New Delhi, May 23: The Centre has proposed a fresh framework aimed at granting Ladakh greater legislative, financial and administrative authority within the existing Union Territory structure, according to a joint statement issued by civil society representatives after a key meeting with Union government officials.

A delegation comprising members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) met officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, on Friday to discuss the future political and administrative structure of the Union Territory.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had earlier been released from detention under the National Security Act (NSA) on March 14, also attended the meeting.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the LAB and KDA said that they had reached an “in-principle understanding” with the Government of India regarding the restoration of democratic governance in Ladakh and the provision of constitutional safeguards similar to those available under Articles 371A, 371F and 371G, which apply to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram, respectively.

“Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) today reached an In-Principle Understanding with the Government of India on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of article 371 A, F, and G,” the statement said.

During the discussions, representatives of both the LAB and KDA reiterated the long-standing demands of Ladakh’s people concerning restoration of democracy, constitutional protections, statehood, and Sixth Schedule status for the region.

The delegation said the meeting reflected a collective effort by all stakeholders to move towards an inclusive and sustainable governance model for Ladakh.

According to the statement, detailed and constructive deliberations led both sides to arrive at an in-principle understanding on several key aspects concerning governance and administrative powers in the Union Territory.

“In this model, the legislative, executive and financial powers will rest with elected representatives through a Union Territory-level legislative body,” the delegation stated.

The proposed framework also envisages bringing all bureaucrats of the Union Territory, including the Chief Secretary, under the executive authority of an elected UT-level administration headed by a proposed Chief Minister.

The delegation further said that officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs explained that the primary reason Ladakh could not presently be granted full statehood was the region’s inadequate revenue generation capacity to independently meet revenue expenditures such as salaries and administrative costs.

However, according to the delegation, the proposed arrangement is expected to gradually pave the way for eventual statehood once Ladakh fulfils the required revenue benchmarks.

The LAB and KDA stated that they would continue to work closely with the Home Ministry and constitutional experts to finalise the finer operational and legal details of the proposed framework.

Since 2020, both the KDA and LAB have consistently demanded constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect the region’s tribal identity and cultural heritage.

Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The talks between Ladakhi civil society groups and the Union government had earlier stalled after violence broke out in Leh city on September 24, 2025, during which four persons, including a Kargil war veteran, were killed in police firing.

The last meeting of the high-powered committee headed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai had also remained inconclusive.

The latest round of discussions comes after the release of Sonam Wangchuk from detention under the NSA in March and the April 26 announcement by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena approving the notification of five new districts — Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass.

The creation of these new districts had earlier been announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in August 2024.

By: Waris Fayaz

Sopore, May 23: Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Saturday said the government is likely to implement the crop insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir within the next two months, while assuring relief to farmers affected by recent hailstorms after completion of damage assessment surveys.

Speaking to reporters amid widespread crop damage caused by repeated hailstorms in several parts of Kashmir Valley, the minister said officials from various departments have already started visiting affected areas to assess losses suffered by farmers and growers.

“The department has been trying since yesterday to reach every affected area and conduct assessments. Once the final assessment is completed, relief will be provided to the affected farmers,” Dar said.

He said the government is also expediting the process for implementation of the crop insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the minister, the bidding process for the scheme is scheduled to begin on June 1, and the entire procedure is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half to two months.

The minister said the government has already made budgetary provisions for the scheme, under which the premium amount will be shared by the Government of India, the Jammu and Kashmir administration and farmers.

On the horticulture sector, Dar said the government is in touch with the Centre regarding a market intervention scheme for C-grade apples. He said a team from NITI Aayog had visited Jammu and Kashmir two months ago, during which discussions were held on fixing prices for C-grade apples to support growers.

On the delay in extending insurance coverage to apple crops, Dar said horticulture comes under a separate weather-based crop insurance scheme. He added that apples and saffron have now been included under the proposed insurance framework in Kashmir.

The minister said the government had been attempting to introduce the scheme for years, but the process was delayed due to poor participation by insurance companies during the tendering process.

“Last year also, the process had almost been finalized, but then the Government of India revised the insurance policy framework, forcing us to issue fresh tenders,” he said.

Dar expressed hope that the fresh tendering process would conclude successfully and the scheme would soon be implemented to safeguard farmers and growers from weather-related losses. (KNO)

NEW DELHI, MAY 23: Jammu and Kashmir House at Chanakyapuri unveiled its newly redeveloped VVIP accommodation facilities on Friday, adding critical capacity to the Union Territory’s hospitality infrastructure for the dignitaries visiting the national capital.

Resident Commissioner, J&K, Ramesh Kumar, inaugurated the modernized 4th floor of C-Block in presence of Additional Resident Commissioner Anil Kumar Sharma and senior officers of the Resident Commission.

The upgrade has come after the reorganization of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, when A and B Blocks were transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh. That left J&K with only the ageing C-Block, sharply cutting accommodation for the visiting Ministers, MPs, senior civil and police officers, judicial officers and official delegations.

