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New Delhi, Nov 3: Military preparedness in the 21st century is intrinsically linked to technological and industrial capabilities, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as he called for indigenous production of critical equipment and technologies and building the capacity to sustain them independently. Addressing the third edition of the Delhi Defence Dialogue at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) on November 3, 2026, Defence Minister emphasised that Aatmanirbharta must be viewed as a quest for technological sovereignty as self-reliance means ensuring that the nation's critical defence requirements are not held hostage to external dependencies. True self-reliance is achieved by possessing the knowledge to design a defence platform, the technology to manufacture it, intellectual property to improve it and the capability to sustain it throughout its lifecycle, he said. Sharing his insights on the theme of this year's Dialogue, Defence Reforms, Aatmanirbharta, Collaborations and Exports, Defence Minister described the four elements as interconnected dimensions of India's objective to become Viksit Bharat by 2047. He stated that reforms must create an enabling institutional environment, Aatmanirbharta must strengthen indigenous technological capabilities, collaborations must accelerate access to advanced technologies and facilitate co-development, and exports must provide the scale, competitiveness and global partnerships required for a sustainable industrial ecosystem. These four elements are mutually reinforcing pillars of India's quest for strategic autonomy, he said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined that reforms represent the nation's willingness to change, Aatmanirbharta symbolises its determination to create, collaborations reflect its confidence to partner with the world, and exports demonstrate its readiness to compete globally. He emphasised that these four elements must progress together, as self-reliance without reforms, international collaborations and exports would limit India's technological horizons, industrial scale and global competitiveness. Defence Minister pointed out that recent conflicts across the world have demonstrated a fundamental transformation in the character of warfare, with battlefields extending beyond land, sea and air into space, cyberspace and the digital domain. He stated that the distinction between conventional and unconventional warfare is increasingly blurring, while relatively inexpensive drones and autonomous systems are challenging sophisticated and costly military platforms. The ability to innovate rapidly, manufacture at scale and replenish capabilities has become as important as possessing advanced weapon systems, he added. Highlighting that technological and manufacturing capabilities require an enabling institutional environment, progressive policies and responsive processes, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined the initiatives undertaken over the last decade to strengthen India's domestic defence industrial base. These include the establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors and the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), aimed at enhancing autonomy, efficiency and competitiveness in defence manufacturing. Defence Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to encouraging greater private sector participation in the development and manufacturing of advanced defence platforms and systems. Opportunities for private participation in programmes such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, propulsion systems, ATAGS, artillery ammunition and shipbuilding will accelerate indigenous development, expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen India's position in the global defence market. These initiatives are creating opportunities for wider participation by private industry, MSMEs, start-ups and academia, he said. Rajnath Singh highlighted that 2025 was observed as the Year of Reforms in the Ministry of Defence, with a focus on jointness, integration, emerging technologies, innovation and strengthening the domestic defence industrial ecosystem. He said that reforms initiated across policies, institutional structures, technology development, acquisition procedures and ease of doing business are yielding positive results, with defence production reaching a record level of approximately Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26 and defence exports rising to Rs 38,424 crore. Indian defence products are now reaching more than 80 countries, reflecting the growing contribution of public sector enterprises, private industry, MSMEs and start-ups, he added. Defence Minister described defence exports as a crucial dimension of India's self-reliance agenda, stating that exports reflect the maturity of the domestic industrial ecosystem, the competitiveness of indigenous technologies and the confidence of international partners in India's capabilities. He attributed the growth to sustained policy liberalisation, simplification and standardisation, which have enabled Indian manufacturers, particularly MSMEs, to respond more effectively to international opportunities. Rajnath Singh called for expanding the scope of defence exports to include maintenance, repair, training, logistics and technology cooperation, stating that every successful export should become the foundation of an enduring strategic partnership. He reiterated the Government's resolve to achieve the targets of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. The domestic defence industry must expand manufacturing capacity, improve quality and strengthen global competitiveness to achieve these objectives, he said. Defence Minister emphasised that the Defence Forces must remain important stakeholders in the R&D process, as their operational experience and understanding of the battlefield are invaluable in informing research priorities and assessing the relevance of emerging technologies. At the same time, he stressed the need to look beyond the immediate requirements of the end-user in the research process. He observed that research driven too closely by immediate operational perceptions could end up addressing only recognised problems, rather than exploring possibilities that may not yet have been imagined. R&D must have the freedom to question established assumptions, pursue unconventional ideas and discover technologies whose applications may not be immediately apparent, he said. Rajnath Singh called for striking the right balance by allowing operational requirements to inform research while preserving the independence and intellectual space necessary for innovation. He underscored the importance of encouraging experimentation and ensuring that successful innovations move beyond laboratories and prototypes towards production and operational induction. The objective must be to create an ecosystem in which innovation is encouraged, investment is sustained and successful ideas are translated into capabilities, he said. On international defence collaborations, Defence Minister asserted that India's pursuit of self-reliance does not signify a retreat from the world; it symbolises a confident and technologically capable India better positioned to engage with international partners. He noted that while traditional partnerships based on procurement, licensed manufacturing and transfer of technology have contributed to India's industrial capabilities, future requirements call for a more ambitious approach based on co-development, co-production and shared innovation. Such partnerships should ensure meaningful Indian participation in design and development, access to critical technologies, appropriate sharing of intellectual property and opportunities for Indian companies to participate in global supply chains. Our large domestic market, expanding industrial base and strong pool of scientific and engineering talent offer significant opportunities for international companies to partner with Indian industry, said Rajnath Singh. Concluding his address, Defence Minister called for a collective commitment from the Defence Forces, civil servants, scientists, industry, academia and international partners to realise India's defence ambitions. He stated that the country's aspiration must be to move beyond procuring defence technologies towards creating them, beyond manufacturing for domestic requirements towards competing in global markets, and beyond participating in international defence partnerships towards contributing meaningfully to shaping the future of global defence technology. He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the Delhi Defence Dialogue would generate valuable ideas and actionable recommendations towards achieving this vision. In his welcome remarks, Director General, MP-IDSA, Ambassador Sujan R Chinoy highlighted that the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026 would provide a platform for exchanging perspectives on defence reforms, indigenous capabilities, international collaborations and defence exports. He also referred to the two preparatory roundtables organised by MP-IDSA on propulsion systems and defence exports, as well as the inaugural ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum, which further strengthened the Institute's international engagement. CISC Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Additional Secretary Smt Dipti Mohil Chawla, other senior serving & retired officials, and foreign dignitaries were present on the occasion. About Delhi Defence Dialogue The two-day dialogue, organised by MP-IDSA on November 3 & 4, 2026, brings together policymakers, representatives of the Defence Forces, defence industry, academia, think tanks and strategic experts from India and abroad to deliberate on India's evolving defence priorities and opportunities for international cooperation. The deliberations are focused on generating actionable policy recommendations to strengthen India's defence preparedness, promote indigenous technological capabilities and expand opportunities for international defence cooperation. The dialogue seeks to facilitate greater engagement among the Government, industry, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), MSMEs, start-ups and research institutions. The outcomes are expected to provide valuable inputs for policy formulation and contribute to advancing India's strategic vision of a self-reliant and technologically advanced defence ecosystem.
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Srinagar, Nov 3: Continuing its sustained drive against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Police in Anantnag have achieved significant success in four separate operations conducted by Police Station Bijbehara, Police Post Sangam and Police Post DK Pora, resulting in the recovery of a substantial quantity of contraband substances and the apprehension of four individuals. A police spokesperson said that in the first operation, Police Station Bijbehara received reliable information that one person, namely Zahoor Ahmad Dar son of Manzoor Ahmad Dar resident of Takiabal, Bijbehara, had concealed narcotic contraband at his residential house. Acting promptly on the information, legal formalities were completed, including obtaining authorisation under Section 41(2) of the NDPS Act, and a search was conducted in accordance with the prescribed procedure. During the search, approximately 16 kilograms of Ganja packed in three separate bags were recovered and seized. The accused was arrested, and further investigation is underway. In another operation, a police party of Police Post Sangam apprehended Feroz Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, resident of Semthan. During his search, 1.50 kilograms of Ganja were recovered. Accordingly, a case was registered and investigation has been taken up, spokesperson said. In a separate incident, a police party of Police Post Sangam, while conducting routine patrolling at Kevipora, Marhama, apprehended Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, resident of Semthan. During his search, 89 grams of charas powder was recovered. A case has been registered in this regard, and further investigation is in progress. Meanwhile, a police party of Police Post DK Pora apprehended Mohd Iqbal Sheikh son of Gh. Rasool Sheikh resident of Peth Dialgam. During the operation, 17 grams of charas-like substance was recovered. Necessary legal proceedings have been initiated in the matter, spokesperson added. J&K Police urged the general public to cooperate in the fight against drug abuse and share any information regarding drug trafficking with the police.
Property renovated through proceeds of drug trade attached in Handwara: Police
Handwara, Nov 3: Reinforcing its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Handwara has struck a significant blow to the narcotics network by attaching a residential house belonging to Mehraj-Ud-Din Gojree resident of Langate Handwara. Officials said the intensified crackdown aimed not only at arresting offenders but also dismantling the financial infrastructure supporting the drug trade. They said the attached property has been identified as having been renovated through proceeds generated from illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, marking a decisive step in targeting illegally acquired assets. Officials added that the accused is involved in Case FIR No. 05/2022 under Sections 8/20 NDPS Act of Police Station Handwara. J&K Police reiterated that any property derived from drug-related activities will face strict legal action, and such measures will continue relentlessly to choke the economic backbone of drug networks.
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Jammu, Nov 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today distributed appointment letters to 17 candidates appointed in the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department here at the Civil Secretariat. The appointment letters were distributed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Anil Kumar Singh, Director Finance, R&B, and other concerned officers. The Chief Minister congratulated the newly appointed candidates and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. He expressed hope that they would discharge their duties with dedication, sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility, contributing meaningfully to the functioning of the department and the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The appointees include eight Supervisors and eight Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) appointed under the RAS, while one candidate has been appointed under SRO-43.
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Digital Banking in India: What to Check Before Opening an Account
Digital banking allows customers to open an account, transfer funds, pay bills and manage deposits through a mobile app or internet banking portal, often without visiting a branch. As most banking services are now available digitally, the differences between providers lie less in whether a service is offered online and more in how it is delivered. This article outlines the factors worth evaluating before opening a digital account, the distinction between traditional banks and neobanks, and the safety practices that apply to every digital banking user. What to Evaluate in a Digital Banking Service Before opening or switching to a digital account, the following factors can help compare options on a like-for-like basis: Account opening and KYC: Whether the account can be opened fully online using Aadhaar-based e-KYC or Video KYC, and whether any limits apply until full KYC is completed. Range of services: Whether deposits, cards, bill payments, investments, loans and service requests can be handled on the app or still require a branch visit. Charges and balance requirements: Minimum average balance, non-maintenance charges, debit card fees and transaction limits, as disclosed in each bank's schedule of charges. Interest on deposits: Savings account and fixed deposit rates, which vary across banks and are revised periodically. Security controls: Features such as device binding, PIN or biometric login, card lock and unlock, and customer-defined transaction limits. Customer support and grievance redressal: Availability of in-app support and helplines, and a clear escalation path, including the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme. Interest rates and charges change frequently, so current figures should be verified on the bank's official website before opening an account. Traditional Banks and Neobanks: Key Differences Traditional banks offer digital channels alongside physical branches, which can be useful for services that still require in-person verification, such as locker access or certain loan documentation. Neobanks operate only through apps and typically partner with an RBI-licensed bank to offer accounts, so deposit safety, grievance handling and regulatory oversight rest with that partner bank. Customers considering a neobank should identify the partner bank and review its terms before opening an account. Safety Practices for Digital Banking Users Regardless of the bank chosen, a few practices help reduce the risk of fraud: Use official channels only: The RBI required banks to migrate their websites to the exclusive . bank.in' domain by October 31, 2025. Banking apps should be downloaded only from official app stores after checking the developers name. Never share credentials: Banks do not ask for OTPs, PINs or passwords over calls, messages or emails. Keep alerts active: SMS and email alerts should remain enabled, and the registered mobile number and email address kept up to date. Report unauthorised transactions promptly: Under the RBI's customer protection framework, a customer's liability is zero for a third-party breach if the bank is notified within three working days of receiving the transaction alert. Cyber fraud can also be reported on the national helpline 1930. Use in-app controls: Card lock, transaction limits and disabling international usage when not required add a further layer of protection. The Bottom Line Most banks in India now offer a broad range of services through their apps, so the practical differences lie in charges, account requirements, security controls and access to support. Customers who bank mainly through their phones may prioritise fully digital onboarding, while those who value in-person service may give more weight to branch access. Reviewing the schedule of charges and current interest rates on official bank websites remains the most reliable basis for a decision. Common Questions for Digital Banking Are digital banks in India safe? Yes, provided the account is held with an RBI-licensed bank. Deposits are insured by DICGC up to 5 lakh per depositor per bank, including principal and interest. Neobanks typically offer accounts through a partner bank, so customers should check which licensed bank holds their deposits. Which documents are required to open a savings account online? Most banks require a PAN card, an Aadhaar number and a mobile number linked to Aadhaar to open a digital savings account . The process is usually completed through Aadhaar-based e-KYC followed by Video KYC, and activation timelines vary by bank. Can I switch banks without closing my old account? Yes. Customers can open the new account, shift salary credits, standing instructions and auto-debits, and then decide whether to retain or close the old account. If the old account is retained, its minimum balance requirements and charges continue to apply, and an account with no customer-initiated transactions for over two years is classified as inoperative. How is online banking different from mobile banking? Online banking refers to net banking accessed via web browser, whereas mobile banking refers to a dedicated app on a smartphone or tablet and offers mobile-only features such as UPI payments.
Lack of ideological compatibility behind Ruhullah's exit from NC: Tariq Karra
Jammu, Nov 3: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Tuesday attributed National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdis differences with his party to a possible lack of ideological compatibility, while asserting that the Congress would stand firmly with the NC whenever it faced a threat from the BJP. Reacting to recent political developments, including reported dissent among NC legislators following the recent Cabinet expansion and Ruhullahs resignation from the party, Karra expressed confidence that the National Conference would be able to manage the situation. Asked about Ruhullahs resignation, Karra said every individual had their own reasons for quitting a party, adding that, in his understanding, it appeared to stem from a lack of compatibility. He had a different perspective, while the party was moving in a different direction. Perhaps there was also a lack of ideological compatibility, Karra told PTI on the sidelines of a party function here. Drawing a parallel with his own resignation from Parliament and the PDP in September 2016, as well as Ghulam Nabi Azads resignation from the Congress in August 2022, the JKPCC president said political leaders had their own reasons for taking such decisions. Karra said it was too early to speculate about the stability or tenure of the NC-led government amid reports of separate meetings by several MLAs and Ruhullahs resignation. Such developments were not unusual in political parties and governments and could be handled through dialogue and internal coordination, he said. I am very sure that the National Conference will be quite active in handling the situation, he said. Commenting on BJP leader Ram Madhavs visit to Jammu and speculation about a possible major political development after Tuesday, Karra said the Congress had no information about any such move. As far as we know, there is no such development, nor are we anticipating anything of that sort. We will wait and see what happens, he said. Karra reiterated that the Congress would stand by the National Conference whenever the latter faced a threat from the BJP. We have always maintained that whenever the National Conference faces any threat from the BJP, the Congress Party must stand firmly alongside the National Conference, he said. He said the Congress would continue its campaigns for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Congress has been organising protests, hunger strikes and campaigns such as Jammu Chalo and Delhi Chalo over the past two years under the slogan Our State, Our Right. This is an ongoing movement for the restoration of statehood and such programmes will continue, he said.
