Flash floods in Doda, Kishtwar

By: Sajid Raina

Srinagar, Jun 02: As hailstorms, intense rainfall and gusty winds caused widespread damage to crops and orchards across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, a man was killed and his wife critically injured after a tree fell on them in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, while a woman died in lightning strike in Doda district.

According to the details, an ageing tree collapsed and fell on a couple near the Janglat Mandi-Lal Chowk road in Anantnag amid strong winds. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Rafiq Kujwal of Utross.  The condition of his wife remains critical and is undergoing treatment.

A woman identified as Pinki Devi from Khuddhar Doda died after a lightning struck the area this evening.

Reports aid that a cloudburst in Bandekhra Nalla near Thathri town in Doda district triggered flash floods, with debris entering parts of the local market area, officials said. No casualties were reported.

Two separate cloudbursts were also reported from the Ghan and Machipal areas of Kishtwar district. Authorities said there was no loss of life or damage to property in either incident, and the situation remained under control.

Meanwhile, the inclement weather conditions disrupted normal life in several parts of Kashmir as hailstorms accompanied by heavy showers battered agricultural areas, raising concerns among farmers over extensive damage to standing crops, vegetables and fruit orchards.

Severe hailstorms struck parts of Shopian and Pulwama districts on Friday, affecting areas including Uthmullah, Rahmoo, Sindo Shirmal, Balpora, Memandar, Shamshipora and Ramnagri. Similar weather activity was also reported from Kupwara district in north Kashmir.

Fresh hailstorms were reported on Tuesday from Aripal in Tral, adjoining areas of Awantipora, Kakapora in Pulwama district and several locations in Ganderbal district, residents said.

The successive spells of hail and rain have caused damage to crops in various parts of the Valley, particularly in fruit-growing regions.

Expressing concern over the losses, Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat urged the government to undertake an immediate assessment of the damage and provide relief to affected farmers.

Bhat said the latest hailstorm had devastated crops, vegetables and fruit orchards in several villages of Bandipora and other parts of Kashmir, leaving farmers in distress.

According to the legislator, Bonakoot village in Bandipora was among the worst-hit areas, with reports of substantial losses to crops and orchards.

The precipitation followed an unusually warm day in Kashmir. According to the India Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal, while the city registered a minimum temperature of 19.2 degrees Celsius, the highest night temperature of the season so far.

Qazigund recorded a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 29.4 degrees Celsius and Kupwara 27.8 degrees Celsius. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius.

MeT office advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert in view of the possibility of further rain, thunderstorms and localised flash floods. (KNO)

Srinagar, Jun 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is closely monitoring the situation that has arisen due to the flash floods caused by heavy rainfall in Kishtwar and Doda.

The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X: “Spoke with Deputy Commissioners of Kishtwar & Doda regarding the flash floods caused by heavy rainfall. Fortunately, no loss of life or property damage has been reported. Emergency response teams have been directed to remain on high alert and continuously monitor the situation.

I’ve directed both the DCs of Kishtwar and Doda to swiftly restore roads, highways, and water pipelines. Field staff and specialized medical teams are on high alert, and damage assessments will begin as soon as field verification is complete. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Pinki Devi from Khuddhar Doda, who tragically passed away due to a lightning strike. The Deputy Commissioner of Doda has been directed to provide immediate relief and assistance to the family.”

Chairs 9th Governing Body meeting

SRINAGAR, JUNE 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday chaired the 9th Governing Body Meeting of the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) at SKICC, where a comprehensive review of the functioning, infrastructure, finances and future development plans of the premier golfing destination was undertaken.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and members of the Governing Body which include Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chander Verma, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Planning, Development & Monitoring Alice Vaz, Secretary Royal Springs Golf Course Haris Ahmad Handoo, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad.

Secretary, Royal Springs Golf Course, Haris Ahmad Handoo gave a detailed presentation to the Governing Body, outlining the action taken on decisions made during previous meetings. The presentation also highlighted the Golf Course’s financial and operational performance, membership profile, infrastructure requirements, and proposed strategies for its future development and growth.

The Governing Body reviewed the progress achieved and deliberated on various measures aimed at strengthening the facilities and enhancing the overall functioning of the prestigious Golf Course. The Governing Body discussed several proposals focussing on restoration and renovation of the golf course through engagement of expert consultants, enrolment of new golf playing members, construction of an aesthetically pleasing boundary wall to secure the remaining area of the Golf Course from intrusion of wild animals which is designed in harmony with the natural surroundings, renovation of huts, solarization to promote clean energy and reduce electricity expenditure, renovation and improvement in Club facilities particularly gymnasium, swimming pool, restaurant and revision in rates to boost revenue collection for maintenance of golf course.

The Chief Minister underscored the importance of improving the overall service, other facilities and overall visitor experience at the Golf course. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to adhere to the accepted engineering standards in turf management and ensuring high quality greens, fairways to match global standards.

CM Omar Abdullah emphasized on development and upgradation of Golf Course infrastructure and amenities to enhance its attractiveness for weekend golfers, corporate groups, tourists, and golfing enthusiasts, thereby promoting the facility as a premier golfing and recreational destination.

