Politics – Mehbooba Mufti Targets Omar Abdullah Government Over Corruption Claims
Politics – Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has levelled serious corruption allegations against the Omar Abdullah-led administration, claiming that a senior minister allegedly demanded money in return for approving a government transfer. The remarks came during an interaction with party workers, where the Peoples Democratic Party chief criticised the functioning of the present government and raised concerns over transparency in administrative matters.
Allegation Over Transfer Posting Sparks Political Row
According to Mehbooba Mufti, a government officer associated with the National Conference reportedly approached a minister seeking a transfer order. She alleged that the officer was asked to arrange Rs 30 lakh in exchange for the posting. Without identifying the minister involved, the PDP leader claimed the incident reflected deep-rooted corruption within the administration.
She further stated that the officer later approached National Conference president Farooq Abdullah to raise the matter. However, she alleged that the officer was advised to directly discuss the issue with the minister concerned instead of receiving intervention from the party leadership. Mehbooba used the incident to question the government’s commitment to clean governance and administrative reforms.
The National Conference has not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations. The accusations are expected to intensify political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, where rival parties have frequently traded charges over governance and accountability.
Srinagar Court Questions Validity of E-Challans Issued Through Personal Phones
In another important development, a court in Srinagar has ruled that traffic e-challans issued through personal mobile phones of police personnel cannot automatically be treated as legally authorised enforcement actions under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The judgment was delivered by Special Mobile Magistrate Shabir Ahmad Malik while hearing a petition challenging multiple traffic challans issued electronically for alleged violations. The court examined whether private smartphones used by police officials could qualify as officially approved electronic enforcement devices under Rule 167A of the CMVR.
While delivering the order, the court observed that a personal mobile device does not become a legally recognised enforcement instrument merely because it is being operated by a police officer during duty hours. The ruling is being seen as significant because electronic traffic enforcement has expanded rapidly in recent years across Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.
Legal experts believe the decision may prompt authorities to revisit procedures related to digital traffic monitoring and ensure that only officially approved devices are used for issuing e-challans. The judgment could also influence similar pending cases involving disputed traffic penalties.
New Pony Policy Introduced in Pahalgam to Protect Environment
Authorities in the tourist destination of Pahalgam have introduced a revised policy limiting registered pony operators to a single horse each. Officials said the decision has been taken to improve tourist safety and reduce environmental pressure on the popular hill resort.
The policy comes nearly a year after the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, after which authorities began reviewing tourism-related management systems in the region. According to the Pahalgam Development Authority, several pony operators were previously managing four to five horses under one licence, making regulation difficult and increasing strain on local ecological resources.
Under the new system, each licensed ponywala will now be allowed to operate only one horse. Officials believe the move will help maintain better oversight, prevent overcrowding on tourist routes, and support environmental conservation efforts in the area.
The administration has stated that the policy is aimed at balancing tourism activities with ecological protection while ensuring safer experiences for visitors travelling through the mountainous destination.