Ram Madhav accuses Congress of attempting regime change through anarchy
Jammu, Nov 3: BJP national vice president Ram Madhav on Tuesday accused the Congress of attempting to fulfill its avowed objective of regime change through anarchy, violence and riots as it could not win power through democratic means of electoral battle. But people are with Modiji and this became evident again during their oppositions much hyped Ramlila Maidan rally, where 23 parties together could hardly bring 50,000 or 60,000 people against their haughty claims of 1 million people. BJP, even in a normal rally in an assembly constituency of Jammu, can bring 5000 people. This explains that the people want whom, he maintained. Madhav, accompanied by J&K BJP general secretaries Gopal Mahajan, Baldev Singh Billawaria, chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi and other senior leaders, was addressing a press conference at BJP headquarter, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. With regard to questions about NC rebellion post cabinet expansion and speculations linking his visit to efforts of BJP government formation, he refused to make any comment. Whatever is happening in the National Conference, it is their (NCs) internal affair. I will not comment on that, he asserted. Im here to address only the issue related to fake propaganda being run by the opposition on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the country and particularly in the union capital. For the past few months, the main opposition party Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi have been busy spreading lies that the Election Commission has manipulated the country's electoral system, Madhav said. The Election Commission will reply to these allegations and they have already submitted a detailed affidavit on behalf of all three Election Commissioners in the Supreme Court vis-a-vis entire process of SIR and all facts related to it. But we want to expose Congress real intentions behind the controversy they wilfully created to achieve its objective of regime-change but not through democratic means. Their leaders are spelling out openly at every public forum and social media that they wanted regime-change like it happened in Bangladesh and Nepal, he said. It was because the opposition had realised that they could not defeat BJP, the Prime Minister Narenda Modi electorally, so they (Congress and other opposition parties) wanted to overthrow democratically-elected regime and wrest power through anarchy, creating doubts about constitutional institutions, Madhav alleged. However, the people of India will never allow the Congress to succeed in its intentions to spread anarchy in the country, he asserted. He described all allegations of Congress regarding SIR exercise, presently underway in many parts of the country and already completed in several states, as out and out white lies. BJP national vice president reiterated that the Election Commission, through constitutional exercise SIR, was actually cleansing the electoral system of all sins of Congress which fiddled with the electoral rolls during the past several decades. Regarding Congress main allegation that the names of 13 crore voters were deleted (through SIR exercise), Madhav questioned why it could not bring those people to the fore. Where are those 13 Cr voters whose names, according to the Congress, have been deleted? SIR is cleansing electoral rolls of discrepancies through constitutionally valid SIR exercise, happening after a gap of 20 years. The names of dead (around 2-3 Cr), transferred (around 6 Cr), non-existent voters (1 or 2 Cr) and infiltrators who are illegal voters have been deleted and are being deleted. Like in Jammu, Rohingyas have settled at many places. The names of such infiltrators, illegal immigrants get deleted. This is imperative. Does the Congress want those infiltrators to be included in the electoral rolls as its prospective voters, he threw a poser. He asserted that one to two Crore people, who were genuine voters yet their names were deleted through computer based mechanism, could go and get their names included in the electoral rolls as per the set procedure and there was no bar on it. Referring to the Congress allegations against the Modi government of committing electoral frauds, Madhav asserted, In fact, in the history of the country, two Prime Ministers actually committed such proven electoral frauds. One was Indira Gandhi, whose election was declared illegal by Allahabad court proving the charge that the official election machinery was misused by her to emerge victorious. In response, Indira imposed an emergency in the country. Secondly in 1987 in J&K assembly elections, the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in league with Farooq Abdullah had resorted to large-scale irregularities in the election process, leading to emergence of terrorism here (in J&K. These are well-recorded facts.
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Aga Ruhullah hints at launching new political outfit in J-K
Budgam, Nov 03: Srinagar Lok Sabha member Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his resignation from the National Conference at a rally here marking the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. Ruhullah, who was elected to the Lok Sabha on an NC ticket in 2024, hinted at forming a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir during an 80-minute speech to his supporters. In a show of strength, the influential Shia leader lashed out at NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing them of abandoning the fight to restore Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir within the Union of India. All the posturing during elections about restoring Article 370, releasing prisoners, and providing free electricity were just lies. And I cannot continue to be a part of these lies anymore, the Lok Sabha MP said. He described his resignation from the party as a decree of freedom. Ruhullah said that while some people wanted him to form a new political party, he was more interested in launching a movement for the restoration of dignity and respect for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We pleaded for support for them (NC) during the 2024 elections and it has turned out to be a mistake. They might have given up but we have not. We will launch a movement where honest and compassionate people come forward to lead the struggle for restoring what has been snatched from us, he added.
People will decide: Deputy CM refuses to comment on Ruhullahs political moves
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Ruhullah's resignation would hurt him more than NC: Imran Nabi Dar
Ruhullah announces decision to quit NC, resign as Srinagar MP
Budgam, Nov 03: Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to quit the ruling National Conference (NC) and resign as Member of Parliament from Srinagar, while addressing a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam. Addressing the gathering on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah reiterated his differences with the NC leadership, accusing the party of betraying the public mandate and failing to honour its electoral commitments. Ruhullah said his differences with the party were rooted in principles and political commitments, particularly issues concerning the restoration of Article 370, protection of constitutional rights, reservation and the release of prisoners. He said his decision was not driven by personal grievances or disappointment over being denied any position within the party, but by his unwillingness to compromise on issues on which the NC had sought public support. Ruhullah also clarified that his objective was not simply to leave one political party and join another, but to bring together honest and committed youth from Jammu and Kashmir who understand the pain of their homeland and communities. Appealing to parents, he urged them to encourage their childrenwhom they had raised with honesty and hard workto come forward and work towards bringing about change in society. He said he wanted to build a platform of sincere and dedicated young people committed to public welfare and the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir. The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat will become vacant only after the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts his formal resignation. Any by-election to the seat will thereafter be held in accordance with applicable legal provisions.(KNO)
I see a ray of hope in Ruhullah: Tufail Mattoos father takes aim at Omar Abdullah
Budgam, Nov 3: Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of teenager Tufail Mattoo, who was killed during the 2010 unrest in Kashmir, on Wednesday expressed support for National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, saying he saw a ray of hope in the latter amid his prolonged struggle for justice. Addressing a rally organised by Ruhullah in Budgam, Mattoo said he had been fighting for justice for his son for years, but the case had remained pending in court since the killing. I am still fighting for justice. I don't consider Omar Abdullah and his clan as humans. I see a ray of hope in Aga Ruhullah, Mattoo said. Tufail Mattoo, a teenager, was killed after being hit by a tear gas shell fired by security forces in Srinagar on June 11, 2010. His death triggered widespread protests across Kashmir, with the case subsequently becoming one of the most prominent instances of alleged excessive use of force during the 2010 unrest. Taking aim at Omar Abdullah, who was Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir when Tufail was killed, Mattoo alleged that the then government had failed to ensure justice despite having the authority and opportunity to act. He questioned why he should approach Abdullah for justice, arguing that the latter had failed to address the matter when he was in a position to intervene. Mattoo also recalled his meeting with Ruhullah, saying the MP had embraced him and demonstrated solidarity with his family. Praising Ruhullah's political conduct, Mattoo described him as sincere, honest and dedicated to raising the concerns of ordinary people. He is the voice of the voiceless. He raises the questions of people who have no voice, he said. Mattoo further said Ruhullah's commitment to public issues went beyond ministerial positions and political power, contrasting his approach with that of other political leaders.
NC leadership will consider suggestions from disgruntled MLAs: Deputy CM on Ruhullah row
Srinagar, Nov 03: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhury on Tuesday said the National Conference leadership would consider suggestions from disgruntled party legislators and address organisational shortcomings, amid questions over senior leader Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's reported differences with the party. Responding to questions about reports that Ruhullah was set to resign from the party, the Deputy CM declined to comment directly, saying it was an individual decision. Ruhullah Sahib has his own decision. As far as the government is concerned, that is separate, he said. Asked whether Ruhullah's reported departure would hurt the National Conference, he said no such development had taken place so far. Nothing has happened yet. It is still early in the day, he said, urging journalists to speak to people on the ground to assess the political situation. You are journalists, the fourth pillar of the country. You should go to villages and towns and ask people. They themselves will tell you who is doing right and who is doing wrong, he said. Describing Ruhullah as a prominent political figure in Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy CM said his actions were a matter for him to decide. Ruhullah Sahib is a prominent leader, a big leader in Jammu and Kashmir. What he does or does not do is his decision; what people do is their decision, he said. On reports of discontent among National Conference legislators and a possible meeting with party president Farooq Abdullah on November 6, the Deputy CM said the party had a tradition of listening to its workers and considering their suggestions. Even the smallest worker in the National Conference can convey something to the leadership, and the leadership considers it. If they point out shortcomings, the party leadership will work to address them, he said. He said the final decision on addressing such concerns rested with the party leadership, including Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the party's vice-president, and the working committee. If they feel that correcting certain things will make us stronger, the leadership will consider those suggestions, he said. The Deputy CM also dismissed speculation about an alleged 'Operation Lotus' in Jammu and Kashmir, using the seasonal flowering of the lotus as a metaphor. Even the lotus has a season to bloom. I don't think it will bloom now. It probably doesn't bloom in winter. Winter has arrived, so the lotus will come, wither, rise, fall, stumble and eventually fade away, he said. He did not confirm the reported November 6 meeting between Farooq Abdullah and the legislators.
NC hopes Ruhullah will reconsider resignation, says Imran Nabi Dar
Srinagar, Nov 03: National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar on Tuesday expressed hope that party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi would reconsider his decision to resign, saying his departure would be a setback for Jammu and Kashmir. We still hope that Ruhullah Sahib will review his decision, Dar told reporters, adding that the MP had made a significant contribution to the party. He had a stature in the party. I don't think he can get the same stature in any other party, he said. Dar said Ruhullah's departure from Parliament would mean the loss of an important voice advocating the restoration of Article 370. We wanted Ruhullah Sahib to be in Parliament and raise his voice for the restoration of Article 370. We will miss an important voice that speaks about Article 370, he said. Defending the Omar Abdullah-led government's record, Dar said the National Conference had raised the issues of Article 370 and statehood through resolutions and other platforms. He also expressed confidence that differences with party MLA Gul would be resolved through discussions, saying the leadership was aware of his concerns. Meanwhile, targeting the Peoples Democratic Party, Dar accused it of contributing to Jammu and Kashmir's present political situation. Referring to the PDP's recent criticism of the National Conference and BJP leader Ram Madhav's visit, he suggested that a renewed PDP-BJP understanding could be in the making. Connect the dots. Yesterday, the PDP issued a statement against the National Conference, and today Ram Madhav has arrived here. The North Pole-South Pole alliance that existed earlier may be taking shape again, he said.
NC will continue fight for restoration of Article 370: Imran Nabi Dar
Baramulla Police crack theft case in 12 hours, 4 persons arrested
Baramulla, Nov 03: Baramulla Police on Monday claimed to have solved a theft case within 12 hours and recovered stolen property worth Rs 4 lakh. Addressing a press conference at Police Station Baramulla, police said that a theft took place in Baramulla town on October 31. Complainant Nazir Ahmad Kandru filed a complaint following which FIR No. 173/2026 under Section 305, 331(4) BNS was registered at Police Station Baramulla. The case was assigned to PSI Vishal under the supervision of SHO Baramulla Shabir Ahmad and DySP Headquarters Shahjahan. Police said the team immediately visited the place of occurrence, prepared site plan, did photography and collected FSL evidences including fingerprints and footprints besides digital evidences like CCTV footage, tower dump and CDR analysis. After analyzing evidences, police zeroed in on 2-3 suspects and called them for questioning. During questioning, one accused Adil, resident of Zugiya Shiri, who was working as salesman at a shop, confessed his involvement. He confessed before the Magistrate, police said. Police said Adil disclosed that three more friends were involved in the theft. They have been identified as Arif, who drives vehicle bearing No. JK01AF-7379, another who works in LIC and third as Asif Amin Tantre, son of Mohd Amin Tantre, resident of Shiri, who is a shopkeeper. All residents of Shiri area. Police said the accused stole 8 freezers and other electronic items from the godown and planned to sell them at Rs 5000 to 8000 per piece to make easy money. Police said three teams conducted raids at three places and recovered all eight freezers. The vehicle used in commission of crime bearing No. JK01AF-7379 has also been seized. All four accused are under custody, police said, adding that their digital footprints, banking details and financial transactions are being investigated to ascertain their involvement in other theft cases in the district. Baramulla Police said it is committed to scientific and professional investigation for protection of life and property of people and determined to take strict action against anti-social elements.(GNS)
Want to see what real respect looks like? come to Budgam: Aga Ruhullah to CM Omar Abdullah
Budgam, Nov 03: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has made a pointed remark directed at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying that those who wish to understand the meaning of genuine respect should visit Budgam. Addressing the issue, Ruhullah said, If you want to see what real respect looks like, come to Budgam. Emphasising the importance of self-respect and personal dignity, the MP further stated, I hope I will never sacrifice dignity for power. His remarks have drawn attention amid the ongoing political exchanges involving the leadership of the National Conference and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Ruhullahs statement underlines his emphasis on maintaining personal dignity and principles rather than compromising them for political positions or power.(KNC)
You were expected to confront BJP, not scold Kashmiris: Ruhullah targets CM Omar Abdullah
Budgam, Nov 3: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of disrespecting Kashmiris, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and failing to confront the BJP on issues concerning the people. Addressing a rally in Budgam, Ruhullah referred to Omar Abdullah's remarks during a recent rally in Sonamarg, where the Chief Minister had praised Prime Minister Modi over the weather conditions. You told Modi ji, 'Badal hata diye, ye aapki rehmat hai' (You made the clouds disappear; this is your blessing), Ruhullah said. Questioning the Chief Minister's understanding of Kashmir's traditions and cultural ethos, he said, If you were a Kashmiri, if you had any connection with Kashmiris, you would know that not having clouds during Chillai Kalan is considered a bad omen. If you understood Kashmir, its weather, customs and traditions, you would know that a clear sky during Chillai Kalan is not considered barkat. Ruhullah said the Chief Minister was expected to speak for Kashmiris but instead chose to praise the Prime Minister. You were expected to speak for Kashmiris, but you started heaping praises on Modi, he said. Taking aim at Omar Abdullah's political conduct, Ruhullah also questioned his association with BJP leaders whom he accused of making repeated anti-Muslim statements. You went to them with shawls, to those who disrespected Kashmiris. Nishikant Dubey, a BJP MP, who speaks day and night against Muslims, was invited to your marriage. Kashmiris, however, had no place at your marriage, Ruhullah said. He also took a dig at Omar Abdullah's father and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, saying that while the latter frequently spoke about the Quran, its teachings also emphasised fighting for dignity and self-respect. The Quran teaches us to fight for our dignity, but he seems to have forgotten to give these lessons to his son, Ruhullah said. Accusing the Chief Minister of directing criticism towards Kashmiris instead of confronting the BJP, he said, You were required to confront the BJP, but instead you scolded Kashmiris. Referring to Omar Abdullah's remarks during his visit to Jammu, Ruhullah said the Chief Minister had told Prime Minister Modi that what the British could not accomplish, he had achieved by bringing railway connectivity to the region. Questioning the portrayal of the railway project as a recent achievement, Ruhullah pointed out that work on the project had been underway for nearly two decades.
