A drone was seized by police from a forward village near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector near here on Saturday, officials said.
The seizure was made from a field in Fattu Kotli village in Garkhal area, following a tip-off, they said.
Police are probing whether the drone had come from across the border or was being used locally to film a marriage function, officials said. (Agencies)
National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the April 22 incident dealt a heavy blow to Kashmir’s tourism industry, but stressed that restoring public confidence and reviving tourism remain vital for the valley’s economy.
Speaking to news agency, Dr. Farooq said, “Since the April 22 episode, tourism has suffered a severe setback. Tourism is essential for Kashmir’s economy. The poor and the well-off alike depend on it.
Winters shut us down for six “months; all the income is earned in the summer months and spent during winter. That’s why, after April 22, we have tried hard to remove fear among the people of the valley.”
The incident on (22 april) happened it was not our doing but all of Kashmir stood against it.”
Noting efforts to bring visitors back, he welcomed initiatives aimed at projecting normalcy. “It is good that our friends are promoting events they even organised the gold tournament so a message goes out at all times that conditions here are improving. Come and enjoy our hospitality,” he said.
On the long-standing demand for restoration of statehood, Dr. Farooq expressed cautious optimism. “God willing, we hope this will happen. Delhi will pay attention to it. The Prime Minister will see the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to have their statehood restored,” he told reporters.
When asked about periodic disruptions that follow phases of calm citing controversies around waqf and the Doda incident Dr. Farooq observed that such incidents have been part of the region’s troubles for decades.
“These things will continue to occur; we have suffered since 1947. This is not a new phenomenon, but we must come out of it. Nothing is static. I hope conditions improve here. Our leaders must understand that to make things better we must also pay heed to the aspirations of our people,” he said. (KNC)
Srinagar, Sep 12: Acting swiftly on the reports of the sale of rotten and unhygienic meat in the district, Srinagar Police, in coordination with Civil Administration and the Department of Food Safety, has launched a dedicated operation to curb the menace.
In the ongoing crackdown, Six cases (FIRs) have been registered against individuals and establishments found selling rotten meat in violation of public health and safety regulations, which include case FIRs No. : 1. 45/2025 u/s 271,275 BNS of PS LalBazar 2. 90/2025 u/s 272,275 BNS of PS Bemina 3. 67/2025 u/s 271,275 BNS, 51 Food Safety Act of PS Batamaloo 4. 102/2025 u/s 271,280 BNS of PS Safakadal 5. 73/2025 u/s 271, 275 BNS of PS Ram Munshi Bagh 6. 48/2025 u/s 61, 271,275 BNS of PS Zakura.
A Flying Squad comprising of officials from the District Police, Civil Administration and the Food Safety Department has been constituted to carry out surprise inspections across the city. During these inspections, significant recoveries of rotten meat have been made and the items have been confiscated and destroyed as per protocol.
Srinagar Police reiterates its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that no individual or business indulges in activities that endanger the lives of citizens.
Strict legal action will be taken against violators under relevant provisions of the law. The general public is also requested to remain vigilant and report any such malpractices to the nearest police station or via helpline numbers.
Security was heightened in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, even as an uneasy calm prevailed over the mountainous region after authorities clamped prohibitory restrictions for the fourth consecutive day.Local history books
Several people have been detained in Doda following violent clashes between security forces and protestors agitating against the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) earlier this week. The Doda MLA, who was arrested for disturbing the public order, was later lodged in Kathua jail. On Wednesday evening, police had held a peace committee meeting chaired by Deputy Inspector General of Police Shridhar Patil to expedite restoration of peace and normalcy in the region.
Prohibitory orders remained in force in Doda and Bhalessa towns, where mobile internet and Wi-Fi services continued to remain suspended as a precautionary measure.
“The situation remained calm overnight with no fresh protests. However, elaborate security measures are in place, with heightened security in sensitive areas,” said an official.
The security has been beefed up and patrolling intensified in Doda town in view of the Friday prayers, he said.
The deployment was strengthened around Doda town, Bhaderwah, Gandoh and Thathri amid high tensions over alleged administrative high-handedness. Concertina wires were installed near government offices to prevent untoward incidents.
Police vehicles patrolled the area, making announcements urging residents to stay indoors.
In Bhaderwah town nevertheless, a semblance of normalcy prevailed with shops and business establishments operating on Friday.
DIG Shridhar Patil assured people that the situation is almost under control. “We want to tell the people of Chenab Valley that the situation is by and large under control. Efforts are on to bring back complete normalcy. We are moving towards that,” the DIG told reporters on Thursday night.
He said around 40 citizens from Doda city and surrounding areas participated in discussions at the meeting, during which they shared valuable suggestions.
“I want to thank the people of Doda for their cooperation in ensuring peace. We had detained 60-70 people during the incident; several of them have been released on bonds. There are no casualties,” he said.
