On two solemn anniversaries—the 29th Death Anniversary of literary colossus Syed Manzoor Hashmi and the 8th Martyrdom Anniversary of fearless journalist Dr Syed Shujat Bukhari—Kashmir witnessed a rare moment of united remembrance. The tribute came from Agha Syed Karar Hashmi, an Islamic scholar and grandson of the late poet, currently pursuing advanced studies at the Hauza-Ilmia Qom in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a stirring press statement, Agha Hashmi described both departed souls as "the two bright stars from Village Kreeri and Watergam in North Kashmir's Baramulla"—a land that gifted Kashmir a poet who shaped its language and a journalist who bled for its truth. The Poet Who Built a Language, The Journalist Who Died for Peace. 

In a significant announcement, the grandson of Syed Manzoor Hashmi told the press that he will soon organise a grand function in the holy city of Qom, Iran, dedicated to showcasing and celebrating his grandfather's monumental contributions to Kashmir's rich culture and literature. 

Agha Syed Karar Hashmi extended his sincere gratitude to all cultural and literary circles across Kashmir who, year after year, continue to remember these great personalities with dignity and devotion. He acknowledged their unwavering efforts in keeping the legacies of Syed Manzoor Hashmi and Dr Syed Shujat Bukhari alive—an inspiration for future generations.

Late Syed Manzoor Hashmi, remembered on his 29th death anniversary, was not merely a writer but an institution. Hailing from Watergam in North Kashmir, his legendary poetic works—Garmal, Loluk Sargam, and Ichhar Phula—earned him the State Academy of Culture award. A critic, researcher, educator, and master of prose, he shaped Kashmiri literature for generations. On this occasion, his sons—Syed Sarwar Hashmi and Syed Azhar Hashmi, both accomplished poets in their own right—fondly remembered their beloved father, honouring his timeless legacy and the literary path he illuminated for their family and for Kashmir.

Dr Dryed Shujat Bukhari was brutally silenced on June 14, 2018, during the holy month of Ramadan. He was observing his fast (Roza) when terrorists indiscriminately opened fire on him while he was seated inside his vehicle, martyring him in cold blood. Agha Hashmi condemned the heinous act, saying: "He gave his blood hoping for peace. His departure left a void that no words can fill. Hell to terrorism and its perpetrators. " Bukhari also served as president of Adabi Markaz Kamraz, tirelessly championing the Kashmiri language.

"From the seminary in Qom to the valleys of Kashmir, my heart bows to these two giants," Agha Karar Hashmi said. He prayed to Almighty Allah to bless both departed souls with the highest station in Jannat-ul-Firdous—united once more, as they were in life, through their profound love for Kashmir and its voice.

Srinagar, June 12: Syed Ghulam Mohiuddin Bukhari, a well-known socio-political personality of Kreeri-Muradabad and father of Advocate Syed Shabir Bukhari and Syed Fida Hussain Bukhari, passed away on Friday evening after a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was widely respected for his political acumen, humble lifestyle and enduring commitment to the welfare of society.

According to family members, Bukhari will be laid to rest on Saturday morning at his ancestral graveyard in Kreeri-Muradabad. The funeral is expected to be attended by a large number of relatives, friends, community leaders and residents from across the region.

Over the years, Syed Ghulam Mohiuddin Bukhari earned a reputation as a thoughtful and influential public figure whose guidance and balanced approach to social and political issues commanded respect across different sections of society. Despite his standing in public life, he remained known for his simplicity, integrity and close connection with the people.

His passing has been widely mourned in the area, with condolences pouring in from political leaders, social organizations and members of the public who remembered him as a man of wisdom, dignity and compassion.

Meanwhile, Headlines Today and the entire Lubaab Publications Group expressed profound grief over his demise and paid rich tributes to his lifelong contribution to society. In a condolence message, the management, editorial board and staff described him as an exemplary personality whose life reflected honesty, humility and public service.

The newspaper's Editor-in-Chief said the deceased was a fatherly figure whose affection, guidance and goodwill would be remembered for generations.