Temperatures to dip further as winter sets in across Kashmir: MeT
Light rain, snowfall likely in Kashmir around November 5: MeT Director
Srinagar, Nov 3: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience light rainfall and snowfall over higher reaches around November 5 as a weak Western Disturbance approaches the region, while another weather system is expected around November 10 and 11, Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad said today. Speaking about the prevailing weather conditions, Ahmad said partly cloudy skies were expected towards Monday evening, with the first Western Disturbance likely to bring light precipitation to isolated places. A weak Western Disturbance is approaching around November 5. There are chances of light rain at a few places and light snowfall over some higher reaches, he said. The weather is expected to remain dry from after this system until around November 9. Another weak to moderate Western Disturbance is likely to approach between November 10 and 11, bringing the possibility of light rain and snowfall in some areas. Some higher-altitude areas of north and central Kashmir may receive light snowfall. Light rainfall is also possible in a few districts of the Valley and Jammu division, Ahmad said. There are also chances of isolated thundershowers around November 10 and 11. However, he said no significant weather activity was expected at present. Meanwhile, temperatures are gradually declining and are likely to fall further in the coming days. Winter has almost set in, Ahmad said, adding that slightly hazy conditions had been observed during early morning hours. He said shallow fog was currently being observed over the plains and reduced visibility could become an issue in the coming days and weeks. On agricultural activities, Ahmad advised farmers to continue harvesting and other field operations. Harvesting should continue for the time being. Other field operations, including fresh sowing, threshing and field preparation, can also continue, he said. He also advised travellers to strictly follow traffic advisories while travelling.
I hope I never sacrifice dignity for power: Aga Ruhullah takes dig at CM Omar
Srinagar, Nov 3: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday took a pointed dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, making strong remarks over what he described as compromising personal dignity for the sake of retaining power. Addressing Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah remarked that the Chief Minister did not need to place his cap and dignity at the feet of others to hold on to his position. Expressing his personal stance, Ruhullah said he prayed to Almighty Allah that he should never become so dependent on power that he would have to sacrifice his self-respect merely to retain a chair. I pray to God that I never become so dependent on power that I have to throw away my cap to hold on to it, Ruhullah said. His remarks carry a pointed political message amid discussions over differences within the National Conference and questions surrounding the partys leadership and functioning. The statement has brought renewed attention to the political differences between the two leaders, with Ruhullahs remarks reflecting his position on the importance of maintaining dignity and self-respect in public life.(KNC)
Srinagar, Nov 3: Senior National Conference leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday took a pointed swipe at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, making sharp remarks over the political significance of power and the position of the Chief Minister. Addressing Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah said, People who lose chairs get unhappy, but here we are throwing away a chair, and we are happy. In another pointed remark, he said, The chair you are sitting on right now is a source of sadness for both you and us. His remarks have drawn attention amid discussions over political differences and the evolving situation within the National Conference. (KNC)
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Indian Navy rescues hijacked fishing vessel Azin off the coast of Somalia
New Delhi, Nov 03: In a swift and well-coordinated operation spanning over 48 hours, the Indian Navy successfully liberated the fishing vessel, Azini, from armed pirates. The operation culminated in the safe rescue of all 20 crew members, with no casualties or injuries. Fishing Vessel Azini was reported to have been hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month, off the north-eastern coast of Somalia. The hijacking represented a significant maritime security threat, with the possibility of the vessel being employed as a mother ship for launching further pirate attacks against merchant shipping in the region. Responding to the situation, the Indian Navy tasked a mission-deployed warship to intervene, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Working in close coordination, these platforms located the vessel after persistent surveillance, tracked its movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain its movement and prevent its escape. Marine Commandos were augmented through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft. Executing a swift and well-coordinated tactical intervention, the Indian Navy secured the vessel, overcame the pirate threat and ensured safe release of all 20 crew members. The successful operation is testament to the Indian Navys high operational preparedness and ability to undertake complex maritime security operations through seamless inter-service coordination. It also underscores Indias unwavering commitment to remaining First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy stands committed to safeguarding seafarers, protecting vital maritime trade routes and ensuring a safe, secure and stable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.
India, US hold 5th edition of Tiger Triumph 2026 in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Nov 03: The Opening Ceremony of the 5th edition of the IndiaUS Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, Tiger Triumph 2026, was held at Maritime Warfare Centre (MWC), Visakhapatnam on 02 Nov 2026. The exercise, which is being conducted as a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) this year, aims to enhance coordination, joint planning and interoperability between the Armed Forces of both countries during large-scale HADR operations. The Opening Ceremony was presided over by RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and RAdm Joaquin J Martinez de Pinillos, Vice Commander, US Pacific Fleet. The exercise reflects the deepening convergence of IndiaUS strategic maritime interests and the growing defence partnership between the two nations. The present edition aims to further enhance interoperability and facilitate the conduct of Combined Joint All-Domain Operations, with a focus on planning and coordination for large-scale HADR operations. Participating units from the Indian side include specialists from all domains of maritime operations from the Indian Navy, ground forces from the Indian Army and representatives from various units of the Indian Air Force, as well as Special Forces personnel from all three Services. A team from the NDRF will also participate for the first time in the 5th edition of Tiger Triumph 2026. The US Joint Force comprises specialist representatives from various domains of the US Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as specialists in Space, Cyber, Medical and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
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NSA Doval holds talks with Vietnamese ministers, discusses ways to boost security cooperation
Hanoi, Nov 03: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Monday held separate high-level talks with Vietnam's ministers of public security and foreign affairs on strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and other areas and agreed to further enhance the existing multifaceted ties. Doval held delegation-level talks with Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang on ongoing cooperation in the security domain, reflecting the deep and mutually trusted civilisational partnership between India and Vietnam, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi said in a post on X. Both sides discussed ongoing cooperation in the security domain and agreed to further enhance the existing multifaceted ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, the post said. Separately, Doval also met Vietnam's Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung, during which the two sides discussed ways to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. 2027 marks the 55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Viet Nam. Both sides discussed ways to commemorate this historic milestone in the spirit of India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Indian embassy said in a post. Earlier, Doval met Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang and reviewed ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and agreed to further deepen engagement in the sector. National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval met today with General Phan Van Giang, Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, the embassy said. Both sides reviewed the status of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and agreed to continue further strengthening activities in this field, it said. Doval also visited the historic Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on Monday. He was received by Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice President and the Chief Abbot of the Pagoda, and Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President and Secretary General of the National Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), the Indian embassy said, highlighting Buddhism as a civilisational bridge between the people of India and Vietnam. Doval arrived in Vietnam on Sunday on an official visit. His visit is in line with the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During Vietnamese President To Lam's visit to India in May, India and Vietnam elevated their ties to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership and set a USD 25 billion annual trade target by 2030. Security cooperation remains a key pillar of this upgraded partnership.
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Man killed, two injured after vehicle skids off road in J&K's Ramban
Ramban, Nov 03: A man was killed and two others injured after a Tata Sumo skidded off the road near Chaka Sarbagni Bus Stand in Ramban on Tuesday morning, officials said. An official said that the vehicle met with an accident and skidded off the road while negotiating a curve, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others. He said the injured persons had been rescued, while the rescue operation was still underway. The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.(KNO) Further Details Awaited.
ED conducts searches at four Srinagar locations in terror funding case
Srinagar, Nov 03: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at four premises in Srinagar city in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged terror financing, officials said. An official said that the investigation pertains to allegations that Umar Adil Dar was functioning as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and was involved in activities linked to the outfit. He said Dar, along with his associates, was earlier apprehended while allegedly carrying a substantial amount of cash and incriminating literature related to the banned organisation. The official further said that Dar had previously remained in jail for around four years in connection with his alleged involvement in separatist and anti-India activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The searches, the official said, are aimed at tracing alleged proceeds of crime, identifying financial networks and funding channels, examining suspected links with handlers across the border and gathering further evidence in connection with the alleged terror financing activities. Further details are awaited as the searches are underway.(KNO)
Three injured after bear mauls them in Kupwaras Langate
Kupwara, Nov 03: Three persons were injured after a wild bear attacked them in the Yaroo area of Langate in north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that three persons sustained injuries after being mauled by a wild bear in Langate. He said the injured were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara for treatment, while their identities are yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, locals have urged the authorities to take preventive measures to prevent further attacks, while police have taken cognisance of the incident.(KNO)
All eyes on Budgam today as Ruhullah Mehdi set to quit NC, resign as MP
Budgam, Nov 03: All eyes are on Budgam today as National Conference (NC) MP from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, is expected to announce his resignation from the party and his Lok Sabha seat during a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park. The gathering is being held on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. The move has sparked political speculation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of a by-election for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency becoming a major talking point. Ruhullah has said his decision stems from ideological differences with the NC leadership and what he describes as the party's failure to fulfil key electoral promises, including the restoration of Article 370, protection of constitutional rights, addressing reservation concerns, and securing the release of prisoners. If he formally resigns and the resignation is accepted by the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Srinagar seat will fall vacant, necessitating a by-election within the prescribed timeframe under existing laws, subject to statutory provisions. The prospect of a fresh election has fuelled discussion over whether Ruhullah would re-enter the fray as an Independent candidate. If he decides to contest, the fight is expected to be directly between Ruhullah and the National Conference. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ruhullah won the Srinagar seat with 3,56,866 votes, defeating PDP candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who secured 1,68,450 votes. He won by a margin of 1,88,416 votes. A fresh contest could present a different political landscape, particularly if Ruhullah contests without the organisational backing of the NC. The NC would face the challenge of retaining the seat, while other parties may look to capitalise on the opportunity. The gathering is also expected to provide clarity on Ruhullah's future political course. He has maintained that his decision is based on political and ideological differences rather than personal grievances or denial of any party position. Ruhullah has also opposed any attempt to destabilise the elected government through horse-trading, saying the NC-led government should complete its full five-year term. The developments surrounding the event are likely to have significant political implications, with the future of the Srinagar parliamentary seat and Ruhullah's next move set to remain under close watch. It will be interesting to see whether Ruhullah will be able to throw up a credible alternative in Kashmir, where all anti-NC parties were decimated in the 2024 Assembly elections(KNO)
US has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, US official says
Washington, Nov 03: The US has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a US official says. Iranian state television reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island. The official, who wasn't authorized to comment publicly and spoke Monday on condition of anonymity, said Iranians using surface to air missiles against US assets had been targeted. The strikes, which appeared to be limited as opposed to a full return to hostilities, came on the eve of crucial American midterm elections. Trump has previously said the US wouldn't launch strikes on Iran before the midterms. The unpopular Iran war and the resulting impact on US gasoline prices and other parts of the economy have been a vulnerability for Republicans as they try to keep control of Congress. Vice President JD Vance told reporters earlier Monday that he just spoke to Trump about talks with Iran and said that the president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement. US Vice President JD Vance offered measured optimism on Monday that a deal can still be struck to prevent President Donald Trump from following through on his threat to potentially order new strikes on Iran after the crucial midterm elections in the United States. Vance sent a letter to Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, last week, but the White House has offered scant details about the contents of that correspondence. Trump told reporters that letter was focused on assisting Iran with medical supplies and various things. But Vance on Monday suggested there's reason to believe that the US and Iran could still come to an agreement. We've had a number of good conversations with the Iranians, Vance told reporters on Monday when asked about the letter. I actually just spoke with the president of the United States about an hour ago about this. Look, the president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement. We're going to keep on working at it. Vance's comments came as the region remains on edge about the prospects of the US resuming full-scale operations against Iran. The backchannel efforts are playing out as Israel and some Middle East allies lobby Trump on the way ahead in the 8-month-old war that's rattled global markets and wreaked havoc on Iran. Netanyahu pushed Trump for strikes in a weekend call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for another wave of strikes on Iran after Tuesday's elections in the United States, according to two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter. A return to full-scale war with Iran could help Netanyahu to form an emergency government after he and his far-right allies lost their parliamentary majority in last week's elections. Trump has alternated between threatening major strikes and pushing for a deal with Iran. The two officials said diplomatic efforts have made progress, with Qatari mediators holding two rounds of talks last week with Iranian officials. The two officials said the mediators are trying to advance a framework for Iran to cease its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in return for the US lifting its blockade on Iran's ports. They said more talks are planned for this week. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified briefings they had received from American, and in one case Israeli, officials. One official said Netanyahu was working with senior officials in the US administration to persuade Trump to launch a quick but extensive air campaign and that the president does not appear to have made a decision. Netanyahu pressed for strikes during a call over the weekend with Trump, who would not commit to taking military action, according to a person who was briefed on it. Other US allies in the Middle East are warning against more strikes, saying that would destabilize the region and could lead Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen to step up their attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping, a third regional official said. Iran-backed militias in Iraq could also get involved. The Israeli government did not immediately comment. The White House did not directly respond to questions about Netanyahu and Trump's discussion of potential new strikes during the weekend call. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said he spoke by phone on Monday with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the latest regional and international developments and the Houthis' continued attacks on Saudi Arabia. Trump downplays scale of Iran conflict on Election Day eve Netanyahu had pushed for renewed strikes even before the Israeli election as he sought to highlight his security credentials to a public deeply scarred by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. But the war has also loomed large for American voters ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. Oil prices dropped sharply on Monday as renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war between the US and Iran appeared to show signs of headway. Rising prices at the pump, a byproduct of the war, have been a weight on Trump's Republican Party as it tries to maintain control of both chambers of Congress. Trump noted the drop in a speech in Washington on Monday, which was billed as his closing argument to Americans, and sought to minimize the scale of the conflict, which has cost US taxpayers at least $47 billion. I don't know if you even call it a war, because we haven't been doing any fighting for months, Trump said. Netanyahu has not commented on Iran since the Israeli election, and there was no word from his office on the latest call with Trump. Iran says it is prepared for war while pursuing diplomacy Iran wants guarantees that the US will implement its side of any agreement. The US and Israel have twice attacked Iran while it was engaged in negotiations over its disputed nuclear program. Iranian officials say publicly they are prepared for war or diplomacy. The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, met with Iran's military chiefs and said the response to any kind and level of threat from the US or Israel should be immediate and without geographic limits, and urged an expansion of the list of potential targets. A recent analysis by The Associated Press found that Iranian strikes on more than two dozen US bases since the start of the war have caused billions of dollars in equipment damage. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the opening strikes by Israel and the US on Feb. 28, which killed his father, the previous supreme leader. Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, told state television that the tone has completely changed from the US and called it a very good sign. He also gave no details about the letter he received from Vance, which Iran acknowledged last week, and said he had not responded. Meanwhile, Vance told reporters on Monday that the Republican administration's foremost concern is Iran agreeing to take substantive action on its nuclear program. We do think that there is a pathway there, but it really does require a firm commitment and a verifiable commitment that they don't rebuild that nuclear program, Vance added.
