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Daily United Times, Press Enclave, Srinagar (2026)

16/09/2026

Panjipora Welfare Committee | Oath-Taking Ceremony

Ghulam Nabi Sheikh formally assumes charge as Chairman of the Panjipora Welfare Committee during an oath-taking ceremony held in Panjipora.

The ceremony was attended by Election Board members Haji Imtiyaz Sofi, Master Abdul Ahad Lone, and Master Sajad Ahmad Sheikh, along with Teacher Forum Leader Mohammad Salim, Editor-in-Chief of United Media Group Iftikhar Hussain Sofi, Secretary Shandar Ahmad Sofi, and other distinguished guests.

A significant occasion marking a new chapter of leadership and community service in Panjipora.

16/09/2026

Ghulam Nabi Sheikh Takes Oath as Chairman of Panjipora Welfare Committee

Sopore, Sep 16 (UNS): Ghulam Nabi Sheikh today took oath as the Chairman of the Panjipora Welfare Committee at a formal oath-taking ceremony held in Panjipora.

The ceremony was attended by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, along with members of the Election Board, including Haji Imtiyaz Sofi, Master Abdul Ahad Lone and Master Sajad Ahmad Sheikh.

Teacher Forum Leader Mohammad Salim, Editor-in-Chief of United Media Group Iftikhar Hussain Sofi, Secretary Shandar Ahmad Sofi and several other prominent members of the community and dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The ceremony marked the formal assumption of office by Ghulam Nabi Sheikh as Chairman of the Panjipora Welfare Committee.

13/09/2026

Choora-Tarzoo Road Dug Up for Fibre Cable, Residents Question MLA’s Priorities
Sports Events Welcome, But What About Roads, Water and Basic Amenities?

Sopore, September 13 (UNS): Residents from Choora to Tarzoo have questioned the priorities of MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, stating that while attention is being given to sports events, several basic issues affecting the public continue to remain unresolved.

Residents have raised particular concern over the condition of the Choora-Tarzoo road, where portions were reportedly dug up for the laying of fibre-optic cables. Locals said the excavation has left uneven and damaged stretches along the road, creating difficulties for commuters. They further claimed that accidents have occurred at such stretches and warned that the condition continues to pose a risk to road users.

Residents said sports activities are important and should be encouraged, particularly for local youth. However, they questioned whether sports alone can be treated as a measure of development when fundamental issues such as road safety, drinking water and other basic amenities remain unresolved.

“Sports promotion is a good thing, but development is not limited to a sports ground. People also need proper roads, regular drinking water and other basic facilities,” a local resident said.

Residents questioned why greater attention has not been given to the deteriorating road conditions despite the issue directly affecting commuters. They also raised concerns over the functioning of the concerned Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, alleging that their grievances have not received adequate attention.

“We have now lost confidence in the functioning of the R&B Department. Our last hope is the MLA. He must intervene and make the concerned department answerable instead of allowing these issues to continue,” another resident said.

The shortage of drinking water has further added to public concerns. Residents of Panjipora, Krankshivan, Wagub and adjoining areas claimed that they have been facing a water shortage for around a week, with many households struggling to arrange adequate water for their daily needs.

Locals questioned the MLA’s priorities, saying that an elected representative is expected to remain equally focused on essential public services and developmental concerns rather than limiting attention to public events and sports activities.

“Sports are important, but people cannot be expected to ignore the lack of basic facilities. Development has to be on all fronts—roads, water supply, infrastructure and sports,” residents said.

Residents have urged MLA Wagoora-Kreeri to personally intervene in the road and water-related issues and seek accountability from the R&B and PHE departments. They demanded immediate repair of the dug-up portions of the Choora-Tarzoo road and restoration of regular water supply in the affected areas.

The residents said the performance of an elected representative should be assessed not merely through public events, but by the ability to address the everyday problems faced by the people.

With road safety concerns and water shortages continuing to affect several areas, residents are now looking towards MLA Wagoora-Kreeri for concrete intervention and questioning why basic public issues have not received adequate attention.

13/09/2026

Alleged Financial Irregularities at Tarzoo Panjipora School in Sopore
School Education Department Orders Inquiry, Constitutes Three-Member Committee

Srinagar, September 12 (UNS): The School Education Department, Kashmir, has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to conduct a comprehensive and confidential investigation into allegations of financial irregularities and the utilisation of government funds at Government Boys High School Tarzoo Panjipora, Zone Sopore, a PM SHRI School.

According to an order issued on September 9, 2026, by Joint Director School Education, North Kashmir, Hakim Tanveer Ahmad (KAS), the inquiry committee will conduct an in-depth examination of the allegations raised in a social media news report.

As per the order, the committee will be headed by Mushtaq Ahmad, Principal, BSS Dangarpora. Principal Higher Secondary School Bomai, Abdul Qayoom Dar, has been appointed as a member, while Senior Assistant at Government Higher Secondary School Singhpora Kalan, Shehnawaz Sultan, has also been nominated as a member.

The department has directed the inquiry committee to comprehensively examine all matters related to the utilisation of government funds at Government Boys High School Tarzoo Panjipora during the past three years. The committee will conduct a financial audit as well as physically verify on-site all developmental works carried out at the school.

In addition, all procurements made during the past three years, records maintained by the school, various activities, and other relevant matters will also be thoroughly examined. The committee has been directed to scrutinise all relevant records carefully and ascertain the facts concerning the allegations and issues raised.

