The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Union Territory administration to assess and provide adequate security to Advocate Mohammad Irfan, a former government lawyer who claims to have received threats for representing the State in sensitive national security-related cases.

Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani, while disposing of Irfan’s petition, observed that it is the government’s constitutional duty to ensure an individual’s right to life and liberty, which includes the right to live free from fear and threat.

The Court noted that Advocate Irfan, who had acted as Government Counsel in matters involving anti-national elements and suspected militants, had been left vulnerable after his personal security officer (PSO) was withdrawn in 2024 without any alternate arrangement. Despite a formal representation made to the ADGP Security in November last year, no action was taken, Irfan’s counsel told the court.

Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, the Court held that the State must assess the lawyer’s threat perception and provide security accordingly. “Right to life includes the right not to live a threatful life,” the Court noted.

The petition was argued by Advocate Mehtab Gulzar on behalf of Irfan, while the government was represented by Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli and Advocate Priyanka Bhat.

GANDERBAL — In a significant move against cross-border militant networks, the Ganderbal Police on Saturday attached immovable properties worth Rs 3.2 crore belonging to three militants currently operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The action was taken in connection with FIR No. 48/2009 registered under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Police Station Kheerbawani.

The property attachment followed due legal procedures and was carried out on the directions of the Additional Sessions Judge (Special Judge designated under the NIA Act). Police officials confirmed that a total of 9 kanals and 1.5 marlas of land were identified and seized across different areas of Ganderbal district.

The militants whose properties have been targeted include Farooq Ahmad Rather of Kurag, Noor Mohammad Parray of Hatbura, and Mohammad Maqbool Sofi of Khurhama. All three are reportedly operating from PoK and have been accused of continuing to coordinate or incite militant activity from across the border.

Police said the action is part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining the financial and logistical networks of militants, particularly those who, despite being based outside the country, attempt to exploit local resources and instigate violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

A senior official described the move as a clear warning to those engaged in subversive activities from PoK. "We are committed to cutting off all economic and support channels available to militants and their affiliates. These actions are just one part of our sustained counter-militancy efforts,” the official said.

Authorities reiterated that such operations will continue, ensuring that no assets or local networks remain available to those working against peace and stability in the region.

SRINAGAR — Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday ruled out any further extension of the summer vacation, citing concerns over syllabus completion. She said the decision was taken after receiving repeated calls from parents and students suggesting a change in school timing rather than more holidays.

“Extending vacations would have affected syllabus coverage. Our goal is to make children competitive, and for that, classroom time is crucial,” Itoo told reporters in Srinagar.

The minister said she had instructed officials to gather public opinion before finalizing the decision. “We wanted to hear from people. Once the feedback came in, we revised the school timing accordingly,” she said.

As per the revised schedule, schools in urban areas will now function from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, while those in rural areas will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Itoo said the move balances academic priorities with public feedback, ensuring that students stay on track with their studies without compromising their well-being.