The management and staff of Lubaab Publications Group also extended their deepest sympathies to Advocate Syed Shabir Bukhari, Syed Fida Hussain Bukhari and other members of the bereaved family, praying for strength and courage for them during this difficult time.

The death of Syed Ghulam Mohiuddin Bukhari marks the end of an era for many in Kreeri-Muradabad, where he leaves behind a legacy of public service, moral integrity and community leadership.

Srinagar, June 11: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a review meeting to assess the saturation status of Individual Beneficiary Schemes being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting reviewed progress and saturation levels achieved under major flagship programmes, including UMEED, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin (SBM-G), Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), and HIMAYAT.

The meeting was attended by Director General, Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; Mission Director, JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma; Chief Operating Officer, HIMAYAT, Rajneesh Gupta; Joint Director Planning, Kamal Kumar Sharma; and Additional Secretary to Government (Member Secretary, MGNREGA), Waseem Raja.

Emphasizing the need for robust monitoring and evidence-based planning, the Secretary called for a comprehensive reporting framework capturing current status, achievements, targets, pipeline activities, and future projections in a structured manner. He directed officers to undertake detailed situation analyses before finalizing future targets and stressed that planning should be firmly grounded in field realities.

The Secretary instructed officials to present scheme-wise and district-wise achievements separately, along with comparative progress since April 2026. He further directed departments to revisit and update saturation targets wherever necessary to ensure that all figures accurately reflect the latest achievements.

To provide a holistic picture of rural development interventions, he also called for the inclusion of key indicators such as the Lakhpati Didi initiative and other service delivery schemes in departmental reports.

Reviewing progress under UMEED, the meeting was informed that the programme has surpassed its Self Help Group (SHG) formation targets, with 96,595 SHGs formed and more than 8.10 lakh rural households mobilized, significantly strengthening women-led economic development across villages. The Secretary directed officials to ensure that updated household coverage figures and community achievements are adequately reflected in all reports and presentations.

Under MKSP, all 176 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Integrated Farming Clusters have been completed, covering over 51,000 SHG households. The Secretary sought detailed information regarding fund utilization, expected allocations and implementation timelines.

While reviewing HIMAYAT and other livelihood programmes, he stressed the importance of benchmarking current achievements against previous performance indicators. The meeting was informed that under the HIMAYAT programme of DDU-GKY 1.0 phase more than 35,700 youth have been trained, while the new DDU-GKY 2.0 phase has already trained 1700 candidates under the 2025–28 Action Plan with scheme target of 32,000 youth to be trained.

Under MGNREGA, the Department has nearly achieved its annual target by generating 444.39 lakh person-days, providing significant employment and livelihood support to rural households across Jammu and Kashmir.

The housing and sanitation sectors have also registered substantial progress. Under PMAY-G, over 3.24 lakh rural houses have been completed against a target of 3.34 lakh houses, reflecting significant advancement towards rural housing saturation. Similarly, SBM-G has achieved 100 percent saturation in ODF Plus Model Villages and Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs), marking a major milestone in rural sanitation and cleanliness.

The Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) has also supported thousands of rural entrepreneurs by promoting sustainable self-employment opportunities and strengthening the local rural economy.

The Secretary directed officers to include explanatory notes and analytical observations beneath all data tables to facilitate informed decision-making. He further instructed officials to strengthen field-level monitoring, regularly review organizational performance, and systematically incorporate feedback from districts and implementing agencies.

He observed that achievements under individual beneficiary schemes are closely linked to effective mobilization, community participation and timely interventions.

Reaffirming the Department’s commitment to achieving saturation of all eligible beneficiaries under flagship schemes, the Secretary emphasized that focused planning, accurate data management and continuous monitoring would remain central to achieving the Department’s development objectives across Jammu and Kashmir.

Kupwara, Jun,12: Shiv Sena organized a workers’ programme at Warpora Hatmulla in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, witnessing the participation of over 200 party workers and leaders from different parts of the district.

The programme was attended by State President Tiger Abdul Rashid, UT Vice President Akther Rashid Mir, North Kashmir President Abdul Rashid Dar, North Kashmir Secretary Mohammad Iqbal, District President Abdul Rashid Mir, Block President Bilal Ahmad, and several other party functionaries.