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Vance says US has had ''good conversations'' with Iran on finding deal to end conflict
Washington, Nov 03: US Vice President JD Vance offered measured optimism on Monday that a deal can still be struck to prevent President Donald Trump from following through on his threat to potentially order new strikes on Iran after the crucial midterm elections in the United States. Vance sent a letter to Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, last week, but the White House has offered scant details about the contents of that correspondence. Trump told reporters that letter was focused on assisting Iran with medical supplies and various things. But Vance on Monday suggested there's reason to believe that the US and Iran could still come to an agreement. We've had a number of good conversations with the Iranians, Vance told reporters on Monday when asked about the letter. I actually just spoke with the president of the United States about an hour ago about this. Look, the president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement. We're going to keep on working at it. Vance's comments came as the region remains on edge about the prospects of the US resuming full-scale operations against Iran. The backchannel efforts are playing out as Israel and some Middle East allies lobby Trump on the way ahead in the 8-month-old war that's rattled global markets and wreaked havoc on Iran. Netanyahu pushed Trump for strikes in a weekend call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for another wave of strikes on Iran after Tuesday's elections in the United States, according to two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter. A return to full-scale war with Iran could help Netanyahu to form an emergency government after he and his far-right allies lost their parliamentary majority in last week's elections. Trump has alternated between threatening major strikes and pushing for a deal with Iran. The two officials said diplomatic efforts have made progress, with Qatari mediators holding two rounds of talks last week with Iranian officials. The two officials said the mediators are trying to advance a framework for Iran to cease its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in return for the US lifting its blockade on Iran's ports. They said more talks are planned for this week. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified briefings they had received from American, and in one case Israeli, officials. One official said Netanyahu was working with senior officials in the US administration to persuade Trump to launch a quick but extensive air campaign and that the president does not appear to have made a decision. Netanyahu pressed for strikes during a call over the weekend with Trump, who would not commit to taking military action, according to a person who was briefed on it. Other US allies in the Middle East are warning against more strikes, saying that would destabilize the region and could lead Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen to step up their attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping, a third regional official said. Iran-backed militias in Iraq could also get involved. The Israeli government did not immediately comment. The White House did not directly respond to questions about Netanyahu and Trump's discussion of potential new strikes during the weekend call. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said he spoke by phone on Monday with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the latest regional and international developments and the Houthis' continued attacks on Saudi Arabia. Trump downplays scale of Iran conflict on Election Day eve Netanyahu had pushed for renewed strikes even before the Israeli election as he sought to highlight his security credentials to a public deeply scarred by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. But the war has also loomed large for American voters ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. Oil prices dropped sharply on Monday as renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war between the US and Iran appeared to show signs of headway. Rising prices at the pump, a byproduct of the war, have been a weight on Trump's Republican Party as it tries to maintain control of both chambers of Congress. Trump noted the drop in a speech in Washington on Monday, which was billed as his closing argument to Americans, and sought to minimize the scale of the conflict, which has cost US taxpayers at least $47 billion. I don't know if you even call it a war, because we haven't been doing any fighting for months, Trump said. Netanyahu has not commented on Iran since the Israeli election, and there was no word from his office on the latest call with Trump. Iran says it is prepared for war while pursuing diplomacy Iran wants guarantees that the US will implement its side of any agreement. The US and Israel have twice attacked Iran while it was engaged in negotiations over its disputed nuclear program. Iranian officials say publicly they are prepared for war or diplomacy. The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, met with Iran's military chiefs and said the response to any kind and level of threat from the US or Israel should be immediate and without geographic limits, and urged an expansion of the list of potential targets. A recent analysis by The Associated Press found that Iranian strikes on more than two dozen US bases since the start of the war have caused billions of dollars in equipment damage. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the opening strikes by Israel and the US on Feb. 28, which killed his father, the previous supreme leader. Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, told state television that the tone has completely changed from the US and called it a very good sign. He also gave no details about the letter he received from Vance, which Iran acknowledged last week, and said he had not responded. Meanwhile, Vance told reporters on Monday that the Republican administration's foremost concern is Iran agreeing to take substantive action on its nuclear program. We do think that there is a pathway there, but it really does require a firm commitment and a verifiable commitment that they don't rebuild that nuclear program, Vance added. Arab allies are caught in the middle October saw the most attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz since March, as Iran has tried to ramp up economic pressure on the US to get it to lift its blockade. The mood was grim at the Manama Dialogue, an annual security summit in Bahrain organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. United Arab Emirates presidential adviser Anwar Gargash told attendees the US and Iranian stances are far apart, and if these positions are not bridged, then we have to worry about the worst. Gulf nations have spent billions of dollars to boost their defense capabilities since the war began. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told the gathering in Bahrain that the next escalation will be more dangerous, more destructive, and it will lead to nowhere. China will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters Monday.
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Moderate earthquake hits J&K's Kishtwar
Srinagar, Nov 03: An earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale struck Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir at 10:56 pm on Monday. According to National Center for Seismology (NCS) , the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 33.292 North and longitude 75.893 East in Kishtwar district. Further details regarding any possible damage or casualties are awaited.
US midterm elections Today: Donald Trump faces crucial test
New Delhi, Nov 2:Americans vote today, on Tuesday in midterm elections that could prove a major test for US President Donald Trump. The results will decide whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats gain the power to challenge his policies during the final two years of his presidency. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are being contested. Republicans currently control both chambers, but their majorities are narrow. A Democratic victory in either chamber would make it harder for Trump to push his legislative and foreign policy agenda. Opinion polls and election forecasts suggest that Democrats have a strong chance of capturing the House. The Senate contest is competitive, though some forecasts also give Democrats a good chance of winning it. Democrats have an edge A Poliwave forecast published on November 2 as reported by international media, gave Democrats an 89 per cent chance of winning the House, against 11 per cent for Republicans. For the Senate, it still remains fifty-fifty, even though some suggest Democrats have a chance. The remaining probability reflects the possibility of independent senators determining control. Please note that these are forecast probabilities, not guaranteed results. The final outcome will depend on voter turnout and the performance of candidates in closely fought constituencies. What are the concerns The cost of living is emerging as a major issue. As many as 73 per cent of respondents in one of the main poll opinions said the situation was moving in the wrong direction. Rising prices of fuel, food and other essentials could influence voters more than political arguments in Washington. Iran war adds to Trumps problems The war with Iran has brought foreign policy into the election campaign, particularly because of its impact on fuel prices and the wider economy. Higher oil prices have increased transport costs and push up inflation, putting additional pressure on American households. Voters feel that the conflict is adding to their financial difficulties without producing a clear outcome, it perhaps working against Trump and the Republican Party. There are also concerns about a possible resumption of military action. An Associated Press report said US officials had urged West Asian allies to prepare for possible renewed strikes against Iran after the November 3 election. It also reported concerns about Iranian retaliation, although Trump had not taken a final decision. The Iran conflict is not the only issue before voters. Immigration, healthcare, abortion rights, jobs and the economy will also influence the results. But the war has made it difficult for the administration to separate foreign policy from the concerns of ordinary Americans. What if Democrats win the House? A Democratic victory in the House would give the party control of important committees dealing with government spending and investigations. Democrats could question administration officials, seek documents and examine the cost of the Iran war, military decisions and the use of presidential powers. This could put Trump under sustained political pressure, particularly if the conflict continues. They would also have greater influence over budget negotiations and could block or seek changes to government proposals. However, winning the House would not automatically end the war. The president retains considerable authority over military operations, and Congress would have to use its legislative and oversight powers to put pressure on the administration. Senate battle equally important If Democrats capture the Senate, Trump could face further difficulties. The Senate approves senior government appointments, ambassadors and federal judges, including Supreme Court nominees. A Democratic majority could increase scrutiny of the administrations foreign policy decisions. It would also make it more difficult for Trump to secure approval for his legislative priorities. However, Democrats would not have a free hand. Most major legislation requires 60 votes to overcome a Senate filibuster, while the president retains the power to veto bills. Congress needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a presidential veto. If Republicans retain either chamber, they will continue to provide Trump with important political and legislative support. A setback for Trump ahead of 2028 Losing control of either chamber would be a major setback for Trump. It would limit his ability to implement policies and expose his administration to greater congressional scrutiny. For the Republicans, the results could affect preparations for the 2028 presidential election. A poor performance may further deepen divisions within the party over Trumps leadership and the direction the party should take after his presidency. For Democrats, a victory would provide an opportunity to challenge the administration. But they would also have to show that they can offer an alternative programme rather than simply oppose Trump. The outcome of Tuesdays election could therefore have consequences well beyond the immediate political battle. Democrats appear better placed to win the House, while the Senate remains a closely watched contest. If Republicans lose control of either chamber, Trump will face tougher scrutiny, difficult budget negotiations and greater opposition to his policies, including his approach to Iran.
HC seeks Govts response on PIL over rehabilitation, therapy services for children with special needs
Srinagar, Nov 2:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Monday issued notice to the government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to address alleged deficiencies in early intervention, rehabilitation and therapy services for children with disabilities besides developmental and neurodevelopmental conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice DrPushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued notice for the governments response on the PIL and listed it for further consideration on December 16, advocate Junaid Muhammad Junaid, representing petitioner Zaheer Abbas Jan, told Greater Kashmir . Jan, a social worker and child and disability rights activist, has approached the court, seeking its intervention for a number of directions in the PIL. The PIL projects the difficulties faced by the children and their families due to the non-availability of qualified professionals, inadequate infrastructure and irregular delivery of essential therapeutic services at government institutions. It flags the shortage of Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, psychologists and other multidisciplinary professionals, besides inadequate facilities at Composite Regional Centres (CRCs), Government Medical Colleges and district-level healthcare institutions. Furthermore, the PIL notes that parents and caregivers from Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Handwara, Kupwara, Jammu and Leh and other parts of J&K have reported difficulties in accessing regular therapy and early intervention services. While the PIL underlines that several families are compelled to travel repeatedly to Srinagar or Jammu, or temporarily relocate, to ensure continuity of treatment for their children, this, it says, results in substantial private expenditure, loss of wages and disruption of childrens education. In support of his contention, the petitioner has relied upon official communications in the litigation. A communication issued by GMC Jammu on August 30, 2023, reportedly indicated that Occupational Therapy services were being provided alongside Physiotherapy due to space constraints. Moreover, the letter noted that the services were proposed at a newly set-up District Early Intervention Centre at SMGS Hospital. The PIL states that delays in early intervention can have lasting consequences for children requiring speech, occupational, behavioural and psychological support, particularly when families from remote and economically weaker areas face difficulties accessing specialised services. The PIL seeks effective implementation of the existing statutory and policy framework rather than creation of an entirely new medical programme by invoking provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, particularly Sections 3, 25 and 27. The PIL also seeks a verified, district-wise disclosure of available facilities, vacancies, qualified professionals, equipment, waiting periods and referral mechanisms for children requiring rehabilitation and early intervention. It also seeks a time-bound roadmap for making district-level early intervention and rehabilitation services functional, strengthening existing facilities at GMCs and CRC Srinagar and Jammu, and establishing effective referral linkages between healthcare institutions.
India has 300 GW non-fossil energy capacity, aims for 500 GW by 2030: PM Modi
New Delhi, Nov 2:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India had achieved more than 50 per cent of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its target. Addressing the India Renewable Energy Summit, PM Modi said the country had achieved around 300 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity and remained committed to reaching 500 GW by 2030. He said the ongoing West Asia crisis had underlined the importance of energy security for economic security, stressing that the future lay in clean energy rather than fossil fuels. PM Modi said the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana had brought more than 6.5 lakh households into the rooftop solar programme, with electricity bills of participating households falling by around 76 per cent, according to a study. He also highlighted Indias growing solar manufacturing capacity, which has increased from around 2 GW a decade ago to more than 200 GW, and called for greater investment in battery storage, green hydrogen and clean energy technologies. The Prime Minister said the renewable energy sector had attracted investments worth more than Rs 15 lakh crore over the past decade, creating significant opportunities for investors and employment generation.
Aga Syed Ruhullahs resignation in focus as Budgam admin clears public gathering
Srinagar, Nov 2:The proposed resignation of Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi from the National Conference and the Lok Sabha is expected to remain at the centre of attention during a public gathering in Budgam on Tuesday, after the district administration granted conditional permission for the programme. The gathering, being organised to mark the 26th death anniversary of Ruhullahs father, Aga Syed Mehdi, will be held at BehishtiZehra Park between 10 am and 1 pm. The permission has been granted by the Budgam district administration subject to a series of conditions aimed at maintaining law and order. The administration has prohibited rallies and processions and restricted the gathering to the designated venue. Ruhullah had announced his intention to resign from the National Conference as well as relinquish his Lok Sabha membership on November 3, bringing his prolonged differences with the party leadership to a crucial juncture. The MP has been openly critical of the National Conference leadership over what he describes as its failure to honour electoral commitments made to the people during the 2024 Assembly elections. His objections have particularly centred on the partys promises concerning the restoration of Article 370, release of political prisoners and protection of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His differences with the party leadership have also extended to the reservation policy and the governments approach towards several political issues. The proposed resignation has added considerable political significance to the gathering, with attention focused on whether Ruhullah will formally announce his decision and outline his future political course. The administrative clearance follows a communication from the MPs office dated October 29, informing authorities about the proposed observance and the likelihood of a large public gathering. The District Magistrates office subsequently sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, who conveyed a no-objection to the programme on November 2, subject to compliance with specified conditions. According to the permission order, the gathering must remain confined to BehishtiZehra Park. The administration has also prohibited the display of banners, posters or other material associated with organisations described as anti-national or considered inimical to the countrys interests. The order further prohibits provocative speeches, effigy burning and any activity capable of inciting violence, hatred or communal disharmony. The organisers have been directed to ensure that the programme does not disrupt traffic movement or create any law-and-order situation. The administration has warned that any violation of the stipulated conditions could lead to cancellation of the permission and action under relevant laws.
