspected the functioning of various courts at the District Headquarters and reviewed different aspects of judicial work. During her interaction with Judicial Officers, she encouraged them to continue discharging their duties with sincerity, dedication, and commitment, while stressing the need for timely disposal of cases and ensuring that justice remains accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people.

She also held a meeting with the district administration to discuss matters relating to judicial infrastructure and other requirements of the district judiciary.

Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, assured the Judge that all genuine infrastructure-related issues would be taken up on priority and addressed in a phased manner in coordination with the concerned departments.

Later, accompanied by the Principal District & Sessions Judge, the Judge visited the Court Complex Sopore, where she inaugurated the newly established e-Seva Kendra to provide litigants and advocates with improved access to digital court services.

During her visit to Sopore, the Judge also inspected the functioning of the courts and interacted with Judicial Officers and members of the Bar Association Sopore. She appreciated their collective efforts in ensuring the effective administration of justice and encouraged all stakeholders to continue working together to strengthen public confidence in the justice delivery system by ensuring efficient, transparent, and timely delivery of justice.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers and the school administration. A speech competition was organised wherein students passionately highlighted the alarming consequences of drug abuse and stressed the collective responsibility of society in safeguarding the younger generation through awareness, education and positive engagement.

Adding a powerful cultural dimension to the campaign, artists of the Dilkash Dramatic Club presented a thought-provoking thematic skit depicting the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals, families and society. Blending entertainment with a strong social message, the performance effectively reinforced the objectives of the NashaMukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, inspiring students to stay away from drugs, adopt healthy lifestyles and become active ambassadors of a drug-free society.

The presentation received wide appreciation from the audience for its impactful message and artistic excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal of the School Rehana Masoodi, on behalf of the school administration, expressed sincere gratitude to the Department of Information and Public Relations for organising such a meaningful and informative awareness programme. She appreciated the Department’s sustained efforts in sensitising students through educational and cultural initiatives.

The programme concluded with all participants collectively taking a pledge to remain committed to the ideals of the NashaMukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and to work together towards building a healthy, responsible and drug-free society.

Acting on specific inputs about gambling activities at Batamuran, a police party conducted a raid at a tin shed belonging to Nisar Ahmad Sheikh, son of Shameem Ahmad Sheikh, at Batamuran under the jurisdiction of Police Post Berthipora. During the raid, four suspects were apprehended while indulging in gambling.

The arrested individuals have been  identified as Tariq Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Rehman, resident of Batapora, Shopian (farmer); Anayatullah Dar, son of Gul Mohammad, resident of NullyPoshwari (X-ray technician at Classic Institute, Hyderpora, Srinagar); Yasir Ahmad Sheikh, son of Wali Mohammad, resident of Trenz, Shopian (employee in Rural Development Department, Srinagar); and Sajad Ahmad Wagay, son of Ghulam Mohiuddin, resident of Batamuran (bakery shop owner in Pulwama).

During the operation, stake money amounting to ₹23,580 and a deck of playing cards were recovered and seized from the spot. The owner of the tin shed, Nisar Ahmad Sheikh, was also arrested. A case under FIR No. 66/2026 under relevant provisions of the Gambling Act has been registered at Police Station Keller, and further investigation is underway. In its statement Police reiterated its commitment to maintain public order and appealed people to cooperate by reporting illegal activities in their surroundings.

In a statement issued here on Saturday Police said that a team from Police Post Janglatmandi, along with officials from the Drug Control Authority during  a joint inspection of a medical shop owned by Waseem Ahmad Dar, S/O  Bashir Ahmad Dar, R/O  Brakpora noticed several discrepancies and violations of prescribed regulatory norms.

In view of the violations, the medical shop was sealed on the spot in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Further legal and departmental action is being initiated by the concerned authorities as per law. In its statement Police reiterated its commitment to take firm action against violations ,

In a statement issued here on Saturday  a spokesperson said the attached assets belong to Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat of Firdousabad, Batamaloo, who was posted as Naazir in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar. The attachments were made in connection with FIR No. 09/2025 registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar.

The attached properties include a single-storey tin-roofed residential house with six marlas and 172 square feet of land at Firdousabad, Batamaloo; land measuring 10 marlas in Nowgam recorded in the name of the accused’s daughter; two land parcels measuring four marlas and 136 square feet, and eight marlas and 136 square feet, respectively, in the name of the accused’s wife at Nambal, Nowgam; besides gold ornaments weighing approximately 1,266 grams.

The spokesperson said the case was registered on May 22, 2025, following a secret verification into allegations that the accused had accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

During the investigation, ACB searched the accused’s residence and seized copper utensils, gold ornaments and other luxury items. The accused was arrested in the case and is presently on bail under court orders.

He said the investigation revealed that the public servant had allegedly amassed huge movable and immovable assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Following approval from the competent authority, two teams headed by DySP-rank officers were constituted to attach the properties.

