Handwara, Sept 9: Handwara Police on Wednesday claimed to have busted a terror module allegedly being operated by an ex-terrorist in the Handwara–Kupwara area and arrested one person in connection with the case.

According to police, reliable information was received regarding the activities of an ex-terrorist who was allegedly operating in a “hybrid” mode as part of a module linked with the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).

Acting on the information, Handwara Police, in coordination with 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 92 Battalion CRPF, launched a joint operation at an identified location in Handwara town.Following a security operation, the accused was apprehended and identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohammad Sultan Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura, Handwara, police said.

During the apprehension, security forces recovered one Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition from his possession, according to the police.Police said the arrested individual is an ex-terrorist who had previously been arrested in two cases. 

A case under FIR No. 232, under relevant sections of law, has been registered at Police Station Handwara.Further investigation is underway to ascertain the alleged module's network, its extent and the involvement of other individuals, police said.The latest operation comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to identify and dismantle underground terror networks and prevent attempts to revive militant activities in the Handwara.

SRINAGAR, SEP 9: The Muslim Personal Law Board Jammu & Kashmir has undertaken key organisational changes, appointing Syed Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Andrabi as District President for Baramulla and entrusting Peerzada Mohammad Shafi with the responsibility of coordinating the Board’s affairs in North Kashmir.
The decisions, announced through an official communiqué on Wednesday, are aimed at strengthening the Board’s district-level structure and improving organisational coordination across North Kashmir.
Andrabi, as District President Baramulla, will oversee the strengthening of the district committee, coordinate organisational programmes and ensure implementation of the Board’s policies and directives at the district level.
Peerzada Mohammad Shafi has been assigned the charge of Zone Coordinator, North Kashmir, where he will work in coordination with district presidents and other organisational functionaries to streamline activities and strengthen the Board’s presence in the region.
The arrangements were finalised after consultations with Syed Mohammad Aslam Andrabi, Vice Chairman of the Board, Peerzada Mohammad Shafi and Er. Wali Mohammad Dar, Zone Organiser, North Kashmir.
In another organisational decision, Mufti Mohammad Ishaq Lolabi, Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Huda, Lalpora, Lolab, has been inducted as a member of the Muslim Personal Law Board Jammu & Kashmir.
The Board welcomed the new member and expressed hope that his religious knowledge and experience would contribute to its religious, social and organisational objectives.
The communiqué, issued by Er. Danish Reshi, Advisor to the Grand Mufti J&K and General Secretary (Organisation), called upon all office-bearers and members to extend cooperation to the newly appointed functionaries and work collectively in the larger interest of the organisation and the community.

SRINAGAR,SEP 9:- The International Film Festival Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJ&K) is being complemented by a vibrant series of cultural programmes, bringing together nearly 400 local artists to showcase the rich artistic and folk traditions of Jammu & Kashmir at some of Srinagar’s most prominent cultural and public spaces.

Organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), the programmes are being held alongside the festival to provide delegates, guests and local audiences an opportunity to experience the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

The performances are being staged at iconic venues including the Jhelum Riverfront at Rajbagh, Old Zero Bridge, Sher-i-Kashmir Park, Nishat Garden and the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).

Featuring traditional music, folk performances and other forms of the region’s performing arts, the programmes have added a distinct local flavour to the international cinematic gathering, creating a cultural bridge between visiting delegates and the artistic traditions of Jammu & Kashmir.

The initiative reflects an effort to present the region not only as a destination for cinema but also as a vibrant centre of music, folklore, performing arts and cultural expression. The convergence of films and local traditions at Srinagar’s heritage and public spaces has further enhanced the festival experience.

On the closing day of IFFJ&K on September 10, cultural programmes will be held at the designated venues from 5 pm to 7 pm, providing a colourful cultural finale to the festival.

Langate, 8 Sep,26: A major fire incident was narrowly averted after a cowshed caught fire in the Chack Tulwari area of Langate town in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on tuesday evening.

According to locals, the fire broke out at around 9:30 pm in a cowshed belonging to Mohammad Altaf Lone, son of Ahad Lone, of Chack Tulwari. The structure was suddenly engulfed in flames, prompting residents to raise an alarm.

