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MT Sarv Shakti Safely Crosses Strait of Hormuz, Set to Reach Visakhapatnam by May 13

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MT Sarv Shakti Safely Crosses Strait of Hormuz, Set to Reach Visakhapatnam by May 13

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: In light of the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India remains actively engaged in ensuring preparedness and continuity across key sectors through coordinated response measures. The following update outlines the steps being taken with regard to energy supply, maritime operations, and support to Indian nationals in the region:

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the evolving situation in West Asia. It was noted that:

Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness

  • Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.
  • Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information.
  • LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.
  • Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops.
  • All citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation.

Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures

  • Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport).
  • For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals, educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrant labour is also doubled based on avg. daily supply on 2nd and 3rd March 2026.
  • The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.
  • Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.
  • The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers.
  • States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.

Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms

  • State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing.
  • Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs.
  • The Government of India vide letters dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability. Regular review meetings are being held with States/UTs. In this context, meetings were convened on 02.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG) and on 06.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG along with Secretaries of I&B and Consumer Affairs), wherein the following was emphasized:
    • To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.
    • To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.
    • To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs
    • To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs
    • To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.
    • To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.
    • To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability.
  • All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing.
  • Many states/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs.

Enforcement and Monitoring Actions

  • Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Yesterday, more than 1900 raids were conducted across the country.
  • PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 349 LPG distributorships, and 74 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday.

 

LPG Supply

Domestic LPG Supply Status:

  • LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.
  • Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritized.
  • No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
  • Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to 99% on industry basis yesterday.
  • Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 94% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.
  • On 02.05.2026, around 47 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of around 47.4 Lakh LPG cylinders.

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:

  • Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.
  • The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders are at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
  • Since the month of April  2026, more than 23.44 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
  • Yesterday, more than 66,000 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were delivered.
  • Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 10,100 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein around 1,75,000 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold.
  • Yesterday, 3778 – 5 Kg FTLs were sold through more than 130 camps.
  • A three-member committee of Executive Directors of IOCL, HPCL and BPCL, in consultation with State authorities and industry bodies finalises the plan for the sale of Commercial LPG in the States/UTs.
  • Since April-26, a total of 2,14,069 MT (Equivalent to more than 112.66 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold.
  • On 02.05.2026, about 8220 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to more than 4.33 Lakh – 19 Kg cylinders) was sold.
  • Since April 2026, a total of 11082 MT of Auto LPG has been sold by PSU OMCs.

 

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives

  • Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport.
  • The overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants has been enhanced to approximately 98% of their six-month average consumption.
  • Additionally, gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through CGD networks, is enhanced up to 80%.
  • CGD entities have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens across all their GAs, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG.
  • CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.
  • States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks.
  • The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG.
  • 22 States/UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.
  • The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.26 has adopted an ‘Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure with reduced timelines’ as a special for 3 months to process applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure on priority.
  • The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy.
  • PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.
  • To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, the Government of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy. The model policy is intended to serve as a comprehensive flexible guiding framework to enable States to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for CBG development. Those States which opt for this, will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG.
  • MoEFCC vide order dated 07.04.2026 has directed CPCB to issue necessary directions to SPCB/PCCs for granting consent to establish or consent to operate within 15 days for CGD network/infrastructure.
  • Since March 2026, about 6.04 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.68 Lakh connections, taking the total to 8.72 lakh connections. Further, about 6.73 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.
  • Till 02.05.2026, more than 43,630 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website.

 

Crude Position and Refinery Operations

  • All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.
  • Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.
  • An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT).
  • Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1000 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies.
  • Since 9th April 2026, more than 10,600 MT of propylene and about 1400 MT of Butyl Acrylate has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai, Mathura and Gujarat refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industry.

 

Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures

  • All Retail outlets are operating normally across the country.
  • The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.
  • Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 30.04.2026 has reduced the export levy on diesel from Rs. 55.50 per litre to Rs. 23 per litre and on ATF from Rs. 42 per litre to Rs. 33 per litre.
  • Panic Buying is observed at certain Retail Outlets due to rumours. It is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Regular Retail Prices for Petrol and Diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs Retail Outlets.

Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures

  • An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States/UTs over and above regular allocation.
  • 18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has put in place necessary measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region. The Ministry stated that:

  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.
  • Vessel Update: A Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier, MT Sarv Shakti (IMO No. 9350599), carrying 46,313 MT of LPG (Indian cargo), with 20 crew members onboard including 18 Indians, has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 02 May 2026, and is expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on 13 May 2026
  • All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.
  • DG Shipping Control Room has handled 8,373 calls and more than 17,965 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 38 calls and 127 emails have been received.
  • The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,953 Indian seafarers so far, including 31 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.
  • Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported.

 

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that:

  • The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.
  • Indian embassies and consulates continue to operate round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance and are proactively assisting our citizens. They are also in close contact with the local Governments.
  • Updated advisories are being issued including information related to local government guidelines, flight and travel situations, consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken for the community.
  • Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. They are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, and Indian companies to address their concerns.
  • Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to them including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting for requests to return to India.
  • The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India.
  • On May 2, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority announced full resumption of normal air navigation operations within UAE airspace and the lifting of temporary precautionary measures. Indian and UAE carriers are operating flights from UAE to various destinations in India.
  • Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.
  • Qatar airspace is partially open. Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and Qatar Airways are operating flights from Qatar to various destinations in India.
  • Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating flights from Kuwait to India.
  • BBahrain airspace is open. Air India Express, Indigo and Gulf Air are operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India.
  • Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
  • Iran airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights. We have advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran and urged those already there to leave via land border routes, with our Embassy’s support. So far, our Embassy in Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,504 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes.

Director SKIMS Leads Institutional Participation in Anti-Drug Mass Padyatra

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Director SKIMS Leads Institutional Participation in Anti-Drug Mass Padyatra

Srinagar: Director SKIMS, Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, along with faculty members and staff of SKIMS, actively participated in a Mass Padyatra led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan.

The padyatra marked a strong and visible commitment by the administration to transform the anti-drug initiative into a sustained public movement, with the Lieutenant Governor himself leading from the front.

The event was coordinated by the Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, under the patronage of the Director SKIMS. Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS,, Prof. Bashir Ahmed Fomda and HOD Community Medicine , Prof. Anjum Fazili & various heads of different departments and sections actively participated in the event. The participation of SKIMS was marked by enthusiasm, solidarity, and a shared commitment to combating drug abuse in society.

Prof. Ashraf Ganie in his message emphasized that SKIMS remains steadfast in its commitment to community-level initiatives. He stated that the institute will further strengthen this drive through targeted programs aimed at community engagement and awareness to ensure meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Highlighting the growing concern of substance abuse, he noted that the drug menace is steadily consuming society and reiterated SKIMS’ full support in eradicating this social evil through collective and sustained efforts.

BJP Hits Out: Mistrust Is With Abdullahs and NC, Not Delhi

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BJP Hits Out: Mistrust Is With Abdullahs and NC, Not Delhi

Srinagar, May 03: Responding to recent remarks by Farooq Abdullah, BJP J&K State Spokesperson Danish Bhat said the mistrust that did emerge in Jammu and Kashmir over the decades was not organic, but consciously sown by the leadership of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference to retain political control and evade accountability.

Bhat said the political trajectory of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference reflects repeated ideological reversals, recalling how the Plebiscite Front was abandoned after the attainment of power and later dismissed as “Siyasi Awaragardi.” He said such reversals demonstrate a pattern where public sentiment is mobilised for power and discarded thereafter.

Bhat said the narrative of keeping Kashmir at a political distance from Delhi was deliberately cultivated to project one family as the sole intermediary, enabling concentration of authority while shielding decades of corruption, unchecked wealth accumulation, and preferential allocation of public resources to a narrow circle of elites and political associates.