The spokesperson said the teams carried out the attachment process in Batamaloo and Nowgam after completing all legal formalities. Signboards have been erected at the attached properties, and the public has been advised not to purchase or exchange the attached house or land

The programme was attended by Mohammad Younis Malik, Director, JKEDI; Tariq Banday, Director, Institute of Technology (IOT), University of Kashmir, Zakura Campus, along with eminent speakers and experts including Dr. Mohammad MutaherZarger, Assistant Vice President and Head, Franchise Expansion and Portfolio Division, Lenskart; and Faisal Kawoosa, Co-founder and Chief Analyst, Techarc.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JKEDI and the Institute of Technology, University of Kashmir, Zakura Campus. The MoU aims to strengthen institutional collaboration in the areas of entrepreneurship development, innovation, startup incubation, capacity building, skill enhancement and mentoring support for students, innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Addressing the gathering, Director JKEDI, urged the youth to move beyond stereotypes and conventional career choices and develop the confidence to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable and promising career option. He said that the insecurities associated with risk-taking can be overcome through proper mentorship, institutional support, innovation and sustained effort.

Referring to the evolving startup landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, the Director said that although the J&K Startup Policy is still at a nascent stage and requires careful nurturing, JKEDI has made a humble but meaningful beginning towards shaping the startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial culture in the Union Territory. He observed that a strong foundation has been laid, but much more needs to be done through sustained institutional efforts, wider outreach, capacity building and continued support to innovators and startups.

He further observed that rapid technological advancements have significantly reduced generational gaps and transformed the way businesses are conceived, developed and scaled. He said that society is increasingly becoming technology-driven and innovation-oriented, creating immense opportunities for young entrepreneurs. He reiterated JKEDI’s commitment to providing mentorship, incubation support, handholding and a conducive ecosystem for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs across Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, Tariq Banday underlined the importance of continuous upskilling in the present competitive environment. He also highlighted the opportunities available under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 and encouraged young entrepreneurs, students and innovators to make full use of the incentives, institutional support and enabling provisions available under the policy.

Dr. Mohammad MutaherZarger, while sharing his entrepreneurial insights, emphasized the importance of perseverance and reinvestment during the initial stages of a startup. He explained the concept of “burn” in the startup journey, wherein entrepreneurs reinvest available resources back into the business instead of focusing only on immediate profits or losses. He also elaborated on the concept of “3-1-Q” — three years of research, one year of execution and quarterly quality checks, as a disciplined approach for building sustainable ventures.

He further observed that modern commerce has evolved into a “phygital” ecosystem, integrating physical and digital experiences. He advised startups to remain market-focused, adopt innovation-led business models and actively engage with venture capitalists, fund managers and other ecosystem stakeholders to scale their businesses.

Faisal Kawoosa highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making and market intelligence in building successful enterprises. He emphasized that startups must clearly identify their unique selling propositions and use data insights to understand market trends, customer behaviour and organizational capabilities.

The session witnessed active participation from startups, aspiring entrepreneurs and students, who interacted with the speakers and sought guidance on innovation, market strategy, startup growth and institutional support.

Mohammad Irfan

Srinagar : Warning against unchecked infrastructure expansion in the Himalayan region, veteran statesman and former Sadr-e-Riyasat of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State Dr Karan Singh  has said that unplanned road construction, excessive tunnelling and poorly executed urban development projects were pushing fragile mountain ecosystems towards irreversible damage.

Addressing  the valedictory session of a seminar on environmental protection organised by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), Dr Singh said the Himalayas were increasingly bearing the burden of reckless development carried out without adequate ecological assessment. He expressed concern over the rapid expansion of roads and infrastructure in mountainous regions, stating that such interventions were destabilising the natural balance of the

Himalayas.

“Road construction in the Himalayas has disturbed the entire mountain system,” Dr Singh said, cautioning that large-scale blasting, hill cutting and indiscriminate widening of highways were causing long-term environmental consequences. Questioning the necessity of large highways in ecologically sensitive tourist zones, Dr Singh said the development model being followed needed urgent rethinking. “Why should tourists require four-lane roads in such fragile regions? Tourism should not become an excuse for environmental destruction,” he said. Drawing parallels with environmental disasters in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, he said similar warning signs were now visible in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Doda.

Dr Singh also criticised the implementation of so-called smart city projects, saying that while such schemes were promising on paper, poor execution often worsened urban conditions instead of improving them. “These are good schemes in principle, but unless implemented properly, they fail to make any

meaningful impact,” he said.

Turning to Kashmir’s shrinking water bodies, Dr Singh voiced serious concern over the alarming degradation of lakes and wetlands across the Valley. He said iconic water bodies that once defined Kashmir’s ecological identity were rapidly disappearing due to encroachment, pollution and neglect.

Recalling earlier decades, he said Dal Lake had drastically reduced in size.

“When I think of Dal Lake, I remember its full expanse. Today, it has shrunk to nearly one- third of what it once was,” he said. He noted that several other major wetlands, including Wular Lake, Hokersar Wetland, Hygam Wetland and Anchar Lake, had also witnessed severe shrinkage over the years.

