Thursday, July 9, 2026
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BJP Kashmir Unit To March Towards CM Omar Abdullah’s Residence Over Liquor Sales

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kashmir Unit on Friday announced a protest march in Srinagar against the operation of wine shops in the Kashmir Valley and demanded a complete ban on the sale and purchase of liquor across the Kashmir Division.
According to the statement issued by the party’s Co-Media incharge J&K Sajid Yusuf Shah, the protest will also be directed against the ruling National Conference for allegedly defending and promoting the sale of alcohol in the region.
As per the programme, BJP leaders and workers will assemble at Ram Munshibagh, Sonwar, at 10:00 AM and march towards the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Gupkar.
The party said the protest aims to raise public sentiment against liquor sales in Kashmir.
The move from BJP comes days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that his government was not planning to expand liquor outlets in Jammu and Kashmir, but maintained that an outright ban on alcohol was not practically possible at present.
He had said that liquor was already being consumed in the region and questioned whether people wanted it to be sold openly under regulation or pushed underground through illegal channels. (JKNS)

J&K Govt Orders Transfers In Youth Services And Sports Department

The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday ordered a reshuffle in the Youth Services and Sports Department, transferring several officers and assigning additional responsibilities with immediate effect.
According to an official order, a number of In-charge District Youth Services and Sports Officers (DYSSOs) and Physical Education Lecturers (PELs) have been posted to new districts across Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the transfer order, Sunil Kumar has been shifted from Shopian to Kathua, while Sunil Singh Sambyal has been transferred from Kathua to Samba. Dharamveer Singh has been posted from Samba to Reasi, and Jagdish Raj Sharma has been moved from Ramban to the post of Assistant Director Jammu.
Tarsem Singh has been transferred from Reasi to Udhampur. Shafqat Ahmad, who was holding additional charge of Baramulla along with Ganderbal, has now been posted as DYSSO Kupwara.
Meanwhile, Zahoor Ahmad Wani and Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, who were attached with the Directorate, have been appointed as DYSSO Anantnag and DYSSO Baramulla respectively.
The order further stated that Gh Hassan Lone, presently serving as DYSSO Srinagar, will also look after the additional charge of DYSSO Ganderbal.
In addition, several officers have been assigned extra responsibilities in districts including Doda, Kulgam, Shopian, Budgam, Ramban and Rajouri.
The transfers and postings were ordered by Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports Department, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.(KNC)

SSG Road Opened For Two-Way Traffic After Snow Clearance: Div Com Kashmir Issues Advisory

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has announced the reopening of the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road for two-way traffic movement of Medium and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) following snow clearance operations.
According to an official notification issued by the Office of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the road has been declared open from May 15, 2026, subject to strict safety guidelines and weather-related conditions.
The notification stated that the district administrations of Ganderbal, Drass and Kargil will review weather advisories on a daily basis before permitting vehicular movement and deciding traffic timings.
Authorities have directed the Traffic Police Rural Kashmir to establish a traffic check-post at Sonamarg to ensure smooth traffic flow, while recovery vans will remain stationed along the upper stretches of the highway to assist stranded vehicles.
The administration has also made it mandatory for vehicles travelling on the SSG Road to be fitted with anti-skid chains. Officials said only vehicles within the prescribed weight limits will be allowed after proper weighing at Sonamarg.
The order further stated that joint control rooms comprising officials from Traffic, Civil, Police and Mechanical Engineering Departments will be established in Ganderbal, Drass and Kargil for coordination and emergency response.
The Indian Meteorological Department has been asked to coordinate with SASE and issue avalanche warnings in advance to all concerned agencies.
Authorities also advised that vehicles using the road should preferably be four-wheel drive and mechanically fit, while drivers must be experienced and familiar with hilly terrain.
The movement of designated vehicles will take place in escorted convoys from both head and tail ends for safety purposes.

J&K Govt Approves Major Power Infrastructure Upgrades In Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved major power infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening electricity transmission and improving power supply in Srinagar and adjoining areas.
According to the Office of the Chief Minister, the Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, sanctioned the augmentation of the Grid Sub Station at Zainakote from 450 MVA to 780 MVA at an estimated cost of ₹67.66 crore.
The government has also approved the upgradation of the 132 KV Pampore–Rawalpora and Rawalpora–Bemina transmission lines at a projected cost of ₹25.47 crore.
Officials said the projects are expected to significantly enhance transmission capacity, reduce power outages, and ensure a more reliable and efficient electricity supply for consumers across the region.

Hizbul Mujahideen Terror Handler’s Rs 20L Worth Land Attached In J&K’s Bandipora

Police on Thursday attached a Hizbul Mujahideen terror handler’s immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district, an official said.
In continuation of its sustained crackdown on the terror ecosystem, Sopore Police attached a land measuring 10 Marlas, valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh, situated at the Kehnusa area of Bandipora district in north Kashmir, a police spokesperson said.
He said the property belonged to Majid Ahmad Sofi alias Bisati, a resident of New Colony in Sopore, who was involved in alleged terror-related activities from across the border.
The property was attached in connection with a case registered at Sopore police station under various Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act, the spokesperson said.
Investigation has revealed that the accused is operating from Pakistan or Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as a terror handler affiliated to the banned terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. He has been actively involved in facilitating and orchestrating terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley, the spokesperson said.
Sopore Police carried out the attachment proceedings in the presence of the executive magistrate, the revenue officials concerned, and independent witnesses after following due legal procedures, he added. (Agencies)

Talks With Pakistan Aside, Centre Must Initiate Dialogue With J&K People: Bukhari

