Kashmir Daily

*Private Hospitals, Dialysis Centres in J&K Announce Proposed Exit from Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT Scheme from July 1 Over Pending Dues*

Private hospitals and dialysis centres in Jammu & Kashmir have warned they will withdraw from the Ayushman Bharat–SEHAT Scheme from July 1, 2026, if long-pending reimbursements are not cleared. The J&K Private Hospitals & Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) said delayed payments, claim deductions, and non-compliance with NHA guidelines have placed healthcare institutions under severe financial stress. The Association also cited rising costs of medicines, cancer drugs, cardiac stents and implants due to global supply disruptions, alleging that over ₹180 crore of scheme funds remain unutilised in public hospitals while private facilities await payments. JKPHDA has demanded immediate clearance of dues, payment of interest on delayed claims, a transparent review mechanism for rejected claims and urgent intervention by authorities to prevent disruption of healthcare services under the scheme.

Asgar Hussain Appointed Special Secretary to Chief Minister

Srinagar, June 9 (KNC): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday ordered the transfer and posting of senior JKAS officer Asgar Hussain as Special Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister with immediate effect.

According to Government Order No. 1058-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated June 9, 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), Asgar Hussain, JKAS, who was awaiting orders of adjustment in the department, has been assigned the new responsibility in the interest of administration.

The order stated that the posting shall take effect immediately. It was issued by the Government under the signature of Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, M. Raju, IAS.

The appointment is seen as an important administrative decision aimed at strengthening the functioning of the Chief Minister’s office.(KNC)

| Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for making the historic Zojila Tunnel breakthrough a reality. Joined Sh Nitin Gadkari Ji at this landmark occasion, ushering in a new era of connectivity & development for J&K and Ladakh. Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel is scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings. Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the relentless efforts of Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces. The Zojila Tunnel Project comprises a 13.153-km tunnel and 17.030 km of approach roads, spanning 30.18 km at a cost of Rs 6,809.69 crore. The 7.57-metre-high, single-tube, two-lane tunnel beneath Zojila Pass will connect Ganderbal in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh. Built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method, it is equipped with a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, CCTV surveillance, radio communication, uninterrupted power supply and modern ventilation facilities: LG Manoj Sinha

Nepal Suspends Indian Mango Imports Over Pesticide Residues Days After Japan Ban

Lucknow Auto Driver Sexually Harasses Two Women Passengers, Held After Encounter

HC Extends Manual Acceptance of ACB Challans Till July 31

Srinagar, June 8 (KNC): The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has extended the arrangement for the manual acceptance of challans filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, till July 31, 2026.

According to an order issued by the Office of the Registrar General, the extension has been granted in continuation of the earlier High Court Order No. 608 of 2026/RG/GS dated April 23, 2026. The order states that the manual acceptance of ACB challans will continue under the same terms and conditions laid down previously.

However, the High Court made it clear that no further extension shall be granted beyond July 31, 2026, directing the concerned authorities to resolve all bottlenecks related to the submission of challans through the online portal within the stipulated period.

The order, issued by Registrar General M.K. Sharma, has been circulated among judicial officers, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Crime Branch, and other concerned departments for information and necessary action.

The move is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to the online filing system while preventing disruption in the processing of ACB cases during the interim period.(KNC)

*Pulwama Police Foils Narcotics Smuggling Attempt; Contraband Substance Recovered; Accused Apprehended*

June 09``````In a significant success against drug trafficking, Pulwama Police apprehended a drug peddler and recovered approximately 1.53 kilograms of charas-like substance during naka checking on Railway Road.

During checking, a police party of Police Station Kakapora noticed a person moving towards Kakapora in a suspicious manner while carrying a nylon bag. On spotting the police, he abandoned the bag and attempted to flee from the spot. However, the alert police party chased and apprehended him. Upon search of the bag, semi-ground charas-like substance (Bang Boosa) weighing approximately 1.530 kilograms, including the nylon bag, was recovered and seized. The accused was identified as Umar Farooq Lone S/o Farooq Ahmad Lone R/o Nehama.

Accordingly, FIR No. 47/2026 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered and investigation has been taken up.

Pulwama Police remains committed to its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and continues its sustained efforts to eradicate the drug menace from society.

*Chinese-made pistol, ammunition recovered in Baramulla*

KNO Correspondent

Baramulla, June 9 (KNO): Police on Tuesday recovered a Chinese-made pistol, two magazines, and 13 rounds of live ammunition during a follow-up search operation in Baramulla district.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the recovery was made during the investigation of an arms case registered after a foreign-made pistol was seized at a mobile vehicle checking point on June 7.

He said a joint team of Baramulla Police and 52 Rashtriya Rifles had intercepted a Maruti Brezza at Chandsuma in the Kanispora area. During the search, a Turkey-made CANIK TP9SF METE pistol was recovered from a co-passenger, identified as Wakeel Ahmed Theekri of Kamalkot, Uri.

Following his arrest, a case under the Arms Act was registered and investigations were launched.

Acting on disclosures during questioning, police conducted a search at Kalsi Hardu in Kamalkot on June 8 in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. During the operation, the Chinese-made pistol, magazines and ammunition were recovered and seized.

Police said the recovery marks a significant development in the case and suggests possible links to a wider illegal arms network. Further investigation is underway—(KNO)

Relief For Khan Sir As Patna Court Grants Stay On Arrest In Coaching Centre Firing Case

HE**IN SEIZED, DRUG PEDDLER HELD IN ANANTNAG; FIR REGISTERED UNDER NDPS ACT

Anantnag, June 9 (KNC): Continuing its crackdown against narcotics trafficking, Anantnag Police on Monday apprehended an alleged drug peddler and recovered he**in from his possession in the Bus Stand area of the district.

According to police, a team from Police Post General Bus Stand (GBS) was conducting routine patrols when its personnel noticed a suspicious individual moving from Prem Galli towards the General Bus Stand. On spotting the police party, the suspect allegedly attempted to escape from the spot, prompting the alert cops to chase and apprehend him.

During the subsequent search, police recovered he**in from his possession.

The accused was identified as Arshad Ahmad Sofi, son of Abdul Ahad Sofi, a resident of Kanelwan.

Police said that a case vide FIR No. 176/2026 under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Anantnag, while further investigation has been initiated to trace the source of the contraband and identify its intended destination.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance approach against drug abuse and trafficking, Anantnag Police appealed to the public to extend cooperation by sharing information related to drug peddling and other criminal activities in their respective areas. (KNC)