Reflecting on the past, Dr Singh remarked that these wetlands once remained ecologically vibrant and served as significant natural habitats, but had gradually deteriorated due to human interference and poor conservation.

Speaking about wildlife conservation, Dr Singh referred to Dachigam National Park and recalled efforts made to protect the endangered Hangul population.

He credited M. K. Ranjitsinh for playing a major role in conservation efforts and said the relocation of villages from Dachigam during his tenure was a difficult but necessary step to create a secure habitat for the Kashmir stag.

“It became a major political issue at the time, but without that relocation, the Hangul could not have survived,” he said. Despite those efforts, Dr Singh said the Hangul population had continued to decline, reflecting the broader ecological stress facing Kashmir’s biodiversity.

Emphasising collective responsibility, he said environmental protection could not be left to governments and departments alone. Local communities, public representatives and civil society must actively participate in conservation efforts. “It is also the responsibility of MLAs and society at large to protect and conserve our environment,” he said.

Prominent cardiologist Upendra Kaul, Lt Gen R. S. Reen (Retd), and M. K. Ranjitsinh also addressed the session, stressing the urgent need for sustainable development and stronger ecological safeguards in Jammu and Kashmir.

The programme organized by Department of Psychiatry KMC focused on raising awareness about the menace of drug abuse and importance of early intervention, timely treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation. It also highlighted the need for collective efforts by educational establishments, families, and society to prevent substance abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free community.

In her message, Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse and promoting mental and physical well-being among the youth. She said that awareness, education, and timely medical intervention are key to tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse.

She urged young people to stay away from drugs and adopt healthy lifestyles, while encouraging families and communities to support those struggling with addiction rather than stigmatizing them.

“Drug addiction is a treatable condition, and with timely counselling, medical care, individuals can lead healthy and productive lives. Together, we can build a healthier and drug-free society,” she said.

On the occasion, Principal KMCH, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan, said that the institution is committed to building a drug-free society by keeping the youth away from the menace of substance abuse through timely treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation services.

“Drug addiction is a medical and neurobiological condition and should be treated like any other medical illness, without stigma or discrimination,” he said.

Prof. Khan further said that the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has launched a massive 100-day campaign against drug abuse, which is a highly commendable initiative.

He expressed hope that the campaign would create greater public awareness, encourage people to seek treatment at an early stage, and play a role in combating drug addiction across the Union Territory.

Head of the Department of Psychiatry, KMCH, Prof. Maqbool Dar, highlighted the major factors contributing to drug addiction, including unemployment, peer pressure, family conflicts, rapid urbanization, broken families, and a lack of awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.

In his address, Prof. Dar said that parents must acknowledge the growing involvement of youth in drug abuse instead of remaining in denial.

He stressed the need for parents to closely monitor their children’s behaviour, maintain open communication with them, and seek professional help whenever necessary.

He emphasized that drug addiction is a medical condition that is treatable through timely counselling, medical intervention, and rehabilitation.

He also appealed to every section of society—including parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and community members—to play an active role in preventing drug abuse and supporting individuals battling addiction.

Prof. Dar further suggested that the adverse effects of drug addiction should be incorporated into the school curriculum to educate students from an early age.

He also advocated for the appointment of trained counsellors and psychologists in schools to provide guidance, identify vulnerable students, and offer timely psychological support to prevent substance abuse.

The Minister participated in the  procession alongside thousands of mourners, reflecting solidarity with the people commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), whose message of truth, justice, compassion and steadfastness continues to inspire humanity across generations.

Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma said that the sacrifices made at Karbala uphold timeless values of righteousness, courage and resistance against oppression. He observed that the teachings of Imam Hussain (AS) transcend all boundaries and continue to guide society towards peace, justice and communal harmony.

The Minister also interacted with the mourners and reviewed the arrangements made for smooth conduct of the procession. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the district administration, police, health services, municipal bodies and volunteers in ensuring that the observance was held in a peaceful, orderly and dignified manner.

MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, accompanied the Minister during the procession.

Satish Sharma prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. He extended his respects to all those observing Ashura, expressing hope that the values of sacrifice, unity and compassion embodied by Imam Hussain (AS) continue to inspire the society towards harmony and justice.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inspected various facilities, including accommodation, sanitation, drinking water supply, electricity, healthcare services, security measures, and other essential amenities for the convenience of pilgri

Emphasizing inter-departmental coordination, she stressed the importance of providing a seamless and comfortable experience to the pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage.

Officials from various line departments accompanied the Deputy Commissioner and briefed her on the progress of the  preparations. She instructed the officers to remain proactive in addressing any gaps and to ensure that all necessary facilities are fully operational before the commencement of the Yatra.

Indu Kanwal Chib said that District Administration is  committed to make all necessary arrangements for the successful and hassle-free conduct of Amarnath Yatra-2026, ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of every pilgrim.