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said while New Delhi can decide on whether to hold talks with Pakistan, the Centre should start a dialogue with people of Jammu and Kashmir urgently.
“RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s statement on dialogue with Pakistan and former Army chief Manoj Naravane’s similar views are matters that the central government has to decide based on the prevailing domestic and external scenario,” Bukhari said in a statement here.
The former minister said, however, that there should not be an iota of doubt that the Centre urgently needs to talk to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in order to address their genuine concerns and long-pending grievances.
“I am saying this again and again because I clearly see growing restlessness among the people, especially our youth. People here are grappling with a range of issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible,” he added.
Bukhari said some of the immediate and pressing problems include growing unemployment and, at the same time, the absence of adequate measures for job creation.
“A large number of young people are unable to obtain passports, preventing them from seeking better livelihood opportunities abroad. At the same time, soaring inflation has placed immense pressure on ordinary families,” he said.
Agriculture, horticulture, tourism and industrial sectors, constituting the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir economy, are facing grave challenges that must be addressed urgently, he said.
“Not only large industries but also the MSMEs and small scale industries (SSIs), which sustain thousands of families, are grappling with severe difficulties, and many are either nearly defunct or on the brink of collapse,” he added.
Bukhari said there are a range of other issues that deserve the Centre’s immediate attention.
“These problems are directly affecting the daily lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, thereby creating a feeling that everything is not going well here and that the situation cannot be declared normal,” he said. (Agencies)

INC Kargil Submits No Confidence Motion

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The Councillors of Indian National Congress Kargil on Thursday submitted a no confidence motion to CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, over administrative functioning and seeking necessary action under the provisions of the LAHDC Act.
The delegation urged that the matter be processed in accordance with the legal framework and democratic procedures laid down in the LAHDC Act.
CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, while responding to the development, assured the delegation that the matter would be processed strictly as per the provisions of the LAHDC Act and applicable rules.

LG Sinha Inaugurates ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Complex In Tangdhar, Boosts Battlefield Tourism

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Complex at SM Hill in the Tangdhar area of Karnah in Kupwara district, marking a major initiative towards promotion of battlefield tourism, heritage preservation and border area development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the complex stands as a tribute to the courage and supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. He said their valour should inspire every citizen and serve as a source of pride for future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the efforts of the Northern Command, Chinar Corps, Army officers, soldiers, engineers, workforce and local residents for completing the prestigious project within a short span of time.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Manoj Sinha said the Shaurya Gatha Complex would open new opportunities for battlefield tourism in the border region and help generate employment through homestays, local handicrafts and youth entrepreneurship.
He said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing peace, prosperity and rapid development, while illegally Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to suffer from neglect and misgovernance. Reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India, he said the people are experiencing a renewed sense of confidence and progress.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment towards the development of border areas and said initiatives under the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan programme would strengthen economic growth in Tangdhar-Karnah and showcase the defence heritage and culture of the region.
He further informed that seven villages in Tangdhar-Karnah have been included under the Vibrant Village Programme to ensure improved infrastructure, better livelihood opportunities and enhanced quality of life for the local population.
Speaking on connectivity projects, Manoj Sinha said the proposed Sadhna Tunnel would significantly improve security, connectivity and economic activity in the region by ensuring all-weather access and facilitating trade, healthcare, education and disaster response.
Among those present on the occasion were Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, Ashish Chandra Verma, Anshul Garg, senior Army officers, civil administration officials, police and security personnel.

Crime Branch Conducts Raids In Srinagar, Budgam Over Land Fraud Case

The Special Crime Wing Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K on Wednesday carried out house searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts in connection with an alleged land fraud case registered under FIR No. 06/2026.
Officials said the case has been registered under Sections 420, 468 and 120-B RPC following a written complaint lodged by a resident of Humhama, Budgam. The complainant alleged that Tariq Ahmad Sofi of Solina, Srinagar fraudulently obtained lakhs of rupees from him on the pretext of selling land located at Narkara, Srinagar.
During the course of investigation, the Crime Branch prima facie found that accused Tariq Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Ahmad Sofi and resident of Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar, along with Tariq Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Abdullah Wani and resident of Narkara near Unani Hospital, Budgam, allegedly prepared and used forged documents in connivance with the then Patwari to execute the fraudulent land deal.
The investigating agency said the accused persons, who were allegedly acting as land brokers, entered into a criminal conspiracy to deceive the complainant and misappropriate money linked to the transaction.
In continuation of the probe, searches were conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrates to collect incriminating material and other evidence relevant to the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch advised the general public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and urged people to report such incidents directly to the SSP, Special Crime Wing Kashmir. (KNC)

Farooq Abdullah Backs RSS Leader Hosabale On Dialogue With Pakistan

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday backed RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale’s remarks advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying that war was not an option.
Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah, a three-time chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also welcomed former Army Chief M M Naravane backing Hosable.
“It is a very big move that the RSS leader has said that there should be talks with Pakistan, and the ex-Army chief has also backed his statement. I am glad that somebody is now thinking that war is not an option. It is the question of dialogue, which we must always have to solve our problems,” the NC president said.
Earlier, in an interview with news agency on Tuesday, Hosabale said people-topeople contact was key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan, and there should always be a window for dialogue.
Pakistan’s military and political leadership have lost India’s confidence, and it is time for civil society to lead the way, the RSS leader had said.
Responding to the ongoing BRICS conclave in New Delhi, Abdullah expressed hope that the grouping would help push for peace in the Middle East. He also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s visit to China.
When asked about his response on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers downsizing their cavalcades as part of austerity measures, Abdullah said these measures are necessary to tackle the fuel crisis.
“I think it is very good. It shows that we are short of fuel, and obviously, there is a shortage. I hope everybody will reduce their cavalcade,” he said. (Agencies)