Shabir Ahmed Kulley meets officials at Circuit House to discuss progress and future initiatives Syrier Dar Shopian, January 22: MLA Shopian, Advocate Shabir Ahmed Kulley, today conducted a review meeting with the Rural Development Department (RDD) at the Circuit House in Shopian. The meeting aimed at assessing the progress of ongoing development projects and planning strategies for timely and efficient execution of future works. During the meeting, officials presented the status of various ongoing schemes under the RDD, highlighting achievements as well as challenges faced in project implementation. MLA Kulley emphasized the importance of quality execution, transparency, and accountability in all developmental works. He directed the RDD officials to prioritize community-centric projects, ensure optimal utilization of funds, and maintain regular field inspections to address ground-level issues effectively. Kulley also stressed the need for better coordination among departments to accele...

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MAHJOOR: The Herald Of Didactic Poetry

Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad ( 3 September 1885 − 9 April 1952), better known by the pen name Mahjoor was a renowned poet of the J&K Kashmir Valley, along with contemporaries. He is especially noted for introducing a new style into Kashmiri poetry and for expanding Kashmiri poetry into previously unexplored thematic realms. In addition to his poems in Kashmiri, Mahjoor is also noted for his poetic compositions in Persian and Urdu. The revolutionary poet Mehjoor also known as Shair-e-Kashmir (the poet of Kashmir) was born at Mitrigam, Pulwama, which is located approximately 37 km from the city of Srinagar. Mahjoor followed in the academic footsteps of his father, who was a scholar of Persian language. He received the primary education from the Maktab of Aashiq Trali (a renowned poet) in Tral. After passing the middle school examination from Nusrat-ul-Islam School, Srinagar, he went to Punjab where he came in contact with Urdu poets like Bismil Amritsari and Moulana Shibi Nomani. He ret...

Gusoo Residents Appeal Centre to Halt Railway Project, Warn of Ecological and Livelihood Crisis

Shopian villagers say proposed rail alignment threatens decades-old apple orchards, local employment, and Kashmir’s fragile environment Syrier Dar: Shopian, Kashmir: Residents of Gusoo area in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have appealed to the Central Government to halt the ongoing railway line project, expressing serious concerns over its ecological, environmental, and employment-related implications. The villagers say the proposed alignment threatens to uproot vast stretches of apple orchards—the backbone of the local economy—and could irreversibly damage both livelihoods and the fragile ecosystem of the region. Gusoo is a predominantly horticulture-dependent area, where apple cultivation has been nurtured over generations. For the local population, apple orchards are not merely agricultural assets but a lifeline that sustains hundreds of families directly and indirectly. According to residents, the railway project would require large-scale cutting of apple trees, many of which ar...

DC Shopian Reviews Republic Day & Shab-i-Miraj Preparations, Calls for Flawless Execution

Shishir Gupta emphasizes security, public convenience, and inter-departmental coordination ahead of upcoming events Syrier Dar, Shopian, January 13: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, today chaired a detailed review meeting at the Mini Secretariat to assess preparations for the Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026 and the observance of Shab-i-Miraj across the district. During the session, DC Gupta conducted a sector-wise evaluation of readiness and issued strict directives to all line departments to ensure smooth, dignified, and peaceful conduct of both occasions. Key focus areas included security and traffic management, sanitation, uninterrupted power and water supply, medical preparedness, fire and emergency services, venue management, public address systems, and contingency planning. He underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination, timely execution of responsibilities, and adherence to established protocols. Special emphasis was placed on crowd...

SHO Keegam Leads Frontline Relief Efforts Amid Heavy Snowfall in Shopian

Police team remains on ground from early morning, earns public praise for timely assistance Syrier Dar, Shopian: Shopian district witnessed heavy snowfall with nearly three feet of accumulation, severely disrupting normal life and road connectivity across the area on Friday. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the Station House Officer (SHO) Keegam, along with his dedicated police team, remained actively deployed on the ground from as early as 4:00 AM to assist the public. Braving extreme cold and snowbound roads, the police team extended timely assistance to stranded commuters and patients requiring emergency medical care, ensuring their safe movement and facilitating access to essential services amid the challenging conditions. The prompt response and humanitarian approach of SHO Keegam and his team drew widespread appreciation from residents of Keegam and adjoining areas, who lauded the police for their commitment, dedication, and tireless efforts in mitigating public hardships du...

Quote Of The Day

“Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn’t choose it and I don’t want it. I am Muhammad Ali, a free name – it means beloved of God, and I insist people use it when people speak to me and of me.” MMohammad Ali

Snowfall Shuts Mughal Road Again, Authorities Race Against Weather to Restore Key South Kashmir Link

Fresh snow blocks historic route connecting Kashmir with Pir Panjal as BRO steps up clearance efforts amid harsh winter conditions Shopian, Jan 09: The historic Mughal Road, a crucial inter-district and inter-regional link connecting south Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region, remained closed for vehicular traffic on Tuesday following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches. Officials said the latest spell of snow has led to significant accumulation along several vulnerable stretches of the road, rendering it unsafe for movement and once again disrupting connectivity during the peak winter season. According to officials, nearly four inches of fresh snow has accumulated on multiple portions of the Mughal Road overnight. The snowfall, coupled with sub-zero temperatures, has worsened already challenging winter conditions, leading to continued traffic suspension on the route. The road, which passes through high-altitude areas and steep mountain terrain, is particularly vulnerable to snow accumu...

INDIA NEWS ROUNDUP – JANUARY 13, 2026

India Expresses Concern Over Drone Intrusions, Tells Pakistan to Act Army Chief says recurring drones from across border undermine security India has formally told Pakistan to stop repeated drone intrusions along the Line of Control and International Border, the Indian Army chief said on Tuesday. According to officials, drones suspected to be operated from across the border have been regularly detected, raising security concerns. The warning underscores ongoing tensions and the evolving challenge of aerial incursions in the region. India’s Basmati Rice Exports to Iran Stall Amid Turmoil Protests in Iran and tariff uncertainties hamper top export destination India’s basmati rice exports to its largest buyer, Iran, have slowed to almost a standstill as protests in the country disrupt trade and escalate tariff worries. The development comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty following new U.S. tariff policies affecting trade patterns. SBI Shares Climb Even as Markets Fa...

War Against Drugs Continues in Shopian

J&K Police Arrest Two Drug Peddlers, Recover 58 Grams of Heroin Syrier Dar Shopian, January 19: In its ongoing drive to curb the menace of drug trafficking, the Jammu and Kashmir Police achieved a major success by arresting two drug peddlers and recovering a substantial quantity of heroin in Shopian district. A police team from Police Post Wachi, during routine naka checking at Naghard Babpora, intercepted a Swift car bearing registration number JK13J-3347 with two occupants on board. On noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to flee but were promptly apprehended by the alert police party. During the search of the vehicle, a heroin-like substance weighing approximately 58 grams was recovered. The vehicle used in the commission of the offence was also seized on the spot. The accused have been identified as Ishfaq Ahmad Koka and Inayat Ahmad Lone, both residents of Melhura, Zainapora. Accordingly, FIR No. 04/2026 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been register...

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