The order states that the Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar had reported apprehensions regarding the misuse of VPN services by vested interests, which could have adverse implications for public order and cyber security in the district.

According to the order, VPN services, by transmitting encrypted data and creating point to point tunnels, enable users to conceal IP addresses and bypass website restrictions and firewalls.

The administration observed that such features carry the potential to be exploited for unlawful and anti national activities, including incitement of unrest, dissemination of inflammatory material, and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order.

The District Magistrate noted that the unrestricted use of VPNs poses serious risks to public safety, cyber security, and the protection of sensitive data, making it imperative to take immediate preventive measures in the larger public interest.
However, the order clarifies that the suspension shall not apply to authorised VPN usage by government departments operating through the National Informatics Centre.

As serving individual notices to all concerned persons was deemed impractical, the order has been issued ex parte. The administration has directed that the order be given wide publicity through the district website, leading newspapers, and by affixing copies on notice boards of the offices of the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Sub Divisional Magistrates of Srinagar East and West, and all tehsildars.

The Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar has been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the order in letter and spirit. [KNT]

The post VPN services suspended in Srinagar appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

According to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau received a written complaint wherein the complainant has alleged that after being detained under preventive action (vide Section 126/170 BNSS) by orders of the 1st Class Executive Magistrate of the Tehsil Office Central Shalteng Srinagar, a clerk namely Laiq Ahmad Nath deputed in the said office has demanded an illegal gratification of rupees 2,000 for erasing the complainant’s detention record from the official registers.

The statement reads, the complainant who is unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar with a written complaint, requesting legal action against the accused public servant under relevant provisions of law

It reads, on receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted, which confirmed the demand of bribe by the accused public servant. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 01/2026 U/S 7 PC Act 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation was taken up.

“During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted which laid a successful trap and caught the accused clerk, Laiq Ahmad Nath, R/o Qamarwari Srinagar red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of rupees 2,000 from the complainant,” the statement reads.

It reads, after completing all necessary medico-Legal formalities, the accused Public Servant was taken into custody. Further investigation in the case is going on.

The post ACB nabs Srinagar tehsil office clerk for taking Rs 2,000 bribe to erase detention record appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Sources informed that the disposed matters primarily related to old and long-pending challan cases which had accumulated over the years. The court undertook a focused and time-bound effort to clear these matters, bringing much-needed relief to litigants whose cases had remained unresolved for nearly a decade.

Notably, this is not an isolated effort. Last month as well, the court had disposed of 51 cases, reflecting a consistent and sustained drive towards reducing pendency and ensuring timely justice.

Members of the Bar and litigants appreciated the proactive approach, stating that such initiatives significantly reduce unnecessary litigation stress and restore faith in the justice delivery system.

The recent disposals are being viewed as a positive step towards efficient judicial administration in Srinagar, highlighting the role of subordinate courts in delivering expeditious justice to the common citizen.

The post Srinagar court speeds up justice, clears 57 long-pending cases appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the existing traffic scenario and issued slew of directions for implementing strategic interventions.

He instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to develop a T-junction at Natipora by utilizing available land of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to facilitate smoother traffic movement and reduce congestion.

The Div Com further directed the PWD to expedite the removal of structures falling within the alignment of the right-side bund road of Doodh Ganga. He also instructed the department to establish connectivity of the left-side bund road of the Doodh Ganga from Barzulla to the Sanatnagar Flyover.

While inspecting the ongoing construction of the Barzulla Bridge underpass, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized extending the bund road beyond the underpass to connect it with IG Road, aimed at eliminating wrong-side traffic movement from bridge to Rambagh Chowk.

Besides, Garg directed the PWD to take up land acquisition matter with the CRPF required for road widening and instructed the concerned authorities to prepare detailed drawings showcasing the proposed road layout, including the “before and after” configuration.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Traffic Srinagar, senior officers of the PWD, and the Commanding Officer of CRPF were present during the inspection.

The post Div Com Kashmir conducts spot visit of Natipora Junction, Barzulla Underpass to improve traffic flow appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Addressing the year-ender press conference, Senior Superintendent Traffic City, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, said the disposal rate of traffic challans increased to 56 percent in 2025, compared to 30 percent last year, while revenue generation touched over Rs 1 crore during the same period.

He said that Srinagar’s traffic system can only function smoothly through cooperation among media, public and enforcement agencies. “Sometimes the media criticise the traffic department, but that criticism helps us improve. We see you as a mirror that reflects both our good work and our shortcomings,” he said.

Highlighting the department’s key focus area, SSP Bhat said traffic enforcement saw major progress this year. “Last year, there was hue and cry over nearly five lakh pending cases in courts. This year, our disposal rate rose to 56 percent, compared to 30 percent last year,” he said.

He further said that revenue generation during 2025 touched Rs 1 crore, while pendancies dropped to 44 percent, which he described as a significant achievement.

