Addressing a press conference here, Vakil said the NC had sought votes on tall claims and assurances related to addressing public grievances, unemployment, inflation and overall development, but nothing substantial has been achieved on the ground so far. He said the prevailing ground reality has exposed the “complete failure” of the NC government in fulfilling its poll promises.

Vakil alleged that people across J&K are feeling deceived as the government has failed to provide any real relief to the common masses, particularly the educated youth and weaker sections of society. He pointed out that unemployment continues to rise, prices of essential commodities are soaring, and basic civic amenities remain in a poor state in many areas.

The PC leader further accused the NC of building its vote bank by repeatedly raising emotional and sensitive issues like autonomy, Article 370 and economic slogans, while deliberately diverting public attention from real governance failures. He alleged that the party has a “hidden understanding and policy alignment” with the BJP, claiming that this nexus has misled people for decades.

Raising specific questions, Vakil asked where the promised reservation policy reforms, employment opportunities for educated youth, and 200 units of free electricity had gone. “These promises were used only to deceive the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that the NC has a long history of misleading the electorate by shifting focus away from core issues.

Vakil also claimed that people are now fully aware of NC’s alleged support to the BJP, including during the recently held Lok Sabha elections. He said such political double standards have further eroded public trust. He further stated that instead of focusing on governance and development, the NC leadership is indulging in blame games and issuing statements to cover up its inefficiency. “The government’s tall claims stand in total contrast to the situation on the ground,” he added. Reiterating Peoples Conference’s commitment to public welfare, Vakil said his party will continue to raise people’s issues both on the streets and at appropriate forums. He appealed to the government to introspect, acknowledge its failures and take concrete steps to address the pressing problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The press conference was attended by several Peoples Conference leaders and workers, who echoed similar concerns and expressed disappointment over what they termed as poor governance and unfulfilled promises by the ruling dispensation.

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The carnival, organised from December 31 to January 6, witnessed overwhelming participation from tourists, locals, and winter sports enthusiasts. The concluding ceremony was held in the presence of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gulmarg, senior officials, and other dignitaries, during which participants who took part in various events were felicitated for their enthusiasm and performance. The dignitaries appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders involved in making the week-long carnival a grand success.

Throughout the carnival, a variety of winter sports and recreational activities were organised, including skiing competitions, snow cricket matches, snow art exhibitions, and several adventure-based events. These activities added colour and excitement to the snowy landscape of Gulmarg and provided visitors with a unique winter experience. Tourists from different states of India and various parts of the world were seen actively participating in and enjoying the events, creating a lively and festive environment at the resort.

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The event witnessed active participation from various stakeholders, including private school employees, representatives from industrial units, employers, and workers from different sectors.

The Assistant Labour Commissioner Baramulla, while addressing the participants, said the awareness initiative was organised on the direction of the Labour Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to sensitise employees and employers about the four new labour codes passed by Parliament on November 21, 2025.

The ALC elaborated that the four labour codes include the Code on Wages, Code on Social Security, Code on Industrial Relations, and the Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions. He said these codes have been introduced to simplify and consolidate existing labour laws, ensure better protection of workers’ rights, promote ease of doing business, and bring transparency in employer-employee relations.

He further stated that special emphasis was laid on making employees aware of their rights and obligations under the new legal framework, including minimum wages, social security benefits, workplace safety, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The programme also provided an interactive platform where participants raised queries and sought clarifications regarding the implementation and impact of the new labour codes.

Participants appreciated the initiative and termed it timely and informative, saying such awareness programmes help bridge the information gap and ensure smooth implementation of labour reforms at the grassroots level.

The Labour Department assured that similar programmes would continue to be organised in other parts of the district to ensure maximum outreach and awareness among all stakeholders.

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Officials said the enforcement team conducted a surprise operation at around 1:30 am in the Ballakul Shah area of Lolipora Beat, following information about illicit cutting and theft of willow trees within the protected wetland zone. As the team reached the spot, the accused involved in the illegal activity managed to flee under the cover of darkness to evade arrest.

However, the offenders were forced to abandon two vehicles at the scene—a Maruti 800 (Registration No. JK05B-0294) and a Tata Mobile (Registration No. JK05A-7233)—both found heavily loaded with illegally felled willow logs. The joint team immediately seized the vehicles along with the recovered timber on the spot.

Authorities confirmed that the accused have been identified by the field staff, and legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act have been initiated. Further investigation is underway to identify possible links and prevent recurrence of such environmental crimes.

Officials reiterated that Hygam Wetland, a notified conservation reserve, is a vital habitat for migratory birds and biodiversity, and any illegal activity within its boundaries will be dealt with strictly and without leniency. They also warned that intensified night patrolling and intelligence-based operations will continue to safeguard the fragile wetland ecosystem.

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This vital infrastructure initiative is being executed by the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Division, Sopore.

It is designed to ensure safe passage, prevent waterlogging, and enhance flood control measures in the area, thereby safeguarding local agricultural land and residences. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, MLA Irshad Rasool Kar emphasized his commitment to addressing the infrastructural and developmental needs of the constituency. He stated, “This project is essential for the connectivity and safety of the residents of Ningli Bala. It will not only facilitate the smooth movement of people and farm produce but also provide crucial protection from seasonal flood threats.

Our focus remains on sustainable development that directly benefits the community.”

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During the operation, security forces detected a suspicious object lying in an orchard near the highway at Choora area, triggering immediate security measures, said officials. The area was promptly cordoned off to prevent any movement, ensuring the safety of commuters and local residents. A thorough search of the surrounding area was carried out as a precaution. Following standard operating procedures, the suspicious object was destroyed in situ by the security forces to avert any potential threat. No casualties or damage to property were reported in the incident.