Addressing the gathering, party leaders stressed the need to strengthen the organization at the grassroots level and enhance public outreach across the district. They urged party workers to remain actively connected with the people and contribute towards social welfare and developmental activities.

During the programme, local residents raised several issues, including the renovation of agricultural schemes, provision of safe drinking water, better healthcare facilities, improved educational infrastructure, and road connectivity in the area. The Shiv Sena leadership assured the public that these concerns would be highlighted before the concerned authorities.

The UT leadership also criticized the National Conference-led government and other elected representatives, alleging failure to provide basic amenities and essential services to the people.

On the occasion, Shiv Sena announced its decision to participate in the upcoming Panchayat elections and expressed confidence that the people of Kupwara would support the party for bringing developmental change to the district.

Party leaders described the event as the first major open gathering of Shiv Sena in Kupwara district, with more than 200 workers directly participating in the programme.

Srinagar June 11:- Legend Folk singer, Dancer & Sarangi player Ustaad Ghulam Nabi Bulbul was remembered this morning on his 1st death anniversary at his last resting place at Batsuma Dangiwacha in Rafiabad in a simple but a graceful way..Fateha khwani was offered at his grave & flower petals were offered by his admirers & students of the academy,BAPA, found by him ..Chairman Rafiabad civil society Basharat Meraj lead the prayers ,joined him were veteran writer thinker Shahnaz Rasheed,Sahitya Ekademy awardee Nisar Azam , promising voice Elyas Azad,& patron Bulbul Academy of Performing Arts ,Rafiabad(BAPA) Dr Rafeeq Masoodi.Students later performed all those songs once performed by legend Bulbul sahab...Shahnaz Rasheed termed Late Bulbul sahab as the unique combination of voice & stage...as he would put stage in fire while giving his performance...Nisar Azam hoped that his son also a famous poet Sarwar Bulbul will not only continue with his father's legacy but will enhance its statute...Dr Rafeeq Masoodi who has been a close associate of late Bulbul saheb for decades remembered him as a Blend of old & new forms of singing & performances through which he created a niche for himself."His sung items still mismirise listeners & viewers whenever they are aired by Radio ,TV or On social Mediums",said Masoodi.

Srinagar, June 9: In a bold demonstration of unwavering integrity, Jammu and Kashmir Police has disengaged Special Police Officer (SPO) Khalid Nazir Khan (ID: 3098) with immediate effect following his involvement in a narcotics case—a move hailed as a testament to the force’s uncompromising commitment to discipline.

The action follows a routine naka check on April 23, 2026, at Wussan Crossing by Kunzer Police Station, where Khan and others in an Alto vehicle were found in a suspicious state. Police recovered syringes, needles, and drug-consumption foil from the vehicle, prompting FIR No. 46/2026 under Sections 8/27/29 of the NDPS Act.

“The conduct was gravely unbecoming of a disciplined officer,” stated the police, emphasizing that Khan’s actions violated the core ethos of the force. The department reiterated its zero-tolerance stance, declaring, “This exemplary step underscores our pledge to uphold the highest standards of accountability and public trust.”

The swift disengagement, finalized just days before the June 9 announcement, has been widely praised as a model for law enforcement globally, reinforcing J&K Police’s reputation as a beacon of ethical rigor in the fight against drug abuse.

MINAMARG, June 9: The earth trembled with purpose this morning at the Zojila Pass as Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

pressed the detonator, igniting the breakthrough blast that would reverberate far beyond these snow-capped Himalayan

peaks. In that singular moment of controlled explosion, India achieved something that has eluded the region for

generations—the promise of year-round connectivity that transcends the whims of winter and the merciless power of

nature.

The Zojila Tunnel, Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel project, has reached a defining moment. Over 13 kilometers of

excavation work now stands complete, with the tunnel boring machines operating from both ends finally converging deep

within the mountain. What began as an ambitious dream to conquer one of the Himalayas' most formidable barriers is

rapidly becoming tangible reality. The ₹6,500-crore project, which has consumed years of meticulous planning and

relentless effort, moved dramatically closer to its completion today with this historic breakthrough.

