JAMMU, DECEMBER 02: Director Colleges J&K, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir conducted an extensive tour of the Government Degree Colleges in the Pir Panjal region to gain firsthand insight into academic activities and engage directly with students and faculty to know their concerns, challenges and expectations.
During interactive sessions at GDC Rajouri, GDC Poonch and GDC Surankote, the Director Colleges highlighted the significance of SIGMA – the Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application. He urged the students to subscribe to the platform immediately, describing it as a major reform initiative aimed at empowering students with real-time updates on departmental initiatives and offering them a direct channel for redressal of issues that may lie beyond the scope of individual Colleges.
The Director Colleges also briefed students on the key takeaways of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), particularly the academic flexibility provided through multiple entry and exit options. He encouraged students to make informed use of these provisions to shape their academic trajectories.
In the meetings with faculty members, the Director reiterated the importance of strengthening the Mentor–Mentee Model, noting that an effective mentoring system is crucial for addressing emerging challenges, including concerns related to substance abuse. He sought full cooperation from faculty to ensure the meaningful implementation of the model across campuses.
At GDC Poonch, the Director Colleges congratulated Principal Dr. Jasbir Singh for initiating the process for seeking Autonomous Status for the college immediately following his visit in August. Expressing satisfaction, he noted that achieving autonomous status would position the institution for academic excellence and institutional innovation.
The Director Colleges also held a detailed interaction with the Boarders of both the Girls’ and Boys’ Hostels at GDC Poonch. The issues concerning hostel facilities were discussed and necessary directions were issued for their prompt redressal.
During his visit to GDC Rajouri, the Director Colleges underscored the academic vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its emphasis on granting greater autonomy to progressive higher education institutions.
While discussing the prospects of Autonomous Status under NEP, he stated that autonomy offers substantial institutional advantages, including enhanced academic flexibility, scope for curricular innovation, independent examination and evaluation systems and a stronger institutional identity. He highlighted that, as the oldest and largest college in the district, GDC Rajouri is well-positioned to approach the UGC for the grant of Autonomous Status, noting that the present moment is both appropriate and opportune for the institution to submit its application in line with UGC norms.
At GDC Surankote, the issue of student absenteeism was deliberated extensively. The Director impressed upon the college administration the need to strictly adhere to the Directorate’s Policy Planning and Development Portal for the digital on boarding of students, ensuring transparency, accountability and improved student engagement. The visit concluded with the Director reaffirming the Department’s commitment to strengthening academic ecosystems, improving student well-being and accelerating reform initiatives across all degree colleges in the region.
Sopore, December 1: J&K Police in Sopore have solved 02 theft cases by apprehending 02 accused persons involved in the commission of crime and recovered stolen property from their possession.
Police Station Bomai received a complaint from Abdul Rashid Mir, resident of Nathipora, regarding theft of goods from his shop, (Al-Fajar Departmental Store). Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 60/2025 under Sections 305, 331(4) BNS was registered and investigation was initiated. During the enquiry, several suspects were examined, and on 29 November 2025, one suspect person namely Ghulam Mohammad Lone, son of Abdul Jabbar Lone, resident of Yahama Handwara was brought in for questioning. The accused confessed to his involvement in the crime and disclosed that the stolen items had been concealed in an orchard near the river at Nathipora. Acting on this disclosure, Police recovered the stolen property.
Moreover, Police Post Bus Stand received a complaint from Ghulam Mohammad Kanjwal, resident of Sir Syed Abad, regarding theft of cash from his bakery shop. Acting swiftly, FIR No. 268/2025 under Sections 305, 331(3) BNS was registered and investigation was initiated. Within 12 hours of the commission of the offence, the accused person Shakir Sadiq Bhat was traced and apprehended from the premises of SDH Sopore. During questioning, he confessed to his involvement in the crime and revealed the location of the stolen cash, which was subsequently recovered.
J&K Police reaffirm their commitment to swift investigation, timely action, and the protection of public property. Further investigation in both cases is underway.
Over 1 kg Brown Sugar-like substance worth crores seized, 02 peddlers arrested
Pulwama, December 1: In a major strike against the narco–terror supply chain, J&K Police achieved a remarkable success by arresting two drug peddlers in Pulwama and seizing a huge consignment of 1 kg 130 grams of brown sugar–like substance during a routine checking operation.
