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Written by: 2025-05-31 23:58:39

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SRINAGAR: J&K Anti Corruption Bureau received a written  complaint alleging  therein that complainant had submitted an application in Tehsil Office Dooru, District Anantnag requesting therein  for cutting/pruning Chinar Tree Branches, which is situated near the house of complainant as there were apprehensions of damage of life/property of the complainant due to gusty/strong winds. Tehsil Office Dooru forwarded his application to Patwari Halqa Lukbhawn Larkipora, Tehsil Dooru for report. When the complainant approached the Patwari Halqa Lukbhawn Larkipora, he (Patwari) demanded Rs.10000/- as bribe from the complainant in lieu of providing favourable report. 

The complainant chose not to pay bribe and instead approached Anti Corruption Bureau for taking legal action against the said Patwari, as provided under law. On receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted which confirmed the demand by the said Patwari and accordingly Case FIR No. 01/2025 u/s 7 of P/C Act 1988 was registered in P/S ACB Anantnag and investigation was taken up. 

During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught the said Patwari red handed while demanding and accepting bribe amount of Rs 10000/- from the complainant. He was arrested on spot by the ACB team.  The bribe amount was also recovered from his possession in presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap team. 

Subsequently, search of residential house of the accused Patwari was carried out in presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses. Further investigation of the instant case is going on.

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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

SRINAGAR: As a part of ‘Operation Shield’ a Civil Defence Mock Drill was conducted here on Saturday across all the districts of Kashmir, aimed at bolstering readiness and addressing critical gaps to handle emergencies, and ensure the safety of critical installations and residents. This drill was a part of nationwide efforts organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs for emergency preparedness.

In Srinagar, Civil Defence Mock Drill was conducted at Amar Niwas Complex today to assess ground preparedness regarding Civil Defence, Emergency Response in Srinagar District. The exercise took place in presence of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat who is also the Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority.

Personnel from multiple Civil Defence services participated in the Mock Drill as part of the nationwide exercise to test and strengthen the preparedness. The ‘Operation Shield’ has been designed to simulate hostile situations, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and various emergency response actions, to evaluate the preparedness of civil authorities, emergency services, and local populations.

The Drill was also aimed to replicate real-time scenarios that may arise from potential external threats, any troublesome circumstances besides measures being taken to further strengthen the Civil Defence mechanisms, ensuring security of critical infrastructure and citizen safety.

The Drill is expected to significantly improve inter-agency coordination, public awareness, and the ability of the administration to respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of any hostile act or natural disasters and test the effectiveness of safety protocols.

In Anantnag, To boost civil preparedness and enhance coordination among emergency response agencies, the 2nd edition of the Civil Defence Exercise ‘Operation Shield,’ was conducted today at Home Guard Lines Khanabal, Anantnag.

District Magistrate (DM) Anantnag, Syeed Fakhruddin Hamid accompanied by other senior officers was present during the exercise. The drill was part of a district-wide emergency preparedness initiative and included mock rescue and emergency drills to simulate crisis conditions.

Authorities urged the public not to panic during the drill, as sirens and other unusual activities will be part of the exercise. The aim was to train both residents and the administration to respond effectively during emergencies.

In Ganderbal, A joint mock drill under the banner of ‘Operation Shield’ was conducted by District Administration Ganderbal in collaboration with SDRF and Civil Defence, here at Central University of Kashmir Tullmulla.

The drill, aimed at strengthening the district’s preparedness for emergency situations was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, and was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Ganderbal and other senior officers of the district administration.

Experts and personnel from SDRF, Health Department, Fire and Emergency Services, along with a large number of students and locals participated in the exercise. The exercise involved demonstrations of rapid response tactics, simulated rescue operations, and real-time coordination between various emergency services.

During the mock drill, SDRF teams conducted live demonstrations and fire scenarios. Using advanced equipment such as hydraulic cutters, and protective gear, the teams including Health Department showcased critical search-and-rescue operations, including the extraction of victims trapped in fire and evacuation of injured to hospitals.

