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Srinagar News Observer, Jammu and Kashmir (2025)

16/07/2025

LG Manoj Sinha Orders Major Reshuffle in Forest Department, 14 Officers Transferred

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar,July 16 (JKNS):In a significant administrative reshuffle, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the transfer and posting of 14 officers in the Forest Department to streamline functioning and enhance field-level efficiency.

According to an order issued by the Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Forest Department, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the following transfers and postings have been made in the interest of administration with immediate effect

Dr. M. K. Kumar, IFS (AGMUT:2006), Chief Conservator of Forest, Jammu, has been assigned the additional charge of Regional Director, Social Forestry, Jammu. Mr. Irfan Rasool Wani, IFS (AGMUT:2006), Chief Conservator of Forest, Kashmir, shall also hold the charge of Regional Director, Social Forestry, Kashmir. Mr. Satyendra Maurya, IFS (AGMUT:2020), DFO Baramulla Forest Division, is transferred and posted as DFO Udhampur. Mr. Shahbazul Rahman, IFS (AGMUT:2022), DFO Mahore, is posted as DFO Doda. Mr. Bishan Dass, DCF, presently I/c General Manager P&P Jammu, is transferred and posted as DFO Ramban, replacing Mr. Ankit Sinha, IFS (AGMUT:2022), who will await further posting at PCCF/HOFF, J&K.

Mr. Zahid Aslam Moghal, DCF, previously under orders for Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, Jammu, is now posted as DFO Baramulla. Mr. Owais Farooq Mir, DCF, I/c Project Coordinator, WUCMA, is posted as DFO Kamraj.Mr. Vijay Kumar Verma, DCF, DFO Kishtwar, is transferred to DFO Mahore. Mr. Mahesh Kumar, ACF, I/c DFO Doda, will now look after DFO Kishtwar. Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Kattoo, ACF, I/c DFO Kulgam, is posted as DFO Anantnag.

Mr. Himayun Kabir Qadri, ACF, I/c DFO Agrostology Kashmir, is now in charge of DFO Lidder.Mr. Qamar Rashid Khan, ACF, earlier attached to Nowshera, will now look after DFO Shopian.Mr. Mushtaq Hussain Choudhary, ACF, I/c Social Forestry Poonch, is posted as DFO Poonch. Mr. Naveed Iqbal, ACF, I/c DFO Poonch, is now posted as DFO Rajouri, reads the order. (JKNS)

16/07/2025

Eight Injured as Tempo Traveller Turns Turtle on Mughal Road in Shopian

Shopian, July 16 (JKNS): A major road accident occurred near the Padpawan area of Shopian along the Mughal Road on Wednesday, leaving several people injured.

Officials told news agency JKNS that a Tempo Traveller carrying passengers lost control, skidded off the mountainous road, and turned turtle, resulting in injuries to eight individuals.

All the injured were shifted to District Hospital Shopian, where they are currently receiving treatment, they said.

Authorities have taken cognizance of the incident, and investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the mishap. (JKNS)

16/07/2025

Drain Overflow Triggers Land Sinkage in Yaripora’s Kanjikulla; 2014 Concrete Structure Damaged

Water Supply Also Affected; Locals demand urgent safety measures from authorities

Muneeb Nazeer

Kulgam, July 16 (JKNS): A portion of land along a drainage channel in Kanjikulla area of Yaripora, South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, collapsed on Tuesday following continuous rainfall, raising fresh concerns about erosion, infrastructure damage, and disruption to essential services including water supply.

A group of locals told news agency JKNS that the drain swelled beyond its carrying capacity due to non-stop rain over the past few days, eventually damaging a concrete structure laid in 2014 to protect the bank from erosion. “The base underneath the structure eroded due to the overflow, causing the land to sink,” said one resident.

In addition to structural damage, drinking water pipelines running alongside the drain were also impacted, disrupting water supply to several households in the area. “Our taps have gone dry since the incident. This has added to our difficulties,” said a local resident.

Although no injuries were reported, the area remains vulnerable to further damage. “We are afraid that if this rainfall continues, the remaining portions may also collapse,” the locals said.

The incident has prompted residents to appeal to the district administration and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department for an immediate technical assessment and repair plan. “This is not just about repairing the damage,” another resident added. “We need long-term drainage planning and infrastructure upgrades, especially in view of unpredictable weather and increasing rainfall intensity.”