The order makes it clear that the inquiry report must contain specific findings, observations and recommendations of the committee, supported by relevant documentary evidence.

The department has directed the committee to submit the inquiry report to the office of the Joint Director School Education, North Kashmir, within five days from the date of receipt of the order, so that further necessary action may be taken on the basis of the findings.

The development comes after a news report highlighted alleged irregularities concerning the utilisation of government funds, various works and procurements at Government Boys High School Tarzoo Panjipora.

The constitution of a formal inquiry committee by the School Education Department indicates that the issues raised in the report have been taken seriously by the department. However, the final facts regarding the allegations will become clear only after the completion of the inquiry and submission of the committee's report.

All eyes are now on the inquiry report, which is expected to be submitted within five days and is likely to bring out the facts concerning the alleged financial irregularities, developmental works, procurements and maintenance of official records.

12/09/2026

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

United Media Group | United Times | United News Service

Editor-in-Chief Iftikhar Hussain, along with the entire team of United Media Group, United Times and United News Service, expresses profound grief and extends heartfelt condolences on the passing away of the elder sister of Mr. Mohd. Saleem, Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Sumbal.

We convey our deepest sympathies to Mr. Mohd. Saleem and the bereaved family and pray that Almighty Allah grants them strength, patience, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

May Allah Almighty grant the departed soul eternal peace and the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and bless the bereaved family with Sabr-e-Jameel during this difficult time.

Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

10/09/2026

Road Roller Catches Fire in Hamray, Sopore

Sopore, Sept 10 (UNS): A road roller machine belonging to Jehlum Construction caught fire in the Hamray area of Sopore on Thursday.

The incident took place a short while ago. The cause of the fire is not known yet, and further details are awaited.

09/09/2026

Cultural Programmes Add Vibrancy to IFFJ&K 2026.

Srinagar, September 9: As part of the ongoing International Film Festival Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJ&K), the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), is organising a series of vibrant cultural programmes engaging local artists at multiple iconic venues across Srinagar.

The initiative *_engaging almost 400 local artists during the festival dates_* is aimed at entertaining festival delegates, guests and local audiences, while showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Jammu & Kashmir alongside the international film festival.

The cultural programmes are being organised at prominent locations including Jhelum Riverfront, Rajbagh; Old Zero Bridge; Sher-i-Kashmir Park; Nishat Garden; and SKICC.

The programmes feature a diverse array of traditional and cultural performances providing audiences and guests with an opportunity to experience the region’s distinctive folk traditions and performing arts.

On the closing day of the festival, September 10, the cultural programmes shall be scheduled at the designated venues in the afternoon *(5 to 7 PM)*

Through these programmes, the cinematic experience of IFFJ&K is being complemented with the rich cultural expressions of Jammu & Kashmir, bringing together film, music, folk traditions and performing arts at some of Srinagar’s most prominent public and cultural spaces.

06/09/2026

Ghulam Nabi Sheikh Wins Panjipora Welfare & Development Committee Chairman Election by Huge Margin

Panjipora, September 6 (UNS) : Ghulam Nabi Sheikh today won the Panjipora Welfare & Development Committee Chairman Election 2026 by a huge margin, securing a decisive victory.

Meanwhile, Iftikhar Hussain, Editor-in-Chief of United Media Group and social activist, congratulated Ghulam Nabi Sheikh on his victory and extended his best wishes for his new responsibility.

Hussain expressed hope that Sheikh would work dedicatedly for the welfare, development and betterment of the people of Panjipora.

01/09/2026

Media Coverage: Questions raised over fund utilisation at PM SHRI Govt Boys High School Tarzua, with residents seeking a thorough audit.

31/08/2026

Residents Raise Questions Over Fund Utilisation at PM SHRI Govt Boys High School Tarzua, Seek Audit

August 31 (UNS) Sopore: Serious questions have been raised over the functioning of the School Management and Development Committee (SMDC) and the utilisation of funds at PM SHRI Government Boys High School Tarzua, Panjipora, with residents demanding a thorough audit of the school's accounts.

The school has a School Management and Development Committee (SMDC) comprising prominent citizens from the area, with a designated chairman heading the committee. However, the committee has remained ignored for the past two years, despite being constituted for the development and monitoring of the school.

Residents have raised concerns over the release of multiple bills by the school authorities, pointing out that three separate bills were reportedly released for the same work. They have demanded that the school's complete financial records be audited to ensure transparency in the utilisation of funds.

A resident told UNS that additional payments were released in the name of activities such as picnics, while substantially higher payments were also made under the name of infrastructure-related works. The resident claimed that payments in some cases were around five times higher than the actual requirement and called for verification of all bills and expenditure records.

Residents have also raised concerns over the lack of books, uniforms and other essential educational materials for students belonging to economically weaker families.

A former teacher of the school told UNS that the institution receives around ₹15 lakh annually in funds. The former teacher claimed that a portion of the money goes into the pockets of some teachers instead of being utilised for the benefit and educational needs of the students. The former teacher called for a detailed audit of the school's accounts and expenditure records to establish how the funds are being utilised.

The residents have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, Education Minister, Chief Secretary and Director of School Education to intervene and order a high-level inquiry into the financial affairs and functioning of the institution.

They have demanded that the school's accounts, bills, vouchers, expenditure records and funds received over the past years be thoroughly examined and that appropriate action be taken if any irregularities are established.

Residents stressed that funds sanctioned for education and student welfare must reach the students and be utilised for the development of the school.

UNS

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