Acting swiftly, personnel from the Indian Army’s Langate Camp, Police Post Langate and local residents rushed to the spot and joined the firefighting efforts. The teams worked in coordination with the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), managing to bring the blaze under control before it could spread to nearby residential houses.

The prompt intervention of the Army personnel, police and locals helped prevent what could have turned into a major tragedy in the densely populated area.Fortunately, no loss of life or injury was reported. However, the cowshed was partially damaged in the incident.

Locals particularly appreciated the timely intervention of the Army personnel and Handwara Police, who, according to residents, reached the spot before the arrival of the fire tender and played a crucial role in containing the flames.

Meanwhile, residents have renewed their demand for establishing a dedicated Fire and Emergency Services station in Langate town. They said that Langate, being the centre of the Langate constituency, urgently requires its own fire station to ensure a quicker response to fire emergencies.

Residents appealed to the concerned MLA and district administration to take up the matter on priority and establish a fire station in Langate at the earliest.

The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known, and authorities are ascertaining the circumstances leading to the incident.

The Lolab Premier League (LPL) Cricket Tournament concluded on a high note at the Chandigam Cricket Ground, with Rising Star Tarish Clinch emerging as the champions after an intensely contested tournament featuring 32 teams from across Lolab Valley.

In the final, Rising Star Tarish Clinch faced Friends 11 Lolab in a keenly contested encounter that brought the tournament to a fitting conclusion. Displaying composure, teamwork and competitive spirit, Rising Star Tarish prevailed to lift the coveted LPL title, capping an impressive campaign against some of the region’s finest cricketing talent.

Friends 11 Lolab secured the second position, while Pathan Panthers Cheepora finished third after putting up a strong performance throughout the tournament. The individual awards also recognised outstanding performances, with Zakir Wani being adjudged Man of the Series for his consistent contribution across the tournament. Syed Ahmed was declared Man of the Match for his match-winning performance in the final.

The tournament, which commenced on 27 August, provided a competitive platform for 32 teams and young cricketers from across the region to showcase their talent. Over the course of the tournament, players demonstrated skill, determination and sportsmanship, making the LPL a vibrant addition to the sporting calendar of Lolab Valley.

The conclusion of the LPL also marks the beginning of a larger opportunity for the top-performing teams. Rising Star Tarish, Friends 11 Lolab and Pathan Panthers Cheepora will now represent Lolab at the Kilo North Premier League, scheduled to be held in October 2026. Their qualification provides the players an opportunity to compete at a higher level and showcase the cricketing talent emerging from Lolab on the wider North Kashmir stage.

The successful conduct of the Lolab Premier League has further strengthened the sporting culture in the region, bringing together teams, supporters and young talent in the spirit of healthy competition. The tournament concluded with a celebration of cricket, camaraderie and the growing potential of the sport in Lolab Valley.

KREERI, SEPTEMBER 5: The appointment of Dr Idrees Qadri as Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kreeri, Muradabad, with additional charge of the block, has been widely welcomed by the local civil society and healthcare fraternity. Dr Qadri, who is presently serving as BMO Tangmarg, is regarded as a dedicated, experienced and competent medical officer with a professional approach towards administration and public healthcare.
The decision of the higher authorities in the Health and Medical Education Department to entrust the additional responsibility of Medical Block Kreeri to Dr Qadri has been appreciated by people of the area, who believe that placing an experienced officer at the helm of the institution will provide renewed impetus to healthcare delivery and administrative efficiency.
Dr Qadri’s professional record and reputation for sincerity, discipline and commitment have earned him appreciation among colleagues and the communities he has served. His experience in managing healthcare institutions is expected to prove valuable in addressing the day-to-day requirements of Medical Block Kreeri and ensuring better coordination between medical staff, field functionaries and the public.
The civil society of Kreeri warmly welcomed Dr Qadri and expressed confidence that his leadership would help the institution move forward with greater efficiency and a stronger focus on patient care. Local representatives described his posting as a positive development for the area and appreciated the healthcare administration for recognising the importance of competent leadership in strengthening grassroots health institutions.
The staff of Medical Block Kreeri also accorded an enthusiastic welcome to Dr Qadri and conveyed their readiness to extend full cooperation to him. They expressed hope that his guidance and administrative experience would help create a more efficient working environment and contribute to the overall growth and functioning of the health institution.
Residents said that the role of a BMO extends beyond routine administration, as the officer serves as an important link between the healthcare system and the people at the grassroots level. They expressed optimism that Dr Qadri’s experience, coupled with the cooperation of the medical and paramedical staff, would help improve healthcare services and public satisfaction in the block.
The appointment has also been viewed as a reflection of the Health and Medical Education Department’s emphasis on professional competence, administrative experience and efficient leadership while assigning key responsibilities. The local community expressed gratitude to the senior officers of the healthcare administration for entrusting the important responsibility to an officer whose professional credentials and administrative capabilities are expected to benefit Medical Block Kreeri.
With Dr Qadri taking charge, expectations are now high that Medical Block Kreeri will witness greater administrative coordination, improved institutional functioning and a renewed focus on accessible and quality healthcare for the people of the area.