Locals have demanded permanent embankments, regulated drainage systems, and restoration of the water supply network to safeguard both public safety and local livelihoods. (JKNS)

16/07/2025

3 IAS Officers of 2023 AGMUT Batch Posted to Jammu & Kashmir

Nadeem Nadu

New Delhi,July 16 (JKNS):The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the posting of 15 IAS officers of the 2023 AGMUT cadre to various Union Territories and States, following the completion of their IAS Phase-II training.

According to the order, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, Ms. Pallavi Mishra IAS (AGMUT 2023), Shri Prince Kumar IAS (AGMUT 2023) and Ms. Swati Sheemar IAS AGMUT 2023 has been posted to Jammu and Kashmir.

The appointments take immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders, order reads.

The order further stated that, Shri Tharun Patnaik Madala and Shri Chandrakant Bagoria have been posted to Mizoram, Shri Dabhoklar Vasant Prasad to Goa, Ms. Anuja Trivedi, Shri Jarad Pratik Anil, and Shri Piyush Kumar to Delhi, and Shri Namneet Singh and Ms. Pebika Lego to Arunachal Pradesh.

Shri Ankit Kumar and Ms. Pooja M have been assigned to Puducherry, Shri Omkar Rajendra Gundage to Ladakh, and Shri Dinesh Kumar Muhal has been posted to Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNH&DD). (JKNS)

16/07/2025

ADM Sopore Allows Last Rites of Nagaland Youth Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances

Khan Jahangeer

Sopore,July 16 (JKNS): Authorities in Sopore have granted permission for the performance of last rites of Sumit Deb, a non-local resident from Dimapur, Nagaland, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances on July 15, 2025, while working as a maid in Mazhbugh Sopore.

According to an official order issued by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Sopore, accessed by news agency JKNS, the permission was granted following an application from Ajeet Deb, son of Aneel Deb, seeking the body of his deceased relative for cremation.

A report from the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Sopore, confirmed that the deceased was working under contract for M/S Saalim Placement Services at the residence of one Haji Ghulam Nabi Sheikh in Alsafa Colony, Mazhbugh Sopore. Sumit Deb, originally from Village D Colony, Dimapur, died in suspicious circumstances, prompting inquest proceedings under Section 194 of the BNSS.

The postmortem was conducted by doctors at Sub District Hospital Sopore. Despite being contacted by the placement company, the family declined to receive the body themselves and instead authorised cousin Ajeet Deb, currently working as a labourer in Srinagar, to collect the deceased’s body on their behalf.

The ADM Sopore noted that the deceased belonged to the Hindu faith and the family intended to perform the last rites at Shamshan Ghat Panzalla. Accordingly, the body was handed over to Ajeet Deb after verification by the SHO Sopore.

The cremation is to be carried out under the strict supervision of Tehsildar Rafiabad (Rohama) and the SHO P/S Panzalla, the order concluded. (JKNS)

16/07/2025

Protest Erupts in Sumbal Against Former Sarpanch Accused of ‘Extortion and Harassment’ ‘Allegations Baseless, Says Man in Question

Sumbal,July 16 KNT: Dozens of tipper owners and contractors in the Sumbal area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district staged a protest, accusing a former sarpanch of Nesbal of systematic harassment, extortion, and intimidation.

Chanting slogans, the protesters alleged that Rather Mehraj, had unleashed a reign of fear in the area by threatening contractors at worksites, forcibly demanding money, and obstructing daily operations. “He openly threatens to burn our tippers if we don’t pay up. Is this how democracy works?” said one furious tipper operator, visibly shaken by the ordeal.

According to the demonstrators, Mehraj's alleged extortion racket was being routed through his wife’s bank account. “Whenever he asked for money, we were told to transfer it to his wife’s account. We have bank transaction records and WhatsApp chats to prove it,” said a local contractor, waving screenshots before assembled media.

Adding to the outrage were allegations that Mehraj is already facing multiple police cases, including those related to extortion, fraudulent electricity concessions, and fake job appointments. “With fresh evidence now in the public domain, his criminal conduct stands fully exposed,” the contractors alleged.

What has further incensed the public is Mehraj’s recent reentry into the Bharatiya Janata Party. Protesters called on BJP leaders, particularly General Secretary Ashok Koul, to immediately expel him, warning that his association was damaging the party’s credibility on the ground. “Is this the kind of leadership BJP wants to promote? He’s turning governance into gangsterism,” said an enraged contractor.

Some protesters claimed that the accused former Sarpanch cut down over 600 walnut trees for his own benefit.

There were repeated calls for strong legal action against Mehraj, with demonstrators urging Police to take action against him under the law.