To address the gap, the administration undertook a comprehensive revamp of the 4th floor. The redesigned level now houses three suites including Pashmina, Hangul and Chinar and two VVIP rooms named as Trikuta and Saffron. These all have been built on contemporary hospitality standards for comfort, security and a professional environment.

New Delhi, May 23: Visiting US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Saturday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after his arrival in New Delhi and extended an invite on behalf of US President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the White House in the near future.

After the meeting, PM Modi said that both countries will continue to work closely for the global good.

“Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Taking to X, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor stated that, during the meeting, both sides had a “productive discussion” on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across various sectors.

He also mentioned that India remains a “vital partner” to the United States.

“Great to join Secretary Rubio for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies – areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States!” Gor posted on X.

“News! Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump, for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future!”, he added in another post.

Earlier in the day, Rubio arrived in Kolkata, kicking off his four-day visit to India. He was welcomed by Ambassador Gor at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Accompanied by his wife, Jeanette Rubio, the US Secretary of State visited Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.

“Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defence, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!”, Gor stated on X after Rubio’s arrival in Kolkata.

Rubio was the first US Secretary of State to visit Kolkata since Hillary Clinton travelled to the city in May 2012. His visit comes only weeks after West Bengal witnessed a major political change with a BJP-led government assuming power in the state

Rubio’s India itinerary, scheduled from May 23 to 26 and also covering Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, is being viewed as diplomatically significant because of planned energy discussions with India and meetings involving ministers from the Quad nations.

India is set to host the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26. At the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will also be arriving in India to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting along with Rubio.

Ahead of his visit to India, Rubio said that Washington wants to expand energy ties with New Delhi and deepen coordination through the Quad, while describing India as a “great ally” and “great partner” amid global supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Rubio’s visit will add further strength to India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Srinagar, May 23: Continuing its intensified crackdown against narcotics networks under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan-100 Days Campaign, Srinagar Police has attached multiple immovable properties worth approximately ₹5 crores belonging to individuals involved in drug trafficking and related unlawful activities across Srinagar and adjoining districts.

In a significant action, Police attached two residential properties comprising a single-storey and a double-storey house belongs to Bilal Ahmad Sheikh so of Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh and Aneek Ahmad Sheikh son of Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Larbal Beerwah, Budgam, and involved in case FIR No. 37/2024 U/S 8/20 NDPS Act of Police Station Saddar Srinagar.

The properties, valued at approximately ₹30 lakhs and ₹50 lakhs respectively, were attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act after completion of due legal formalities. The proceedings were conducted in the presence of the concerned Tehsildar and respectable members of the locality.

In another action, Police attached a double-storeyed residential house belonging to Suhaib Farooq Khan son of Farooq Ahmad Khan resident of Mini Colony, Chanapora, involved in FIR No. 15/2023 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Chanapora. The property, valued at approximately ₹1 crore, was attached under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act vide Attachment Order No. 02/2026 issued by Police Station Chanapora. The proceedings were carried out in the presence of police officials, Executive Magistrate and local witnesses.

Further, Police attached a three-storeyed residential house with attic belonging to Mohsin Ibrahim Naqash son of Mohammad Ibrahim Naqash resident of Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, involved in FIR No. 42/2026 U/S 8/21, 29 NDPS Act of Police Station Saddar Srinagar. The property, valued at approximately ₹1 crore, was attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act in the presence of the Naib Tehsildar Rambagh and respectable locals, ensuring transparency and due legal process.

In yet another major action, Police attached a three-storeyed residential house belonging to Farhan Manzoor Pandit son of Manzoor Pandit resident of Kursoo, Rajbagh, involved in FIR No. 18/2026 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Rajbagh. The attached property has an estimated market value of approximately ₹50 lakhs and was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act.

Additionally, Police Station Karan Nagar attached a double-storeyed residential house belonging to Fayaz Ahmad Rather son of Farooq Ahmad Rather resident of Patoo Mohalla Ajas, Bandipora, involved in FIR No. 01/2025 U/S 8/21, 29 NDPS Act and Section 111 BNS. The attachment proceedings were conducted strictly in accordance with legal provisions as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign.

In a separate action, Police attached a double-storeyed residential house situated at Bakshiabad, Bemina, belonging to Abid Hassan Dar son of Gh. Hassan Dar, involved in FIR No. 18/2022 of Police Station Batamaloo under Sections 8/21, 29, 27-A NDPS Act and Sections 468, 471, 473 IPC. The property, valued at approximately ₹1.7 crores, was attached under Sections 68-F(1) and 68-E of the NDPS Act for alleged forfeiture of illegally acquired property.

Investigations in these cases have revealed that the attached properties were acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking. Acting under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, Srinagar Police has formally attached these assets as part of sustained efforts to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug peddlers and narcotics networks.

