Politics & Governance – The Kashmir Horizon

Anshul Garg reviews arrangements for Mela Mata Kheer Bhawani

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:31:53 +0000

Div Com directs deptts to ensure comprehensive facilities for Devotees

Srinagar: Ahead of the Mela Mata Kheer Bhawani, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg on Saturday held a high-level review meeting to ensure comprehensive arrangements for devotees visiting the Tulmulla shrine and other significant temple sites. The meeting was attended Deputy Commissioners from various districts and senior officials from multiple departments, emphasizing a collaborative approach to manage the expected influx of pilgrims.
Key discussions focused on the logistical needs for the festival, including transportation, accommodation, sanitation, and essential services such as drinking water and electricity. Representatives from Kashmiri Pandit organizations contributed suggestions to enhance the festival experience. The Divisional Commissioner stressed the importance of cleanliness and directed the relevant departments to undertake specific initiatives, such as desiltation of the canal at the Tulmulla temple to improve the environment for devotees. Coordination among departments was highlighted as crucial for facilitating smooth transportation and ensuring timely arrival of pilgrims. The Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal was tasked with overseeing the provision of necessary facilities, while the Senior Superintendent of Police was instructed to implement robust security measures to ensure a safe pilgrimage. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to providing a comfortable and enriching experience for all attendees during the festival.

Dy CM assesses restoration works at Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:29:59 +0000

Jammu :Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, Saturday conducted an extensive inspection of the ongoing Digiana–Jeevan Nagar Bridge project from Sabzi Mandi Lane, Satwari Jammu and reviewed the pace and quality of work being executed on the vital infrastructural project.
During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister assessed the progress achieved on the ground. He directed the concerned officers to ensure timely completion of the bridge while maintaining the highest standards of quality. He emphasized that the project holds significant importance in improving the connectivity and easing public movement in the area.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the historic Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and took on-the-spot stock of the ongoing restoration and development works being carried out at the heritage site.
He reviewed the restoration of the affected lawns and walls of the historic Gadadhar Temple. He stressed the need for preserving the heritage character and cultural significance of the complex while ensuring quality execution of the restoration works.
During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister also took on spot stock of the availability of essential civic amenities for the local residents residing in and around the heritage complex.
Taking note of the public concerns, he directed the concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply to the residents of Andheri Gali Mohalla, Panjtirthi, Mubarak Mandi and adjoining areas.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment towards strengthening the infrastructure, preserving heritage assets and ensuring efficient delivery of public services. He instructed the officers to work in close coordination and address the public issues in a time-bound manner.
Senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department, Public Works (R&B) Department, district administration and other concerned departments accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the inspections.

CPCO Amit Sharma visits B’la; Interacts with Officers, Enumerators, Supervisors

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:29:46 +0000

Urges Field Staff to ensure Accuracy, Transparency, Complete Coverage

Baramulla:Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO)/ Director Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, along with Principal Census Officer (Deputy Commissioner) Baramulla SF Hamid, Saturday chaired a review meeting at Dak Bungalow Baramulla to assess the preparedness and progress of the ongoing House Listing Operations (HLO) being conducted from June 1 to June 30, 2026, as part of the Census 2027 exercise.
The chair was briefed about the district’s preparedness for Census 2027 and the ongoing House Listing Operations. Officers briefed the Chair on the training programs for enumerators and supervisors, highlighting the district administration’s readiness for the Census exercise. The Principal Census Officer confirmed that all necessary administrative and logistical arrangements are in place to facilitate smooth Census activities, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage and quality data collection. Discussions during the meeting centered on achieving complete household coverage, particularly in remote and challenging areas, and enhancing field-level operations. Amit Sharma commended the dedication of field staff and urged enumerators and supervisors to fulfill their roles with professionalism and commitment. He stressed the importance of effective coordination, timely data collection, and adherence to guidelines for the success of the enumeration process. Sharma directed all officers to support census personnel and ensure the smooth execution of House Listing and Housing Census activities. The CPCO provided a toll-free helpline number for public inquiries regarding Census 2027 and warned citizens to be cautious of fraudulent communications related to the Census. He reassured the public that the Census process is straightforward, requiring only responses to official questions, and encouraged cooperation with authorized personnel. The meeting also reviewed field-level preparedness and operational aspects of the Census. Arun Kumar, the Joint Chief Principal Census Officer, discussed the monitoring framework for field operations, highlighting the significance of real-time tracking and supervision. Amit Sharma engaged with enumerators and supervisors in a Q&A session, addressing their concerns and reiterating the importance of accuracy, transparency, and professionalism in field operations. Key officials, including the District Census Officer and other relevant officers, participated in the meeting, underscoring the Census’s role as a vital national exercise for evidence-based planning and development.