The Geography of Isolation

To understand the magnitude of this achievement, one must first comprehend the cruelty of geography that has defined

life in Ladakh for centuries. The Zojila Pass, standing at an elevation of 11,575 feet, is the sole land gateway between

Srinagar and Ladakh. It is a passage that nature has rendered nearly impassable for much of the year. When winter

descends upon the Himalayas, the pass becomes a wall of snow and ice, forcing authorities to close the 280-kilometer

highway that connects these two regions. What follows is months of enforced isolation.

During the winter closure—typically from November through April—the residents of Ladakh find themselves cut off from

the rest of India by road. Supply trucks cannot move. Emergency medical cases cannot be easily evacuated. Students

studying outside the region cannot return home. Elderly people separated from their families by the mountains lose

months of potential connection. For the military, it means the logistics of maintaining border security become

exponentially more complex and costly.

"The Zojila Pass has always been our nemesis," says a veteran driver who has navigated these treacherous curves for

nearly three decades. "We have lost too many friends, too many colleagues to avalanches and whiteout conditions. The

tunnel is not just infrastructure. It is freedom."

An Engineering Triumph Against Nature

The breakthrough ceremony today was far more than a ceremonial gesture. It represented the culmination of extraordinary

engineering effort in one of the world's most hostile environments. Boring through the Himalayan mountain range at this altitude presents challenges that few tunnel projects anywhere have faced The ground composition shifts unpredictably—from stable rock to fractured shale, from water-bearing strata to zones

prone to collapse. The seismic activity in the region adds another layer of complexity. Temperature fluctuations are

extreme. The workforce itself faces constant challenges from altitude-related health issues. Yet, despite these obstacles,

the project has advanced according to schedule, a testament to the technical expertise and determination of the engineers

and construction workers involved.

The tunnel's bi-directional design is a critical feature that distinguishes it from many other mountain tunnels worldwide.

Rather than forcing traffic to alternate directions or creating bottlenecks, the tunnel allows vehicles to travel in both

directions simultaneously, each with its own dedicated lane. This design choice reflects international best practices and

ensures optimal traffic flow while maintaining safety standards.

The breakthrough was achieved through the convergence of two tunnel boring machines—one excavating from the

Srinagar side and one from the Ladakh side. Coordinating these machines to meet precisely underground, separated by

rock yet working toward the same goal, required millimeter-level accuracy and constant monitoring. The successful

breakthrough blast today confirmed that this precision had been achieved.

Strategic Importance Beyond the Highway

While the civilian benefits of the Zojila Tunnel are substantial, the project's strategic significance cannot be overstated.

Ladakh sits at the frontiers of India's national security. The region borders China and Pakistan, making it critical to India's

defense posture. Currently, maintaining military readiness in Ladakh during winter requires expensive and logistically

complex operations involving airlift capacity and alternative routes that add considerable cost to defense preparations.

The tunnel will revolutionize these logistics. Supplies, personnel, and equipment can now move swiftly and continuously

throughout the year. Casualty evacuation becomes faster and more reliable. The cost of maintaining security infrastructure

in the region will decrease substantially. The strategic advantages of year-round road connectivity in a sensitive border

region are immense.

"This tunnel is not just about convenience," acknowledged officials present at the breakthrough ceremony. "It is about

national security and India's strategic reach in the Himalayan region."

Transformation of a Region

The economic implications of the Zojila Tunnel extend far beyond logistics and defense. Ladakh has emerged in recent

years as one of India's premier tourism destinations, attracting adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and travelers from

across the globe. The Leh-Ladakh highway has become legendary among motorcycle and car enthusiasts, but its seasonal

closure has severely limited tourism potential.

Currently, tourism operators must plan their entire season around the winter closure. Many businesses operate at reduced

capacity or shut down entirely during certain months. Hotels struggle with seasonal fluctuations. Tour operators cannot

offer consistent year-round services. The tunnel will transform this landscape entirely.