When contacted by Kashmir News Trust, Rather Mehraj dismissed all allegations levelled against him as completely baseless and lacking any merit. He claimed that the bank transactions cited by the protesting contractors were related to his work as a contractor nearly three years ago and had no connection to any recent activities.

Mehraj further alleged that a group of individuals was targeting him out of personal and vested interests. “Some people are simply angry because I refused to allow unauthorized tipper drivers to illegally extract soil from government land meant for a public park,” he said, maintaining that his actions were lawful and in the public interest. [KNT]

16/07/2025

Budgam Police Attach Three Properties of Pakistan-Based Terror Handlers in UAPA Crackdown

Budgam, July 16 (JKNS):In a major crackdown on cross-border terrorism, Budgam Police on Wednesday attached three properties belonging to Pakistan-based terrorist handlers under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Police spokesperson in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS reads, Budgam Police have attached three properties belonging to Pakistan-based terrorist handlers (JKNOP) located in Khag, Chewa Beerwah, and Harwani Khansahib in presence of concerned Executive Magistrate,s, it reads.

The action was carried out in connection with case FIR No. 58/2024 U/S 7/25 Indian Arms Act, 18, 20, 23 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of Police Station Khag, and under proceedings initiated U/S 25 of UAPA for attachment of properties used in terrorist activities, it reads.

The properties attached belong to the following accused persons presently operating from across the border, Manzoor Ahmad Chopan @ Rayees
S/O Gh. Mohi-ud-din Chopan, R/O Harwani Khansahib (Double-storied residential house with premises at village Harwani Khansahib, Budgam under Khasra No. 763).

Mohammad Yousuf Malik @ Molvi
S/O Ab. Rahim Malik, R/O Chewa Budgam
(Double-storied residential house along with 05 Kanals, 13 Marlas of land at village Chewa Budgam under Khasra No. 151) and Bilal Ahmad Wani @ Umer
S/O Gh. Ahmad Wani, R/O Nagbal Khag
(Land measuring 19.5 Marlas situated at Khag under Khasra Nos. 1093 and 1094), it reads.

These terrorist handlers, operating from Pakistan, have been actively orchestrating and facilitating terrorist activities in the region for several years. The attachment of their properties is a part of the ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistical, financial, and operational networks of terror outfits and their cross-border sponsors. This decisive move sends a strong message to those involved in anti-national activities that such actions will invite strict legal consequences,” statement reads.

Budgam Police reiterates its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual or network is allowed to endanger the peace and security of the region, reads the statement. (JKNS)

16/07/2025

Two Dead, 14 Injured as Traveller Vehicle Meets Accident on Drass Road

Nadeem Nadu

Drass,July 16 (JKNS):At least two people lost their lives while several others were injured after a civilian traveller vehicle met with an accident near Gumri on its way to Drass early Wednesday morning.

Officials told news agency JKNS that the vehicle, carrying 17 passengers, met with the accident at around 5:45 AM. Two passengers died on the spot, while eight others sustained serious injuries, and six received minor injuries. The driver escaped unhurt.

All the injured were shifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation started. they said.(JKNS)

16/07/2025

GAD Directs Mandatory Mapping of ₹20 Cr+ Infrastructure Projects on PM Gati Shakti Platform

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar,July 16 (JKNS):In a significant directive aimed at enhancing project efficiency and synchronization, the General Administration Department (GAD) of Jammu and Kashmir has mandated, mapping of all new or proposed infrastructure projects with civil costs of ₹20 crore and above on the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) digital platform.

As per the official order, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the decision follows the Minutes of the Meeting of the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGOS) held on 24.02.2025, and seeks to improve integrated planning and coordination.

The order reads, “In order to ensure efficiency and with a view to promote synchronization in project implementation through integrated planning and efficient coordination, it is hereby ordered that all Administrative Departments shall mandatorily map all new/proposed infrastructure projects with a civil cost of ₹20.00 Crore and above on the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) digital platform.” (JKNS)

16/07/2025

ARTO Anantnag Ensures Smooth Mobility for Amarnath Yatra 2025

117K Pilgrims Transported So Far from July 3

Anantnag, July 16 (JKNS): In a significant feat of coordination and planning, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), J&K, under the leadership of Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Anantnag Mubashir Jaan, has ensured hassle-free transportation for over 1.16 lakh pilgrims during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 from Nunwan Base Camp to Chandanwari.