The district saw protests and violent clashes on Monday and Wednesday as protesters tried to defy restrictions, prompting the security personnel to resort to baton charges at several places. Several protesters were detained, while some of them were released later.
Eight police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police and a station house officer, were reportedly injured during the clashes.
The chief education officer has ordered that all schools in the district will remain closed until Sunday. The business establishments would also remain shut.
Describing Malik as a government critic, the district administration said his arrest was based on “provocative speeches and abusive language” on social media, allegedly aimed at disturbing peace.
In the meantime, Malik’s father Shamas Din Malik has appealed for his son’s release, stating he no longer wished to pursue the matter in courts. “I want my son back. I met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who said he would see what he could do,” he said.
Shamas Udin, who was briefly hospitalised after collapsing from weakness and stress following his son’s detention, apologised for the language used by his son and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to facilitate his release.
The AAP has accused the Central government of targeting the party politically. At a protest in Jammu, AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday condemned the arrest, stating the party would continue its struggle “against injustice on the streets, in Parliament, and if necessary, in the Supreme Court.”
On Thursday, high drama unfolded at Circuit House in Srinagar as former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was prevented from meeting AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who was detained on the premises to prevent him from protesting against Malik’s arrest.Local history books
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday night described the situation in Doda as “deeply disturbing,” criticising the administration’s handling of the unrest.
“An internet blackout has been imposed, schools have been shut, and curfew has been enforced in Doda district. Alarming reports suggest that roads are being deliberately blocked, depriving people of their fundamental right to movement,” she said.
This is the first time a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been taken into custody under the stringent law, which allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in some cases.
Jammu, Sep 12: After remaining suspended for 19 days due to a massive landslide that claimed 34 lives, the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi will resume from September 14.
Shrine Board officials said, “Following a temporary suspension necessitated by inclement weather conditions and essential maintenance of the track leading to the holy shrine, the yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shall resume from September 14, subject to favourable weather conditions.”
Authorities have advised pilgrims to carry valid identification, use designated pathways, and cooperate with the on-ground staff. RFID-based tracking will remain mandatory for transparency and safety. Devotees can access live updates, booking facilities, and helpline support through the Shrine Board’s official website.
Expressing gratitude for the patience shown by devotees, the Shrine Board stated, “The resumption of yatra after a 19-day halt is a symbol of faith. The Board remains committed to ensuring the sanctity and safety of this revered pilgrimage.”
At least 34 people lost their lives and several others were injured in the August 26 landslide that struck Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari.
Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has set up a high-level three-member committee to probe the causes of the tragedy. The committee comprises Additional Chief Secretary of Jal Shakti Department Shaleen Kabra, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B.S. Tuti. The panel will submit a detailed report to the Lieutenant Governor.
Residential property of a suspected drug peddler has been attached under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on Friday, police said here.
“In yet another significant move to combat the drug menace and dismantle the infrastructure supporting narcotics trafficking, Srinagar Police has attached a residential property worth approximately Rs 50 lakhs under the NDPS Act,” a police spokesman said.
He said the attached property comprises a house, constructed on land measuring over five marlas belonging to Waseem Ahmad Bafanda, resident of Lachmanpora, Dandrkha area of the Batamaloo locality of the city here.
The action pertains to a case registered under NDPS Act in which Bafanda has been found to be involved as the accused person, the spokesman said.
The accused person is a notorious drug peddler and has a history of involvement in drug peddling, primarily targeting local youth, the spokesman added.
He said investigations have revealed the property was acquired through proceeds from illicit drug trafficking. (Agencies)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting five states, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September (Saturday to Monday), to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore, according to the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday.
Prime Minister will visit Mizoram and lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth over Rs 9000 crore at Aizawl, at around 10 AM. He will also address a public function, according to the statement.
While in Manipur, he will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur at around 12:30 PM. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. Further, he will inaugurate various projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal, at around 2:30 PM and address a public function.
The Prime Minister will thereafter visit Assam and participate in the celebrations of the 100th birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati, at around 5 PM. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
On 14th September, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of major infrastructure and industrial development projects worth over Rs 18,530 crore in Assam. He will lay the foundation stone of various projects at Darrang, at around 11 AM and address a public function. Thereafter, he will inaugurate Assam Bio-ethanol Private Limited, Numaligarh Refinery Plant at Golaghat, at around 1:45 PM. He will also lay the foundation stone of Polypropylene Plant at Golaghat.
On September 15, PM Modi will visit West Bengal and inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 in Kolkata, at around 9:30 AM.
Thereafter, Prime Minister will visit Bihar and inaugurate the new terminal building of Purnea airport at around 2:45 PM. Further, he will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore at Purnea and address the gathering on the occasion. He will also launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar.
While in Mizoram, he will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth over Rs 9000 crore at Aizawl. These projects will cater to multiple sectors including Railways, Roadways, Energy, Sports among others.
PM Modi will also flag off three new express trains, Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion.