J&K Judicial Academy begins Pre-Appointment Induction Training for newly selected Civil Judges

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:29:29 +0000

Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy on Saturday commenced a Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme for 39 newly selected Civil Judges (Junior Division) at its Srinagar campus.
The event was inaugurated by Supreme Court Judge Justice Arun Palli, alongside Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Governing Committee Chairperson Justice Rajnesh Oswal, and other High Court judges.
In his inaugural address, Justice Arun Palli described judicial service as a public trust, emphasizing that trial court judges represent the face of the judiciary for most citizens. He urged the officers to uphold integrity, humility, and fairness, and to strengthen public confidence through their conduct.
Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar congratulated the officers, noting that judicial service demands integrity, impartiality, discipline, and compassion. He advised participants to remain lifelong learners, embrace technology responsibly, and fearlessly discharge their duties.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal highlighted the milestone of transitioning from the Bar to the Bench, shifting from partisan advocacy to impartial adjudication. He reminded participants that a judge’s foremost allegiance is to the Constitution and the rule of law. Earlier, Academy Director Naseer Ahmad Dar welcomed the guests and emphasized the role of judicial education in strengthening justice delivery. On “Introduction to the Training Programme Module – Background”, the session was jointly conducted by Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Sanjay Parihar, which familiarized participants with the training’s structure and goals. The second session was conducted by the Director on “Role and Ethical Expectations of a Civil Judge (Junior Division)”, deliberating on trial court ethics, courtroom discipline, and professional dignity. The third session was conducted by Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani on “Foundations of Judicial Ethics”. He highlighted ethics as the foundation of personal and professional life, stressing that true independence emanates from an individual’s conscience and moral integrity.

Properties worth ₹3.5 Cr of drug peddlers attached in Srinagar: Police

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:29:16 +0000

Srinagar : Police on Saturday said that it has attached immovable properties worth approximately ₹3.5 crore belonging to two drug peddlers under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
In a statement issued here on Saturday Police said that in the first action, Police Station Nigeen attached an immovable property worth approximately ₹1.30 crore under Section 68(F)(1) of the NDPS Act in connection with FIR No. 30/2021 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act. The attached property comprises a double-storeyed residential house along with land situated at Habbak Crossing, Hazratbal, belonging to Rahil Manzoor Malla resident of Habbak Crossing, Hazratbal.
In a separate action, Police Station Soura attached a residential house worth approximately ₹2.20 crore under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act belonging to Adil Rashid Gudoo son of Abdul Rashid Gudoo resident of Keel Khan Gali (Haider Colony), Upper Soura, who is involved in illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs.
During the course of investigation, both properties were identified as illegally acquired assets derived from proceeds generated through drug trafficking activities. The properties have been formally attached/frozen under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The attachment orders prohibit the owners from selling, transferring, leasing, alienating, altering, disposing of, or creating any third-party interest in the said properties pending further legal proceedings.

5 vehicles seized in crackdown on Illegal Mining in Shopian, Baramulla: Police

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:29:02 +0000

Srinagar : Police on Saturday said that it has seized 5 vehicles, including one JCB, one dumper, and three tippers, involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals in Shopian and Baramulla districts.
In a statement issued here on Saturday Police said that in Shopian, a police team from Police Post Keegam, during routine patrolling, intercepted and seized one JCB and one dumper involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals from Rambiara Nallah without valid royalty documents. A case under FIR No. 105/2026 has been registered at Police Station Shopian under relevant provisions of law, and investigation has been also initiated.
Meanwhile, in Baramulla, acting on credible inputs and during routine surveillance in the Delina area, a police party led by the Incharge Police Post Delina seized three tippers found involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of sand. The vehicles were seized under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act).
In its statement Police said that actions are part of the ongoing efforts of J&K Police to curb illegal mining, safeguard public resources, and ensure strict compliance with environmental and mining regulations, appealing people therein to report any instances of illegal mining or unauthorized transportation of minerals to the nearest police establishment, assuring subsequently that identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

KMCH Sempora showcases milestones, advanced services in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:28:48 +0000