HDFC Banks Parivartan reaches 18,706 people across J&K
Srinagar, Nov 2:HDFC Banks corporate social responsibility initiative, Parivartan, has reached 18,706 people across Jammu and Kashmir through interventions in agriculture, education, healthcare, skill development, financial literacy and clean energy, the bank said on Monday. Launched in J&K in 2014, the programme currently covers 15 of the Union Territorys 20 districts, including 16 border villages in the aspirational districts of Kupwara and Baramulla. Agriculture remains one of the key focus areas of the initiative, with 10,128 farmers supported through capacity-building programmes, farmer collectives, shared agricultural machinery, processing facilities and solar-powered infrastructure. In the education sector, the bank has awarded 901 scholarships under its Educational Crisis Scholarship Support programme and established 60 smart schools, benefiting approximately 15,000 students. The programmes skill development and livelihood interventions have trained 1,057 young people, while 189 women have received support through employability, entrepreneurship and traditional craft-based activities. Under its natural resource management initiatives, Parivartan has extended clean-energy solutions to 104 villages through solar-powered systems and community lighting facilities. The bank also highlighted its financial fraud awareness initiatives, including the Vigil Aunty campaign, which has reached more than 1.72 lakh people. Several interventions have been tailored to Jammu and Kashmirs traditional agricultural strengths and regional requirements. These include support for saffron cultivation in Pampore through solar water pumps and dryers, apple and walnut processing facilities, and the cultivation of Kashmiri red chilli in Uri through polyhouse farming, drip irrigation and solar dryers. To improve market access for agricultural products, the programme has also established a common brand, SAMARKASH, to help participating farmer-producer organisations market processed products through branding, packaging and market-linkage support. Nusrat Pathan, Head of CSR at HDFC Bank, said the programme focused on need-based interventions designed around regional challenges, with emphasis on sustainable agriculture, education, skill development and infrastructure. At the national level, HDFC Bank reported CSR expenditure of Rs 1,316 crore as of March 31, 2026. Its Parivartan initiative has impacted more than 10.77 crore people across the country, the bank said.
Private school textbooks: Rs 240 crore business with little government oversight in J&K
Srinagar, Nov 2:As the new academic session 2026-27 is set to commence in the first week of November, the sale of textbooks prescribed by private schools has once again brought the spotlight on a massive education-related business estimated at Rs 240 crore annually in Jammu and Kashmir. With around six lakh students enrolled in private schools and an average textbook set costing approximately Rs 4,000 per child, parents collectively spend an estimated Rs 240 crore on schoolbooks alone. The expenditure does not include uniforms, stationery, transportation and other charges imposed by private educational institutions. The scale of the business has raised serious questions about the affordability of education, textbook pricing and the governments ability to enforce regulations governing private schools. Despite repeated directions from the government to prescribe textbooks published by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), several private schools continue to recommend books published by private publishers, often at significantly higher prices. The government has also directed schools not to compel parents to purchase textbooks from particular shops. However, parents allege that schools continue to make prescribed books available through designated booksellers, effectively restricting their choice and preventing them from purchasing the same books from the open market. For thousands of families, the beginning of every academic session brings an additional financial burden, with textbook sets alone costing several thousand rupees. The concern is not merely about the cost of individual books but the cumulative financial burden on parents, given the large number of students studying in private schools across J&K, Muhammad Arif, a parent, told Greater Kashmir. Will the government compensate parents for this amount if it continues to fail to act against schools violating the prescribed norms? he asked. Parents allege that private schools have increasingly turned the annual admission season into a commercial exercise, with textbooks and uniforms being sold through arrangements that leave families with little choice. Earlier, bookstalls were frequently set up within school premises. Following government intervention, many schools shifted the sale of books to designated shops. Parents, however, allege that this has not ended the practice but merely changed the location of the transactions. As per the prescribed norms, textbooks and uniforms should be available in the open market, allowing parents to compare prices and purchase them from shops of their choice. However, parents allege that schools continue to direct them towards specific outlets, where the prices are substantially higher than those prevailing in the wider market. A parent has to pay Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 for books for a kindergarten student at specified shops, whereas the same set of books costs not more than Rs 1,500 in the open market, said Sajad Ahmad, a parent from Srinagar. The schools prescribe textbooks of private publishers which are sold at exorbitant rates through a nexus involving booksellers, publishers and educational institutions, he alleged. Representatives of budget private schools have also questioned the alleged double standards in the enforcement of textbook regulations, claiming that while many schools follow the prescribed NCERT curriculum and provide NCERT textbooks, certain influential institutions allegedly use designated booksellers and wholesale dealers to channel textbook sales. They allege that such schools project themselves as following government-prescribed academic standards but, in practice, compel parents to purchase books from particular outlets, depriving them of the opportunity to buy textbooks at competitive market prices. What has particularly angered representatives of budget schools is the alleged absence of action against these influential institutions, despite recurring complaints. They claim that nobody appears willing to publicly identify or question some of the prominent schools involved in such practices. They further allege that these institutions invite senior politicians and bureaucrats to their school functions, projecting close associations with people in positions of authority. This, they say, creates a perception that their influence makes regulatory action difficult and allows them to escape scrutiny. The representatives have questioned why smaller and budget schools face regulatory pressure while institutions allegedly indulging in similar or more serious violations continue to operate without effective intervention. Another major concern raised by parents is the frequent replacement of textbooks, despite rules requiring schools to retain the same textbooks for at least three years. Parents allege that several institutions change prescribed books every academic session and introduce additional textbooks that may not be necessary, adding to the cost of education. When textbooks remain unchanged for two to three years, senior and junior students can share their books, easing the financial burden on parents, said Muhammad Waseem, a parent from Baramulla. Parents said the annual replacement of textbooks also prevents siblings and other students from reusing books, forcing families to purchase fresh sets every year. They alleged that the practice benefits publishers and booksellers while adding little academic value to students. These private schools have established an independent empire with no effective checks and balances from the government. The department is equally responsible for allowing this money-minting business to continue, as it has failed over the years to address the problem, an official of the Education Department said. The parents said complaints against private schools surface almost every year with the beginning of the academic session, but the public outcry gradually fades without any meaningful action. They alleged that the government remains largely silent until academic activities begin and subsequently resorts to what they described as pseudo action against erring institutions. With the new academic session approaching, parents have urged the School Education Department to intervene immediately, enforce the prescribed rules, ensure that textbooks and uniforms are available in the open market and take action against schools found compelling parents to purchase books from designated outlets. The government should act now. Any action after classes begin serves little purpose, as parents would already have spent the money and purchased the books, parents said. With an estimated Rs 240 crore changing hands annually in the textbook market, the issue is no longer limited to the cost of schoolbooks. It has raised broader questions about accountability, regulatory enforcement and whether the interests of parents are being protected in Jammu and Kashmirs private education sector.
Giraan trade booms in Kashmir as hail-hit apples flood the market
Srinagar, Nov 2:Hailstorms may have dealt a severe blow to Kashmirs apple growers this year, but the damaged crop has opened up a parallel market, with buyers travelling to affected orchard areas to procure bruised apples at significantly reduced prices. Locally known as Giraan, hail-damaged apples, which often fail to qualify for premium market grades, are increasingly finding buyers among traders and processing units. What growers once considered nearly unsaleable produce is now being purchased in bulk and channelled towards industrial processing, including the manufacture of apple concentrate. The emerging trade has created an alternative source of income for orchardists struggling to recover their investment after extensive crop damage. However, the low prices offered for such produce underline the financial losses growers continue to face. In several affected areas of north Kashmir, buyers are making direct visits to orchards to assess the condition of the fruit and negotiate purchases. An apple crate carrying fruit with minor bruising is currently fetching between Rs 80 and Rs 120, depending on its condition and quality. For growers, even these modest returns offer some relief after spending heavily on fertilisers, pesticides, labour and other orchard maintenance activities. This year the damage to the apple crop was massive. To some extent, farmers are selling these bruised apples, Giraan, to recover some money spent on maintaining their orchards, including fertilisers and pesticide sprays, said Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a fruit grower from Pattan. The growing availability of damaged fruit has also attracted traders who see an opportunity to procure substantial quantities at lower rates and supply them to processing units. The Giraan is being supplied to various factories where they make apple concentrate out of the fruit. This year, the scale of damage has been enormous compared to previous years, due to which the flow of such apples has increased in the market, said Altaf Ahmad Bhat, a buyer. He said buyers were now visiting affected areas, inspecting the condition of the fruit and purchasing quantities that could be commercially recovered. The trade reflects a changing pattern in Kashmirs apple economy, where the market value of fruit is increasingly determined not only by its taste and quality but also by its appearance and suitability for different commercial uses. Hailstorms can leave marks, bruises and injuries on the apple skin, significantly reducing its market grade even when the fruit remains fit for consumption or processing. Such apples often fail to meet the appearance and quality requirements of premium fresh-fruit markets, forcing growers to sell them at substantially lower rates. The difference in returns can be considerable. While premium-grade apples enter established domestic markets and storage channels, damaged fruit is pushed into a secondary market where prices depend on the extent of bruising, the quantity available, transportation costs and demand from processing units. The scale of this secondary market becomes more significant when viewed against the broader structural weaknesses in Kashmirs horticulture sector. A NITI Aayog report, titled Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir @ 2047, released in April 2026, has highlighted the enormous volume of downgraded apple produce and the limited capacity available to process it. According to the report, approximately 15 to 20 percent of total apple production comprises culled fruit, which is generally sold at lower prices, while some of it remains unharvested. However, only around two to three percent of culled apples are processed into concentrate. The figures point to a substantial gap between the availability of lower-grade fruit and the capacity of the regions food-processing industry to utilise it. The report identifies inadequate processing infrastructure, weak post-harvest management and insufficient value-addition facilities as major constraints affecting the horticulture sector. It estimates that a dedicated large-scale processing plant could handle between 65,000 and 70,000 metric tonnes of C-grade apples during an 80-to-90-day processing season. Such a facility could produce approximately 6,500 to 7,000 metric tonnes of apple concentrate, creating an additional commercial avenue for fruit that otherwise fetches little in the fresh market. The NITI Aayog assessment also highlights the wider economic cost of inadequate post-harvest infrastructure. It estimates that around five lakh metric tonnes of apples are lost after harvest in Jammu and Kashmir, translating into an estimated monetary loss of Rs 1,500 crore. The report notes that processing of major fruits in the region remains below one percent overall, with apple processing accounting for only around two to three percent. This limited capacity becomes particularly consequential during years of extensive weather-related damage, when large quantities of fruit lose their fresh-market value within a short period. The market for downgraded apples is not confined to hail-affected produce. Prematurely fallen apples and fruit rejected during grading also enter the lower-price segment. In September, crates of prematurely fallen apples were reportedly selling between Rs 100 and Rs 180, depending on quality and market demand. For growers, the expanding trade in Giraan offers an opportunity to recover at least a portion of the expenditure incurred on orchards. For buyers and processors, it provides access to raw material at relatively low procurement costs. However, the larger question remains whether Kashmir can develop sufficient processing capacity to ensure that damaged, undersized and downgraded apples do not become an economic liability for growers. The NITI Aayog roadmap points towards the need for dedicated processing facilities, improved post-harvest infrastructure and stronger value chains to reduce wastage and improve farmers returns.
On NLCOs appeal, SMC removes dumped muck at Anchar spring
Srinagar, Nov 2: Chairman of the Nageen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), ManzoorWangnoo, today called on Dr. BasharatQayoom, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), at his office to discuss environmental conservation initiatives and ways to strengthen cooperation between SMC and NLCO. Wangnoo congratulated Dr. Qayoom on his appointment and thanked him for his patient hearing, inclusive approach and commitment to community participation in environmental work. The NLCO Chairman acknowledged SMCs support for Mission Ehsaas, particularly during the restoration and cleaning of Gilsar and KhushalSar water bodies. He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between civic authorities and community organisations to sustain these efforts. Wangnoo also briefed the Commissioner on the ongoing restoration of TaplooMohalla Spring in Anchar and sought SMCs assistance in clearing and properly disposing of accumulated muck. Dr. Qayoom responded promptly, and the muck-lifting work began at the site following the meeting. SMC staff continue to carry out the work. Wangnoo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Qayoom for his prompt and considerate response, noting that the Commissioners support has given fresh encouragement to the team working to restore the spring. He also appreciated the efforts of the SMC staff at the site. Dr. Qayoom assured NLCO of SMCs support for its environmental initiatives and reiterated the importance of community participation in achieving lasting results. The meeting reaffirmed the value of close cooperation between civic authorities and community-led organisations in protecting and restoring Kashmirs environmental heritage, Wangnoo said.
Lack of traffic signals at Sanat Nagar flyover junction poses risk of accidents
Srinagar, Nov 2:Despite the passing of a year since the Sanat Nagar flyover was thrown open for vehicular movement, the busy junction beneath it continues to remain without a traffic signal systemposing risk of accidents. The flyover was thrown open on December 2 last year after years of inordinate delay. The flyover is part of the citys broader development plan, and was expected to ease vehicular pressure and streamline traffic flow towards Hyderpora and Rambagh. The junction has emerged as one of the important traffic points in Srinagars uptown area as it caters to vehicles moving towards north and south Kashmir besides Rangreth and city centre areas. However, commuters said absence of traffic lights has made movement risky with vehicles from different directions trying to cross the junction simultaneously. During evening hours, it becomes very difficult to understand which vehicles should move first. Vehicles keep blocking each other and the situation becomes more chaotic when there is heavy movement from all sides. A proper traffic signalling system can bring discipline and make the junction safer, said Farooq Ahmad, a commuter. Another commuter said the problem will become more visible during winter months when darkness sets in early. After sunset, visibility reduces and the traffic pressure increases. There are students returning home, office employees leaving work and a large number of vehicles passing through this route. Managing such a busy junction manually creates unnecessary delays and risks, he said. Pedestrians too said crossing the road has become challenging due to the absence of regulated traffic movement. Pedestrians have to carefully judge the movement of vehicles while crossing. When vehicles come from multiple directions at the same time, it becomes risky, especially for elderly people and students. Traffic signals would help not only motorists but also pedestrians, said Irfan Ahmad, a local resident from Rawalpora. The Sanat Nagar bypass stretch has also remained a concern due to a history of traffic accidents, with commuters saying better regulation at major junctions is essential to prevent further mishaps. Many accidents have taken place on this bypass stretch. Nobody wants to become another addition to the list of casualties. Authorities should ensure that all possible safety measures are put in place, including traffic signals at this junction, another commuter said. Greater Kashmir has carried a series of reports highlighting the issue and the difficulties faced by commuters due to the absence of a signalling system at the junction. Earlier, a senior official said that The installation of a traffic light system at the junction is in the pipeline and would be completed soon, However, commuters said that despite the passage of several months, the junction continues to function without signals. With winter setting in and traffic pressure expected to increase further in the coming months, residents and commuters have urged authorities to expedite the installation of traffic lights and strengthen traffic management measures at the junction.
Patient care facilities inspected at Budgam district hospital
Budgam, Nov 2:Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Jatin Kishore, Monday conducted a late evening visit to District Hospital Budgam to take stock of the healthcare facilities and assess the functioning of various healthcare services, with a particular focus on patient care and the availability of essential amenities. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner, as per an official statement, inspected various sections of the hospital, including the Emergency Ward, General Surgery Ward, Gynaecology and other facilities, and reviewed the arrangements in place for providing timely and quality healthcare services to patients.
