Zahid Mukhtar (1956–2025)
Kashmir’s literary and broadcasting world lost one of its most distinguished voices on Thursday with the passing of Zahid Mukhtar, a noted poet, writer, actor, broadcaster, and journalist from Anantnag. He was 69. Mukhtar, who had been ailing for some time, breathed his last on October 9, 2025, at his residence in Nayee Basti, Anantnag.
Born in South Kashmir’s Anantnag in 1956, Mukhtar’s creative journey began with poetry but soon expanded into short stories, criticism, acting, and broadcasting. His first short story, Chout (Injury), appeared in 1976, marking the beginning of a prolific career that seamlessly bridged Urdu and Kashmiri literature. Among his celebrated works are Ibtida (The Beginning) and Sulagtay Chinar (Blazing Chinars) in Urdu, and Timbri Halm (A Hem Filled with Sparks) in Kashmiri. His story Pul-e-Sirat (The Bridge of Judgment Day), a piercing allegory on Kashmir’s decades of suffering, remains among his most acclaimed works.
Mukhtar’s deep, familiar voice became a household presence through All India Radio and Doordarshan Kashmir, where he hosted and wrote more than a hundred plays and features, including the popular television show Good Morning Kashmir. In the early 1990s, he ventured into journalism with his weekly paper Al-Mukhtar, later editing the literary magazine Lafz ba Lafz (Word by Word).
Recipient of the Safeer-e-Urdu award from Aligarh Muslim University and honours from the Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Academy, Mukhtar remained an influential cultural figure for five decades.
He is survived by a son, a doctor based in England, and a daughter settled abroad.
“He was a man of extraordinary creative energy and immense humility,” said Mohammad Amin Bhat of Adbi Markaz Kamraz. “His passing marks the end of an era in Kashmir’s literary and broadcasting landscape.”
The Government of India released the 21st PM-KISAN instalment of Rs 171 crore for 8.55 lakh farmers in Jammu and Kashmir and approved Rs 85.62 crore for reconstructing 5,101 flood-damaged houses.
KOKERNAG
Jammu and Kashmir Police last week arrested Mohammad Rouf Rehman, a senior JKAS officer and CEO of the Verinag Development Authority, following a court order from the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Anantnag. The arrest, directed by Sub-Judge Feroz Ahmad Khan, was made for Rehman’s alleged non-compliance with implementing a National Lok Adalat award from 2015. Despite repeated directions, Rehman failed to act or respond to notices. The court had earlier issued a bailable warrant and ordered attachment of the authority’s treasury account. Following his medical examination, Rehman was lodged in custody and will remain detained until October 15, pending his next court appearance.
The Legislative Assembly’s fourth session will run from October 23 to 31 with six sittings, covering obituary references, private members’ bills and resolutions, and government business.
CHANDIGRAH
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh administration to consider framing a rehabilitation policy for Kashmiri migrant labourers residing in Sector 29 government quarters for nearly four decades, while upholding their eviction. The court termed immediate removal “unjust and harsh” and granted the residents time until March 31, 2026, to vacate. The petitions, filed between 2019 and 2024, challenged eviction notices issued in 2019 and sought rehabilitation. The administration contended the quarters were temporary accommodation granted in 1983–84, with an eviction order issued in 2012 under the Public Premises Act, which had attained finality. While affirming the legality of eviction, the bench acknowledged the petitioners’ long residence and urged the administration to consider a policy for their rehabilitation. The order provides a reprieve and a potential pathway for structured resettlement for families who have lived in Chandigarh for nearly forty years.
KUPWARA
The judiciary in Jammu and Kashmir continues to take stern action against custodial torture by police personnel. Last week, a Srinagar court denied bail to eight cops, including DySP Aijaz Ahmad Naik, accused by the CBI of torturing Constable Khursheed Ahmed Chowhan at JIC Kupwara in February 2023, noting the seriousness of the offences under Section 307 IPC and the risk of evidence tampering. Meanwhile, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh summoned the SDPO Billawar and the SIT head to personally appear in connection with the alleged custodial torture leading to the suicide of 26-year-old Makhan Din in Kathua in February 2025. The court highlighted discrepancies in police statements and directed production of SIT records, setting October 27, 2025, as the next hearing. Both cases underscore the judiciary’s insistence on accountability, procedural propriety, and thorough investigation in custodial abuse incidents involving police officials.
DODA
The Court of Principal and Sessions Judge Bhaderwah convicted Irfan Ali, a terror accused from Kilhotran, Tehsil Gandoh, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Ali faced charges under Sections 302/34 of the Ranbir Penal Code and Sections 7/27 of the Arms Act for the 2002 murder of Sarpanch Sher Mohammad of Changa Gandoh, committed with associates linked to a militant outfit. Following the crime, he fled but was taken into judicial custody in 2019. After a six-year trial, the court found him guilty. The prosecution was led by KK Bandral, Chief Prosecuting Officer, Bhaderwah.
