Kashmir First

DSEK Directs Schools to Suspend Internal Examinations During Muharram

Srinagar, June 13: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has directed all Government and Private Recognised Schools across the Valley not to conduct any in-house examinations during the month of Muharram-ul-Haram.

According to an official order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir, schools have been instructed to refrain from holding internal assessments, term examinations, or any other in-house tests for all classes from June 23 to June 27, 2026.

The order states that the decision has been taken in view of the approaching month of Muharram-ul-Haram to ensure smooth observance of the religious period.

“All Government and Private Recognised Schools shall not conduct any in-house examinations/internal assessments/term examinations for all classes with effect from June 23 to June 27, 2026,” the order reads.

The Directorate further warned that any deviation from the instructions or failure to comply with the directive would invite disciplinary action under the relevant rules.

Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Commissioner/Secretary, School Education Department, OSD to the Education Minister, Joint Directors of the School Education Department, Joint Director SCERT (Central/KD), and all Chief Education Officers and Principals of DIETs for information and necessary action.

The move is expected to provide relief to students and educational institutions during the Muharram observances across Kashmir.

Swift Action by Anantnag Police: 3 Missing Minor Girls from Nunwani Traced Within Hours, Handed Over to Families

Anantnag, June 13: In a commendable display of promptness and professionalism, Anantnag Police successfully traced three missing minor girls within hours after receiving information regarding their disappearance.

The missing girls, namely Munaza Mudasir D/O Mudasir Ahmad Bhat R/O Nunwani, Serat Jan D/O Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh R/O Wardwan, A/P Nunwani, and Umera Jan D/O Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh R/O Nunwani, had reportedly gone missing from their homes on the evening of June 12.

Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, and under the close supervision of the SSP Anantnag, multiple police teams were constituted and a coordinated search operation was launched. Through sustained efforts, technical assistance, and ground-level verification, the police teams succeeded in tracing all three girls within hours.

All three girls were found safe and in good health. After completion of the necessary legal formalities, they were handed over to their respective legal heirs.

The swift recovery of the missing girls reflects the commitment and dedication of Anantnag Police towards ensuring the safety and security of citizens, especially children and other vulnerable sections of society. Anantnag Police urges the public to promptly report such incidents so that timely action can be initiated.This version is suitable for official media release and social media dissemination.

Anantnag Police Continues Crackdown on Drug Trafficking;Two Cases Registered, Two Drug Peddlers Arrested, Contraband Recovered

Anantnag, June 13: Continuing its relentless drive against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Anantnag Police achieved another significant success by apprehending two drug peddlers in separate operations under the jurisdiction of Police Station Utrasoo and recovering contraband substances from their possession.

In the first operation, a police party of Police Station Utrasoo apprehended one person identified as Mohd Yousuf Magray S/O Wali Mohd Magray R/O Cherpora near village Sheikhpora Chund. During his search, 715 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 56/2026 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Utrasoo and investigation has been taken up.

In another operation conducted during naka checking at Khanpora Crossing, Police Station Utrasoo apprehended one more drug peddler identified as Javaid Ahmad Bhat S/O Abdul Khaliq Bhat R/O Shangus. During search, 158 grams of charas powder-like substance was recovered from his possession. In this regard, Case FIR No. 57/2026 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered and further investigation is underway.

Anantnag Police remains committed to eradicating the menace of drugs from society and urges the general public to cooperate by sharing information regarding drug peddling and other criminal activities. The identity of informants shall be kept strictly confidential.

Driver Dies, Two Students Injured as School Bus Falls Into Gorge in Budgam

Srinagar, June 12: A tragic road accident occurred in the Neego Brenwar area of Khansahib in central Kashmir's Budgam district on Friday when a school bus carrying students veered off the road and rolled down a gorge, leaving the driver dead and two students injured.

Officials said the bus, affiliated with IPTS School Khansahib, lost control and plunged into a deep gorge at Neego Brenwar. The driver, identified as Shahid Ahmad Lone, son of Zahoor Ahmad Lone and a resident of Kechwari Khansahib, died on the spot.

Two students travelling in the bus sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to Community Health Centre (CHC) Surasyar for treatment.

The injured students were later shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora for advanced medical care.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The identities of the injured students were not immediately known.

More details are awaited.

Anantnag Police Intensifies Crackdown on Narcotics; Drug Peddler Apprehended, Illegal O***m Poppy Cultivation Destroyed

Anantnag, June 12: Continuing its sustained drive against drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities, Anantnag Police achieved two significant successes in the jurisdiction of Police Station Mattan and Larnoo.

During routine patrolling on the Kehribal–Rambirpora Mattan Road, a police party apprehended a suspicious individual who attempted to flee on noticing the police presence. Upon search, a charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. The accused was identified as Owais Ahmad Khan S/O Mohd Yaseen Khan R/O Kehribal, Mattan. Accordingly, FIR No. 67/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Mattan and investigation has been taken up.

In another action, acting on specific information received by Police Station Larnoo regarding illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, police found that Gh Mohammad Lone S/O Mohammad Ismaeel Lone R/O Leesu Branar, Mattan had cultivated o***m poppy plants in his kitchen garden spread over approximately four marlas of land.

Consequently, FIR No. 39/2026 U/S 8/18(C) NDPS Act was registered at PS Larnoo. Following completion of all legal formalities, the illicit crop was destroyed on the spot in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, Agriculture Officer and independent witnesses.

Anantnag Police remains committed to its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, abuse and illegal cultivation of narcotic substances, and appeals to the public to continue supporting the police by sharing information related to such unlawful activities.

Heroic Father Loses His Life While Saving His Daughter

Anantnag, June 11 (KF): We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved, Adil Ahmad from Shichan, Dialgam. He will always be remembered for his kindness, noble character and the love he had for his family.

In a final act of courage and selflessness, he sacrificed his own life while saving his daughter’s life. Adil was playing with his three-month-old daughter near a wall when he noticed that it was about to collapse on them. Without hesitation, he threw his daughter to safety and sacrificed his own life beneath the falling wall. There can be no greater example of a father’s love, devotion and sacrifice. His loss has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for strength and patience during this difficult time.

May Allah grant Adil Ahmad Jannatul Firdous, forgive his shortcomings, elevate his ranks in the Hereafter, and bless his family with Sabr-e-Jameel. Ameen. (KF)

DIG SKR Chairs Yatra Preparedness Meeting at Pahalgam; Reviews Security and Coordination Arrangements for SANJY-2026

Anantnag, June 10: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, DIG South Kashmir Range (SKR), Javid Iqbal Matoo today chaired a comprehensive Yatra preparedness meeting at Pahalgam to review security arrangements and ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholder agencies.

The meeting was attended by DIG CRPF, Commander 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, SSP Anantnag, Commanding Officers of Adhoc Companies, ASP North Camp Aishmuqam, and other senior officers from Police, CAPFs, and allied agencies.

During the meeting, DIG SKR reviewed the overall preparedness for the smooth and secure conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Detailed discussions were held on deployment plans, area domination, traffic management, emergency response mechanisms, communication systems, coordination among security agencies, and arrangements for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

Emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination, DIG SKR directed all officers to maintain a high level of alertness and ensure effective implementation of security measures across the Yatra route. He stressed the need for proactive policing, regular briefing of personnel, and prompt response to any emerging situation.
The officers present briefed the chair regarding the arrangements made within their respective jurisdictions and assured full cooperation for the successful conduct of the Yatra.

DIG SKR expressed satisfaction over the preparedness measures undertaken so far and urged all agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a safe, secure, and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment of all security and civil agencies towards the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.