Sopore,Sept,01: Highlighting the growing potential of honeybee products in healthcare, wellness and entrepreneurship, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) organized a one-day workshop-cum-training programme on “Recent Advances in Apitherapy & Apipuncture” at the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadoora.

The programme, organized by the Division of Entomology in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKST&IC), brought together scientists, researchers, students, beekeepers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to explore the emerging therapeutic and commercial applications of honeybee products.

The workshop focused on the scientific potential and value addition of honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, beeswax, bee bread and bee venom, besides providing insights into recent developments in apitherapy and apipuncture, their possible applications, safety aspects and future research prospects.

The event was held under the chief guestship of Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadoora Campus, who stressed the need to connect apiculture research with healthcare, wellness, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Mir highlighted the immense potential of bee-derived products and called for stronger coordination among researchers, beekeepers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to promote sustainable apiculture and develop innovative value-added products.

Prof. Md. Jamal Ahmad, Professor and Head, Division of Entomology, said the workshop was aimed at spreading scientific awareness about apitherapy and apipuncture while creating opportunities for skill development, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar, Assistant Professor and Training Coordinator, said the programme provided participants with scientific as well as practical exposure to hive products and their applications. He emphasized evidence-based approaches, safe handling of bee products, bee venom collection and utilization, value addition and emerging research opportunities.

He said Kashmir has significant potential for apiculture and value-added bee products, adding that capacity-building initiatives could open new avenues for beekeepers, students and young entrepreneurs.

At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Uzma Arifie, Assistant Professor, Division of Entomology, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, scientists, researchers, students, beekeepers, entrepreneurs and members of the print and electronic media for their participation and support.

With profound grief and sorrow, we regret to announce the sad demise of Habibullah Wani S/o Abdul Samad Wani R/o Zainakadal, Srinagar, who passed away on 31-08-2026.

May Almighty Allah grant the departed soul Jannat-ul-Firdous and give Sabr-e-Jameel to the bereaved family.

Mourning will be held for three days.

There will be no Ijtimai Fateh Khwani at the graveyard.

Bereaved Family:

Robeel Wani & Tawqeer Wani

May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal peace. Aameen.

Budgam, September 1,2026: The Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Budgam Abdul Bari delivered judgments in two separate cases today, convicting one individual under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for assaulting police officials and another under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in a cheque dishonour case.

In the first case, the court convicted Mohammad Ali Bhat, son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat, a resident of Rashipora, Budgam, under Section 353 IPC for using criminal force against police officials who were executing a lawful court order.

According to prosecution, a police party had proceeded to Rashipora to enforce a court order regarding accommodation for the accused's wife. Bhat allegedly refused to comply with the order, turned aggressive, and obstructed the police party in discharging their official duties.

The court relied primarily on the testimony of SI Fayaz Ahmad, who was present at the spot and directly witnessed the incident.

However, the court acquitted Bhat of the charge under Section 188 IPC, ruling that in the absence of a duly proved complaint satisfying the mandatory requirement under Section 195 CrPC, conviction under Section 188 could not be sustained merely based on an FIR and police investigation.

The court sentenced Mohammad Ali Bhat to three months of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹5,000. In default of payment of fine, he will undergo an additional 15 days of simple imprisonment.