Referring to the 1987 Jammu and Kashmir elections, Bhat said widely acknowledged allegations of electoral manipulation involving the National Conference, with the complicity of the Indian National Congress, severely damaged democratic credibility. He said this erosion of trust created conditions where terrorism was born in Kashmir, with ordinary people paying the price through years of violence and instability.

Bhat said that for years, cycles of unrest also functioned as a political shield, allowing those in power to evade scrutiny while governance deficits deepened. He alleged that public assets, opportunities, and state patronage were disproportionately cornered by a select political class and its affiliates, while the wider population faced unemployment, limited economic mobility, and administrative neglect.

Bhat said instead of introspection, the same leadership continues to invoke Pakistan and recycle the narrative of mistrust to divert attention from its present failures. He said this is being done at a time when the National Conference is facing growing public disillusionment over its inability to deliver on key promises made in its election manifesto.

He pointed out that commitments such as 200 units of free electricity, creation of one lakh jobs, provision of 12 free LPG cylinders, and filling of vacant government posts within 180 days remain unfulfilled. Bhat said these promises were presented as guarantees but have not translated into measurable outcomes on the ground.

Bhat said that while governance delivery remains weak, attempts are being made to revive old political narratives to obscure issues related to performance and accountability. He added that concerns regarding corruption and administrative inefficiency are again surfacing, reinforcing public dissatisfaction.

Contrasting this with recent developments, Bhat said the government led by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi has steadily earned the trust of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through tangible outcomes. He said direct rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, long seen as an unfulfilled promise for decades, has now been realised, marking a major milestone in regional integration and mobility.

Bhat said that post-2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a structural shift on the ground, with sustained peace, substantial decline in terrorist incidents, record tourism inflows, accelerated execution of infrastructure projects across sectors, absence of street violence, and an end to killings linked to such unrest. He said businesses now operate throughout the year without disruption from hartals, and educational institutions function without prolonged interruptions, reflecting stability in everyday life.

He added that governance has become more direct and outcome-oriented, with central welfare schemes reaching beneficiaries at scale and reducing leakages historically associated with intermediary-driven systems.

Bhat concluded that mistrust does exist today, but it is directed towards the Abdullah family and the National Conference, not the Centre. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir are more aware, informed, and unwilling to be misled by recycled narratives, and are instead placing their trust in governance that delivers stability, development, and accountability.

Supreme Court Allows Appointment Of ReT Candidates In J&K Subject To Clearing TET In Three Years

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Supreme Court Allows Appointment Of ReT Candidates In J&K Subject To Clearing TET In Three Years

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has allowed the appointment of candidates placed in select panels under the Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, holding that the closure of the scheme cannot retrospectively deprive them of appointment. The Court directed that such candidates be issued engagement orders, subject to acquiring the minimum qualifications, including passing the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET), within three years and three attempts.

A Bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Justice Atul S Chandurkar invoked its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to balance the equities between candidates awaiting appointment and the statutory requirement of maintaining minimum teaching standards under the Right to Education Act.

While permitting appointments, the Court emphasised that compliance with statutory qualification norms remains essential. It therefore directed that candidates appointed under the scheme must acquire the minimum qualifications prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education, including clearing the TET, within three years and three attempts from the date of appointment.

The ReT Scheme was introduced in 2000 to address the shortage of teachers in remote and underserved areas by engaging local individuals to provide elementary education. The scheme was formally closed on November 16, 2018, with the Government simultaneously cancelling all advertisements and select panels where engagement orders had not yet been issued.

Several candidates challenged the closure order, contending that their placement in select panels created a vested right to appointment. The High Court upheld the closure order but carved out limited exceptions. Both the State and affected candidates approached the Supreme Court.

Pendency Of Litigation Not A Valid Basis For Denial Of Appointment The Supreme Court Court held that their candidature could not be denied solely on the ground that litigation was pending at the time the scheme was closed. “Mere pendency of litigation concerning a candidate is an extraneous circumstance and cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be made a basis for such classification.”, observed the bench.