“Aizawl will now be directly connected with Delhi through a Rajdhani Express. The Sairang-Guwahati Express will facilitate movement between Mizoram and Assam. Sairang-Kolkata Express will directly connect Mizoram to Kolkata,” the statement read.
In a major boost to road infrastructure, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of multiple road projects, including the Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road and Khankawn-Rongura Road.
Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of Chhimtuipui River Bridge on the Lawngtlai-Siaha Road, which will provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time by two hours. Later on, the foundation stone of Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall for Sports Development will be put. Strengthening the energy infrastructure in the region, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of 30 TMTPA (thousand metric tons per annum) LPG Bottling Plant at Mualkhang in Aizawl.
According to the statement, the PM will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur, including the Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others.
In Assam, PM Modi will lay foundation stone for various projects, including Darrang Medical College & Hospital and GNM School and B.Sc. Nursing College.
At Numaligarh in Golaghat, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Assam Bioethanol Plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. He will also ay the foundation stone of the Polypropylene Plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) adding significant value to Assam’s petrochemical sector.
In line with his commitment to a strong, secure and self-reliant India, Prime Minister will inaugurate and address the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 in Kolkata on 15th September.
Whereas in Bihar, PM will launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar. The Board will promote production and new technology development, strengthen post-harvest management, promote value addition and processing and facilitate market, export and brand development in Makhana, thereby benefiting the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country. (Agencies)
The southwest monsoon is likely to start withdrawing from northwest India around September 15, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.
The primary rain-bearing system usually makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15.
“Conditions are becoming favourable for the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from some parts of west Rajasthan around September 15,” the IMD said in a statement.
This year, the monsoon covered the entire country nine days before the usual date of July 8. This was the earliest the monsoon has covered the entire country since 2020 when it did so by June 26.
It had reached Kerala on May 24, its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it arrived on May 23.
The country has received 836.2 mm of rainfall in the monsoon season so far against a normal of 778.6 mm, a surplus of 7 per cent.
In May, the IMD had forecast that India is likely to receive 106 per cent of the long-period average rainfall of 87 cm during the June-September monsoon season.
Rainfall between 96 and 104 per cent of this 50-year average is considered ‘normal’.
The monsoon is crucial for India’s agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of around 42 per cent of the population and contributes 18.2 per cent to the GDP.
It also plays a key role in replenishing reservoirs essential for drinking water and power generation. (Agencies)
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, whose sudden resignation on the first day of Monsoon Session of Parliament had led to intense political speculation, on Thursday made his first public appearance as he attended the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, CP Radhakrishnan.
Dhankhar, wearing a navy blue ‘bandhgala’ suit, sat in the front row as Radhakrishnan took oath as the 15th Vice President of India.
This was Dhankhar’s first public appearance and it came amid Opposition’s concerns about his whereabouts after the resignation.
While Dhankhar, who also served as Rajya Sabha Chairman, cited health reasons behind his decision to step down as the Vice President of India, the Opposition parties claimed he appeared healthy and that there was more to his resignation than meets the eye.
Reports also claimed that Dhankhar’s decision to accept an impeachment motion moved by the Opposition against the tainted High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma didn’t go down well with the Centre, which was also planning to bring a similar motion in the Lok Sabha.
After Dhankhar accepted the motion, he was reportedly asked to resign by the Centre. He was also allegedly conveyed that the government could bring an impeachment motion against him if he didn’t oblige.
An otherwise outspoken leader, Dhankhar didn’t make any public statement addressing the speculation and rumours.
Certain political leaders also alleged that he might have been placed under house arrest. However, Dhankhar moved out of the Vice Presidential residence and shifted to a private farmhouse near Delhi.
Uorfi Javed, who became popular with ‘Bigg Boss OTT’, has once again caught everyone’s attention on social media. This time, it is not because of her bold fashion choices but her very personal journey with lip fillers.
On Thursday, Uorfi Javed shared a set of photos and videos on Instagram, showing how she is slowly recovering from swollen lips. She called it her “road to recovery” and even revealed that she has now found something “better than lip fillers” to make her lips look fuller.
In her Instagram stories, Uorfi wrote in her signature candid style, “So many people said so much, made so many reels. Some even said it was a punishment from above, fruit of my bad deeds. I had a good laugh at all of it. Even the memes. But waise, I’ve discovered something better than lip fillers. In the next video, my lip care.”
Recently, Uorfi had also spoken about why she dissolved her fillers. She explained that her fillers were not placed properly and that made her uncomfortable. “No, this is not a filter. I decided to get my fillers dissolved, as they were misplaced. I will get them again but in a natural way. I’m not saying no to fillers at all. But dissolving them is really painful,” she said in another post.
Meanwhile, Uorfi has also been making headlines for another reason. She recently won the reality show ‘The Traitors’, hosted by Karan Johar. But along with the trophy came a wave of online hate.