LPG consumers in the Kashmir valley are facing difficulties in getting their cylinders refilled as distributors are witnessing a huge rush of customers for the mandatory eKYC of their connections.
While the distributors deal with the rush, many customers are facing issues with the self-eKYC after the government made it mandatory to procure refills.
From non-smartphone penetration to privacy concerns, customers have flagged several issues in the way of eKYC.
“I have an LPG connection and have to do the mandatory eKYC, which means I have to download two apps on my phone and then undertake the process. These apps need several phone permissions, which raises privacy concerns,” Yawar Ahmad, a consumer in the city here, said.
Shazia, a home-maker, said many women like her do not have smartphones, so undertaking eKYC by installing applications does not make sense. “I have a Ujjwala connection and I cannot afford a smartphone, so how will I do the self-eKYC?” she asked.
Some customers said such “service bottlenecks” were caused as the government’s facing severe issues with the supply of LPG due to the crisis in the Middle East.
While OTP has been mandatory at the time of gas delivery, many consumers have received messages about gas being delivered without sharing the OTP. “I received an OTP, which I didn’t share with the distributor, but then I still got the message about gas being delivered. However, the gas was not delivered,” Mehraj Ahmad, another consumer, said.
“These messages are computer-generated by an app. However, the booking is effective only after eKYC,” a distributor here said. (Agencies)
J&K | LPG Consumers Flag Issues With e-KYC, Lack Of Smartphones
DIG Visits Forward Areas Along LoC In J&K’s Poonch, Reviews Border Security Preparedness
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rajouri-Poonch range, Sandeep Wazir on Thursday visited the forward areas along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the border area.
The DIG interacted with police personnel deployed in the forward belt in Salotri sector and reviewed the existing security arrangements, deployment patterns and coordination mechanisms aimed at maintaining peace and vigilance along the border, officials said.
During the visit, Wazir stressed the need for maintaining high alertness, seamless coordination among security agencies and proactive policing in sensitive areas.
The visit was aimed at overseeing the preparedness of police to strengthen security measures and ensure effective policing in forward villages along the LoC.
The DIG also chaired a conference to review the prevailing security scenario and deliberated upon various operational, investigative and administrative aspects of policing, they said.
Addressing the officers, Wazir asked them to remain vigilant and proactive in tackling emerging security challenges, cyber-related offences and other criminal activities, while underscoring the need for better coordination among various police units and security agencies to strengthen the overall security grid in the district.
Snow, Rain Bring Down Temperatures In Kashmir
Some places in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rain in the early hours of Thursday, bringing down temperatures, officials said
The frontier Gurez sector in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, Zojilla Pass along the Srinagar-Leh national highway and Sonamarg received snowfall. A few other peaks in the higher reaches of the valley were also draped in white.
The plains of the valley, including the summer capital of Srinagar, were lashed by intermittent rains.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm late Wednesday night left a road in Bandipora district severely damaged, while water and mud entered several nearby homes, the officials said.
The rain also triggered waterlogging and mudflow in the area, disrupting movement.
The rain and snow brought respite from the heatwave-like conditions in Kashmir.
The meteorological department said there is a possibility of one or two spells of light rain and thundershowers with gusty winds and hailstorm at many places over Thursday and Friday.
The weather is likely to stay generally dry in the forenoon, with brief showers likely towards late afternoon hours at isolated to scattered places till May 25, it said. (Agencies)
Rain, Thunderstorm Activity Likely To Persist Across J&K Till Saturday
Intermittent spells of rain and thundershowers are expected to continue across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir till Saturday, with the Kashmir region likely to witness comparatively higher weather activity.
According to Kashmir Weather Watch, short-duration intense showers accompanied by gusty winds, lightning and possible hailstorm activity may occur at isolated places during the period.
The advisory, however, stated that no continuous or prolonged rainfall is expected across the Union Territory.
Residents, especially those in vulnerable and hilly areas, have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and gusty weather conditions. (KNC)
PM Modi Returns Home After 5-Nation Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday landed in the national capital, returning from a five-nation tour during which he signed pacts on energy, defence, and critical minerals.
The prime minister embarked on his tour on May 15, visiting the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy over a course of several days.
In the UAE, India signed a series of landmark pacts spanning strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping, with Abu Dhabi pledging investments totalling USD 5 billion in India.
A meeting between Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took place against the backdrop of tensions still in West Asia. During his visit to the Netherlands, India inked 17 agreements to boost cooperation in defence, critical minerals and other key sectors.
The two countries also elevated their ties to a strategic partnership after a talk between Modi and Rob Jetten, his Dutch counterpart.
The two prime ministers expressed their concern over the situation in West Asia, especially its implications for the region and beyond, caused by a fractured oil supply.
In the successive leg of the tour, India and Sweden agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership.
Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, discussed trade, technology, defence, and other key areas in a meeting.
The two nations unveiled an ambitious roadmap spanning artificial intelligence, critical minerals, innovation, trade and cultural exchanges.
In Oslo, the Indian prime minister discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as clean energy, trade, sustainability and digitalisation in separate meetings with his counterparts from Iceland, Finland and Denmark.
The prime minister held the meetings on the sidelines of the third India-Nordic Summit, holding talks with Iceland Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
India and Norway firmed up a Green Strategic Partnership, as Modi and his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Store, held a talk probing the role of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the tensions in Ukraine and West Asia.