LG Manoj Sinha declares zero tolerance in anti-drug drive across J&K

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LG Manoj Sinha declares zero tolerance in anti-drug drive across J&K

Srinagar, May 3: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Sunday launched a sweeping campaign against drug abuse and narco-terrorism in Srinagar, vowing strict action against offenders and emphasizing that “no one will be spared.”

According to officials, the initiative aims to significantly intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks operating across the Union Territory. The campaign, led by the administration, will involve coordinated action by law enforcement agencies, enhanced surveillance, and widespread awareness programmes to identify and act against drug peddlers and their support systems.

The move is part of a broader strategy by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to build a drug-free society and safeguard the region’s youth.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha described narco-terrorism—the alleged link between drug trafficking and cross-border militancy—as a major threat to both security and the future of young people in the region. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against those involved in such activities.

He also called on civil society, community leaders, and youth to play an active role in steering individuals away from substance abuse.

Meanwhile, a large number of people participated in a padyatra against drugs at the TRC Football Stadium, which was flagged off by the Lieutenant Governor, reflecting growing public support for the anti-drug campaign.

Anti-Drug Drive Becomes People’s Movement in Kashmir in 3 Weeks: Div Com

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Anti-Drug Drive Becomes People’s Movement in Kashmir in 3 Weeks: Div Com

30K awareness programmes, 3K clerics join; focus shifts to supply crackdown, rehab support

 

Srinagar, May 3: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg (IAS) on Sunday said the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan has rapidly evolved into a mass movement across the Valley within just three weeks of its launch.

Speaking at TRC Football Ground Srinagar after a padyatra, as pwr news agency JKNS, Garg said the campaign, launched on April 11, has witnessed widespread public participation, turning into what he described as a “jan andolan.”

He said more than 30,000 awareness programmes have been conducted across Kashmir, ensuring outreach to every village and ward. “The campaign has moved beyond schools and colleges, with over 3,000 religious leaders actively participating,” he said.

Emphasising a dual strategy, Garg said the administration is not only focusing on awareness but also intensifying action against the drug supply chain. “Hotspots are being identified and strict action is underway against traffickers and peddlers through FIRs, arrests and legal proceedings,” he said.

He added that authorities are also invoking measures linked to driving licences, Aadhaar, passports, property demolition and revenue records to deter those involved in narcotics-related activities.

At the grassroots level, Nambardar and Chowkidar networks have been activated, while district control rooms have received over 2,000 calls from the public, prompting action.

Garg said nearly 98 percent of public institutions have been integrated into the campaign, alongside steps to ensure transparency through open billing and stock registers.

He said the next phase of the drive will prioritise rehabilitation and counselling support for affected individuals, with counsellors being deployed at schools, colleges and block levels.

Thanking youth, NGOs, civil society and media for their role, Garg urged continued public participation to sustain the momentum against drug abuse.

LG Manoj Sinha Launches Anti-Drug, Anti-Narco-Terror Drive in Srinagar

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LG Manoj Sinha Launches Anti-Drug, Anti-Narco-Terror Drive in Srinagar

Tauseef Ahmad

Srinagar, May 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday unveiled a comprehensive campaign aimed at tackling drug abuse and curbing narco-terrorism across Jammu and Kashmir, with a strong focus on protecting the region’s youth.

The initiative, launched in Srinagar, marks a renewed push by the administration to dismantle narcotics networks and cut off links between drug trafficking and terror financing. Officials said the drive will combine strict law enforcement measures with large-scale public awareness efforts.

Authorities plan to intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence-sharing, and take decisive action against drug peddlers and organized networks operating in the region. The campaign will also involve outreach programs in schools, colleges, and communities to educate people about the dangers of substance abuse.

Addressing the gathering, Manoj Sinha stressed that eliminating drug abuse requires a collective effort. He called upon young people, parents, educators, and civil society groups to actively support the mission, highlighting that community participation is key to long-term success.

