Srinagar, June 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday ordered a reshuffle in Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, assigning the additional charge of Principal to Prof. (Dr.) Junaid Salam Wani with immediate effect.

According to Government Order No. 439-JK (HME) of 2026 dated June 1, 2026, Prof. (Dr.) Junaid Salam Wani, Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Government Medical College Srinagar, has been entrusted with the responsibility of Principal, Government Medical College Anantnag, in addition to his existing duties.

The order, according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, states that the arrangement has been made in the interest of better administration and patient care and will remain in force until further orders from the government.

Consequently, Prof. (Dr.) Rukhsana Najeeb, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Principal, GMC Anantnag, has been relieved of the charge and directed to report to Government Medical College Srinagar forthwith.

*Says administration standing shoulder to shoulder with people to build ‘Nasha Mukt J&K’; 923 FIRs filed, 1,000+ peddlers arrested in 50 days; addicts are victims, not criminals*

Kulgam, June 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday gave an emotional and people-centric push to the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, describing himself as “a member of your family” while assuring full support of the administration in the fight against drug addiction and narcotics abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a public gathering at Laroo Bus Stand in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Lieutenant Governor said the anti-drug campaign launched 51 days ago has evolved into a mass public movement across Jammu and Kashmir, with active participation from families, youth, educational institutions, religious leaders and civil society groups.

“I stand before you as a member of your family to support your struggle and your dream of a safe, secure and Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said while addressing the gathering.

The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign was no longer confined to government departments or law enforcement agencies, but had transformed into a collective social mission involving every section of society.

“With the support of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, a movement has taken shape that has united every street, every family and every heart with one common intention—to make our villages and cities free from drugs,” he said.

Referring to the beginning of the campaign, Sinha said what started as “a small spark of change” has now transformed into a larger social movement capable of changing the future of Jammu and Kashmir if people continue to remain united.

“Today I can confidently say that the spark of hope, courage and determination has been ignited across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

The LG said Jammu and Kashmir has suffered for decades due to terrorism and violence, while drug addiction emerged as another serious threat affecting the younger generation.

“Jammu and Kashmir has endured unimaginable attacks of terrorism for many years. We also saw how drugs were slowly trapping our youth and weakening society,” he said.

Sinha recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in 2020, following which Jammu and Kashmir intensified anti-drug efforts from 2021 onwards to protect the youth from the combined threats of terrorism and narcotics.

“We tried to remove the shadows of terrorism and drugs that were dividing our youth. Today, the chains that trapped our youth in the darkness of addiction are being broken one by one,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, security agencies and civil administration jointly intensified anti-drug operations during the last 50 days under what he described as a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.”

“With the support of the people, we have been able to identify and dismantle several drug networks. Strong action is being taken against those involved in the narcotics trade,” he said.

Sinha said he had observed a growing sense of confidence among the youth during the anti-drug campaign, asserting that many young people were now openly resisting narcotics abuse.

“In the last 51 days, I have seen confidence in the eyes of our youth. Society is standing up against this menace,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the role of district administrations, schools, women’s groups, youth clubs, social organisations, religious leaders and political representatives in strengthening awareness against drugs at the grassroots level.

“Many families, schools, social and religious leaders and public representatives are united against drugs. The committees formed by district administrations, especially women’s committees and youth clubs, are playing a major role in this movement,” he said.

Stressing the humanitarian aspect of the issue, Sinha said drug-addicted youth should not be treated as criminals but as victims who deserve dignity, compassion and rehabilitation.

“The youth addicted to drugs have the right to live their lives with dignity. They should not be viewed as criminals. They are real victims and must be treated with respect, compassion and care,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said rehabilitation infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir would be expanded and assured that modern de-addiction and rehabilitation centres would be established in every district at the earliest.

“The rehabilitation centres have to be expanded and the best facilities must be made available in every district as soon as possible,” he said.

Sinha said the administration had also framed a rehabilitation policy after consultations with experts from across the country to ensure proper treatment, emotional support and social reintegration for recovering addicts.

“In order to save the lives of those affected by addiction, both emotional and material support are necessary and every possible effort has to be made,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the anti-drug campaign so far, the Lieutenant Governor said that during the last 50 days, 923 FIRs had been registered under anti-narcotics operations across Jammu and Kashmir, while more than 1,000 drug peddlers had been arrested.