A vigilant police party of Police Post Rahmoo, while conducting a naka at Rahmoo Bridge, intercepted a suspicious vehicle (Tata Mobile) bearing registration number JK09D-7662 with 02 persons onboard. They have been identified as Muneer Ahmed Shiek, son of Abdul Hameed Shiek, resident of Hajitra Karna & Toufeeq Ahmed Shiek, son of Mohammad Rafiq Shiek, resident of Hajitra Karna.
During the thorough search of the vehicle, the naka team recovered a massive quantity of contraband 1 kg 130 grams of brown sugar–like substance, thereby foiling an attempt to push a large narcotic consignment into the district. The vehicle used in the commission of the offence was also seized on the spot.
Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 124/2025 under Sections 8, 21 & 29 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Rajpora. The investigation has been set into motion to identify the entire supply chain, including the source and intended receivers of the consignment.
J&K Police reiterates its unwavering commitment to eliminating drug peddling from the society and urges the public to cooperate by sharing information related to drug abuse or trafficking in their areas.
Srinagar, December 1, 2025: The Government College of Education (GCOE) M. A. Road, Srinagar observed World AIDS Day 2025, an event organized by the Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges, in collaboration with the J&K AIDS Control Society. The programme aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and highlight the role of youth as crucial contributors to transforming the AIDS response.
The day-long event included a series of activities. Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz, Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges and Principal of the host college, formally apprised the gathering about the significance of the observance. A poster-making competition, based on the theme “Transforming the AIDS Response: Youth as Change Makers”, was held at the Art Lab and evaluated by Mr. Arshid Saluh, Art Teacher at the Government College of Education, M.A. Road, Srinagar.
A speech competition on the theme “Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response” was conducted in the Conference Hall. The jury for the event included Prof. Abeena Habib, Associate Professor of English, GDC Women M.A. Road Srinagar, and Prof. Shahnawaz Muntazir, Associate Professor of English, Amar Singh College, Srinagar.
During the valedictory session, Syed Altaf Ahmad, Co-convener of the Red Ribbon Club, presented the backdrop and overview of the day’s events. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz, who emphasized sustained awareness, proactive youth engagement, and collective responsibility in combating HIV/AIDS.
The programme also featured the screening of short films on AIDS awareness. A human chain formation saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, symbolizing unity and commitment toward eradicating stigma and promoting awareness.
An awareness rally was carried out from the college campus, passing through M.A. Road and Polo View Market before returning to the campus. Participants raised slogans and disseminated key messages to promote HIV/AIDS awareness among the public.
The event concluded with Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz distributing certificates and medals to all winners and participants.
Prof. Shawana Manzoor, Nodal Officer of the Red Ribbon Club, served as the rapporteur, while Miss Nashra Imtiyaz, B.Ed 1st Semester and student member of the Red Ribbon Club, assisted in the proceedings.
Shopian, November 30: In a district-wide enforcement drive, J&K Police in Shopian have seized a significant number of vehicles found plying on roads without mandatory ownership transfer after sale–purchase.
On the directions of SSP Shopian, dedicated teams were deployed across multiple locations to identify such vehicles. During the drive, numerous vehicles operating without proper transfer of ownership were seized, and legal action was initiated under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
J&K Police advises all vehicle owners to ensure timely transfer of ownership after any sale–purchase transaction. Failure to do so will invite strict legal action, as similar enforcement drives will continue in the coming days. J&K Police remains committed to promoting road safety, accountability, and adherence to traffic laws across the district.
Baramulla, November 30: Continuing its efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety, J&K Police in Baramulla recovers stolen vehicle and arrested the accused involved in the commission of crime.
The vehicle, (Tavera) (bearing Registration No. JK04C-1343), was reported stolen during the intervening night of 14th and 15th September 2024. Accordingly, Police Station Kunzer promptly registered FIR No. 119/2024 under Section 303(2) BNS, and sustained efforts were made to trace the vehicle.
Acting on specific information, it was learnt that the stolen vehicle was being used in Leh, UT Ladakh. A police team from Police Station Kunzer was immediately deputed to Leh. With the cooperation of Police Station Leh, the team located the vehicle along with the accused person, identified as Kanchu Sheikh son of Minhaj-ud-Din, resident of Gopal Para, Sector-19, Assam, who was driving the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was discreetly tracked and recovered, and the accused was apprehended on the spot. Both the vehicle and the accused have been brought back to Police Station Kunzer for further legal action.