Once the tunnel becomes operational, Ladakh will be accessible year-round. Winter tourism, currently nearly non-existent,

will become viable. Snow-based activities, winter trekking, and cultural tourism during the quieter months will open new

revenue streams. The entire regional economy—hotels, restaurants, transport services, handicraft businesses, and guides will benefit from extended operational seasons

In Srinagar, the implications are equally significant. Currently positioned as primarily a summer destination, the Valley's

tourism sector will gain new opportunities for winter visitation. The enhanced connectivity will facilitate easier passage for

traders, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs, strengthening the economic bonds between the two regions.

A Long Journey Nearing Its Destination

The breakthrough today marks a crucial milestone, but it is not the finish line. Subsequent phases of the project remain

substantial. The interior finishing of the tunnel must be completed—lining the walls, ensuring structural integrity, and

preparing the surface for traffic. Sophisticated ventilation systems must be installed to manage air quality within the 13-

kilometer passage. Advanced lighting systems will be deployed throughout the tunnel to ensure safe driving conditions.

Emergency refuges, fire suppression systems, and communication infrastructure must be installed and tested

meticulously.

The tunnel must be equipped with intelligent traffic management systems, CCTV surveillance, and automated incident

detection capabilities. All systems must be tested exhaustively before the tunnel is opened to public traffic. International

safety standards for road tunnels must be met and verified. This phase of work, while less dramatic than the breakthrough

excavation, is equally critical to the project's success.

Officials estimate that the remaining work will take several years, though completion timelines have been accelerating.

Each milestone brings the region closer to the transformative change that this project promises.

The Human Cost and Dedication

Behind every technical achievement lies human effort, often under extraordinary circumstances. Thousands of workers

have labored at high altitude in harsh conditions to make this tunnel possible. Engineers and technicians have worked in

challenging terrain, dealing with weather extremes and the physical toll of altitude. Project managers have coordinated

complex logistics across rugged mountain geography.

The breakthrough ceremony, while celebratory, is also a moment to acknowledge the dedication of these individuals.

Workers stood in the cold mountain air, many who had spent months or years at this location, witnessing the moment

when their efforts converged into a tangible breakthrough.

A Symbol of What Is Possible

The Zojila Tunnel represents something profound in the Indian consciousness. It symbolizes the nation's determination to

overcome geographical limitations through technological innovation and sustained effort. It demonstrates that even the

mightiest natural barriers can be conquered through human ingenuity, planning, and perseverance.

In the years to come, when families drive through this tunnel in the middle of winter to visit relatives in Ladakh, when truck

drivers transport goods unimpeded by seasonal restrictions, when tourists experience Ladakh in all seasons, and when

soldiers move supplies across the frontier with greater ease—in all these moments, the significance of today's

breakthrough will be fully realized.

For now, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's presence at the breakthrough ceremony underscored the national importance of

this project. His witness to the blast confirmed that India's government recognizes this achievement as a milestone worthy

of celebration and as a symbol of the nation's commitment to transforming infrastructure in its most fulfilment regions

As the dust settled on the Himalayan slopes this morning and the echo of the breakthrough blast faded into the distance,

one thing became clear: the Zojila Tunnel is no longer a distant dream. It is becoming a reality that will reshape life,

commerce, security, and opportunity in one of India's most strategic and beautiful regions. The mountains have been

pierced, and the promise of connection has moved measurably closer to fulfillment

Kupwara,Jun,06: In a significant crackdown on illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minerals, the Geology and Mining Department Kupwara seized 12 vehicles during a special enforcement drive conducted across the Handwara subdivision over the past two days.

Speaking to Headlines Today, the Area Incharge Officer said that the drive was launched on the directions of the District Mineral Officer (DMO) Kupwara to curb illegal mining activities in the region.

"Despite limited manpower, our team is working round the clock to prevent illegal extraction and transportation of minerals across the Handwara subdivision," the officer said.

During the operation, officials seized four tractors, two tippers and six dumpers from different locations. Six dumpers were confiscated on the Bangus Road for allegedly transporting minerals in violation of mining regulations.

The department also recovered Rs 3,40,477 as penalties from the vehicle owners for violating mining laws and transportation norms.