The meeting also deliberated on proposals relating to employee welfare, service matters, recruitment rules, financial management and institutional strengthening. Various initiatives for improving operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery standards and promoting golf tourism in Jammu and Kashmir were also reviewed.

Emphasizing the importance of preserving the Royal Springs Golf Course as one of the country’s finest golfing destinations, the Chief Minister directed the Tourism department and the RSGC management to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the restoration and modernization of the golf course while maintaining its internationally recognized standards and ecological character.

He stressed the need to adopt best practices in golf course management, turf maintenance and hospitality services to further enhance the facility’s appeal among domestic and international golfers. He also called for exploring sustainable revenue-generation avenues to ensure the long-term financial viability of the Golf Course while maintaining the exclusivity and quality of its services.

The Chief Minister underscored the immense potential of golf tourism in Jammu & Kashmir and directed RSGC management to formulate a strategy for attracting more national and international tournaments, strengthening promotional efforts and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a premier golfing destination on the global tourism map.

He further directed that all future development initiatives at the golf course be guided by the principles of environmental sustainability, financial prudence and long-term institutional benefit. He also emphasized the importance of employee welfare, skill upgradation and capacity building for ensuring professional management and efficient service delivery.

The Governing Body reviewed the budget estimates and action plan for the financial year 2026-27 and discussed strategies for enhancing infrastructure, improving visitor facilities and creating additional opportunities for growth of golf tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting concluded with detailed deliberations on the agenda items and directions for taking forward various proposals in accordance with established procedures.

Telangana Day celebrated at Lok Bhavan

SRINAGAR, JUNE 2: The Statehood Day of Telangana was celebrated in Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan in the presence of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, earlier Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said that this is a remarkable coincidence that both Jammu Kashmir and Telangana are considered as sacred lands of Lord Shiva.

He also emphasized on rich literary traditions of Telangana and said the great figures in this field inspired and awakened the society.

“From the 11th century verses of Malliya Rechanna to the poetic imagination of modern figures such as Atreya and Dasarathi Krishnamacharyulu, Telangana’s literary tradition has enriched Indian literature. Since ancient times, Telangana’s great luminaries have undertaken extraordinary efforts to awaken social consciousness and advance the social reforms,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to the brave freedom fighters and tribal leaders Ramji Gond, Komaram Bheem, and Alluri Sitarama Raju. He said the farmers, soldiers, scientists, entrepreneurs, poets, and artists of the Telangana region have made immense contributions to the nation building.

“As every citizen contributes to our shared progress, let us pledge to draw strength from our diversity, celebrate our rich culture and march together towards a prosperous future,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

New Delhi, June 02: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday extended his greetings to the people of Telangana on the special occasion of Telangana Statehood Day.

The Prime Minister noted that the people of Telangana are known for their spirit of innovation and enterprise, and highlighted the state’s glorious culture and history of courage and determination.

Modi affirmed the Central Government’s commitment to supporting Telangana’s growth trajectory in realising the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’, and prayed for the good health and success of the people of the state.

The Prime Minister posted on X: “Greetings to the people of Telangana on the special occasion of Telangana Statehood Day. The people of Telangana are known for their spirit of innovation and enterprise. The State is known for its glorious culture and history…one of courage and determination. The Central Government is committed to supporting Telangana’s growth trajectory in realising our dream of a Viksit Bharat. Praying for the good health and success of the people of the State.”

 Srinagar, Jun 02: All eyes are on the crucial meeting of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with National Conference MLAs and MPs, and five independent MLAs supporting his government.

Sources said that all NC MLAs, four MPs, and the five independent MLAs have been invited to the meeting, which will be chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself.

The party leadership is tight‑lipped about the agenda of the meeting, with sources suggesting that only the Chief Minister is aware of the issues to be discussed.

“Nobody, including ministers, has any idea what will be discussed in the meeting or what agenda will come up,” sources said, adding that governance-particularly the functioning of ministers-would be discussed threadbare.

Sources further said that MLAs from Pir Panchal have complained to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about bias in the allotment of funds by the Roads & Buildings Ministry under different schemes.

“They have alleged that the Deputy CM’s constituency has virtually walked away with all the funds of the R&B Department, while their segments have been allotted peanuts,” sources said, adding that they cited allocations made under different schemes by the R&B Department.

The political parties in J&K are keenly watching the outcome of the meeting particularly NC’s stance on the issue of statehood.

The development assumes added significance in light of remarks made by Omar Abdullah last month. Addressing a public gathering in Tangmarg on May 6, the Chief Minister had hinted that he had much to say on certain critical issues but was deliberately exercising restraint.

“I want to burst like a cloudburst,” Omar had remarked. (KNO)

Srinagar, Jun 02: Describing the National Conference’s June 3 meeting as a floor test, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s paranoia over losing power has reduced governance to loyalty parades.

Sharma said that Omar Abdullah is fearful of losing power and is compelling his MLAs to participate in weekly loyalty parades.