Further investigation is in progress to identify and establish the entire chain of individuals involved in the commission of the crime.
Jammu and Kashmir Police continue to assure the public of their unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, and the relentless pursuit of justice for those who break the law.
Says new partnership will strengthen global outreach, promote sustainable tourism in J&K
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today attended the launch of the SKÅL International Club, Kashmir Chapter in Srinagar, marking a significant step towards strengthening global tourism linkages and expanding international outreach for Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector.
The initiative is poised to open new avenues for sustainable tourism, international collaboration, and long-term growth, while further integrating Jammu & Kashmir with global tourism networks.
Addressing the function, the Chief Minister said that SKÅL’s core values resonate deeply with the ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. “If you look at SKÅL and you look at tourism in Kashmir, you realise that there are synergies that automatically become apparent. The word SKÅL is Nordic and the translation of those four words is good health, friendship, long life and happiness,” he said.
He noted that the organisation’s founding principles reflect the most basic aspirations of human life, going beyond monetary success. “An organisation whose name comes to symbolise these four important things is not talking about profit or other day-to-day concerns. These are the things we would wish for each other—good health, friendship, long life and happiness,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted that SKÅL’s philosophy of “business with friends” mirrors the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism fraternity. “Here, many of my friends in the industry may be in competition with each other, yet they remain friends. They sit together, dine together, respect each other—and that is exactly what SKÅL talks about,” he remarked.
Underscoring the growing emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism, Omar Abdullah said that tourism must evolve in a manner that protects both people and the environment. “If tourism is not responsible and sustainable, it will not last. A cornerstone of our recent activities has been to make tourism more responsible and more sustainable,” he said.
The Chief Minister revealed that the government is preparing to develop nine new tourism destinations in J&K as a megaproject entailing huge investment. “The foundation of this project is sustainability—environmentally responsible development that involves the local community. Tourism, or any industry that does not benefit locals, is an industry that will not survive,” he said.
Speaking about the resilience of the people of J&K despite recurring challenges, he noted, “We are nothing if not resilient. Yes, there is darkness, but it will not remain forever. Winters last for a few months; after that, snow melts and spring arrives. My desire, my wish, and my effort is that this spring lasts for years.”
Reflecting on the past turbulence in the tourism sector, he said, “We have seen a lot of ups and downs in J&K tourism. Now I want you to see only the upward trend. The relationship between SKÅL and Kashmir Tourism formalised today will benefit both SKÅL and the tourism industry here.”
The Chief Minister thanked SKÅL International and its leadership for choosing Kashmir for the new chapter, expressing hope that this marks the beginning of a lasting, fruitful partnership. “I hope this will be a great start to a new relationship, and that we will get to host such programmes again and again. You came and encouraged us,” he added.
MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, National President SKÅL Sanjeev Mehra, Director SKÅL NSN Mohan, several SKÅL members, tourism industry stakeholders, and senior officers were present at the launch event.
On the occasion, board members and founder members took their oath, followed by pinning and certificate presentation ceremonies.
Also conducts extensive tour of the city for on-ground assessment of traffic issues, corrective measures
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 29: To address persistent traffic congestion at critical junctions and routes across Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee to review the implementation and impact of various interventions being implemented by the Regional Traffic Authority (RTA) and Smart City.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Commissioner SMC/CEO SSCL, Faz Lul Haseeb; SSP Traffic City, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat; ADC Srinagar, RTO Kashmir, Chief Engineer PWD, and officers from Srinagar Smart City Limited.
The Div Com reviewed the effectiveness of the recently introduced one-way traffic system in Downtown Srinagar, and instructed SSP Traffic to explore similar measures in other congested routes of the city.
To minimise disruption caused by public transport, the Div Com directed the identification and establishment of designated bus stops in the city to prevent frequent, unregulated halts that contribute to traffic jams.
He further issued instructions to implement colour-coded vehicle zoning for eastern and western corridors to ensure that Mini buses operate strictly within permitted routes.
Meanwhile, he directed CEO SSCL for completion of traffic light installation at all junctions by December 10 and ensure functionality of all ITMS cameras by December 30.
Garg also called for completion of work of e-bus charging station at Zoonimar at the earliest, and also directed immediate commencement of work on charging stations at Hazratbal and Batamaloo.