He said authorities had also detained over 56 major drug peddlers under preventive measures, while administrative action had been initiated against several others involved in the narcotics trade.

According to the LG, more than 600 driving licences linked to narcotics offenders have been suspended under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), while 124 passport revocation cases have also been processed.

“The police are continuously acting against drug peddlers. This is a difficult and ongoing process,” he said.

Sinha acknowledged that the drug menace could not be completely eradicated within a short period but said the 100-day campaign was launched to create awareness and strengthen public participation against addiction.

“We know Jammu and Kashmir cannot become addiction-free in just 100 days. But this campaign was started to build awareness and strengthen the collective resolve of society so that people, police and administration work together against drugs,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor asserted that the anti-drug campaign would continue with full force until narcotics networks are completely uprooted from Jammu and Kashmir.

“As long as even one group involved in drugs exists in Jammu and Kashmir, this campaign will continue,” he added. —(KNO)

JAMMU, May 31: Preparations for the long-awaited Panchayat and District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir have gathered momentum, with the State Election Commission (SEC) scheduling high-level review meetings on June 3 and 4 to assess poll preparedness across the Union Territory.

Official sources said State Election Commissioner Shantmanu will chair separate meetings with election authorities from Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The Jammu division review will be held physically on June 3, while officials from the Kashmir division will join a virtual meeting on June 4.

The meetings will be attended by District Election Officers (DEOs) and other senior officials to evaluate logistical, administrative and electoral arrangements required for the smooth conduct of Panchayat and DDC polls.

Sources said elections to all tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) cannot be conducted simultaneously due to legal provisions governing Block Development Councils (BDCs). Since BDC members are elected indirectly by elected Panchs and Sarpanchs, Panchayat elections must be completed before BDC elections can take place.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Government is expected to take a decision soon on the recommendations submitted by the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Commission, a key requirement for conducting local body elections. The report is likely to be placed before the Cabinet for consideration and approval.

The OBC Commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) Janak Raj Kotwal, had submitted its report in February 2025 regarding reservation for OBCs in Panchayats, Municipalities, BDCs and DDCs. Finalisation of the reservation framework is considered essential before election notifications are issued.

Jammu and Kashmir has been without elected Panchayats since January 2024, while municipal bodies completed their tenure in late 2023. The term of DDCs ended in February 2026, leaving all tiers of grassroots local governance without elected representatives.

In a significant development, the SEC has recently completed the revision of Panchayat electoral rolls. The updated voter list comprises more than 72.24 lakh electors, including over 3.39 lakh newly enrolled voters. The final electorate consists of 36.62 lakh male voters, 35.61 lakh female voters and 141 third-gender voters.

The upcoming review meetings are being seen as a crucial step towards holding grassroots democratic elections in Jammu and Kashmir after a prolonged gap.

KD NEWS SERVICE

SRINAGAR, May 31: A delegation representing the Revenue Department Clerical Fraternity today met the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to highlight several long-pending issues concerning clerical employees, including the demand for redesignation of clerical staff, removal of stagnation, and other service-related matters.

The meeting was facilitated through the efforts and initiative of Syed Arif Bukhari, Member, Revenue Department Budgam, who coordinated the delegation’s engagement with the administration on matters affecting the clerical fraternity.

The delegation comprised Muzaffar Ahmad, President Revenue Srinagar; Javid Ahmad, President Revenue Baramulla; Ghulam Jeelani; Syed Arif Bukhari; and other representatives. During the interaction, a detailed written representation outlining the grievances and aspirations of clerical employees was formally submitted to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor.

The memorandum focused primarily on the long-pending demand for redesignation of clerical staff, measures to address career stagnation, and various service-related issues affecting employees across the Revenue Department. The representatives emphasized the need for timely consideration of these matters to improve career progression and service conditions for clerical staff.

The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that the issues raised would receive due consideration. He further informed the representatives that he would take up the matter with Financial Commissioner Revenue, Shalin Kabra, to explore an appropriate course of action.

Members of the delegation described the meeting as a constructive opportunity to place their concerns before the administration. They expressed hope that the issues highlighted in the representation would receive positive attention in the coming months.

The meeting also underscored the importance of collective representation in pursuing employee welfare issues. Representatives noted that the coordinated efforts of clerical employees from different districts helped bring the fraternity’s concerns before the highest levels of the administration.