The demonstrations emphasized the importance of timely, well-coordinated responses to minimize casualties and damage.

Interacting with the gathering, DC underscored the importance of maintaining a clear chain of command and effective communication during disaster situations. He appreciated the efforts of all participating agencies and encouraged the people to remain vigilant and prepared.

Students in attendance received hands-on exposure to disaster management techniques and were educated on risk mitigation strategies and emergency protocols for such incidents as well as training on first aid.

In Kulgam, District Administration Kulgam today conducted a large-scale Civil Defence Mock Drill across multiple locations under the banner of ‘Operation Shield.’ The mock drills were held simultaneously at several institutions, including Government Degree College (GDC) Kulgam, GDC D.H. Pora, AMGDC Kilam and GDC Frisal.

The primary objective of the exercise was to assess and enhance the response capabilities of various departments and to create public awareness about safety measures during emergencies.

The drill was jointly carried out by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Kulgam, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department Kulgam, Revenue Department, and actively supported by NSS and NCC cadets.

The mock Drill exercise witnessed evacuation procedures, fire-fighting demonstrations, first aid response, and crowd management techniques. Participants were trained in how to act promptly and effectively during disaster situations.

Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan said that the Mock drill exercise under ‘Operation Shield’ aims to ensure that our institutions and public are fully prepared to deal with any emergency. These drills not only test our coordination and readiness but also educate the masses about their role in times of crisis, he added.

In Bandipora, District Administration Bandipora on Saturday conducted a Mock Drill/Exercise at NM BHSS Kaloosa to strengthen emergency response mechanisms. The event was held under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, who presided over the proceedings and emphasized the importance of coordinated disaster preparedness.

The drill witnessed the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl; Tehsildar Bandipora; DySP DAR; students, Fire and Emergency Services staff, members of the 7 J&K Battalion NCC Kupwara and Bandipora, officials from the Youth Services and Sports Department, and personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Speaking on the occasion, DC highlighted the significance of such drills in building community resilience and ensuring swift and efficient responses to potential disaster situations. He lauded the efforts of all participants and stressed the importance of regular training exercises to familiarize both officials and civilians with emergency protocols.

DC reiterated the administration’s commitment to conducting such initiatives periodically to ensure preparedness at all levels. The mock drill aimed at evaluating the readiness of various departments and enhancing inter-agency coordination in the face of exigency. The exercise concluded with a demonstration of coordinated emergency response, reflecting the district’s readiness to handle crisis situations effectively.

In Baramulla, District Administration Baramulla today conducted a large-scale mock drill under ‘Operation Shield’ at the Indoor Sports Stadium Baramulla. The exercise was held in collaboration with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence, Fire & Emergency Services, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Department of Information & Public Relations and other departments.

Before the commencement of the drill, DySP Headquarters and Dy SP DAR Baramulla briefed all participating teams about the objectives, roles, and protocols of the operation. Their detailed overview helped ensure clarity and coordination during the simulated emergency scenario.

The mock drill simulated a high-intensity disaster situation involving evacuation, rescue operations, medical aid, crowd management, and real-time communication. Participating agencies responded promptly and efficiently, showcasing preparedness and coordination.

The exercise was supervised by Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, and witnessed participation from officers and officials of various departments. Volunteers from Civil Defence, SDRF, and other stakeholders also played key roles in the operation.

ADC appreciated the seamless execution of the drill and highlighted the need for frequent such exercises to keep teams prepared for real-life contingencies. He praised the synergy among the forces and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to public safety.

In Pulwama, to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure rapid emergency response, the District Administration Pulwama in coordination with Police, CRPF Pulwama and SDRF Pulwama today conducted a comprehensive civil defense mock exercise ‘Operation Shield.’

The drill was aimed at evaluating the readiness of both authorities and the general public in responding effectively to emergency situations. The exercise simulated a high-intensity scenario requiring coordinated response efforts from various line departments.

The drill included simulation of different emergency and critical scenarios requiring multiple responses through a coordinated effort of all departments along with volunteers and public.

