The J&K and Ladakh High Court has directed the MHA to take steps to bring back a minor boy from Gujranwala, Pakistan pursuant to ‘leave India notice’ on April 25, 2025 following the Pahalgam attack and consider his application for extension of long-term visa and Indian citizenship. The HC passed the order while disposing of a petition filed by Sajjad Ahmed Rajouri seeking repatriation of his son Aasim Sajjad born on October 26, 2006. Sajjad had married a Pakistani woman in 2005 and returned to the country with the baby on October 9, 2007. Aasim, his father said, was forcibly deported to Pakistan despite living in J&K for years on a long-term visa.
68,000 kg drugs seized in UT in five years
Over 68,000 kgs of drugs have been seized in J&K by law enforcement in the last five years, according to data released by Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The data shows that over 1.3 million adults in the UT are using addictive substances, with opioids emerging as the most commonly consumed drug. The government has strengthened its counter-narcotics framework to prevent smuggling of drugs. The BSF and other border forces have been empowered under the NDPS Act to conduct searches, seizures and arrests. An upgraded surveillance grid featuring AI-based systems and night vision devices have been deployed.
NIT secures patent for indoor heating system
The NIT, Srinagar has secured a patent for an innovative system aimed at modernising the traditional ‘hamaam’ through an AI and internet of things (IoT)-based automation. ‘Hamaam’ has long served as an essential source of indoor heating during winters in Kashmir and other cold regions. According to inventors Saniya Zahoor, Shabir A Sofi, and Syed Farmaan Ali, the system employs IoT-enabled sensors and AI algorithms to regulate underfloor heating in real time. An AI-driven module determines fuel requirements dynamically, activating the fuel feed mechanism as needed to optimise energy use.
Fayaz Wani
Our correspondent in Jammu and Kashmir
fayazwani123@gmail.com