These actions reflect the firm resolve and unwavering commitment of J&K Police towards eradicating the drug menace and safeguarding the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics.

J&K Police reiterates that any individual found involved in drug peddling or related unlawful activities shall face strict legal action, including attachment and forfeiture of illegally acquired properties under the NDPS Act. The general Public is once again urged to cooperate with Police by sharing any information related to drug peddling or substance abuse with the nearest police establishment. The identity of informants shall be kept strictly confidential.

Srinagar, May 23: Continuing its sustained efforts against drug trafficking and the narcotics menace, Police achieved another success by arresting four drug peddlers in Anantnag, Awantipora and Sopore and recovering contraband substances from their possession.

In Anantnag, a police party of Police Station Kokernag, during naka checking at Panzgam, intercepted two suspicious persons. During search, about 584 grams of Ganja-like substance and about 67 grams of Charas-like substance were recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Wani son of Sana Ullah Wani and Rouf Ahmad Bhat son of Mohd Maqbool Bhat, both residents of Panzgam, Kokernag.

In Awantipora, a police party of Police Station Tral apprehended a drug peddler during naka checking at Bathnoor–Nagdi Crossing. During search, 75 grams of Charas like substance and 460 grams of grinded Cannabis were recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Tariq Ahmad Khandey son of Mohammad Rajab Khandey resident of Bathnoor Tral.

In Sopore, Police apprehended a drug peddler during patrolling near Grid Station Seelo, in the jurisdiction of Police Post Bus Stand. He has been identified as Yawar-ul-Islam Naikoo son of Khazir Mohammad Naikoo resident of Seeloo Sopore. During search, heroin-like contraband substance was recovered from his possession and seized as per due legal procedure.

All the accused persons have been arrested, and accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations. Further investigation have been initiated.

Police remains committed to its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and appeals to the general public to share information regarding drug-related activities in their areas. Public cooperation remains vital in eliminating the drug menace from society.

Srinagar, May 23: Continuing its firm action against the cultivation and trafficking of narcotic substances, police in Anantnag and Pulwama detected and destroyed an illegal opium poppy cultivation in the Kokernag and Ganngoo areas and initiated legal proceedings against the offender.

Police Station Kokernag received reliable information regarding the illegal cultivation of opium poppy in vegetable fields at Senzi Gadool. Acting promptly on the information, a case FIR No. 56/2026 under Sections 8/18 of the NDPS Act was registered and investigation was taken up. During the course of investigation, a joint team comprising Police officials, the Executive Magistrate Gadool, and Agriculture Department officials from Vailoo visited the spot. Upon inspection, it was found that an individual had illegally cultivated opium poppy in his vegetable field in violation of the provisions of the NDPS Act.

Samples of the illicit crop were collected on the spot for forensic examination, while the entire poppy cultivation was destroyed in the presence of the Executive Magistrate. Statements of witnesses were also recorded as part of the investigation.

Similarly, Police unearthed illegal poppy cultivation in the Gangoo area of the district and registered a case under the NDPS Act. Acting on reliable information, a police party of Police Station Pulwama found that one Tanveer Hussain Malik son of Shabir Hussain Malik resident of Gangoo Malikpora had illegally cultivated poppy plants on his land at Hanjikhalo Gangoo. Accordingly, FIR No. 97/2026 under Sections 8/18 NDPS Act was registered and investigation was initiated.

During investigation, samples of the cultivated plants were collected for forensic analysis and the illegal cultivation was destroyed on the spot as per legal procedure.

Police reiterates its commitment to eradicating the menace of narcotics and urges the public to share information regarding any illegal cultivation, trafficking, or abuse of narcotic substances. Public cooperation remains crucial in building a drug-free society.

Leh, May 23: Three Indian Army officers, including a senior commander, had a narrow escape after their Cheetah helicopter crashed in the mountainous Tangtse region near Leh, officials familiar with the matter said.

A lieutenant colonel and a Major were piloting the single-engine helicopter at the time of the crash. Their passenger was Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Infantry Division.

Officials said all three officers survived the crash. Further details about injuries or the circumstances leading to the mishap were not immediately available.

The crash occurred in the rugged mountainous terrain of Tangtse, an area where Army helicopters routinely operate for transport and operational requirements in high-altitude conditions.

Authorities are expected to ascertain the cause of the incident. [KNT]

Shopian, May 23: A woman died after a cemented wall collapsed on her in the Keegam area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday, officials and local sources said.

The incident occurred in Chek Hakeem Bakir village of Keegam, where the wall reportedly collapsed accidentally, trapping the woman beneath the debris.

The deceased was identified as Raja Bano, wife of Muhammwd Akram Wani, a resident of Chek Hakeem Bakir.

Locals rushed to the spot soon after the collapse and launched rescue efforts to pull her out. However, she had already succumbed to her injuries before she could be shifted to a hospital.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated necessary proceedings. [KNT]