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach, the Lieutenant Governor warned that those involved in drug trafficking or aiding such activities would face strict legal consequences. He added that the administration remains committed to building a safer, drug-free environment for future generations.

The campaign forms part of a broader strategy by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to combat the dual threat of narcotics and terrorism, while ensuring social stability and public well-being across the Union Territory.

“Gram Sabha Hallan,Manzgam Declares 60 Sq Km Forest as Community Forest; Announces Blanket Ban on Plastic & Packaged Food in Chiranbal Meadows “

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“Gram Sabha Hallan,Manzgam Declares 60 Sq Km Forest as Community Forest; Announces Blanket Ban on Plastic & Packaged Food in Chiranbal Meadows “

Kulgam: In a landmark assertion of people’s rights, ecological responsibility, and grassroots democracy, the 33rd Gram Sabha on Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act 2006 was successfully convened at Panchayat Halqa Hallan–Manzgam in District Kulgam. With an unprecedented participation of more than 700 members, the Gram Sabha emerged as a powerful platform of collective will, reclaiming both rights and responsibilities over forest landscapes.
In a historic resolution, the Gram Sabha declared approximately 60 square kilometres of forest land as Community Forest under CFR provisions and announced a complete ban on plastic and packaged food within this jurisdiction, with special emphasis on protecting the fragile alpine ecosystems of Chiranbal Meadow.
The Gram Sabha was facilitated by the Forest Rights Coalition J&K (FRC J&K), led by Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool (Founder), Zahid Parwaz Choudhary (Convenor), and Adv Naveed Bukhtiyar (Legal Advisor), in collaboration with RDD block Manzgam and FRC Hallan. The gathering witnessed participation from a diverse cross-section including local residents, school children, teachers, Forest Department officials, Rural Development staff, and Panchayat representatives.
The proceedings commenced with Tilawat-e-Quran, followed by a welcome address by Chowdary Isaq. The former Sarpanch highlighted pressing issues including closure of pastoral routes, denial of access to traditional grazing pastures, lack of adequate school infrastructure, and the continued disconnect and high-handed approach of certain sections of the Forest Department.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool emphasized that the Forest Rights Act represents a historic corrective justice framework recognizing forest dwellers as rightful custodians of forests. He asserted that its implementation in Jammu & Kashmir is an irreversible reality and called upon the Forest Department to align with the spirit of the law.
He stated, “We need to understand that FRA is for the people dependent on forests and mountains—climate-resilient indigenous communities whose way of life and traditional wisdom offer the only sustainable path to protect forests in the larger interest of climate stability and water security.” He further underlined that CFR not only grants rights but also binds communities to conservation, restoration, and sustainable stewardship.
Advocate Naveed Bukhtiyar elaborated on the legal safeguards under FRA, stating that any intervention in forest areas without prior informed consent of the Gram Sabha is illegal and constitutes a violation of the law. He cautioned that obstruction of rights may attract legal consequences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, Convenor FRC J&K, reiterated the coalition’s commitment stating, “FRC J&K is committed to assist, educate, advocate, agitate, and monitor the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006 for indigenous pastoral and other forest-dwelling communities across Jammu & Kashmir and the Western Himalayas.” He further emphasized that, “The Forest Department must transform its approach, internalize the spirit of FRA, and work in partnership with communities for the greater welfare of people and conservation of forests.”
He also presented the Gram Sabha Resolution, extending full institutional support to communities in securing their CFR claims.
Key Highlights of the Gram Sabha Resolution:
Declaration of nearly 60 sq km of forest land as Community Forest under CFR.
Immediate reopening of all traditional routes leading to highland pastures.
Reopening of all the closed 30 dokes (traditional seasonal shelters).
Allocation of land for construction of High School and Middle School.
Community-led commitment to conservation, restoration, and sustainable forest management.
Complete ban on plastic and packaged food in forest areas, especially in Chiranbal Meadow and other trekking routes.
The people of Hallan–Manzgam expressed deep appreciation for FRC J&K’s continued support in strengthening Gram Sabhas through legal awareness, mobilization, and advocacy. This Gram Sabha stands as a defining moment in advancing community-led forest governance and ecological stewardship in Jammu & Kashmir.
FRC J&K reiterated its commitment to expanding support across the region, ensuring effective implementation of Community Forest Rights, and promoting a balanced framework of rights with responsibilities rooted in conservation, restoration, and sustainability.
In his concluding remarks, Mohd Altaf Poswal, District Coordinator Kulgam (FRC J&K), thanked all participants and emphasized the urgent need for a coexistence-based model where forest conservation and community rights move forward together.Forest Rights Coalition J&K (FRC J&K)