Personnel from CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Health Department, SDRF, and Civil Defence units actively participated in the Operation. Youth Volunteers like Civil defence, NCC and NSS and local residents also joined in, demonstrating commendable enthusiasm and cooperation.

Key emergency protocols such as rescue operations, evacuation procedures, first aid response, fire control were rehearsed in real-time conditions. The operation helped assess inter-agency coordination, communication efficiency, and the responsiveness of emergency services.

The drill highlighted the importance of public awareness, inter-departmental synergy, and the crucial role of community engagement in mitigating the impact of potential disasters.

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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

• Under the guidance of the J&K Legal Services Authority and as part of NALSA’s initiative, the 2nd National Lok Adalat 2025 sees overwhelming public response with settlements worth over ₹30 crore across districts.

SRINAGAR: In a significant stride toward delivering timely and amicable justice and in pursuance to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) calendar, and under the directions of Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority, the 2nd National Lok Adalat was held today across all the districts of Kashmir division by the respective District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs).

National Lok Adalat was held under the directions of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh who also serves as the Patron in Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority, and Justice Sanjeev Kumar Executive Chairman J&K Legal Services Authority.

Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute redressal mechanism where disputes and cases pending in courts of law or at the pre-litigation stage are settled or compromised amicably to reduce the load on the regular court system.

The matters placed before the benches included cases of Civil, Criminal Compoundable, Cheque bounce, Bank matters, MACT, Land Compensation, Matrimonial, Electricity, and Pre-litigation matters referred by DLSAs, which included electricity related issues/matters, bank recovery matters, PHE matters, Social Welfare scheme matters, Labour cases, Revenue, Matrimonial disputes, land disputes, BSNL cases, municipality cases and other Government scheme related matters.

At Srinagar, the District Judiciary Srinagar, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, successfully organized the 2nd National Lok Adalat of the year at the District Court Complex Mominabad, Srinagar, and at the Court of the Additional Special Mobile Magistrate/JMIC Pantha Chowk.

The Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh/Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority. The inauguration ceremony was held in presence of Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Tasleem Arief, Principal District & Sessions Judge/ Chairman, DLSA Srinagar, and judicial officers, members of the bar, and court staff.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, marking a dignified and respectful beginning to the proceedings. Following the inauguration, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge High Court of J&K and Ladakh/Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority visited and observed the functioning of various benches at the District Court Srinagar, offering encouragement to litigants and reinforcing the ethos of participatory justice.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Kumar emphasized the transformative role of Lok Adalats in the justice delivery system, stating “Lok Adalat is not just a mechanism for resolving disputes, it is a platform that creates a win-win situation for all parties involved. It saves time, reduces litigation costs, and fosters goodwill. I encourage the public to actively participate in this initiative for peaceful, timely, and amicable settlements. Justice through Lok Adalats strengthens the very foundation of participatory and compassionate justice.”

He also laid emphasis on disposal of substantial Civil, Criminal and Matrimonial cases, through the medium of Lok Adalat The Lok Adalat received an enthusiastic response from litigants, a testament to the growing public trust in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. A wide range of cases, including civil matters, matrimonial disputes, criminal compoundable offences, bank recoveries, and pre-litigation issues were taken up, with a significant number being resolved on the spot.

To facilitate the amicable settlement of cases, 13 benches were constituted that took up a total of 58865 cases for settlement, out of which 20837 cases were amicably settled & Rs. 5,09,28686 was awarded as settlement amount.

At Baramulla, the 2nd National Lok Adalat of the year was successfully conducted across District Baramulla, facilitating the swift and amicable settlement of legal disputes and promoting access to justice for all.

The Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Jawad Ahmad, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Baramulla. He was joined by Naseer Ahmad, Additional District & Sessions Judge, Special Judge NDPS Cases, Secretary DLSA and other judicial officers posted at the district headquarters.

The event was also attended by the President and members of the Bar Association Baramulla, legal aid defense counsels (LADCs), panel lawyers, court staff, and para-legal volunteers affiliated with the DLSA.