The Revenue Department Clerical Fraternity expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor for granting them an audience and for assuring consideration of their demands. The fraternity remains hopeful that the long-pending issues relating to redesignation, career advancement, and service matters will be addressed through constructive dialogue and administrative intervention.

Srinagar, May 30: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday said that the government has acted responsibly and proactively on the issue concerning the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and remains fully committed to safeguarding the interests of teachers across the Union Territory.

In a post on X formerly twitter, the minister according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com said the government has consistently pursued the matter and backed its efforts with concrete action. She said that the administration has previously taken steps to protect the interests of teachers and continues to do so.

Sakina Itoo said the government has already accorded sanction for filing a review petition before the Supreme Court of India regarding the TET issue.

She further stated that the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, through a communication dated May 26, 2026, has directed its Standing Counsel to initiate the necessary legal proceedings in the matter.

“The review petition has been prepared and will be filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the coming week,” the minister said.

Reiterating the government’s stand, Sakina Itoo said the administration remains fully committed to protecting the interests of teachers and ensuring that all available legal measures are pursued in the matter.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing concern among teachers over the TET issue, with the government asserting that it is actively pursuing legal remedies before the apex court.

KD NEWS SERVICE

SRINAGAR, May 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that writers, poets, historians and scholars play a far greater role in shaping civilisations than institutions, urging the country to break free from the colonial mindset and reclaim what he described as India’s true historical narrative.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Kashmir Literature Festival-2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Sinha highlighted the transformative power of literature and creative thought, saying that a single literary work can often leave a deeper and more lasting impact on society than vast amounts of money spent through institutional efforts.

Addressing an audience comprising renowned writers, researchers, historians, academicians, intellectuals and literary enthusiasts, the Lieutenant Governor said that great poets, authors and creative minds achieve immortality through their contributions to knowledge and culture. He remarked that while the human body is temporary, meaningful creations endure across generations and become lasting symbols of human achievement.

Welcoming participants and guests from different parts of the country, Sinha expressed confidence that those visiting Jammu and Kashmir for the festival would experience firsthand the region’s rich cultural heritage, intellectual legacy and vibrant literary traditions. He said Kashmir has historically been a centre of learning, scholarship and creativity, and the festival provides an important platform to showcase this legacy.
Drawing a parallel from Indian mythology, the Lieutenant Governor said that India’s literary and intellectual community resembles Hanuman before he realised his immense strength and capabilities. He stressed that the country possesses a vast reservoir of civilisational knowledge and wisdom, but there is a need to fully recognise and appreciate its depth and significance.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call from the Red Fort to shed the remnants of colonial influence, Sinha said the time had come to completely eliminate the colonial mindset that continues to shape perceptions about India’s past. He emphasised that history must be presented accurately and authentically, without distortions or omissions.
The Lieutenant Governor said one of the major shortcomings of modern India was its failure to adequately document, preserve and present its own historical achievements. According to him, this created space for narratives that overlooked or diminished India’s contributions to global knowledge and instead credited other civilisations for advancements that had roots in the Indian subcontinent.

He asserted that India made foundational contributions to fields such as mathematics, science and astronomy, which later influenced several other civilisations around the world.

Sinha said historical references found in Persian and Arab texts dating back to the eighth century acknowledged India’s intellectual achievements and the influence of its knowledge systems on global learning.
Speaking about contemporary literary trends, the Lieutenant Governor rejected the belief that reading habits are declining in the modern era. Citing research conducted in 2025, he noted that more than 40 lakh books were published globally, demonstrating that interest in reading, writing and knowledge creation remains strong despite the rise of digital platforms.

He said modern technology and expanding communication platforms have opened new avenues for writers, scholars and creators to reach wider audiences. Emphasising the importance of storytelling and intellectual engagement, Sinha urged the literary community to utilise these opportunities to build strong, positive and fact-based narratives that contribute to society and strengthen cultural understanding.
The Kashmir Literature Festival-2026, being held on May 30 and 31 at SKICC, brings together writers, historians, researchers, poets and academicians from across the country.

The festival features a wide range of literary discussions, poetry sessions, historical debates, book-related engagements and interactive sessions aimed at promoting dialogue, scholarship and cultural exchange.
The event is expected to serve as an important platform for intellectual discourse while celebrating Kashmir’s longstanding literary and cultural traditions.