Srinagar, Dec 12: Saleem Wani

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to visit Gulmarg on December 13, 2025, for a day-long programme during which he will inaugurate several major tourism and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the region’s winter preparedness, tourist capacity, and developmental outreach.

According to sources, the Chief Minister’s visit carries significant administrative importance as multiple departments—including Tourism, Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), and J&K Cable Car Corporation—have lined up key projects for inauguration, review, and foundation laying.
The visit will begin with foundation-laying and inauguration ceremonies at Kongdori and Affarwat, organised by the J&K Cable Car Corporation.

These projects are understood to focus on upgrading ropeway infrastructure, improving safety systems, strengthening mobility for tourists, and enhancing facilities at one of Kashmir’s most important winter tourism destinations.
Sources added that the Cable Car Corporation has been working on multiple components ahead of the winter season, making the Chief Minister’s presence at these inaugurations especially significant.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone for the fencing project at the Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the highest golf courses in the world.
Officials say the fencing project is expected to improve safety, protect the landscape, and support upcoming international-level events planned in the tourism calendar.
The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts to revive and maintain heritage recreational spaces in Gulmarg.
Following these engagements, the Chief Minister will attend a meeting at the Convention Centre, Gulmarg, organised by the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA).

The meeting is expected to include:
• Progress review of ongoing development works
• Assessment of GDA’s winter preparedness plan
• Discussions on tourist management during peak snowfall
• Directions for infrastructure strengthening, cleanliness, and safety measures
Top officials from the Tourism Department, GDA, and district administration are likely to participate.

Announces plans for a new structured and dynamic team

Srinagar, Dec 12: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference on Friday, through its General Secretary Molvi Imran Reza Ansari, announced the dissolution of the entire Baramulla District Body, formally relieving all office bearers along with District President Asif Lone.

The party’s official communiqué described the decision as part of a wider organisational reset aimed at reinforcing JKPC’s grassroots presence and gearing up for forthcoming political responsibilities.

The leadership affirmed that a newly structured and more energetic district team will be unveiled shortly as part of its renewed operational framework.

JKPC’s central leadership reiterated its resolve to strengthen its district-level cadre by inducting fresh voices and revitalised leadership to guide the party’s future course in Baramulla.

Budgam Dec 12 : The Railway Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police, working alongside the Pollution Control Board, Kashmir, intercepted a large consignment of polythene bags at Budgam Railway Station. Authorities recovered 698 sacks, each weighing around 25 kilograms, from an incoming parcel train.

Initial checks indicate that the shipment originated from Delhi and was intended for illegal sale and distribution in Srinagar. The entire consignment has been seized as part of the enforcement action.

A formal police investigation is underway to identify the individuals responsible for transporting and planning to distribute the banned material. Further updates will follow as the inquiry progresses.

Sopore Dec 12 : Khalid Sharief Bhat, a young man from Arampora, Sopore, was found dead in Vijaypur, Jammu, on Wednesday, raising concerns and suspicions of foul play among his family.

According to relatives, Khalid had left home for an outing around eight to ten days ago and last spoke to them on December 8 from Jewel Chowk in Jammu. Attempts to reach him afterward were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off.

The discovery of his body has intensified the family’s demand for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death.

Police have registered the case and begun inquiries, stating that further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.

Srinagar, Dec 12: The Special Crime Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a charge sheet against a Public Works Department employee accused of forging his date of birth to secure illegal regularisation. The charge sheet in Case FIR No. 07 of 2022 under sections 420, 468, 471 and 201 of the Ranbir Penal Code was produced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Handwara on December 11.

The case originated from an official communication by the Public Works Department seeking investigation into the alleged fake date of birth of Abdul Rashid Lone, son of Muhammad Ahsan Lone of Chogal Handwara, who had been serving as a Helper in the R&B Division. Following the complaint, Crime Branch Kashmir initiated a preliminary enquiry.

Investigators found that at the time of his regularisation, the accused had produced a medical certificate showing his date of birth as April 1, 1968. Verification, however, revealed that the school records documented his date of birth as April 4, 1950. In view of the contradiction, a formal FIR was registered and a detailed investigation was taken up.

According to the Crime Branch, the probe established that the accused, acting in a criminal conspiracy, fabricated and used a forged date of birth certificate to obtain undue service benefits. The investigation also indicated prima facie evidence of cheating, forgery and destruction of evidence.

Officials said the charge sheet has now been placed before the court for judicial scrutiny. The Special Crime Wing reiterated that attempts to falsify records for personal gain will face strict legal action and stated that it remains committed to transparent and thorough investigations in all such cases.

Srinagar, Dec 12: Air travel faced disruptions on Thursday as multiple airlines cancelled several scheduled flights from Srinagar Airport due to operational reasons. However, despite the cancellations, authorities at Srinagar International Airport assured that all necessary arrangements have been made for Umrah pilgrims, ensuring their smooth facilitation and onward journey.

According to the airport’s updated schedule for 12 December 2025, Indigo and other airlines reported a total of six flight cancellations.

Indigo Cancellations

Indigo cancelled four flights on Thursday.

6E 6165, scheduled to depart at 09:45 AM for Amritsar,

6E 6761 with a 17:35 PM departure to Delhi,

6E 6962, slated for 18:45 PM to Kolkata, and

6E 2449, scheduled at 20:40 PM for Delhi.

Other Airlines Cancelled Flights

Two additional flights were also cancelled:

SG 664 (SpiceJet), scheduled at 12:55 PM for Delhi,

IX 1017 (Air India Express), departing at 14:45 PM for Delhi.

The cancellations caused inconvenience to general passengers, especially those travelling to major metro cities. Airport officials said that affected passengers were being notified directly by the respective airlines, and alternative arrangements—including rescheduling and refund options—were being offered as per standard protocol.

Special Arrangements for Umrah Pilgrims

In the midst of these disruptions, authorities confirmed that all arrangements had been put in place for Umrah pilgrims travelling from Srinagar. Dedicated counters, priority baggage support, and coordination teams were deployed to assist pilgrims in completing travel formalities without difficulty.

Airport officials said that despite the cancelled flights, the special Umrah travel schedule remained unaffected, and pilgrims were provided timely updates and guidance. “Our teams are on the ground to ensure every pilgrim receives proper support. No Umrah passenger will face any difficulty,” an airport spokesperson said.

Authorities have also urged passengers to stay updated through airline notifications and avoid unnecessary travel to the airport without flight confirmation.

The situation is being monitored closely, and normal flight operations are expected to resume without further disruptions.