“This meeting is nothing more than a floor test. Omar Abdullah has started a weekly ritual of floor tests to check the loyalty of his MLAs. The first such test was conducted in the name of the Provincial Working Committee meeting, the second was a dinner hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister, and the third is tomorrow’s meeting of the Chief Minister with MLAs,” he said.

On criticism by the National Conference over his statement that Omar Abdullah would not resign even if relegated to the position of Chief Executive Councillor of a Hill Council, Sharma said that he stands by every word, adding that the past conduct of the Chief Minister proves he would not quit even as Sarpanch or Panch so long as the cavalcade of vehicles and VIP protocol remains intact.

“Is it not a fact that Omar Abdullah repeatedly said from 2020 to 2024 that he would not humiliate himself by entering the legislature of a Union Territory? Is he not the same man who stated in 2024 that he would not sit outside the waiting room of the LG and ask him to sign files? What made him change his mind? Let me tell the people of Kashmir: the Abdullah family has only one ideology-power,” he said. (KNO)

Srinagar, June 02: In its continued efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle the financial networks of narcotics peddlers, Police in Pulwama has attached a double-storey residential house worth ₹19.65 lakh belonging to a drug peddler involved in an NDPS case.

The attached property comprises a double-storey concrete house built in 2023 over Plot No. 445 measuring 828.5 sq ft at Housing Colony Ompora, Budgam and belongs to Towfeeq Ahmad Sheikh son of Mohd Rafiq Sheikh resident of Yariban Hajitra Karnah, Kupwara and at present Housing Colony Ompora Budgam.

The property has been attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act, 1985 in connection with FIR No. 124/2025 U/S 8/21/29 NDPS Act of Police Station Rajpora. Investigation revealed that the property is disproportionate to the known sources of income of the accused and have been acquired through proceeds of illicit narcotic trafficking.

J&K Police remains committed to taking stringent action against drug peddlers and targeting assets derived from the narcotics trade as part of its sustained campaign against the drug menace.

Srinagar, June 02: Continuing its sustained campaign against narcotics cultivation and drug abuse under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, J&K Police carried out anti-drug enforcement operations in Baramulla, Sopore and Anantnag districts, leading to the destruction of wild cannabis and illegally cultivated poppy crops.

In Baramulla, Police, in coordination with local residents, conducted a destruction drive at Check Jamal Mir, Palhalan, where wild cannabis spread over approximately one kanal of state land was identified and destroyed, preventing its potential misuse. The operation also served as an opportunity to sensitize the local population about the harmful effects of narcotic substances and the importance of community participation in combating the drug menace.

In Anantnag, acting on specific information, a joint team comprising Police, an Executive Magistrate and officials from the Agriculture Department detected illegal poppy cultivation in an orchard at Kapran, Verinag. The crop was destroyed on the spot after following due legal procedures. In this connection, FIR No. 84/2026 has been registered and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the involvement of persons responsible for the illegal cultivation.

Meanwhile, Sopore Police, in collaboration with Excise officials, conducted a destruction drive in the Tragpora area under the jurisdiction of Police Post Watergam. During the operation, wild cannabis growing over a considerable area was identified and destroyed, while samples were collected and seized for further examination in accordance with legal formalities.

These operations are the part of the ongoing efforts of J&K Police to eliminate sources of narcotic substances, curb drug abuse and ensure strict enforcement of the NDPS Act. Police have reiterated their commitment to eradicating the drug menace and have urged members of the public to share information regarding drug trafficking, peddling or illegal cultivation of narcotic plants.

Srinagar, June 02: Continuing its intensified campaign against drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, J&K Police achieved significant success in separate anti-narcotics operations conducted in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts, leading to the arrest of two drug peddlers and recovery of contraband substances.

In Anantnag, a police party from Police Station Mattan established a naka at Mattan Morh, Kehribal, on the Mattan–Kehribal Road. During checking, a suspicious individual approaching from Mattan towards Kehribal attempted to flee upon noticing the police presence. Acting swiftly, the police personnel chased and apprehended him on the spot.

During search, approximately 06 grams of heroin-like substance, ₹11,700 in cash, one mobile phone, and a wallet were recovered from his possession. The accused has been identified as Umar Nabi Khan son of Ghulam Nabi Khan resident of Ranbirpora, Kehribal. In this regard, FIR No. 62/2026 has been registered at Police Station Mattan, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the contraband.

Meanwhile, in Ganderbal, police personnel from Police Station Gund, during a surprise naka checking operation at Baghpati Surfraw, intercepted a youth moving suspiciously from Surfraw towards Ganiwan. During search, charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. The accused, identified as Abid Ahmad Lone son of Javid Ahmad Lone resident of Surfraw, was arrested on the spot. Accordingly, FIR No. 16/2026 under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Gund, and investigation into the case has been initiated.

J&K Police remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance approach against drug trafficking and substance abuse. The public is urged to continue extending support by sharing information regarding drug-related activities in their respective areas. Active community participation remains crucial in safeguarding society, particularly the youth, from the menace of narcotics.