SRINAGAR
The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) urged the High Court to dismiss PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra’s application seeking permission to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir, citing his involvement in serious terror-related offences. Represented by Mohsin S Qadri, the SIA argued that allowing the request would undermine the trial court’s supervision, nullify bail conditions, and jeopardise ongoing proceedings. Parra is on bail since May 2022. The SIA pleaded that travel permission is not a right and that granting it could set a dangerous precedent, compromising national security and public interest, and potentially obstructing the effective conduct of his trial.
GUJARAT
The Jammu Police cyber wing uncovered a Rs 4.4 crore online fraud, arresting three accused from Surat, Gujarat, who had coerced a Jammu businessman into transferring the amount by falsely implicating him in money laundering. The scam came to light after the victim filed a complaint on September 2. Police traced the digital trail, bank transactions, and communications, leading to the arrests of Chauhan Manish Arunbhai, Ansh Vithani, and Kishorbhai Karamshibhai Diyoria. Jammu SSP Joginder Singh termed the arrests a breakthrough, noting that Rs 55.88 lakh has been frozen and Rs 6 lakh refunded. The first chargesheet has been filed, and investigations continue.
KASHMIR
As winter approaches, Kashmir’s wetlands prepare for the annual arrival of lakhs of migratory birds from Siberia, China, Eastern Europe, and Japan. Species such as Eurasian teals, mallards, northern pintails, gadwalls, and coots undertake transcontinental journeys to escape harsh winters and find refuge in Hokersar, Wular, Haigam, and Shalbugh. The spectacle, beginning in October and lasting until March, attracts birdwatchers and photographers, marking a cherished seasonal event. Strict anti-poaching measures, including CCTV surveillance and dedicated squads, have significantly reduced threats. Last winter, Hokersar alone hosted over four lakh birds. The 2025 Asian Waterbird Census recorded 13.4 lakh birds across 26 wetlands, highlighting species diversity and ecological health. Experts stress that these wetlands are crucial for the Valley’s environment, and the migratory birds serve as indicators of ecological balance, emphasising the need for continued protection and conservation.
SRINAGAR
The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir has registered a case against Amir Ahmad Munshi for falsely claiming to be the brother of a complainant and submitting forged documents, including a Municipal Date of Birth Certificate, Domicile Certificate, School Records, Voter List, and Permanent Resident Certificate, to a Srinagar court. The accused, actually the son of Showkat Hussain Bhat, allegedly committed offences under Sections 420, 468, and 471 of the IPC. A formal case has been registered at the Economic Offences Wing Police Station, and the investigation into the matter is currently underway.
JAMMU
The natural gas pipeline project in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts, executed by GAIL India Limited, is expected to be completed by December 2025, ensuring uninterrupted clean energy for industrial and domestic consumers. Nearly all work in Kathua and Samba is complete, while Jammu district work will commence shortly. The 78-km pipeline will connect the Union Territory to the national gas grid, with a city distribution network pending execution by an oil company. Delays persist in the Punjab stretch due to prior forest clearance issues. The project, using advanced corrosion-protected pipelines, aims to extend natural gas to Kashmir once Jammu work concludes, promoting efficient, non-polluting fuel access.
BARAMULLA
An official who unilaterally issued a social media gag order to teachers in north Kashmir, without the consent of the Education Minister, was removed from his post by the Jammu and Kashmir government on October 6, 2025. Bashir Ahmad Shah, in-charge Chief Education Officer (CEO), Baramulla, has been attached to the Directorate of School Education Kashmir pending an inquiry, with a joint director instructed to submit a report within 15 days. The gag order, which warned of penalties including fines, demotion, and dismissal for social media “misuse,” was widely criticised by political leaders, including the PDP and the National Conference, as an attempt to stifle voices. The Education Department clarified that constructive social media use is allowed, but directed employees to avoid debates, discussions, or posting content violating government circulars from 2017 and 2023. Minister Sakina Itoo emphasised employee rights to constructive expression, stating unilateral actions against staff would not be tolerated, and the government is committed to both public and employee welfare. The CEO of Bandipora will temporarily hold Shah’s responsibilities. The incident underscores tensions over social media regulation and employee autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir.
PAHALGAM
Mohammad Yousuf Katari, a 26-year-old Over Ground Worker, was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police for aiding the militants involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. Katari reportedly met the attackers four times in the Zabarwan hills and provided logistical support, including an Android phone charger, which became key evidence leading to his arrest. The breakthrough followed forensic analysis of items recovered during Operation Mahadev in July, which killed the three killers. Katari, who taught nomadic students, is believed to have guided the attackers. His arrest marks a significant step in dismantling terror support networks in Kashmir, with the case potentially being transferred to the NIA.