District Mineral Officer Kupwara said the action forms part of an ongoing campaign aimed at curbing unlawful mining activities and ensuring strict compliance with environmental and mining regulations. He added that all seized vehicles have been taken into custody and further legal proceedings are underway.

"I am satisfied with the dedication shown by our field staff, who are doing an excellent job in tackling illegal mining activities in Langate and Handwara despite manpower constraints," the DMO said.

He appealed to the general public to cooperate with the department in protecting the environment and safeguarding the district's water resources, which he described as the lifelines of Kupwara.

As part of the drive, the enforcement team also blocked several unauthorized routes near Nallah Talri in the Chalpora area of Rajwar, where illegal extraction activities had reportedly been taking place for the past few days.

The DMO warned individuals involved in illegal mining that strict action would be taken under the provisions of the Mining Act against anyone found violating the law.

The department reiterated its commitment to continue regular inspections and enforcement drives to prevent illegal mining and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources in the district.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 1: Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today reviewed sanitation infrastructure and waste management arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026 at a high-level meeting attended by senior officers from the concerned departments and district administrations.

The meeting reviewed the installation of prefabricated toilets and baths, manpower mobilization, waste management measures and utility support along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

Officials informed that the Directorate of Rural Sanitation is deploying 5,618 sanitation units, including 4,707 toilets and 911 baths, while district administrations will install an additional 723 toilets, taking the total sanitation infrastructure to 6,341 units.

Stressing that the Yatra is a sacred spiritual journey, the Secretary called upon all stakeholders to perform their duties with dedication and a spirit of service. He said Shri Amarnath Yatra ji is not merely a pilgrimage but a sacred journey of faith, demanding our utmost commitment to cleanliness, dignity and service.

He added the objective is to make the Amarnath Yatra a “Swachh Yatra” by ensuring clean routes, hygienic sanitation facilities, and efficient waste management systems for pilgrims. 

The Secretary directed executing agencies to expedite ongoing works and ensure that all facilities are fully operational well before the commencement of the Yatra. He also emphasized timely mobilization and verification of the sanitation staff being deployed for sanitation operations, maintenance, cleaning and waste management.

Reviewing departmental responsibilities, he stressed close inter-departmental coordination to ensure uninterrupted availability of water, electricity, desludging services, and other essential utilities at all camp locations.

The Secretary also directed designated Nodal Officers to closely monitor infrastructure deployment and promptly address any bottlenecks. Highlighting environmental concerns, he called for scientific disposal of animal carcasses, proper management of mule dung and biomedical waste, and advance placement of sanitation equipment, including at the Holy Cave area.

Emphasizing workforce welfare, he directed executing agencies to ensure timely provision of food, adequate clothing and medical assistance to sanitation workers operating in challenging terrain and weather conditions, noting that their well-being is critical to the success of sanitation operations.

BUDGAM, June 1, 2026 – In a significant judgment, a court in Budgam has convicted a property broker for cheating a retired government employee of ₹1.04 crore and subsequently issuing bounced cheques, sentencing him to one year of simple imprisonment and imposing a fine of over ₹1.87 crore.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Abdul Bari found Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar, a resident of Samson Khanshaib in Budgam, guilty under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act for issuing two cheques totaling ₹1.04 crore that were dishonoured due to "insufficient funds."

The case dates back to December 2015 when the complainant, Abdul Rehman Wani, a retired government employee from Goshbugh in Baramullah, agreed to purchase a strip of land measuring 14 kanals and 3 marlas from the accused. The accused allegedly presented himself as the power of attorney holder for the land's owner, a person named Jawhar Lal.

Trusting the accused, Wani paid the entire sale consideration of ₹1.04 crore — partly in cash and partly through bank transfers. The money came from his pensionary benefits, sale of his own agricultural land, and a loan from a friend. However, Wani later discovered that the power of attorney was fake and the accused's name had been manipulated.

When confronted, Dar issued two cheques — one for ₹50 lakh and another for ₹54 lakh — toward repayment of the amount. Both cheques were presented to the J&K Bank branch in Budgam on September 26, 2016, but were returned unpaid with the remark "Funds insufficient."