Srinagar : Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) Sempora on Saturday conducted a walkthrough of its Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to highlight its achievements and services.
The event was attended by prominent figures in the medical community, including the Managing Director of KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, and various department heads and faculty members. The Managing Director celebrated the department’s successful execution of its first Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS), marking it as a significant milestone and encouraging the team to maintain their dedication and energy moving forward. He expressed confidence in the department’s ability to meet its future goals and emphasized the importance of establishing a lasting legacy in healthcare.
Executive Director Insha Qazi noted that the walkthrough aimed to showcase the department’s milestones and advanced treatments, including laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures and management of high-risk pregnancies. She announced the upcoming launch of the first MBBS batch at KMCH, providing local students with medical education opportunities within the Valley. Additionally, plans for a cancer research hospital and a dental college were revealed as part of KMCH’s expansion strategy to enhance healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Khan, Principal/Dean of KMCH, praised the rapid achievement of the LSCS and acknowledged the hard work of the healthcare staff. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maternal and child healthcare, ensuring that every woman receives specialized care from a skilled team. Senior gynecologists present at the event commended KMCH for its state-of-the-art facilities and rapid growth, highlighting the potential for the hospital to transform maternal and child health services in the region and set new standards in patient care.

130th Annual Urs of Hazrat Mian Nizam-ud-Din Kiyanvi (RA) From June 7-8 at Baba Nagri Wangath

K H News Service — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:28:28 +0000

Night-long Shab Khawani, Quran recitation to mark annual congregation; thousands of devotees expected to attend

G’bal: The 130th annual Urs of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Mian Nizam-ud-Din Kiyanvi (RA) will be observed on June 7 and 8 at Baba Nagri Wangath in Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and various parts of the country are expected to participate in the two-day religious congregation.
Sajada Nasheen of Baba Nagri Wangath, MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, said the Urs will commence on June 7 and conclude on June 8 with special prayers and Dua-e-Majlis.
“The two-day annual Urs will begin on June 7 and conclude on June 8 with special prayers and Dua-e-Majlis,” Mian Altaf said.
The annual Urs will feature night-long Shab Khawani, recitation of the Holy Quran, religious sermons, collective prayers and remembrance of the teachings and spiritual legacy of Hazrat Mian Nizam-ud-Din Kiyanvi (RA).

Devotees from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir, besides several other states, are expected to visit the revered shrine during the annual congregation, which holds significant spiritual and religious importance in the Valley.

DGP Prabhat leads tree plantation drive at DPL Srinagar on World Environment Day

K H News Service — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:17:11 +0000

Srinagar: To mark World Environment Day and as part of the nationwide plantation campaign launched under the leadership of the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Government of India, Jammu and Kashmir Police organized a large-scale tree plantation drive across its establishments throughout the Union Territory.
As part of the initiative, Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, inaugurated a plantation drive in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
At Police Headquarters, Srinagar, the plantation programme was led by Special Director General of Police S.J.M. Gillani in the presence of ADGP Headquarters M.K. Sinha, DIGs MubassirLatifiand ,J.S. Johar, along with AIGs, officers, and staff members. During the programme, nearly 100 saplings of various species were planted within the Police Headquarters premises.

Similar plantation drives were carried out at all Zonal, Range, District, Unit, and Wing Headquarters across the Union Territory. Heads of the respective formations personally led the initiatives and encouraged officers and personnel to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.
The drive reflects J&K Police’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to a greener and healthier future.

CPCO J&K, Ladakh visits Budgam, Chairs Review Meeting on ongoing Census Operations

K H News Service — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:16:40 +0000

Srinagar6: Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, along with Deputy Commissioner Budgam (Principal Census Officer Budgam), Athar Aamir Khan, chaired a review meeting at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex, Budgam, to assess the preparedness and progress of the ongoing House Listing Operations (HLO) being conducted from June 1 to June 30, 2026, as part of the Census exercise.
The District Census Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mehraj-Ud-Din Shah briefed the chair about the district’s geographical profile and the preparations for Census 2027, including the ongoing House Listing Operations. He emphasized the training programs for census personnel and the district administration’s readiness for the census exercise. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that all necessary administrative and logistical arrangements are in place to facilitate smooth census activities, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts among stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage and high-quality data collection. During the meeting, discussions focused on ensuring that all households, including migratory populations, are accounted for and on enhancing field-level operations. Amit Sharma commended the dedication of field staff and urged enumerators and supervisors to fulfill their responsibilities with professionalism. He stressed the need for effective coordination, timely data collection, and adherence to guidelines to ensure the accuracy of the enumeration process. Officers were directed to support census personnel and facilitate House Listing and Housing Census activities. Amit Sharma also provided a toll-free helpline number for public inquiries regarding Census 2027 and cautioned citizens against fraudulent communications related to the census. He reassured the public that the census process is straightforward, requiring responses to 33 specific questions, and urged cooperation with authorized personnel to ensure the success of this national initiative. The meeting reviewed field-level preparedness and operational aspects of the census, with Joint Chief Principal Census Officer Arun Kumar highlighting the importance of real-time monitoring of data collection activities..