“This means people are now clearing their dues. We have also sent lists of repeated violators to the RTO and the Transport Commissioner for license impoundment,” SSP Bhat said.

He acknowledged that traffic congestion in Srinagar continues to rise despite efforts by the department. “Our staff remains under stress, but it’s not only about enforcement and traffic can only flow freely when infrastructure is adequate,” he said.

He shared that a multi-disciplinary committee is already looking into traffic management at a high level and that many of the department’s recommendations have been accepted and implemented by the government. “The government has been very cooperative in executing our suggestions,” he added.

The SSP said that Srinagar’s traffic management approach includes short-term, medium-term and long-term plans, forming part of a continuous improvement strategy. “Short-term interventions provide immediate relief, medium-term measures stabilize traffic within six months and long-term planning spans five years,” he said.

He said that the department recently implemented several interventions across Srinagar which have improved mobility. “E-rickshaws were banned on MA Road and Residency Road, and the feedback was very positive,” he said.

He added that Downtown area had long been neglected in traffic planning, prompting several new measures. “The Rajouri Kadal–Gojwara stretch has been made one-way for public transport, easing congestion in Navhatta, a busy business hub. Similarly, the Barbar Shah bridge, being too narrow for two-way flow, has also been made one-way,” he said.

Other interventions include changes at Chhati Padshahi and Kanyar, where the department has intensified drives. “These small but significant changes have brought visible improvement,” he said.

The SSP said the department worked closely with court authorities and appointed a dedicated investigator to streamline pending challans. “We found that many records weren’t updated and people hadn’t paid. By appointing an investigator, we ensured faster disposal,” he said.

He also revealed that violators who fail to clear their dues cannot now obtain pollution certificates for their vehicles. “Until previous challans are cleared, pollution centers won’t issue certificates. This linkage has become an effective compliance mechanism,” Bhat said, calling it another major achievement.

SSP Bhat said that public awareness remains an equally important part of the department’s functioning. “Our enforcement is complemented by education and awareness drives. My officers work hard to maintain a positive image with the public,” he said.

He also appreciated the contribution of his team and the media in shaping public perception. “Because of their hard work and your support, we have managed to project a positive and cooperative image before the people,” he said.

Responding to a question about traffic violations near coaching hubs, Bhat said drives are being intensified in Paripora, Rajbagh and other areas where a large number of students use two-wheelers.

“We know that many teenagers are using two-wheelers without helmets or licenses. Our mobile enforcement teams will continue to act wherever violations are found,” he said.

Referring to a recent case where a parent was sentenced for his son’s reckless driving, Bhat said the department will maintain a strict stance. “This should serve as a lesson and parents must ensure their children obey the law. We will not hesitate to take action against coaching institutes or establishments that cause traffic obstruction,” he said.

He added that licensing authorities must also assess footfall before granting permissions to schools, coaching centres, or businesses that attract large gatherings. “That is part of a broader regulation mechanism,” he said.

SSP Bhat also reiterated that Srinagar’s traffic management is an ongoing process requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.

“Traffic regulation and enforcement are continuous efforts. Constructive criticism helps us improve and cooperation from media and citizens motivates us to perform better,” he said—(KNO)

The post Traffic enforcement saw major improvement in Srinagar in 2025: SSP Traffic appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo; CEO SSCL, Fazlul Haseeb, VC SDA, SSP Traffic, and officers from the Public Works Department, Waqf Board, and other concerned departments.

During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the drawings of proposed traffic interventions, including the construction of a rotary at Exchange Junction, road widening at Sangarmal Junction, and improvements at Jahangir Chowk to facilitate smoother traffic flow on MA Road. After detailed deliberations, the committee approved the implementation of these proposals.

The meeting also reviewed the positive outcomes of introducing one-way traffic on several interior city roads and proposed extending the arrangement to additional areas.

It was informed that color coding of mini-buses has been completed in the western zone, while the process in the eastern zone will be initiated shortly.

To curb noise pollution, areas near JVC, Children’s Hospital, and Karanagar were declared no-honking zones.

Regarding traffic accident black spots on the Parimpora–Narbal Highway, the Divisional Commissioner directed the PWD to conduct a joint inspection with BEACON to ascertain the causes of frequent accidents.

On the development of a multi-level parking facility at Jamia Masjid Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner instructed the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and CEO SSCL to take up the matter with the Auqaf Committee.

The meeting was informed that tenders for IT-based parking facilities at Harwan, Nehru Park, and Makai Park have already been floated.

 Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the Action Taken Report on issues related to realignment of e-bus routes, establishment of e-bus charging stations, and construction of a vehicular underpass at Mominabad Junction.

Emphasizing the importance of effective traffic monitoring, the Divisional Commissioner directed the CEO SSCL to expedite the installation and operationalization of all ITMS cameras across the city.