The two leaders spoke about expanding cooperation in areas such as clean energy, climate resilience, blue economy, green shipping, digital technology, space and Arctic research.
During his visit to Italy, the last leg of his tour, Modi held talks with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, elevating ties between the countries to a special strategic partnership.
Modi was conferred with Sweden’s highest honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, and Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
In Rome, Modi was conferred with the FAO Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in recognition of his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development. (Agencies)
Govt Renames Anantnag School After Pahalgam Hero Aadil Shah; Minister Says Sacrifice Will Inspire Generations
In a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of slain tourist guide Aadil Hussain Shah, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has renamed a government school in south Kashmir’s Hapatnar area after him.
The school, earlier known as Hapatnar High School, has now been officially renamed as Shaheed Aadil Memorial High School during a ceremony attended by Minister Sakeena Itoo in Anantnag district.
Aadil Hussain Shah had lost his life while reportedly protecting tourists during last year’s terror incident in Pahalgam, an act that earned widespread admiration across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena Itoo said Aadil’s courage and sacrifice would always be remembered. She stated that his selfless act of risking his own life to save visitors reflected extraordinary bravery and humanity.
The minister recalled visiting the attack site on the same night and said the incident left a deep impact on everyone. She added that the government’s decision to rename the school was aimed at honouring the martyrdom and ensuring that future generations remember his sacrifice.
Itoo further said the recognition would also provide emotional support to the bereaved family, adding that Aadil Hussain Shah’s name would continue to inspire people for years to come.(KNC)
Army Chief Gen Dwivedi To Review Passing Out Parade At NDA On May 30
MUMBAI, May 20: Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi will review the Passing out Parade of the 150th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune on May 30, a statement said on Wednesday.
The prestigious event will be held at the Khetarpal Parade Ground at NDA in the city’s Khadakwasla area, it said.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi will review the parade as the Reviewing Officer.
Nearly 355 cadets of the Army, Navy and Air Force are scheduled to pass out during the grand ceremonial parade of Spring Term – 2026, marking the successful culmination of rigorous military and academic training imparted at the academy, the statement said.
Prior to the Passing Out Parade, the convocation ceremony of the 150th course will be conducted on May 29 at Habibullah Hall, NDA. Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi, who also served as the former lieutenant governor of Puducherry, will be the chief guest and address the graduating cadets.
Widely regarded as the cradle of military leadership, the NDA is the country’s premier tri-services training institution and one of the finest military academies in the world. It imparts rigorous military, coupled with academic and characterbuilding training, to prepare cadets for leadership roles in the defence forces.
The Passing Out Parade will feature an impressive military parade, inspection of contingents, presentation of medals and awards, fly-pasts by military aircraft and helicopters, and the traditional ‘Antim Pag’ ceremony by the graduating cadets, the statement said. (Agencies)
Suspected Drone-Dropped Packet With Drugs Recovered In Jammu Border Belt
Security forces on Wednesday recovered a suspected drone-dropped packet containing suspected narcotics from the border belt of Jammu district, official sources said.
The packet was recovered from Bahadurpur Panchayat in the Bishnah area after a local resident spotted it while tilling his field, they said.
On receiving information, teams of the Border Security Force (BSF) and police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, they said.
The packet was seized and a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team was called to examine its contents, they said, adding the recovered material is suspected to be heroin.
Srinagar Police Demolishes Illegal Property Worth ₹1.5 Crore Linked To Wanted Drug Peddler
Continuing its intensified campaign against drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police on Tuesday demolished an illegally constructed property worth nearly ₹1.5 crore allegedly linked to a wanted drug peddler in the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar.
Officials said Police Station Lal Bazar carried out the demolition of a two-storey illegal structure along with an adjoining room and washroom constructed on State land at Haka Bazar, Lal Bazar.
According to police, the property was spread over approximately nine marlas and was allegedly connected to wanted drug peddler Arshid Ahmed Sheikh son of Wali Mohammad Sheikh, a resident of Haka Bazar, Lal Bazar, who is reportedly involved in multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Police said the accused is involved in the following cases FIR No. 31/2025 under Sections 8/21 and 22 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Janipur, Jammu .FIR No. 50/2025 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Lal Bazar
The demolition operation was conducted in the presence of the Executive Magistrate Khanyar and officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation. Authorities stated that the action was taken strictly in accordance with legal provisions as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal assets and financial networks generated through narcotics trade.
Police said the entire operation was carried out peacefully under proper supervision.
Srinagar Police reiterated its commitment to eliminating the drug menace from society and appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information regarding drug peddling and other unlawful activities in their respective areas. (KNC)
Punjab Police Arrests Two Linked To International Smuggling Racket, Recover 10 Kg ICE, 4 Kg Heroin
May 20: The Punjab Police on Wednesday said it has busted an international drug smuggling module with the arrest of two persons and recovery of 10 kilograms of ICE (methamphetamine) and 4 kilograms of heroin.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with a Dubai-based drug smuggler operating from Abu Dhabi or Dubai and were acting under his directions to traffic narcotics in Punjab and Delhi, DGP Gaurav Yadav said.
“One of the accused had recently returned from Dubai, where he was allegedly trained and tasked with transporting consignments of heroin and ICE, further supplying the narcotics across the Majha and Doaba regions,” he said in a post on X.
An FIR has been registered at the Chheharta police station in Amritsar under the the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages, identify other members of the network and ascertain additional recoveries, he said. (AGENCIES)