As per official data available with news agency JKNS, 116,793 pilgrims have been successfully transported using 16,028 vehicles deployed between July 3 and July 15, 2025. The transport services are running seamlessly, with daily deployment of around 1000 vehicles, ensuring timely, safe, and uninterrupted travel for yatris across the route.

In a dedicated initiative to support sadhus, the ARTO Anantnag has been operating a free shuttle service using four mini buses on multiple trips per day. A total of 70 such shuttle movements have been recorded so far, offering respectful and convenient access to transit points for the ascetic pilgrims.

A senior official told JKNS, “The comprehensive transport plan includes route coordination, vehicle scheduling, en-route facilitation, and emergency preparedness, all executed with precision to accommodate the massive pilgrim footfall.”

The department also ensured fitness checkups for selected days to guarantee mechanical reliability and passenger safety, particularly in the initial stages of the yatra.

This entire mobility grid, supervised by ARTO Anantnag, has played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, minimizing delays, and upholding the sanctity and discipline of the yatra. Officials added that more such measures will continue to support yatris until the culmination of the pilgrimage. (JKNS)

16/07/2025

J&K Weather Alert:Heavy Rainfall, Flash Floods, Landslide Risk from July 16-17 & 21-23: Director MET

JKNS Correspondent

Srinagar, July 16 (JKNS): The Meteorological Department Srinagar has issued an advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslide risks in the coming days.

Director MET, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, as per news agency JKNS that the weather from July 16–17 and July 21–23 is expected to remain generally cloudy, with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain/thundershowers across many parts of the Union Territory.

“Intense showers and isolated incidents of heavy to very heavy rainfall are likely during these periods,” Dr. Mukhtar said.

From July 18-20, scattered to fairly widespread areas are also expected to receive light to moderate rain/thundershower activity, he added.

Advisory issued by MET Centre Srinagar reads, There is a possibility of intense showers at a few locations with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall during July 16-17 and July 21-23. The advisory also warns of potential flash floods in vulnerable locations, as well as landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in hilly terrains and along major highways.

Residents, especially those living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. Authorities have been urged to stay on alert and take necessary precautionary measures to prevent disruption and ensure public safety.

Jammu and Kashmir has been experiencing rainfall over the past two days, bringing much-needed relief from the recent scorching heatwave.

Rainfall Update (Past 24 Hours till 8:30 AM today)

As per official data received by JKNS, various parts of Jammu and Kashmir received varying rainfall amounts over the past 24 hours. In the Kashmir Region, Pahalgam recorded 16.6 mm, followed by Kulgam (17.2 mm), Gulmarg (15.2 mm), and Awantipora (12.0 mm). Other notable figures include Tangmarg (12.2 mm), Kokernag (10.8 mm), Nowgam Handwara (10.8 mm), Qazigund (9.5 mm), Charar-i-Sharief (8.2 mm) and Sonamarg (8.5 mm).

Srinagar city received 4.3 mm, while its airport recorded 4.8 mm. Pulwama and Kupwara received 6.0 mm and 5.0 mm respectively. Light showers were also reported in Sopore (2.4 mm), Bandipora (1.0 mm), and Shopian (0.5 mm).

In the Jammu Region, Udhampur recorded the highest rainfall at 43.0 mm, followed by Katra (35.8 mm), Reasi (25.0 mm), and Rajouri (23.0 mm). Jammu city and its airport received 15.9 mm and 15.6 mm respectively. Poonch registered 12.0 mm, while Banihal, Batote, and Ramban received between 3–5 mm of rainfall. Kathua recorded no rainfall during this period.

In the Ladakh region, Leh received 2.6 mm and Kargil 0.5 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. (JKNS)

16/07/2025

Govt Appoints Inquiry Officer to Probe Unauthorised Absence of Accounts Assistant in Srinagar

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar,July 16 (JKNS):The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a formal inquiry into the case of unauthorized absence of then Accounts Assistant posted in the Office of Deputy Director Prosecution, Srinagar.

According to an official order, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, Sanction is hereby accorded to the appointment of Mr. Ishfaq Ahmed Pandith, Joint Director, J&K Funds Organization, as Inquiry Officer to inquire into the matter of un-authorized absence of Mr. Raja Tahir Hussain, the then Accounts Assistant, Deputy Director Prosecution, Srinagar.

Mr. Abdul Bari Deva, Accounts Officer, Directorate of Accounts and Treasuries, Kashmir will be the Presenting Officer in the case. The Inquiry Officer shall complete the inquiry and submit a report within a period of 15 days from the date of issuance of this order, reads the order. (JKNS)

Srinagar News Observer

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