During the operation, traffic movement on the highway remained suspended for nearly an hour, causing temporary inconvenience to commuters. However, after completion of the operation and clearance of the area, traffic was restored. Officials said the situation remains normal and fully under control. Security has been further strengthened in the area, and vigilance along the highway continues to ensure public safety.

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Sopore Police received specific and reliable information that an unknown person was likely to receive a parcel containing illicit drugs from a courier service. Acting promptly on the input, FIR No. 281/2025 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Sopore, and investigation was set into motion.

During the course of investigation, a police team led by the Investigating Officer, along with SDPO Sopore, SHO Sopore, Drug Inspector, and an Executive Magistrate, reached the courier office. An individual Tahir Tariq Sheikh, son of Tariq Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Seelu, Sopore was apprehended on the spot while receiving the suspected parcel.

The parcel was opened on-site in the presence of the Executive Magistrate, Drug Inspector, and FSL Team Sopore. Upon examination, the following contraband was recovered and seized Alprazolam: 10 boxes containing 2000 tablets, Pregabalin: 200 tablets and other pharmaceutical drugs.

The accused was arrested on the spot, and the recovered substances were seized as per legal procedure. Preliminary investigation indicates that the consignment had been ordered online from Chandigarh. Further investigation is underway to ascertain forward and backward linkages and to identify the wider network involved.

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President of the Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Fruit Mandi Sopore, Fayaz Ahmad Malik, popularly known as Kakaji, said disputes and lack of clarity over the quality and safety standards of fruit boxes—particularly silicate-based packaging—have badly affected the apple trade. He noted that growers are already grappling with rising input costs, transportation challenges and market volatility.

“Sopore fruit mandi is one of Asia’s largest apple trading hubs. Any disruption here directly impacts thousands of families dependent on the fruit economy,” Malik said, adding that ambiguity over packaging norms has caused confusion among buyers, traders and commission agents.

He alleged that the use of silicate-based fruit boxes has raised serious concerns related to fruit quality, safety and market acceptance, resulting in financial losses to growers.

“Fruit boxes are an essential component of the apple trade. Any compromise on quality or policy uncertainty creates chaos in the market,” he said.

Malik strongly demanded a complete ban on the supply and use of silicate-based fruit boxes, urging the administration to allow only approved and standardised packaging material in fruit mandis. He cautioned that unchecked use of such boxes could damage the reputation of Kashmiri apples in both national and international markets.

Appealing for immediate intervention, the Association president called on the concerned departments to hold detailed consultations with all stakeholders, including growers’ bodies, traders and box manufacturers, to resolve the issue transparently and amicably. He stressed the need for a clear, uniform and strictly enforceable policy on fruit packaging to prevent exploitation and ensure fair trade practices.

Warning of serious consequences if the matter remains unresolved, Malik said prolonged uncertainty could further dent the fruit industry in Kashmir and adversely affect thousands associated with the sector. He expressed hope that manufacturing units would stop supplying silicate-based fruit boxes and that the administration would take swift and decisive steps to restore smooth functioning at the Sopore fruit mandi.

Raising another major concern, Malik said the circulation of spurious and fake pesticides has emerged as a serious challenge for apple growers, particularly ahead of the spraying season. He warned that substandard chemicals not only fail to protect orchards from pests and diseases but also damage apple trees, reduce fruit quality and escalate input costs.

He said many growers fall prey to unscrupulous dealers due to a lack of awareness and weak regulation, and urged the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to intensify market checks, verify licensed dealers and ensure that only approved and certified pesticides are sold. He also demanded strict action against those found selling fake pesticides, saying safeguarding growers from fraud is crucial for sustaining Kashmir’s apple economy.

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The meeting was attended by senior officers and representatives of various government departments, including Police, Jal Shakti, Roads & Buildings (R&B), Education, Health, Municipal Committee, and other line departments. The objective of the meeting was to ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders for the conduct of the national Republic day with due dignity and enthusiasm.

During the meeting, ADC Raina reviewed the preparedness of each department and issued clear directions to finalise all arrangements well in advance. Emphasis was laid on security arrangements, venue preparedness, sanitation, uninterrupted water and power supply, healthcare facilities, traffic management, and overall public convenience.

The Police Department was directed to put in place a robust security plan to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of participants and the general public. The R&B Department was instructed to ensure proper maintenance and readiness of roads and venues, while the Municipal authorities were asked to focus on cleanliness, sanitation, and beautification of the designated areas.

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The MLA said that men and machinery have been kept in a state of full readiness to ensure uninterrupted essential services during snowfall and extreme cold. He emphasised that concerned departments have been directed to remain alert round the clock to promptly clear roads, restore power supply and address any emergency situation during adverse weather.

The MLA reaffirmed his commitment to safeguard public welfare, saying that special attention is being given to vulnerable populations, including elderly people, patients and residents of far-flung areas, so that they do not face undue hardship during intense winter conditions. He further added that continuous monitoring is being carried out and coordination among various line departments has been strengthened to ensure a swift response to any emergency, assuring the people of Sopore that the administration stands fully prepared to face the harsh winter season.

Notably, parts of Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall and rain overnight, while minimum temperatures remained above the freezing point at most places in Kashmir. The intensity was severe in the north Kashmir higher reaches. The ski resort of Gulmarg was among the higher reaches that received intermittent snowfall through the night, which continued into the morning.

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