When political opportunism compromises national interest
There are moments in national politics when political differences must give way to larger national responsibilities. The controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is one such moment. Unfortunately, the INDIA alliance appears more interested in converting an administrative exercise into a political confrontation than in examining the larger implications of electoral integrity for India's security and sovereignty. The issue is not merely about the correction of voter lists. It concerns who is entitled to participate in India's electoral democracy, whether foreign nationals can manipulate identity systems, and whether political opposition should come at the cost of strengthening institutions that protect the country. The opposition's campaign against SIR raises an uncomfortable question: why is an exercise intended to establish the authenticity of electoral registrations being portrayed as an attack on democracy? More importantly, who benefits when public confidence in India's electoral institutions is systematically weakened? POLITICAL NARRATIVES AND THE INTERESTS OF HOSTILE FORCES India's adversaries have long attempted to exploit domestic political disagreements to advance their propaganda. Pakistan, in particular, has repeatedly used political controversies in India to question the legitimacy of its democratic institutions and project an exaggerated picture of instability. Every political party has the right to criticise the government and demand accountability from constitutional institutions. But political leaders also have a responsibility to ensure that their allegations are supported by evidence and do not become convenient material for hostile propaganda. The INDIA alliance may have its political reasons for opposing SIR, but it cannot ignore the consequences of its campaign. When allegations of electoral manipulation are repeatedly projected as established facts without the necessary adjudication, they risk strengthening narratives propagated by forces that have consistently sought to discredit India. There is no established evidence of coordination between the INDIA alliance and anti-India forces. Nevertheless, the political consequences of weakening public confidence in democratic institutions deserve serious consideration. National interest cannot be subordinated to the compulsions of opposition politics. J&K: A SECURITY CHALLENGE THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED The SIR debate has a particularly important dimension in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory has faced decades of cross-border terrorism, infiltration and attempts to disturb its social and demographic stability. In this environment, the presence of undocumented foreign nationals is not simply a matter of population management. It has implications for internal security and the integrity of government records. The settlement of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu, Samba, Kathua and other areas has repeatedly raised questions about the effectiveness of immigration monitoring and the verification of identity documents. The concern becomes more serious when such settlements are reported in proximity to sensitive border areas. Security agencies must establish the identity and legal status of these individuals, investigate the circumstances of their entry and determine whether any organised network has facilitated their settlement. The issue must not be approached through religious or ethnic generalisations. Rohingyas and Bangladeshis cannot collectively be branded as security threats. Individual responsibility must be established through evidence. However, illegal immigration, forged documentation and unlawful activities cannot be overlooked merely because the issue is politically sensitive. WHEN FOREIGN NATIONALS ENTER THE IDENTITY SYSTEM One of the most serious concerns is the reported procurement of Indian identity documents by foreign nationals. Aadhaar cards, ration cards and other administrative documents do not confer Indian citizenship. Yet their alleged misuse can create opportunities for foreign nationals to establish a misleading identity and potentially enter databases for which citizenship is a necessary qualification. The episode involving a Pakistani national deported from Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 is instructive. He reportedly claimed that he had obtained Indian identity documents and voted during his stay in Uri. The local administration ordered an investigation and an FIR was registered to examine the allegations. This incident must be investigated on its merits. It does not establish widespread illegal voting by foreign nationals, but it demonstrates the seriousness of the vulnerability. If a foreign national can allegedly enter an electoral database through fraudulent documentation, the failure is not merely administrative. It is a matter of national security. The authorities must identify the individuals who facilitated such registrations, investigate any involvement of officials or intermediaries and establish whether similar cases exist elsewhere. No political consideration should protect anyone found responsible. WHY IS THE OPPOSITION UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS QUESTION? The INDIA alliance must clarify its position on the larger issue. Does it support strict verification of citizenship and electoral eligibility? Does it support action against fraudulent registrations? Does it believe that foreign nationals should never be permitted to influence India's electoral process? These are not ideological questions. They are basic requirements of a sovereign democratic state. The opposition cannot selectively invoke the rights of voters while avoiding the question of whether those registered are legally entitled to vote. Equally, the government cannot use national security as a justification for arbitrary exclusion. Both genuine voter protection and the prevention of fraudulent registrations must be pursued together. Jammu and Kashmir deserves particular attention because of its geographical and security circumstances. Border districts cannot be allowed to become vulnerable to networks engaged in illegal immigration, identity fraud or other unlawful activities. The administration must undertake a comprehensive exercise to verify suspicious documents, investigate possible electoral registrations by non-citizens and identify the networks responsible for any established violations. NATIONAL SECURITY MUST RISE ABOVE POLITICAL CALCULATIONS India's democratic institutions cannot function effectively in an atmosphere where every reform is presented as a conspiracy and every administrative correction is portrayed as political victimisation. The INDIA alliance should distinguish between legitimate criticism and a campaign that risks eroding public confidence in the country's institutions. If there are genuine cases of wrongful deletion, they must be addressed. If there are fraudulent entries, they must be investigated. Neither issue should become a political shield for the other. For Jammu and Kashmir, the challenge is even more consequential. The region has paid an enormous price for terrorism and cross-border interference. It cannot afford complacency in identifying foreign nationals or allowing fraudulent documents to circulate within official systems. The country needs a coordinated response involving security agencies, police, civil administration and electoral authorities. Those responsible for facilitating illegal entry or fraudulent documentation must face legal consequences, irrespective of their political connections or influence. Ultimately, the controversy should remind every political party that national sovereignty and democratic integrity are inseparable. A genuine Indian citizen's vote must be protected, while a foreign national must never be permitted to acquire electoral rights through deception. The INDIA alliance may continue to challenge the government's decisions, but it must also answer for the wider implications of its political narrative. Opposition is an essential feature of democracy; undermining confidence in the country's institutions without substantiated evidence is a different matter. India's electoral democracy must remain exclusively in the hands of its eligible citizens. No political alliance, administrative failure or hostile external interest should be allowed to compromise that principle. Altaf Thakur, Spokesperson BJP J&K.
Committed to overall development of constituency: MLA Ahsan Pardesi
Srinagar, Nov 2:Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Zewan and adjoining areas on the approval of a new building for Government Girls High School, Zewan, at an estimated cost of Rs 253.59 lakh (Rs 2.53 crore). Pardesi, as per a statement, described the approval as another significant milestone in strengthening educational infrastructure in the Lal Chowk constituency and fulfilling a long-standing demand of the local population. I had made a commitment to the people of Zewan that the school would be provided with a new building equipped with better infrastructure. Alhamdulillah, with the approval of this important project, another promise made to the people stands fulfilled, Pardesi said. He stated that the existing school building had become old and inadequate, causing considerable difficulties for students and teaching staff in carrying out their day-to-day academic activities. The lack of adequate infrastructure had been a major concern for students, parents and teachers for a long time. The new school building will not only provide a safer, more comfortable and conducive learning environment but will also boost the confidence, morale and academic performance of both students and faculty, he added. Pardesi further said that the development of modern educational infrastructure would encourage greater enrolment, particularly among girl students, and create better opportunities for children from Zewan and surrounding localities to pursue quality education. Education is the foundation of a progressive and empowered society. Our children deserve the best possible facilities to nurture their talents and realise their potential. This new infrastructure will go a long way in improving educational standards and opening new avenues of learning for future generations, he said. Reiterating his commitment to the overall development of the Lal Chowk constituency, Pardesi said that several other developmental proposals and public welfare initiatives are in the pipeline and will be pursued vigorously in the coming months. My commitment to the people of Lal Chowk is unwavering. Whether it is education, healthcare, roads, drinking water, drainage or other essential public infrastructure, we are working with dedication to address long-pending issues and ensure equitable development across every area of the constituency. More developmental initiatives are in the offing, and we will continue working tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations of our people, he asserted. On the occasion, Pardesi expressed his profound gratitude to the Chief Minister, the Ministers and the concerned officers of the administration for their continued support, cooperation and positive response in bringing this important project to the approval stage. He said that such initiatives reflect the government's commitment to strengthening public infrastructure and improving the quality of life of the people. Our mission is to accelerate development and serve the people of Lal Chowk constituency with sincerity, dedication and determination, Ahsan Pardesi concluded.
SMC places 3 officials under suspension
Srinagar, Nov 2:Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr Basharat Qayoom has placed Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, I/C Ward Officer, SMC, under suspension with immediate effect, pending enquiry into the matter of alleged dereliction of duties, till further orders. The order, further directs Nuzhat Khurshid Qureshi, Joint Commissioner, Administration), SMC, to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the matter concerning supervision and monitoring of unauthorized constructions within the jurisdiction of officer. The Inquiry Officer shall submit a comprehensive report with specific recommendations. Further, Jameel Mohammad Sheikh, Senior Building Inspector, I/C Ward Officer, SMC, has also been placed under suspension for dereliction of duties as per rules.
POWERGRID: What strong oversight looks like
Every Kashmiri who has watched a 400 kV tower rise on a hillside, through an orchard or across a village path has seen how large these projects are. Many have also wondered how a project of this scale is governed. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a Maharatna public sector company and the backbone of the national transmission network. It carries our hydropower out in summer and brings in power when winter demand outstrips local generation. It also shapes where lines run, which trees are felled and how landowners are compensated. I write as an environmental scientist, a former regulator and a certified Independent Director. This author appreciates the work of POWERGRIDs engineers and linemen, who operate in some of the hardest terrain in the country. But at the same a, governance question comes to mind. What should independent oversight of a company like this look like? How closely does the public record show it, especially for Jammu & Kashmir? A strong company The starting point is a company that performs. According to PSU Connects report on its FY26 results, POWERGRID earned standalone net profit of 15,921 crore for 2025-26 and is paying a total dividend of 9 per share. Its own Integrated Annual Report 2025-26 records record capital expenditure of 39,967 crore, and PSU Watchs report on the 37th annual general meeting says the company operates 292 substations and about 1.87 lakh circuit km of lines, with availability above 99.8%. The companys Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for 2025-26 says its core indicators carry reasonable assurance from TV India, a higher standard than many listed companies meet. The same report says Scope 1 and 2 emissions fell 17.95% in 2025-26 and that renewable reached 35.74% of its energy mix. These achievements are the base for any fair discussion. What the public registry shows, and what it cannot Most citizens would look first at the corporate registry. ZaubaCorps profile, compiled from Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) filings records POWERGRIDs Corporate Identification Number as L40101DL1989GOI038121, incorporation on 23 October 1989 as National Power Transmission Corporation Ltd, registration with the Registrar of Companies, Delhi, and classification as a Union government company. Authorised capital is 10,000 crore and paid-up capital 9,300.6 crore. It names directors including Ravisankar Ganesan, Ravindra Kumar Tyagi, Yatindra Dwivedi, Abhay Choudhary, Chetan Bansilal Kankariya, Saibaba Darbamulla, Lalit Bohra and Ram Naresh. The same page shows the limits of such aggregators. It lists the last annual general meeting as 30 August 2023 and the last balance sheet as 31 March 2023, although the notice of the 37th AGM confirms the company met on 20 August 2026. Assets, revenue and profit are blank, the member count reads zero and the complaints tables are empty. This is a lag in a third-party database, not evidence of any violation. It does mean that a citizen in Srinagar or Kishtwar who relies on it will learn little about how the board handles environmental and community risk. For that, the exchange filings, annual report and sustainability report are the better record. Independent oversight: why continuity matters The corporate governance filing that POWERGRID lodged with NSE for the quarter ended 31 March 2026 shows a board of ten with three independent directors, and records compliance with Regulation 17 of the SEBI Listing Regulations as No. The three, Rohit Vaswani, Shiv Tapasya Paswan and Smt. Sajal Jha, were appointed on 16 April and 16 May 2025. The companys Annual Secretarial Compliance Report for 2025-26 explains that the board had no independent directors from November 2024, when two tenures ended, and that quorum could not always be met. The companys stated position in both documents is that the President of India appoints independent directors through the Ministry of Power, and that it has repeatedly taken up the vacancies with the Ministry. The secretarial report adds that NSE and BSE each fined the company 14,39,600 for the March 2025 quarter and later waived the fines, on 12 September and 7 October 2025. The three directors have since completed their tenures. Scanx reported that Paswan and Vaswani finished on 15 April 2026, and a second Scanx headline says Jhas tenure ended on 15 May 2026; each served about a year. I found no announcement of replacements. PSU Watchs account of the 37th AGM on 20 August 2026 names only executives and a government nominee among the directors present. Market Screeners board listing shows no independent director. I could not open the filing for the June 2026 quarter, so readers should check the companys latest NSE and BSE announcements. If the position stands, it is a gap that belongs to the appointment process as much as to the company. The lesson is not about blame. The audit, nomination, stakeholder and risk committees all depend on independent members to function as designed, and short tenures and gaps make it hard to build the institutional memory that good oversight needs. The secretarial compliance report also notes that board-evaluation requirements were treated as not applicable under a 2017 MCA exemption for government companies. SEBI granted relief from Regulations 17(10) and 25(4) by a letter dated 2 March 2026. These are lawful accommodations. They do mean that the usual checks on directors apply more lightly to government companies, which makes the voluntary quality of governance more important. Who owns sustainability? In the documents I could read, there is no board committee or independent director with an ESG or sustainability mandate. The FY2025-26 BRSR names Naveen Srivastava, Director (Operations), as the highest authority for the business responsibility policy and the decision-maker on sustainability issues, with Vibhay Kumar, Executive Director (ESG & Net Zero), as the contact. The NSE governance filing lists the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration, Stakeholders Relationship and Risk Management committees, with an executive director chairing risk. The annual report describes a four-tier ESG structure, although the extract I read did not give its detail. Executive ownership of sustainability is sensible. Adding an independent chair for a sustainability committee would give the board a second line of oversight, which is good practice for a company with POWERGRIDs footprint. What the law provides, and where it stops The Companies Act 2013 is stronger than many assume. Section 166(2) asks every director