Kashmir News Ripples

Police Conduct Anti-Narcotics Searches in Pahalgam Hotels

Anantnag, June 5th (CNS): Anantnag Police conducted anti-narcotics raids at several hotels in the Mavoora, Rafting Point, and Yanner areas of Pahalgam as part of its drive against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The searches were carried out by six police teams under the supervision of the SDPO Pahalgam following specific inputs. The operation aimed to prevent the misuse of tourist accommodations for drug-related activities and strengthen action against narcotics networks.

Police said similar drives will continue to keep the district free from the menace of drugs.

Srinagar Police Seizes Drug-Linked Assets Worth ₹4 Crore

Srinagar, June 5th (CNS): In a major anti-narcotics operation, Srinagar Police attached properties and vehicles worth over ₹4 crore under the NDPS Act in Lal Bazar and Khanayar areas.

The action included residential houses, land,
and vehicles allegedly acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking. Police said the move is part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan aimed at dismantling the financial networks of narcotics traffickers.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to combating the drug menace and appealed to the public for support in reporting drug-related activities.

Woman Found Dead in Lal Bazar, Police Launch Probe

Srinagar, June 5th (CNS): A woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her home in the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar on Friday, officials said.

The 36-year-old woman was reportedly discovered unconscious inside her residence and was rushed by family members to SKIMS Soura. However, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.

Police have registered the case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of the death. Further inquiry is in progress.

CITU, JKCCTU, SMC workers' association submit demands to 8th Pay Commission

Srinagar, June 4th (CNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee of Trade Unions , affiliated with All India State government employee's federation,Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) J&K, and Srinagar Municipal Workers Welfare Association submitted separate memorandam of demands to the 8th Pay Commission/Pay Revision Committee in Srinagar, seeking revision of pay and pension, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), regularisation of non-regular employees and enhanced welfare measures for workers and pensioners.

Representing trade unions, employee associations, pensioners' organisations, municipal workers, public sector employees and scheme-based workers, the organisations sought a higher fitment factor, revision of pensionary benefits, removal of pay anomalies and extension of social security measures to employees across sectors.

The memorandum submitted by the trade unions called for restoration of OPS, regularisation of contractual employees, daily wagers and casual workers, enhanced honorarium and welfare benefits for ASHA ,Anganwadi workers and other scheme workers',risk allowance for sanitation workers and improved medical and housing benefits for employees and pensioners.

The Srinagar Municipal Workers Welfare Association, representing both in-service employees and pensioners of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), sought revision of pensionary benefits, enhancement of medical allowance and healthcare facilities, removal of pension-related disparities and extension of all benefits available to Jammu and Kashmir government pensioners to retired SMC employees.

For serving municipal employees, particularly sanitary workers, sweepers, drain cleaners and other frontline staff, the association demanded risk and hazard allowance, enhanced insurance cover and regularisation of daily wagers, casual and consolidated workers.

Veteran Theatre Activist Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan Felicitated by LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, June 4th (CNS): Prominent theatre activist, filmmaker and festival director Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan was felicitated by Manoj Sinha during the ongoing Rang-e-Kashmir Festival in Srinagar on Thursday.

The honour was conferred in recognition of Khan’s significant contributions to theatre, television and film over the past four decades, including his efforts in organizing international film festivals in Kashmir and promoting local artistic talent.

Speaking on the occasion, Khan expressed gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the honour to artists, technicians and volunteers who supported his journey. The felicitation ceremony was attended by senior officials and cultural personalities.

LG Attends Inter-Faith Conference in Srinagar, Stresses Unity and Coexistence

Srinagar, June 4th (CNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the ‘Rishiwar’ Inter-Faith Conference 2026 in Srinagar, highlighting India's long-standing tradition of respecting all faiths and promoting coexistence.

Addressing the gathering, the LG said unity in diversity has been a core value of Indian civilization for centuries and described equal respect for all religions as one of India's greatest contributions to the world. He also praised public participation in the Vande Mataram initiative and the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign, urging citizens to work collectively for a drug-free and harmonious society.

The event was attended by members of the judiciary, academia, civil administration, religious leaders and students.

CM Reviews Development Issues, Meets Legislators and Officials

Srinagar, June 4th (CNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met legislators, senior officials and Army officers at the Civil Secretariat to discuss developmental and public welfare matters across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister held separate meetings with MLAs Dr. Rameshwar Singh and Sajad Shaheen, who raised issues concerning their constituencies. He assured them of necessary action.

He also reviewed housing and urban infrastructure projects with HUDCO CMD Sanjay Kulshrestha and discussed ongoing road and connectivity works with BRO Director General Lieutenant General Harpal Singh.
Omar Abdullah reiterated the government's commitment to accelerating development across the region.

CPCO Amit Sharma Reviews Census Preparations in Shopian

Shopian, June 4th (CNS): Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, reviewed the ongoing House Listing Operations (HLO) in Shopian during a meeting at the Mini Secretariat on Thursday.

He assessed census preparedness, emphasized accurate and timely data collection, and called for strong coordination among field staff. Sharma also urged residents to cooperate with enumerators to ensure the successful completion of the census exercise.

Senior district and census officials attended the review meeting.

Birdi Takes Stock of Security Preparedness at Baltal for Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, June 4th (CNS): Ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, V.K. Birdi, (IPS) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, visited the Baltal base camp on Thursday to review security and logistical arrangements.

During the inspection, Birdi interacted with security personnel and assessed the preparedness of various agencies involved in the pilgrimage. He stressed the importance of coordination and vigilance to ensure a secure and hassle-free yatra for devotees.

Officials said the visit was part of a broader security review aimed at strengthening arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, which is expected to witness a large influx of pilgrims.

Former MLC Yasir Reshi Slams Omar Abdullah Over Statehood Posturing

Srinagar, June 4 (CNS) Former MLC Yasir Reshi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of political theatrics and attempting to project a misleading image on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood restoration.

In a statement, Reshi said there was "really no need for yesterday's theatrics," alleging that Omar Abdullah had spent the last one and a half years carefully cultivating the image of being Delhi's "good boy and most reliable man in Kashmir."

"By all accounts, the role was being played convincingly enough. The audience in Delhi seemed satisfied, and the trust placed in him to manage affairs according to their comfort was never in doubt," Reshi said.

He questioned what he termed Abdullah's sudden attempt to portray himself as a moderate voice restraining legislators demanding a tougher stand on statehood.
"Which is why the attempt to suddenly project yourself as the moderate voice restraini