A total of 6,507 cases  were taken up for resolution by 10 benches constituted across the district including three at Baramulla headquarters, two at Sopore, and one each at Pattan, Tangmarg, Boniyar, Uri, and Dangiwacha. Due to the collective efforts of the judiciary, legal fraternity, and litigants, 6,143 cases were successfully settled, and a total amount of Rs.11,84,99,627 was realized.

At Anantnag, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Anantnag organized 2nd National Lok Adalat today across the district under the aegis of the J&K Legal Services Authority. 

The inauguration was organized in Alternate Dispute Resolution Centre, District Court Complex Anantnag presided over by Chairman DLSA (Pr. District & Sessions Judge, Anantnag), Tahir Khurshid Raina in presence of Additional District & Sessions Judge Anantnag, Secretary District Legal Services Authority Anantnag, Chief Judicial Magistrate Anantnag, Special Mobile Magistrate, Anantnag, District Mobile Magistrate, Munsiff (JMIC) Anantnag and others concerned.

Apart from the 05 benches constituted at DLSA headquarter, 06 benches were constituted in peripheral courts to conduct National Lok Adalat. In addition to this, 01 bench was constituted in the office of District Social Welfare Officer, Anantnag.

Worthwhile to mention that the Chairman DLSA, Tahir Khurshid Raina distributed two cheques for an amount of Rs. 5,25,000 under Victim Compensation Scheme to the victims. He also distributed cheques settled under MACT claims wherein the highest claim that was settled was an amount of Rs. 94,60,000.

At Budgam, District Judiciary Budgam and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam organized the 2nd National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex Budgam and in the Taluka courts of district Budgam. The program was directed by Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Administrative Judge District Court Budgam and Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority.

The 2nd National Lok Adalat was held under the overall supervision of O.P. Bhagat, Principal District & Sessions Judge, and Chairman of DLSA Budgam, and Nusrat Ali Hakak, Secretary DLSA Budgam.

O.P Bhagat Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman District Legal Services Authority Budgam) inaugurated the 2nd National Lok Adalat of the year 2025 at district court complex Budgam in presence of other judicial officers posted at district headquarters Budgam. Cases identified beforehand were placed before 07 different benches constituted by DLSA, Budgam for their settlement in the said National Lok Adalat. 

Nonetheless, a total number of 3503 cases/matters were taken up for their amicable settlement in the said National Lok Adalat, out of which 1929 number of cases/matters were amicably settled. Besides, an amount of Rs 1,36,50,900 was given as compensation/recovered in total.

At Ganderbal, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal successfully conducted the 2nd National Lok Adalat for the year 2025 in the district Ganderbal.

The event was conducted under the chairmanship of Abdul Nasir, Chairman, DLSA, Ganderbal, along with the guidance of Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, whose collective leadership and support were instrumental in its successful execution. 

The 2nd National Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Abdul Nasir, Chairman DLSA Ganderbal. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several judges, including Additional District and Sessions Judge, Ganderbal, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ganderbal, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, Munsiff Ganderbal and Additional Special Mobile Magistrate, Ganderbal. Other notable attendees included LADCs, Panel Lawyers, Bar Members, and litigants etc.

A total of 04 benches were constituted, who worked tirelessly to dispose-off a large number of cases. During the Lok Adalat, a total number of 694 cases were taken up, out of which 534 cases were amicably settled, resulting in a settlement amount of Rs 1,60,52,055.

At Pulwama, National Lok-Adalat was organized in District Court & other subordinate courts of the district today under the chairmanship of Malik Shabir Ahmad, Chairman DLSA (Pr.District & Sessions Judge), Pulwama and under the supervision of Secretary DLSA Pulwama.

The Lok-Adalat at district headquarters Pulwama was inaugurated by PDJ Pulwama. The inauguration function was also attended by judicial officers of district Pulwama.

A total of 827 cases were taken up by 06 benches in the district out of which 648 cases were settled in the said Lok-Adalat. An amount of Rs. 7,16,49,925 was awarded as settlement amount in all cases including award of Rs. 19,65,000/- in 02 MACT Cases.