One-Year Sentence in Cheque Bounce Case

In a separate judgment pronounced the same day, the CJM Budgam convicted Ghulam Hussain Rather, son of Ghulam Rasool Rather, a resident of Ichgam, Budgam, under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in a cheque dishonour case filed by Ali Mohammad Bhat.

The case involved a ₹3 lakh cheque bearing No. 026699 dated May 15, 2023, which was returned unpaid on June 14, 2023, with the bank citing "Funds Insufficient" as the reason. A statutory demand notice was subsequently issued to the accused.

Rather denied having issued or signed the cheque, alleging it had been misused and his signature forged. However, the court found that the accused had failed to produce convincing material to substantiate his defence. The court held that the statutory presumptions under Sections 118(a) and 139 of the N.I. Act remained unrebutted.

The court sentenced Ghulam Hussain Rather to one year of simple imprisonment and imposed a total amount of ₹3,59,425, comprising the ₹3 lakh cheque amount along with 6 per cent interest, to be paid to the complainant within the period prescribed by the court. In default of payment, the accused will undergo a further three months of simple imprisonment.

The court directed that the accused be forwarded to the Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar, to serve the sentence.

HANDWARA, AUGUST 31:Tahir Saleem Khan, JKPS (2001), has taken over as the new Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Handwara, succeeding Sahil Sarangal, IPS, who has been transferred and posted as SSP Pulwama in the latest major police reshuffle ordered by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.

The appointment of Tahir Saleem Khan brings an experienced police officer with nearly 25 years of service to the sensitive Handwara district. Khan was earlier serving as Staff Officer to the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, before being posted as SSP Handwara. The reshuffle was ordered on August 27, 2026.

After assuming charge, the new SSP held an introductory interaction with senior police officers and personnel of the district. He stressed the importance of teamwork, professionalism, discipline and dedication towards public service.

Addressing the officers, SSP Tahir Saleem Khan called for a proactive and people-friendly approach to policing. He emphasized that the police must remain accessible and responsive to the concerns of citizens while maintaining firm action against crime and activities threatening peace and security.

The new SSP also underlined the importance of strengthening coordination between different police units and maintaining close interaction with the public. He called upon officers to address local issues promptly and work towards further strengthening public confidence in the police.

Tahir Saleem Khan is a senior officer of the Jammu & Kashmir Police Service with experience in district policing, law and order, counter-terrorism and other sensitive assignments. During his career, he has held several important positions, including SSP (HR), CID Headquarters; SP/AHJ Srinagar; SP Awantipora; SSP Awantipora; and Staff Officer to IGP Kashmir Zone.

His operational record also includes recognition for gallantry. Official Government of India records show that Tahir Saleem Khan, then serving as SSP, was awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry in 2021.

His posting comes at a time when maintaining peace, strengthening community policing and ensuring effective law-and-order arrangements remain important priorities in Handwara and its adjoining areas.

With his experience in sensitive operational assignments and district policing, Tahir Saleem Khan is expected to focus on strengthening the security mechanism, combating drugs and other forms of crime, addressing public grievances and improving police-public relations.The new SSP emphasis on teamwork and people-oriented policing is likely to give further impetus to community engagement while ensuring firm enforcement of law and order across the Handwara police district.

As Tahir Saleem Khan assumes responsibility, expectations are high that his experience and operational background will contribute to a more responsive, professional and effective policing system, with the safety and security of the people remaining at the centre of his priorities.

Ganderbal, Aug,31:Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Monday organized an awareness programme on the biological control of insect pests affecting temperate fruit crops, with a focus on promoting eco-friendly and sustainable pest management practices among orchardists.

The programme was organized by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Biological Control of Crop Pests (AICRP-BC), Division of Entomology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ganderbal, in collaboration with KVK Ganderbal and with the support of ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR), Bengaluru.Around 50 orchardists from different areas of Ganderbal district participated in the programme, which aimed to create awareness about biological control technologies, biopesticides and integrated pest management (IPM) as safer alternatives to excessive dependence on chemical pesticides.

Prof. (Dr.) Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she stressed the need to adopt environmentally safe and sustainable pest management practices for healthy crop production.She said that wider adoption of biological control technologies can help reduce pesticide residues, conserve natural enemies of insect pests, maintain ecological balance and improve the long-term health and productivity of orchards.

