The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Altaf Bukhari-led Apni Party is reportedly heading towards a major internal political crisis, with at least eight to nine prominent leaders said to be preparing to resign from the party, sources told the news agency KNT.

The reported dissent has assumed significance ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled for Thursday at the Apni Party headquarters in Church Lane, Srinagar, where party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari is also expected to be present.

According to sources familiar with the developments, the meeting could prove decisive for the political future of the leaders contemplating their exit from the party.

Although the agenda of the meeting remains unclear, sources said the leaders concerned would take a final call on whether to continue in the Apni Party or part ways after the deliberations.

The possible departure of such a number of prominent leaders could pose a significant challenge to the party's organisational strength and trigger fresh political realignments in Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — The Directorate of Colleges, Higher Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir, has directed all Government Degree Colleges to strictly enforce attendance norms and prescribed working hours, warning of disciplinary action against employees violating the directions.

In a circular, Director Colleges Prof. (Dr.) Twinkle Suri said instances of non-adherence to prescribed working hours and unauthorised absence from duty had come to the notice of the Directorate, adversely affecting institutional discipline and the teaching-learning process.

All Principals of Government Degree Colleges have been directed to ensure strict compliance with attendance norms and prescribed working hours by both teaching and non-teaching staff.

The circular specifically calls for regular biometric attendance, punctuality and uninterrupted conduct of classes. It also makes clear that no employee shall leave college premises during working hours without prior permission from the competent authority.

The Heads of Institutions have been asked to personally monitor compliance and ensure accountability, with the Directorate warning that any violation would be viewed seriously and would invite appropriate disciplinary action under the applicable rules.

The circular further cautions that non-compliance with the directions or submission of incorrect information would invite strict action against the officials responsible.

The directions have been circulated to Principals of Government Degree Colleges and Government College of Engineering and Technology institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against a Pulwama resident in an alleged Rs 35 lakh cheque fraud case before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Pulwama.

The accused has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Yatoo, son of Ali Mohammad Yatoo, a resident of Chanpora, Rajpora, Pulwama. The chargesheet has been filed in connection with FIR No. 44/2026 registered under Sections 318(2), 336(3) and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to the investigation, the case originated from a written complaint alleging that the complainant was in a partnership business with the accused. During the settlement of business accounts, an amount of Rs 35 lakh was found outstanding against the accused.

The complainant alleged that the accused issued a cheque to clear the liability. However, the cheque was dishonoured by the bank after it emerged that it had been issued in the name of the accused's father, who had died two years earlier. The accused allegedly affixed his own signatures on the cheque despite it being issued in his deceased father's name.

The EOW said that during the course of investigation, the allegations were substantiated and the charges against the accused were found established.

The investigation was concluded by Sub-Inspector Farooq Ahmad, following which the chargesheet was submitted before the competent court for judicial determination.