Eminent Kashmiri Scholar Late Abu Tariq Gh. Nabi Mir Honoured Posthumously

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Eminent Kashmiri Scholar Late Abu Tariq Gh. Nabi Mir Honoured Posthumously

Srinagar, May 2: Renowned Kashmiri scholar and writer Late Abu Tariq Gh. Nabi Mir of Dooru Shahabad, Anantnag, has been posthumously conferred the prestigious Rabindranath Tagore Hall of Fame Award by the Welred Foundation in recognition of his lifelong contributions to literature, spirituality, and social service.

A distinguished author, Islamic scholar, publisher, and Naat Khawan, Mir was widely respected for his scholarly works on Islamic history, spiritual traditions, and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. His writings continue to inspire scholars and readers across the region.

He also founded the Institute of Research and Writers Academy in Dooru, Anantnag, and remained actively associated with several religious and intellectual organisations, playing an important role in promoting knowledge and community development.

Late Mir passed away in December 2024 and is remembered as a respected intellectual figure whose literary and spiritual legacy continues to guide future generations.

Mohd Ashraf Hakak, Tahleela Asmat, Dr Nadia Given Warm Farewell at GMC Srinagar

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Mohd Ashraf Hakak, Tahleela Asmat, Dr Nadia Given Warm Farewell at GMC Srinagar

Srinagar, May 2: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Saturday accorded a warm and heartfelt farewell to noted administrator Mohd Ashraf Hakak, Financial Advisor Tahleela Asmat, and Chief Accounts Officer Dr. Nadia following their transfers and new assignments.

The farewell function was attended by Principal GMC Srinagar Dr. Iffat Hassan, senior faculty members, administrative officers, doctors, and staff, who gathered in large numbers to acknowledge the dedicated services and valuable contributions of the outgoing officers. The atmosphere was marked by appreciation and emotion as colleagues shared their experiences of working with them.

Speakers on the occasion described Mohd Ashraf Hakak as an efficient, dynamic, and people-friendly administrator who played a key role in streamlining administrative functioning at the institution. His tenure, they said, was marked by transparency, discipline, and a strong commitment to enhancing patient care and staff welfare.

Financial Advisor Tahleela Asmat and Chief Accounts Officer Dr. Nadia were also lauded for their professionalism, financial expertise, and dedication in ensuring efficient financial management and accountability at GMC Srinagar. Their role in strengthening institutional systems and processes was widely appreciated.

Several speakers highlighted that under their collective leadership, significant administrative and financial reforms were introduced, improving inter-departmental coordination and ensuring smoother functioning of hospital services. Their proactive approach in addressing the concerns of staff and patients earned them immense respect and admiration.

In his farewell address, Mohd Ashraf Hakak expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, doctors, and staff for their unwavering support and cooperation. He termed his tenure at GMC Srinagar as a memorable and enriching phase of his career and expressed confidence that the institution would continue to scale new heights.

Colleagues extended their best wishes to all three officers for their future assignments, expressing hope that they would continue to serve with the same dedication, professionalism, and integrity.

The programme concluded with the presentation of mementos and tokens of appreciation as a mark of recognition for their exemplary service.

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