Dr. Shaheen Gul, Professor and Head, Division of Entomology, highlighted the importance of biological control and integrated pest management in managing insect pests of temperate fruit crops effectively and sustainably.

Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Ganderbal, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of strengthening farmer-scientist interaction. He stressed the need to take practical and eco-friendly pest management technologies to fruit growers at the field level.

During the technical sessions, Prof. Sajad Mohi-ud-Din, Principal Investigator, AICRP-BC, and Dr. Mudasir Gani Bhat, Co-Principal Investigator, AICRP-BC, sensitized orchardists about major insect pests affecting temperate fruit crops, particularly apple.The experts explained various biological control measures, the use of biopesticides and other eco-friendly approaches aimed at achieving sustainable pest management while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.As part of the outreach initiative, biopesticides and laboratory-produced bioagents were also distributed among participating farmers to encourage their practical adoption in orchards.

The programme concluded with an interactive session during which orchardists raised field-level concerns related to pest management and interacted with scientists, KVK experts and extension specialists.

The participating farmers appreciated the initiative and expressed interest in adopting biological control measures for safer, sustainable and effective management of insect pests in temperate fruit crops.

The programme provided an important platform for strengthening farmer-scientist interaction and encouraging sustainable alternatives to chemical-based pest management in the fruit growing sector.

Dr. Mudasir Gani, Assistant Professor, delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme.

KREERI, Aug 30: The General Body of the Kruhen Cultural Forum Kreeri on Sunday approved an ambitious programme of literary and cultural activities, including a special Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) function, a felicitation ceremony and a book launch on September 14, besides deciding to dedicate one day every month to Kashmiri language and literature in collaboration with educational institutions.
The important meeting, held at the Forum’s headquarters under the chairmanship of President Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim, discussed in detail the organisation’s forthcoming programmes, administrative affairs, publication of its literary magazine Anhaar, members’ responsibilities and measures to further strengthen the Forum’s literary and cultural activities.
As per the decisions taken at the meeting, a special Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) programme will be held at Higher Secondary School Kreeri on September 14. On the occasion, noted journalist, writer and literary and social personality Dr Syed Jahangir Bukhari will be felicitated in recognition of his academic, literary, journalistic and social contributions, including his recent conferment with an honorary doctorate.
A book authored by veteran researcher, writer and poet Noor-ud-Din Hosh Waniagami will also be formally released during the programme.
In what the members described as an important initiative for safeguarding and promoting the Kashmiri language, the Forum decided to collaborate with schools in the area to organise a dedicated Kashmiri literary day every month. The proposed activities will include debates, speeches, literary competitions, examinations, reading sessions and other educational and creative programmes aimed at encouraging students to develop an interest in Kashmiri language, literature, culture and heritage.
The meeting also reviewed the status of Anhaar, the Forum’s literary magazine. Dr Bukhari informed the members that efforts were underway to ensure its publication at the earliest. Members expressed the hope that the magazine would provide a meaningful platform to local writers and poets and give further impetus to the Forum’s literary activities.
The General Body also expressed satisfaction over the renewed activities of the Forum following the constitution of its new body, noting that literary, cultural or organisational programmes were now being organised almost every month. Members said the revival was in keeping with the Forum’s founding objectives and expressed confidence in the present leadership and its future programme.
At the beginning of the meeting, members observed a moment of grief over the demise of the paternal uncle of Ghulam Hassan Abu Saleha, son of Habba Lala. The Forum expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, particularly Ghulam Hassan Abu Saleha, paid tribute to the deceased and prayed for eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed soul.

The General Body further decided that dates formally approved for future programmes and meetings would, as far as possible, be treated as final and would not subsequently be altered to accommodate individual schedules. The members stressed that organisational discipline required the Forum’s constitution and procedures to be applied uniformly, irrespective of a member’s age, position, academic standing or literary stature.
It was also decided that members would no longer be individually contacted by telephone as a routine before every programme or meeting. Instead, the Forum’s official page would serve as the principal platform for communicating information about its activities, while members were encouraged to use the same platform for suggestions, queries and feedback.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to strengthening the Kruhen Cultural Forum Kreeri as a vibrant and respected literary and cultural institution and to pursuing sustained initiatives for the promotion of Kashmiri language, literature and cultural heritage.