At Bandipora, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora, on Saturday successfully conducted the 2nd National Lok Adalat in the district to mark a significant milestone in the pursuit of accessible and efficient justice for all citizens. The event was held under the supervision of Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Chairman, DLSA Bandipora, and guidance of Secretary, DLSA Bandipora.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several judges, including, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bandipora, Munsiff, Bandipora and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora. Other notable attendees included LADCs, Panel Lawyers, Bar Members, and litigants etc. A total of 10 benches were constituted that took up a total number of 1242 cases, out of which 685 cases were disposed-off amicably, resulting in a settlement amount of Rs 63,21,250.

At Kulgam, 2nd National Lok Adalat was held today in District Kulgam, under the chairmanship of Aijaz Ahmad Khan (Principal District and Sessions Judge /Chairman District Legal Services Authority Kulgam).

The National Lok Adalat was formally inaugurated by Chairman DLSA in presence of Additional District and Sessions Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate Kulgam, Munsiff/JMIC Kulgam, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Kulgam and Bar members of Kulgam.

Six benches were constituted, Four at Head quarter & one each at D.H.Pora and Qazigund each headed by one Judicial Officer. In the Lok Adalat, a total number of 1552 cases were taken up. Out of which 1067 cases were amicably settled. An amount of Rs. 24,83,400 was  awarded as settlement amount.

At Kupwara, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kupwara, under the chairmanship of Manjeet Singh Manhas, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Kupwara and under the guidance of Secretary, DLSA/Sub-Judge Kupwara, successfully organized the 2nd National Lok Adalat across various court complexes of the district today.

The National Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Manjeet Singh Manhas, Chairman DLSA (Pr. District & Sessions Judge) Kupwara in the presence of Secretary, DLSA/Sub-Judge Kupwara and members of the Bar Associations, at the District Court Complex Kupwara. Total no. of NINE 09 Benches Number of Benches were Constituted,.

A total of 09 benches were constituted functioning at court complexes in Kupwara, Handwara, Tangdhar, Sogam and Trehgam to settle cases during the National Lok Adalat. The said benches took up 672 cases out of which 401 cases were disposed-off through mutual consent, compromise, and pre-litigation resolution. Rs. 87,47,100 was awarded as settlement amount reflecting monetary settlements in recovery and compensation.

At Shopian, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shopian today organized the 2nd National Lok Adalat of the year at the District Court Complex, Shopian. For the smooth conduct of the National Lok Adalat, four benches were constituted by the DLSA Shopian. A total of 852 cases were taken up during the Adalat. Out of these, 673 cases were amicably settled, reflecting the commitment of DLSA Shopian towards accessible and speedy justice.

The total settlement amount in the resolved cases stood at 2,07,04,085, marking a significant achievement in terms of dispute resolution and financial relief to the concerned parties.

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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

• Move aimed to double income of growers

REASI: The department of Horticulture planning & Marketing Reasi, under the supervision of Station Superintendent Railway Katra, today facilitated the transportation of the Kashmir Cherry  from  Katra to Mumbai in Swaraj express.

Marketing Inspector Horticulture Planning & Marketing Vijay Atri informed that it was an advance consignment of 23 MT of the Italy cherry variety booked by President New Kashmir Fruit Association Bashir Ahmed Basheer. He said that Kashmir produces 95% India’s cherry, which is known for its taste and flavor.

“Being most perishable fruit is now being transported to Mumbai in just 32 hours, compared to the earlier 6- 7 days. Cherry lovers and consumers can now access the fresh Kashmir cherry at their doorsteps. The initiative will also benefit the farmers with low freight charges and better returns by delivering fresh turgid, crunchy produce” he informed.  He further said "Earlier a Cherry box was sold at Rs 300- 400 in the Mumbai retail market, now it will sell at around Rs 600-700."

Station Superintendent Katra Jugal Kishore; AGMO Ravi Shankar with trader Ali Mohammad and progressive farmer Altaf Sahil were also present during the departure of Swaraj Express KATRA -MUMBAI.