Further, PWD officials were instructed to begin the process of removing road bottlenecks, and to initiate rehabilitation of shopkeepers and families affected by land acquisition for road widening projects.
RTO Kashmir was asked to identify and regulate illegally operating maxi-cab stands and share the report with the stakeholder departments.
Also, the Div Com called for the identification of black spots and unsafe median cuts requiring urgent corrective measures, in consultation with all stakeholder agencies.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner undertook a extensive city tour along with the DC Srinagar, Commissioner SMC/CEO SSCL, SSP Traffic City, ADC Srinagar, Joint Commissioner SMC, and other officers to assess on ground traffic issues and issued on spot directions for corrective measures and modifications.
At Jahangir Chowk, he issued directions for road realignment to streamline traffic taking the Rambagh Flyover and advised SSCL to utilise optimum space under the flyover for vehicular movement.
He instructed the Smart City team for development of a plan for a roundabout near the Exchange Junction on MA Road and closure of unnecessary median cuts.
At Sangarmal Junction, the Div Com called for road widening for improvement of traffic flow besides instructed for slight changes of Sangarmal bus stop for aesthetic purpose and durability.
At Rajouri Kadal, he directed SSP Traffic to devise the most effective strategies for decongestion, streamlining at the cross road and ensure adequate deployment of traffic personnel at the site.
While inspecting Jama Masjid Nowhatta, the Div Com inspected the proposed area for the development of a parking facility after ascertaining feasibility in coordination with all stakeholders.
For the past 40 years, three hotspots that had become a persistent wound for the country—Naxalism, Northeast, and Jammu & Kashmir—have been given permanent solutions by the Modi government, soon, these regions will become like the rest of the country
New Delhi, November 28 : Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the three-day 60th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh today.
In his address, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the DGsP/IGsP Conference has emerged as a key forum for resolving the country’s internal security challenges – ranging from identifying problems and challenges to formulating strategies and policies. Referring to the actionable steps taken by the Modi Government for the complete elimination of Naxalism, Home Minister said that in the last seven years, the Central Government has strengthened the security grid by constructing 586 fortified police stations. As a result, the number of Naxal-affected districts has come down from 126 in 2014 to just 11 today. Union Home Minister expressed confidence that the country will be completely free from the menace of Naxalism before the next DGsP/IGsP Conference.
Shri Amit Shah said that the country has been facing the problem of Naxalism for the last 40 years. He said that the Modi Government has provided permanent solutions to the three hotspots which had become a festering wound for the nation — Naxalism, the North-East, and Jammu & Kashmir. He said that very soon these regions will become like the rest of the country. Highlighting the achievements of the Modi Government, Home Minister said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been strengthened, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) has been made more robust, three New Criminal Laws have been introduced, and strong laws have been enacted against narcotics and fugitive offenders. He further said that once the three New Criminal Laws are fully implemented, policing in India will become the most modern in the world.
Referring to the Modi Government’s action against terrorism and extremism, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that after the Centre banned the Popular Front of India (PFI), nationwide raids were conducted on their hideouts and arrests were made, which is an outstanding example of Centre-State coordination. He said that security forces and police are delivering strong blows to extremism, radicalisation and narcotics by focusing on three key aspects: accuracy of intelligence, clarity of objectives, and synergy in action. Shri Shah reiterated that we must launch a 360-degree attack on narcotics and organised crime and build such a system that drug traffickers and criminals do not get even an inch of space in this country. He said the time has now come for state police forces to work together with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and strike hard at narcotics gangs operating at state, national and international levels, and put their masterminds behind bars.
Bashir Ahmad Dar & Mehraj ud din Pir won first prize in Annual UT Level Awards during 2024 & 2025
GANDERBAL, NOVEMBER 28: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today felicitated the two award winning Willow Wicker craftsmen of the district in his office chamber, here.
Both the craftsmen had won first prize in Annual UT Level Awards for Willow Wicker category which is the ODOP (One District One Product) of District Ganderbal, in the year 2024 & 2025. They have also received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each.
Bashir Ahmad Dar of Pirpora Ganderbal had won first prize in Annual UT Level Award – 2023 and had received an award during the 60th Jubilee of World Craft Council on 26th of November, 2024.
Likewise, Mehraj ud din Pir of Pirpora Ganderbal has also won first prize in Annual UT Level Award for year 2024.
Officials of Handicrafts and Handloom department Ganderbal were present on the occasion.