Despite receiving legal notices, the accused failed to make the payment, forcing Wani to approach the court.

During the trial, Dar claimed that the two cheque leaves had been lost from his pocket while travelling to Srinagar in June 2016. He said he had lodged a police complaint and asked the bank to stop payment. However, the court found his defence unconvincing.

The accused himself admitted in cross-examination that the bank account and signatures on the cheques were his. He could not point out any discrepancy in the handwriting, amount, or dates on the cheques.

The court noted that the bank manager had testified that no written stop-payment application was available in branch records — only a digital entry existed. Moreover, the cheques were dishonoured due to "insufficient funds," not "payment stopped."

The testimonies of the accused's witnesses were described by the court as "vague, inconsistent and lacking in material particulars."

While convicting Dar, the court relied on Supreme Court precedents, noting that once execution of a cheque is admitted, a legal presumption arises that it was issued toward discharge of a liability — a presumption the accused failed to rebut.

The court sentenced Dar to one year of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1.87 crore — comprising the cheque amount of ₹1.04 crore plus 6% interest from the date of issuance of the cheques, calculated at ₹83,21,027. If the accused fails to pay the fine within one month after the appeal period, he will face an additional three months in jail.

The accused was immediately forwarded to the Superintendent of Central Jail, Srinagar, to serve his sentence.

Kreri, May 28: Krohen Cultural Forum Kreeri has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of renowned poet and writer Dr Bashir Badr, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to Urdu literature.

In a condolence message, President of the Forum, Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim said that Dr Bashir Badr was a shining figure in Urdu literature whose poetry beautifully captured themes of love, humanity, pain and the realities of life. He said the late poet’s literary contributions would continue to inspire generations and remain alive in the hearts of literature lovers.

He further stated that with the demise of Dr Bashir Badr, Urdu literature has lost a distinguished poet, thinker and an extraordinary personality whose works earned admiration across literary circles.

The Forum also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, members of the literary fraternity and admirers of the late poet, praying for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the loss.

Srinagar, May 21: Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Wednesday chaired a review meeting of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) under the HIMAYAT Scheme (DDU-GKY 2.0) to assess the implementation and progress of the programme across Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Chief Operating Officer, Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, State Project Manager, Sajad Choudary, officers of the Himayat Mission Management Unit (HMMU), and representatives of various Project Implementing Agencies.

During the meeting, the performance of each PIA engaged under the first phase of DDU-GKY 2.0 (HIMAYAT 2.0) was reviewed in detail, with particular focus on training completion, placement performance, retention, and the quality of employment opportunities being offered to rural youth.

The Secretary observed that while most PIAs had substantially achieved their training targets, the immediate priority now remains achieving the mandated placement targets under the scheme.

The meeting was informed that under DDU-GKY 2.0, a total target of 2,248 candidates has been sanctioned for the financial year 2025–26, against which 1,615 candidates have already been trained, while 650 candidates have been placed so far.

Emphasizing that HIMAYAT is fundamentally a placement-linked programme aimed at generating sustainable livelihoods, the Secretary directed all PIAs to make focused and result-oriented efforts toward ensuring quality placements for trained candidates.

While appreciating the efforts of agencies in commencing training programmes and generating placements, he stressed the need to further improve training quality and ensure sustainable employment outcomes.

The Secretary emphasized that placement should not be limited to the issuance of appointment letters, but should ensure that candidates remain employed, perform effectively, and sustain their livelihoods over time.

Highlighting the importance of reducing attrition among placed candidates, he directed agencies to provide proper counselling, continued support, and conducive facilities to trainees.

Calling for greater accountability, the Secretary stated that the credibility and reputation of implementing agencies would ultimately depend on the successful completion of training programmes and the long-term success of candidates in the workforce.

He further urged agencies to maintain high standards in hostel facilities, training infrastructure, and overall trainee welfare.

The Secretary directed all agencies to work in close coordination with the Himayat Mission Management Unit (HMMU) and ensure timely achievement of targets with a sustained focus on quality skilling, placement retention, and youth empowerment across Jammu & Kashmir.