The post Div Com Kashmir reviews implementation of traffic management proposals in Srinagar appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Neeleeshwar Kumar (Enrolment number 2023BMEC038) from MED department clinched the gold medal in the 120 kg weight category, showcasing an impressive performance against competitors from various NITs across the country. His achievement has been widely appreciated.

The NIT Srinagar powerlifting team was accompanied by Mr. Sohail Ahmad Baba (SAS Assistant) and Mr Minhaj Ul Hamid (Trainer), who guided and supported the athletes during the tournament.

Congratulating the student, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said the achievement reflects the institute’s growing focus on sports and overall development.

“This gold medal is a matter of pride for NIT Srinagar. Such achievements highlight the talent of our students and the importance of encouraging sports alongside academics,” he said.

Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, also lauded the performance and congratulated the student and the supporting staff.

“The success of our students at a national-level tournament demonstrates dedication, discipline, and hard work. We congratulate the entire team for this outstanding achievement,” he said.

SAS Officer, Kowsar Ali Mir said the institute is committed to promoting a sports culture on campus.

“We are continuously working to provide better facilities and training to students. This gold medal is the result of consistent effort by the student and the support system available at the institute,” he said.

In-charge faculty, SAS, Dr. Manoj Kumar, credited the win to discipline and teamwork.

“Neeleeshwar Kumar’s dedication and consistent training have paid off. This achievement will inspire many students to take up powerlifting and other sports,” he said.

The post NIT Srinagar student wins gold at All India Inter NIT Powerlifting tournament appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

As per the statement, the aforementioned properties belong to a notorious drug peddler namely Ajaz Ahmad Mir, S/o Late Ali Ahmad, R/o Palpora Noorbagh, who is involved in case FIR No. 201/2022 u/s 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Safakadal.

The attachment was carried out under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

During the course of investigation, it was established that the accused person had acquired the said property through illicit proceeds generated from drug trafficking activities. Consequently, the property was attached under the provisions of Section 68-F of the NDPS Act.

The attachment proceedings were conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrate, strictly in accordance with the prescribed legal procedures.

As per the attachment order, the owner has been restrained from selling, leasing, transferring, altering, or creating any third-party interest in the said property till further orders.

Srinagar Police reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combat drug trafficking and to dismantle the financial networks that sustain the narcotics trade by targeting both offenders and the proceeds of crime, strictly in accordance with law. The public is urged to cooperate by sharing credible information to help eliminate the drug menace from society, reads the statement.

The post Srinagar police attach property of notorious drug peddler under NDPS Act appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

He was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, and the Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Faz Lul Haseeb.

During the inspection, the Div Com assessed the pace, quality, and technical aspects of the work being executed on the existing piers of the old bridge.

The review covered retrofitting and strengthening of the piers, construction of the wooden superstructure, and other allied components of the project, which is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 7.17 crore.

The bridge, once completed, is expected to substantially improve pedestrian connectivity across the Jhelum River and will also help preserve the traditional and heritage look of the Amira Kadal area. It will provide safe and convenient pedestrian access to the Jhelum Riverfront and ensure seamless linkage to prominent heritage and commercial hubs, including Goni Khan, Maharaja Bazar, and Hari Singh High Street.

Emphasising the importance of quality and safety, the Div Com directed the executing agencies to adhere strictly to prescribed standards and timelines. He also underscored the need for incorporating heritage-sensitive design elements that harmonise with the historical and cultural significance of the area.

Officials informed that the project will not only serve as an important pedestrian link but will also promote walkability, support local business activity, and enhance the overall city experience for residents, traders, and tourists.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved so far, the Div Com urged the concerned agencies to maintain momentum and ensure timely completion of the project, delivering a durable, safe, and aesthetically appealing public asset for the city of Srinagar.

The post Div Com Kashmir reviews progress of wooden pedestrian bridge at Amira Kadal appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

As per the statement issued, the attached property comprises a double-storey residential house built on 12 marlas of land, situated at Sultan Mohalla, Saidakadal, belonging to the accused Nisar Ahmad Bota, S/o Mohd Shafi Bota, R/o Sultan Mohalla, Saidakadal. The accused is involved in FIR No. 39/2022 registered at Police Station Rainawari under Sections 8/20–29 of the NDPS Act.

During the course of investigation, it was established that the said property had been acquired through illicit proceeds generated from drug trafficking activities. Consequently, the property was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act.

The attachment proceedings were conducted strictly in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure and in the presence of two independent witnesses.

As per the attachment order, the owner has been restrained from selling, leasing, transferring, altering, or creating any third-party interest in the said property until further orders.

Srinagar Police reiterates its commitment to dismantling the financial networks of drug traffickers and taking stringent legal action against those involved in the narcotics trade, reads the statement.

The post Property worth Rs 1 crore attached under NDPS Act in Srinagar: Police appeared first on Greater Kashmir.