to act in good faith for the company, its employees, shareholders and community, and for the protection of the environment. Section 149 and Schedule IV define the independent directors role and Section 135 governs corporate social responsibility. These are duties of conduct, enforced by shareholders and regulators. A landowner cannot invoke them directly. The structure of the group adds another layer. Much newer transmission is built in single-project special purpose companies. Under Rule 4 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, as amended in 2017, unlisted wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and dormant companies need not appoint independent directors. Regulation 24 of the SEBI Listing Regulations requires a listed parent to place at least one of its independent directors on an unlisted material subsidiary. This is a reasonable policy choice, but it means the company that builds and operates a line may have no independent director of its own. On disclosure, Regulation 34(2)(f) requires a BRSR, with assured core indicators for the top 1,000 listed companies. POWERGRID meets this. The BRSR is, however, a company-wide document.In the portions I could read, for both 2024-25 and 2025-26, it gives no state-wise breakdown and no mention of Jammu & Kashmir. On the ground in Kashmir These design choices matter because of what happens on land of the natives. On 10 September 2026 Justice Rajnesh Oswal of the J&K and Ladakh High Court dismissed Ghulam Ahmad Malla v. State of J&K, a petition by landowners at Dreygam, Budgam, whose walnut trees were damaged when a 220 kV line was laid across their land. As the judgment records, the Horticulture Department had assessed their losses at 6,92,810, 5,13,130 and 12,10,380 under government orders of 1985 and 1995 (SRO 493 and SRO 386). The owners accepted payment without protest and took the felled wood. The court held that, having accepted it, they could not argue it was below market rates, and noted they had not challenged the SROs themselves. Their claim over the land under the line was not separately decided. The company followed the prescribed schedule. The lesson is that the schedule itself, now decades old, is where reform is needed. On trees at scale, The Wire reported in December 2018, in its headline, that the J&K government had approved cutting about 60,000 trees in 2015 for power lines. I could read only the headline and description, so I cite it as a pointer. The question it raises is still fair. Where is the public tally of trees felled for transmission in J&K, and where are the compensatory plantations? The BRSR describes forest avoidance and compensatory afforestation in general terms and gives no J&K figures. Then the valleys. T&D India reported in January 2025 that Ratle (850 MW) and Kiru (624 MW) on the Chenab in Kishtwar are joint ventures of NHPC and the J&K Power Development Corporation. Their evacuation scheme, Part A, was estimated at 1,214 crore, and Part B, a 196 crore reconductoring of the Kishenpur-Kishtwar line, goes to the Part A winner. According to IndiGrid, the Part A company, Ratle Kiru Power Transmission Ltd, owns 359 circuit km of 400 kV double-circuit line, 4 km to Kishtwar, 67 km to Kishenpur and 288 km to Jalandhar. IndiGrid, a private infrastructure trust, acquired it from REC Power Development and Consultancy on 24 March 2025, and the lines are under construction on a 35-year service agreement. The ownership chain runs from a public tender to a private trust, which is why a clear grievance address for local people matters. This is also a district that has seen cloudburst and landslide disasters, so slope and climate-risk studies deserve a visible place in project governance. What Kashmir receives, and what it cannot yet see The BRSR reports CSR spending of 391.16 crore in 2025-26 across more than 120 projects, while the annual report gives 382 crore, and the two figures should be reconciled. The BRSR also says a grievance mechanism exists, and that community complaints were 366 in 2025-26, with 28 pending at year end, against 349 and none pending in the previous years report. A pending count that has gone from zero to 28 is worth watching and worth explaining publicly. What the reports do not show is Jammu & Kashmir specifically. The only mention of the regions neighbourhood in the annual report extract I read is a photograph caption of the Drass substation in Ladakh. A citizen cannot tell whether our share of CSR, jobs and compensation is proportionate to the assets we host. CSR also differs from compensation. Section 135 spending is a statutory obligation on profit, not payment for land crossed or trees felled. Finally, hosting national infrastructure raises a wider question about the fair share of benefits from J&Ks rivers and land, which belongs in public debate. None of this is a failing unique to POWERGRID. It is a gap in how national companies report on the regions where they work. Six practical proposals Good governance improves through specific, answerable steps. Several of this rest with the company, others with the Ministry of Power, SEBI and the J&K government. Continuity of independent oversight. Appoint independent directors for terms long enough to build experience and avoid gaps between tenures. A sustainability committee with an independent chair. Give community and climate risk a named board-level owner. State-wise disclosure. Publish CSR spend, land acquired, trees felled, compensatory plantations and grievances for Jammu & Kashmir in the BRSR or annual report. Independent voices on project companies. Extend the Regulation 24 principle so that companies building lines in sensitive terrain have at least one independent director. Current compensation rates. Update the 1985 and 1995 schedules to market-based rates for trees and for land under towers and lines with a right to contest. Slope-risk studies and a local grievance address. Publish geotechnical and cloudburst-risk studies before lines go up in districts like Kishtwar and name a J&K nodal officer with a public complaints register. POWERGRID has the scale, the finances and the track record to lead on all six. Independent oversight that is visible where the company works would strengthen the company, its shareholders and the people who live beside its lines. Note on evidence: The annual report and BRSR were read in extracts, the governance chapter of the annual report was not available to me, and the filing for the June 2026 quarter could not be opened. Readers should verify the boards current composition on the NSE and BSE announcements . Sources All web sources were accessed on 25 to 26 October 2026. ZaubaCorp, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited company profile zaubacorp.com. Supports: CIN, incorporation, capital, director list, stale AGM and balance-sheet dates. POWERGRID, corporate governance filing for the quarter ended 31 March 2026, NSE integrated filing, 27 April 2026. nsearchives.nseindia.com. Supports: board of ten, three independent, Regulation 17 No, committees, appointments. POWERGRID, Annual Secretarial Compliance Report 2025-26. powergrid.in. Supports: vacancies from 14 Nov 2024, 14,39,600 fines and waivers, SEBI relief of 2 Mar 2026. POWERGRID, Integrated Annual Report 2025-26. powergrid.in. Supports: capex 39,967 crore, CSR 382 crore, Drass caption. POWERGRID, Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report FY2025-26. powergrid.in. Supports: sustainability governance, CSR 391.16 crore, emissions, assurance, grievances. POWERGRID, Integrated Annual Report FY2024-25, BRSR section, NSE filing, August 2025. nsearchives.nseindia.com. Supports: 2024-25 grievance comparison. POWERGRID, Notice of the 37th AGM and Integrated Annual Report. powergrid.in. Supports: AGM date 20 August 2026. Scanx, POWERGRID Announces Completion of Tenure for Two Independent Directors, 16 April 2026. scanx.trade. Scanx, POWERGRID Independent Director Smt. Sajal Jha Completes Tenure on 15th May, 2026 (headline only; page could not be opened). scanx.trade. Market Screener, Power Grid board listing. in.marketscreener.com. PSU Watch, Power Grid holds 37th AGM. psuwatch.com. Supports: directors present, network size. PSU Connect, POWERGRID FY26 Results: Net Profit 15,921 Cr. psuconnect.in. IndiGrid, Ratle Kiru Power Transmission Limited. indigrid.co.in. T&D India, Four qualify for Ratle-Kiru hydropower evacuation ISTS-TBCB scheme, January 2025. tndindia.com. Ghulam Ahmad Malla v. State of J&K, OWP No. 529/2019, J&K and Ladakh High Court, Srinagar, 10 September 2026. courtkutchehry.com. The Wire, J&K State Quietly Okayed Cutting 60,000 Trees in 2015 for Power Lines, 25 December 2018 (headline and description only). thewire.in. Legal texts relied on : [L1] Companies Act 2013, sections 135, 149, 166 and Schedule IV. [L2] Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules 2014, Rule 4, as amended in 2017. [L3] SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015, Regulations 17, 24 and 34(2)(f).
Rajesh Kumar given premature repatriation to parent AGMUT cadre
Srinagar, Nov 2:Senior IPS officer Rajesh Kumar of the 1995 batch of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre (now AGMUT) has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Kumar, who was serving as Special Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will return to the AGMUT cadre with immediate effect. He had been on central deputation to the CRPF since March 2018, when he joined as Inspector General. He was later elevated to Additional Director General and, in early September 2026, promoted to the rank of Special DG (Level-16) on an in-situ basis for a tenure of two years or until further orders, whichever was earlier. The premature repatriation comes shortly after his recent elevation and ends a long central deputation stint. Kumar belongs to the 1995 batch of the erstwhile J&K cadre, which was merged into the AGMUT cadre following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir. Official records list his date of appointment to the IPS as September 3, 1995. During his service in Jammu and Kashmir, Kumar held several sensitive and operationally important assignments. These included DIG North Kashmir Range (Baramulla), IGP Jammu Zone (appointed in March 2013), IG Special Security Group (SSG), and IG CRPF (Operations), Kashmir. His J&K experience covered key phases of counter-insurgency and law-and-order management in both the Kashmir and Jammu regions. Kumars return to the parent cadre is expected to strengthen the senior leadership pool available for deployment across AGMUT territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and other Union Territories. The Ministry of Home Affairs is likely to issue further orders regarding his specific assignment in due course.
SKIMS expanding infrastructure: Director
Srinagar, Nov 2:The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) is undertaking a major infrastructure expansion at its main campus and SKIMS Medical College to strengthen patient care facilities and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside Jammu and Kashmir, Director Prof Ashraf Ganie said. Speaking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of the 12-day sports series programme on Monday, Prof. Ganie said new college, inpatient department (IPD) and outpatient department (OPD) buildings were being constructed at SKIMS Medical College, adding that the expansion would give a major boost to the institution. We are not doing this only for the SKIMS main campus. The administrative setup is the same, and we are working on both institutions, he said. Prof Ganie said the institute was also procuring new machinery and equipment and would commission some instruments at SKIMS Medical College. He said efforts were being made to secure additional grants, apart from government funding, to improve patient care facilities at both institutions. Our aim is to improve the standard of patient care day by day so that patients do not have to go outside for treatment, he said. On the long queues and waiting periods at the hospitals, Prof Ganie said SKIMS and SKIMS Medical College were referral institutions receiving a large number of patients from district hospitals and other peripheral healthcare facilities. He said the rush could not be reduced unless the referral system at the peripheral level was strengthened and made more organised. Until the system is streamlined there, our rush will remain. As we increase our facilities, the rush cannot end because everyone wants to come to SKIMS, he said. Prof Ganie said the institute was holding meetings with peripheral hospitals and asking them to refer only patients who required specialised treatment. We want to solve small issues at the peripheral level. We want selected referrals so that those who really need our services can get better treatment, he said. He said the objective was to ensure that patients requiring specialised care received timely treatment while reducing the burden on the tertiary-care institutions.
Things should not have come to this pass: foreigners assessing our state of affairs and suggesting what is the way out, because somewhere down the line we shied away from rising to the occasion. The International Crisis Group (ICG) in its latest report A Trigger in Jammu and Kashmir: Militant Violence under Indian Central rule, has pointed out certain fault lines while scripting a roadmap for lasting peace. Foreigners have their own way of interpreting things. They see certain things which we are not able to see or express for the reasons better known to us we are motivated by two considerations that we should be avoiding the high risk areas, and wait for others to speak for us. This doesnt undermine some of the crucial points in the ICG report. This has captured the reality that reversed the ugly reality of the times before the August 5, 2019 decisions the abrogation of Article 370, Article 35 A and the announcement of the Reorganization of the state of Jammu and Kashmir that India could retain after the 1948 ceasefire a journey from extreme terror violence and street protests to the taste of the normal times. Some of the fundamentals scripted in the report are worth looking at with a clear lens, and see where it resonates with the reality and the narrative of Delhi, and tricolour upholding crowds signaling shift in their attitude and approach. The report revolves around three major points (a) August 5, 2019, perception and reality of peace in Kashmir, (b) Pahalgam attack and the aftermath and call for the restoration of statehood, and (c) dialogue with Pakistan to start with back channel diplomacy with the help of the friendly countries. It is important to understand why Article 370 was abrogated. The foreign think tanks have their own ideas, because they have always invested in their thinking that nothing can happen in Jammu and Kashmir unless there is some kind of third party intervention. The Pahalgam attack of April 22, 2025 that triggered heightened Indo-Pak tensions and 87-hour war from May 7 to 10, has assumed a global dimension. Primarily, the perpetrators of this gruesome attack in which 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri were killed, wanted to place Kashmir in the international spotlight as a place where terrorism continues to manifest the frustration and anger. These elements forgot that Kashmir had changed, they never wanted the revival of the violence. They revolted against terrorists and their patrons in an unprecedented way, sending a clear message to them that they will rise against acts of terror, and this was also a loud shout out about themselves that they were against terrorists and willing partners in the peace-building measures of Government of India. The underlined meaning was that the attack, sponsored and executed by non-Kashmiris, should neither disrupt the narrative nor the promises pledged by Delhi to J&K. Pakistans audacity was punished with the launch of Operation Sindoor, and less than a month after the conclusion of the brief war, Kashmir was connected via rail to the rest of country more than century-old dream became a reality. While the security aspect was taken care of, the public dialogue and the promises were kept on waiting list. The waiting list status has not changed and that has created different type of resentment that remains unexpressed. The ICG or for that matter all foreign elements come as observers and make reports to highlight what suits their narrative, though it must be acknowledged that the balance between the positives and negatives should never be overlooked. There is always something to learn. But it would have been far better had the things that J&K hoped for come its way in the natural course. The ICG has noted it in its critical analysis with an advice to Pakistan: If it is to convince India that its efforts are genuine, Pakistan will need to aggressively enforce its ban on anti-Indian jihadist groups, and for India , the report has stated that , India, for its part, should rethink its stance that Operation Sindoor has only been paused, as Modi has put it, implying that military action could immediately resume if another terrorist attack occurs. While this novel approach is meant to boost Indias deterrence, it puts India on a perpetual war footing and increases the risk of conflict with Pakistan, the consequences of which could be calamitous In its to do list in the way forward, the report has made an audacious suggestion: Foreign governments that enjoy friendly relations with both parties, such as the U.S., the UK, EU member states, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries, can also help stabilize the relationship. Considering Indias sensitivities regarding foreign interference or mediation on the Kashmir issue, external powers should move cautiously with quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy. They should emphasise that it is in New Delhi and Islamabads mutual interest to ensure a sustainable peace in South Asia, encouraging them to use high-level back channels to defuse potential conflict triggers. This suggestion should be taken with a fistful of salt, and it would be better if the public dialogue is opened with the people of J&K on priority basis. The Central Government has invested so much in Kashmir in the past over seven years in development and connectivity projects but there are few areas where dialogue with people is a must. Delhi knows the issues. As for Pakistan is concerned, the neighbouring country is an epicenter of cross-border terrorism, but its people need to be convinced that this country is not against them. For that windows will have to be opened, how that can be done, no one should know it better than Delhi.
International Pencak Silat players call on LG Sinha
Srinagar, Nov 2:Aqsa Gulzar and Muskan Shaban, International Pencak Silat players from J&K, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday and projected various issues pertaining to promotion of sports in Shehr-e-Khaas area of Srinagar. As per an official statement, they were accompanied by Mohammad Iqbal, National Coach.
