Baramulla, May 21 : In a swift move aimed at restoring order and accountability, Jammu and Kashmir Bank has suspended two senior officers posted in Baramulla district following reports of a physical and verbal altercation between them in the presence of staff and customers.

The suspended officials have been identified as Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar, Assistant General Manager and Cluster Head Baramulla, and Tanveer Bashir, Chief Manager and Branch Manager of T P Baramulla. According to an official order issued by the bank, both officers were placed under immediate suspension pending a formal investigation into “acts of omission and commission” during their tenure.

As per the suspension terms, Muzaffar has been attached to the Zonal Office in Srinagar, while Bashir has been moved to the Cluster Office in Kupwara. They are restricted from entering any other bank premises and cannot leave their respective stations without prior approval from the competent authority. Additionally, their specimen signatures have been placed under abeyance, effectively halting their financial authority within the institution.

The incident, which reportedly took place inside the bank premises, drew criticism from customers and employees alike. Several locals praised the bank’s prompt disciplinary action, claiming it was necessary to preserve professional conduct within public-facing institutions.

Notably, some customers accused one of the suspended officers of routinely harassing clients under various pretexts and not being cooperative in service-related matters.

“The suspension is a welcome step. The behavior of some officials had become intolerable, and it was affecting public trust in the bank,” a customer outside the branch remarked.

JK Bank has assured that a thorough inquiry will be conducted, and further action will be taken based on the findings. In the meantime, both officers will receive subsistence allowance in accordance with service rules during their suspension period. (CNS)

Govt orders transfer, posting of two IPS officers

Srinagar, May 20 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the transfer and posting order for two IPS officers with immediate effect, aiming to streamline administrative operations.

According to government order, S.J.M Gillani, IPS (1994), currently serving as the Managing Director of J&K Police Housing Corporation and holding additional charge as the Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence, and SDRF, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Special Director General, Coordination, Police Headquarters (PHQ). He will continue to hold his additional charge as MD, J&K Police Housing Corporation.

Alok Kumar, IPS (1997), Director of J&K Fire and Emergency Services, will now also take on the responsibilities of Commandant General, Home Guards, Civil Defence, and SDRF, J&K, in addition to his current duties—(KNO)

Red Alert in Jammu and Kashmir

During next 6 days Heatwave may intensifies more as temperatures expected to soar to 34°C For Kashmir Plains.

For Kashmir Plains Like Srinagar, Kupwara, Budgam, & Pulwama the temperature can touch 33- 34 degrees Celsius more chances in Srinagar & Qazigund

For Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag, Bandipora & Baramulla temperatures may cross 31-32°C in next 6 days.

For Jammu plains temperature to cross 42-44 degrees Celsius in coming days .

Dry & hot weather to continue for next 6 days at most places in J&K

Regards: Kashmir Weather Forecast

Traffic Advisory by Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K (Dated: 20th May 2025)
Location: Jammu/Srinagar

The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, issues the following updates and advisories for vehicular movement on key highways from 1700 hrs, 19-05-2025 to 1700 hrs, 20-05-2025, and traffic plan for 21-05-2025:

Traffic Status (As of 20th May 2025)

NH-44 (Jammu–Srinagar Highway):

• Slow movement reported due to:
  • Vehicle breakdowns (HMVs)
  • Movement of 4 nomadic flocks
  • Ongoing four-lane construction
  • Narrowing to a single lane at Dalwas, Peeda, Mehad, and between Marog–Kishtwari Pather
• Traffic Regulation Points: Managed at Mehad, Cafeteria, and Ramban where the road narrows to 150–200 meters.
  Commuters are urged to follow lane discipline; wrong-lane driving and overtaking will lead to congestion.
• Travel Caution: Commuters, especially LMV/passenger vehicle operators, are advised to travel during the daytime due to risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.

HMVs and Goods Carriers:

• Vehicles transporting perishables or livestock must comply with the advisory from Traffic Police Headquarters.
• Avoid overloading and ensure vehicles are roadworthy with adequate fuel before starting the journey.
• Only 6 and 10-tyre HMVs are permitted via Dhar Road.

General Advisory: Avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide-prone areas.

Traffic Plan for 21st May 2025

Jammu–Srinagar NH-44:

• LMVs/Passenger Cars:
  Allowed both ways (Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa), subject to weather and road condition.
• HMVs (Load Carriers):
  Permitted from Jakheni (Udhampur) to Srinagar only.
  No HMV allowed after 1600 hrs.
  Movement subject to road and traffic conditions.
  TCU Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban for final clearance.

Other Key Routes

Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag Road (NH-244):

• LMVs and HPSVs allowed both ways between Anantnag and Kishtwar.
• Timings:
  • From PP Parana (towards Anantnag): 0800 hrs to 1600 hrs
  • From PP Daksum (towards Kishtwar): 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs
• No HMVs (except designated HPSVs) allowed as per SDM Chhatroo and Kokernag’s directives.

SSG Road (Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari):

• One-way regulated movement:
  • From Minamarg to Srinagar: 0800 hrs to 1130 hrs
  • From Sonamarg to Kargil: 1300 hrs to 1630 hrs
• No vehicle movement permitted after cut-off timings.

Mughal Road (Jammu–Srinagar via Poonch):

• LMVs allowed both ways, subject to weather and road clearance.
• Local HMVs (up to 6 tyres) permitted from Poonch to Shopian:
  • From Behramgala (Baffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian): 0830 hrs to 1600 hrs

Bhaderwah–Chamba Road:

• Closed due to snow accumulation.

Important Contacts for Road Status Confirmation:

• Traffic Control Unit, Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Traffic Control Unit, Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103
• TCU Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• TCU Udhampur: 8491928625
• PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
• PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331
• PCR Ganderbal: 9906668731

Public Notice:
Travelers are advised to stay updated with real-time road status through the J&K Traffic Police Twitter and Facebook pages before starting their journey.