Jammu and Kashmirs entrepreneurs are waiting for another industrial policy. Since the 20212031 framework appeared to lose momentum in September 2023, the wait has stretched from the period before the elected government took office into its tenure. The Chief Ministers indication that work is moving offers some encouragement. But industry needs more than the reassuring sound of a policy being prepared. We have been here before. A new policy arrives with promises of investment, employment and a business-friendly environment. Entrepreneurs read the fine print, departments begin interpreting it, and everyone hopes that this time the machinery will run smoothly. Sometimes the machinery seems to need a subsidy of its own. As I argue in my latest book, Reboot Industry, the problem is not that J&K has lacked industrial policies. It is that too many have offered temporary relief without tackling the conditions that make running a business difficult. Incentives can help an enterprise get started. They cannot, by themselves, keep its lights on, move its goods or persuade several departments to agree. The next policy should therefore begin with a simple question: what would make industry viable after the concessions end? Unless that question shapes the answer, we risk another attractive document followed by another long wait. The EODB Act is hope! So, what is Waiting for Godot? Waiting for Godot a masterpiece of absurdist theatre written by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett in 1948, the play premiered in Paris in 1953 and remains one of the most influential theatrical works of the 20th century. The plot revolves around two characters, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), who stand by a solitary tree on a barren road. They are waiting for the arrival of a mysterious figure named Godot, who never appears. To pass the time, they engage in a variety of discussions, argue, eat, play games, mimic each other, and contemplate suicide. Should we wait for the correct Policy which will never come? Or come to disappoint? The incentive trap From the mid-1980s through the policies of 1995, 1998 and 2004, and into the 2016 framework, fiscal concessions dominated the approach. Tax holidays, capital subsidies, interest support and transport assistance were intended to attract investment to a region facing political uncertainty, difficult terrain and high operating costs. That intention was understandable. J&K needed jobs and enterprise, while investors needed reassurance. The difficulty was allowing incentives to become the main strategy rather than one part of it. A discount on the cost of setting up a factory is useful; it is less useful if producing and selling its goods remains an obstacle course. Time-bound benefits also encouraged a short-term business model. As concessions approached expiry, some units could reduce operations, relocate or close rather than deepen their commitment to the region. This is the sunset clause problem: the incentive ends, and the enterprise starts looking towards the exit. Public support should help businesses take root, not merely make a temporary stay more comfortable. Light assembly and packaging operations can bring activity, but they are no substitute for a manufacturing base with local suppliers, trained workers and durable market connections. The real test is whether investment creates value within J&K, particularly through horticulture, agriculture, handicrafts and other local strengths. A factorys address matters less than its contribution to the surrounding economy. The obstacles beneath the promises The recurring weaknesses are familiar to anyone who has tried to establish or sustain an industrial unit. Suitable land can take too long to secure. Fragmented holdings, procedural hurdles and uncertainty increase costs before production begins. An entrepreneur who budgets for a factory should not also have to budget for a career in chasing files. Power remains equally fundamental. Unreliable supply interrupts production and pushes businesses towards expensive diesel generation. A subsidy may soften the purchase price of equipment, but it does not remove the daily cost of keeping that equipment running. Reliable electricity is not an optional extra in industrial policy; it is part of the foundation. Transport is another constraint, especially for Kashmir Valley. Disruptions on the JammuSrinagar National Highway affect incoming raw materials and outgoing products. Delayed deliveries weaken customer confidence and squeeze margins. Freight assistance has a role, but dependable connectivity matters more. Rail connectivity, too, must be considered for its effects on both market access and competition facing local producers. Then comes the approval process. Multiple departments, unclear responsibilities and slow decisions can turn a workable project into an unviable one. A single-window system should mean a single route to a decision, not one window from which the applicant is directed towards six more and some doors too. Industrial support also extends beyond permissions. Testing laboratories, relevant skills, design services and research facilities help enterprises improve quality and compete. Without them, incentives may finance the beginning of a business while leaving its development largely to chance. Even promised benefits can lose their value when payment is delayed. Entrepreneurs need predictable procedures, transparent eligibility rules and timely reimbursements. Complicated systems create room for discretion and, potentially, corruption. Better coordination and clear responsibility would do more to restore confidence than another declaration that the environment is business-friendly. What 2016 should have taught us The 2016 policy promised a more comprehensive approach, including online processing, time-bound clearances and sector-specific support. Its stated ambitions included annual investment exceeding 2,000 crore and 15,000 jobs, alongside capital subsidies of up to 30 per cent for new units. These were substantial aspirations. But targets describe what a government hopes to achieve; they do not establish that the necessary delivery system exists. My concern with that framework was the gap between its ambitions and its design. Definitions of eligible industrial activity did not adequately reflect emerging opportunities such as information technology and renewable energy. A policy intended to prepare industry for the future cannot afford to look at new sectors through an old pair of spectacles. Monitoring was another weakness. Announcing subsidies is only the beginning; tracking their use and assessing whether they support intended priorities are equally important. Without a credible review mechanism, expenditure can become a measure of success in itself, while productive capacity, competitiveness and lasting employment receive less attention. Traditional sectors also needed more than recognition in a policy document. Handicrafts and handlooms require appropriate finance, better infrastructure, design innovation and access to markets. Their strength lies in distinctive skills and products. Helping them grow means connecting those strengths to modern demand, not simply placing them on a list of eligible activities. Some provisions raised practical questions. The arrangement for a 100 per cent subsidy on diesel generator sets, for example, envisaged payment to suppliers after installation and verification. But who would finance the purchase before that stage? If the entrepreneur had already paid through savings or a bank loan, why route the subsidy to the supplier? The difficulty illustrates why policy clauses should be tested against actual transactions before publication. Accountability was similarly important. Large committees that met infrequently could delay decisions long enough to alter project viability. Collective consideration has its place, but responsibility should not become so widely shared that nobody can say when an applicant receives an answer. Investors need decisions, not merely evidence that their application has acquired more readers. Overlapping frameworks added to the uncertainty. When one long-term policy was followed or overtaken by another, entrepreneurs and officials were left to work out which provisions applied. Continuity, transition rules and clear explanations matter. A ten-year promise should offer a planning horizon, not become a puzzle before its benefits are visible. A policy worth waiting for None of this means incentives should disappear. J&Ks disadvantages are real, and well-designed support can help offset them. But assistance should complement structural reform, encourage genuine investment and strengthen local value chains. It should not become the business model itself. The next policy should set out practical commitments on land availability, reliable power, connectivity and clearances. Every commitment needs responsible authority, an understandable procedure and a realistic timetable. Delays should trigger review rather than another round of visits by the applicant. Existing enterprises deserve attention alongside new investors. Businesses already operating in difficult conditions have workers, experience and local relationships worth preserving. Expansion, modernization and improved competitiveness should be part of the policys purpose, not afterthoughts. Industrial development is not only about welcoming newcomers; it is also about enabling those already here to stay and grow. Success should be judged by functioning enterprises, sustained employment, stronger local supply chains and improved market access. Investment announcements and ambitious targets are useful signals, but they cannot replace evidence of production. Transparent reporting would help distinguish progress from publicity and allow shortcomings to be corrected before they become familiar complaints. The Chief Ministers assurance of movement is welcome. What industry now needs is a policy shaped by consultation with those who must use it, tested for practical difficulties and backed by departmental accountability. Entrepreneurs can live with competition and commercial risk. They should not have to treat administrative uncertainty as another raw material. We do not need another policy merely to end the wait. We need one that ends the habit of waitingfor land, electricity, approvals and promised payments. If the next framework can deliver that, it will deserve more than a launch ceremony. It will deserve the confidence of the people expected to turn its promises into jobs. Er. S. P Qaisar, Industrial and Business consultant, Jammu and Kashmir.
12th UT Kayaking, Canoeing Championship concludes in Srinagar
Srinagar, Nov 2:The 12th UT Canoe Sprint, Kayaking & Canoeing Championship 2026 concluded successfully at Pokhribal Water Sports Centre, Srinagar, with the enthusiastic participation of more than 150 athletes representing different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The championship, as per a statement, was organised by the J&K Water Sports Kayaking & Canoeing Association with the objective of identifying emerging sporting talent, providing a competitive platform to young athletes and further strengthening the development of kayaking and canoeing across the Union Territory. The event served as an important selection platform for identifying promising athletes who will represent Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming National Championships. Based on their performances, selected athletes will undergo a specialised coaching and training camp under experienced coaches to enhance their technical skills, physical fitness and competitive preparedness for national-level events. The medal distribution ceremony was attended by Dr Rafiq, Vice President of the Association, international water sports athlete Bilquis Mir, and other member s of the Association who congratulated the medal winners and encouraged young participants to pursue excellence in sports. They appreciated the dedication, discipline and enthusiasm demonstrated by the athletes throughout the championship. Speaking on the occasion, the Association reiterated its commitment to strengthening water sports at the grassroots level, particularly by encouraging greater participation among youth from different districts. It emphasised that regular competitions, scientific training, structured coaching programmes and improved sporting infrastructure are essential for creating a strong talent pool capable of representing Jammu and Kashmir at national and international competitions. The Association also highlighted the importance of developing Pokhribal Water Sports Centre as a prominent hub for kayaking and canoeing, providing aspiring athletes with better opportunities, professional training and exposure to competitive sports. The successful conclusion of the championship marks another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote water sports in Jammu and Kashmir and nurture the next generation of talented paddlers.
JKFA executive body elections on November 25
Srinagar, Nov 2:The All India Football Federation (AIFF), with the support and facilitation of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC), will conduct elections to the executive body of the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) on November 25. As per a statement issued, the election process is being initiated in compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble court dated 27/10/2026 and in accordance with the applicable guidelines governing sports bodies. In this regard, A consultative meeting was held with representatives of the AIFF, JKSC and various football stakeholders, including clubs and district representatives, to discuss the election process and ensure clarity regarding eligibility criteria and other procedural requirements. The AIFF has initiated the election proceedings, including the nomination process and scrutiny of eligibility documents. All eligible voters and club representatives have been asked to submit their claims regarding eligibility, along with the relevant supporting documents, to the designated email address jkfaelections2026@gmail.com within three days . The Electoral Officer will examine the submissions and take further action in accordance with the prescribed election procedure. The J&K Sports Council has assured full support and facilitation to AIFF in conducting the elections in a transparent and orderly manner, ensuring participation of all eligible stakeholders.
A review of 16 studies on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among civilians in Kashmir, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry on September 15, 2026, underlines the scale of the mental health problem. The reported prevalence of PTSD among adults ranged from 15.9% to 24.5%. In selected groups, including college students, screening-based estimates were considerably higher, with up to 49.8% meeting the threshold for probable PTSD. One study involving children reported a prevalence of 40%. These figures must be interpreted carefully. The studies used different methods and examined different populations, making direct comparisons difficult. Nor can the findings be treated as a single estimate for the entire population. Yet the broader message is difficult to overlook: trauma-related mental health difficulties remain a serious public health concern in Kashmir. The effects also extend beyond PTSD. The review found frequent associations with depression, anxiety and substance misuse. Women, economically disadvantaged people, orphans and those who had suffered conflict-related injuries appeared particularly vulnerable. Importantly, symptoms were reported years after exposure to traumatic events. This suggests that the consequences of conflict cannot be measured only through immediate casualties, physical injuries or damage to property. What makes the situation more concerning is the limited attention given to sustained psychological care. Mental health services cannot remain confined to hospitals and specialist consultations, particularly in a region where resources are limited and stigma often discourages people from seeking help. Many people experiencing distress may not even recognise that they need professional support. The response must begin with recognising mental health as an essential part of public healthcare. The government needs to strengthen counselling and psychiatric services at district hospitals and primary health centres, while ensuring that trained professionals are accessible in rural and remote areas. Schools and colleges should have counsellors who can identify early signs of distress and guide students towards appropriate care. Kashmirs experience of conflict cannot be undone. But its psychological consequences need not be allowed to define another generation.
Speaker accorded warm welcome as JKLA Secretariat opens in Jammu
Jammu, Nov 2: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by senior officers and staff of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on the first day of opening of Darbar Move offices in the winter capital, Jammu, on Monday. The Speaker was received by senior officers and officials of the Assembly Secretariat, who extended greetings on the commencement of the winter functioning of the Assembly Secretariat in Jammu. Interacting with the officers and staff, the Speaker appreciated their dedication and commitment towards ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the Legislative Assembly Secretariat. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and efficiency in discharge of the official responsibilities. The Speaker called for close coordination among all branches of the Secretariat to ensure timely disposal of official business and seamless delivery of services. He also underscored the need to maintain a responsive, transparent and public-oriented institutional approach while facilitating the smooth conduct of legislative affairs. He wished the officers and staff a productive and successful tenure during the winter Darbar Move. He expressed confidence that the Legislative Secretariat would continue to uphold the dignity, traditions and institutional responsibilities of the legislature.
Sports key to holistic development of future doctors: Dr Abdul Majid
Srinagar, Nov 2: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) is organising a 12-day sports programme across its Soura campus and SKIMS Medical College to promote mental and physical well-being among medical students and healthcare professionals. The programme is being organised as part of the observance of World Mental Health Awareness Month, from October 10 to November 10, with the Department of Psychiatry taking the lead. Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry Dr Abdul Majid said the initiative was aimed at encouraging a holistic approach to the development of medical students, with sports and extracurricular activities playing an important role in maintaining mental and physical health. Sports are among the best extracurricular activities that can help in developing a person holistically. We need to ensure that our students are physically and mentally fit, he said. Dr Majid said the programme was being organised on the directions of the SKIMS Director and the principal of the medical college, with the aim of promoting mental health awareness through activities beyond academics. He said the initiative also followed the Supreme Court's recent emphasis on the mental and physical well-being of students across educational institutions in the country. Dr Majid said sports activities should be integrated into the medical curriculum, rather than being restricted to annual events. Sports should be part and parcel of the curriculum. A yearly or even six-monthly activity at any institution would be of great help in developing these youngsters into role models for tomorrow, he said. He said medical students, who often face demanding academic schedules and clinical responsibilities, needed opportunities to engage in activities that support their overall well-being. Dr Majid said sports also help build professional relationships and strengthen networking among students, contributing to their development as future healthcare professionals. He said the programme would convey the message of saying yes to life and no to drugs, while encouraging students to make physical and mental fitness a part of their daily lives.
SKIMS Sports Series focuses on mental health of medical students: Director
Srinagar, Nov 2:The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) is seeking to strengthen sports and cultural activities across its campuses to promote a healthy environment for students, faculty and other staff members, Director SKIMS Prof Ashraf Ganie said on Monday. Speaking about the initiative, Prof Ganie said the institute had made significant progress in research, patient care and academics, but sports and cultural activities were equally important for the overall development of its students and employees. We want to make our faculty, paramedics and, particularly, the students we are preparing, healthy mentally, physically and spiritually, he said. Prof Ganie said the initiative was aimed at bringing greater vibrancy to the campus and fostering a healthy culture through sports and cultural programmes. He said SKIMS had organised similar activities last year as well, with programmes planned at both the medical college and the main campus. The upcoming programme will include three-day activities at the medical college and another three-day programme at the main campus, followed by a day of field activities in Sumbal-Hajin. Prof Ganie said the initiative would help establish a positive culture on the campuses and serve as a model for other institutions. He added that promoting sports and cultural activities was important for the overall well-being of students and staff and would also help strengthen public engagement with the institution.
Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Pondicherry batters dominate opening day
Srinagar, Nov 2:Jammu and Kashmir bowlers endured another challenging outing on home turf as Pondicherry reached 261 for six at stumps on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group encounter at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar, on Monday. Playing their fourth match of the ongoing season, J&K had little to celebrate with the ball, barring a disciplined spell from left-arm seamer Sunil Kumar, who emerged as the most successful bowler with three wickets. Debutant Waseem Khanday also made an impression by claiming a wicket, although he conceded 61 runs in his 17 overs. Pondicherry, meanwhile, displayed considerable composure and application, with their batters building partnerships and ensuring the visitors finished the day in a comfortable position after being asked to negotiate a challenging bowling attack. Neyan Kangayan led the scoring with a well-compiled 70 off 128 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries and two sixes. He found valuable support from Ritesh Gudge, who contributed 39 of 80 balls, before Mohit Kale took charge with an attacking 73 of 123 deliveries, including 10 boundaries. Ankit Sharma added another important 45 off 87 balls, helping Pondicherry maintain their grip on the proceedings. Their contributions ensured that the visitors recovered from regular breakthroughs and kept the scoreboard moving. Sunil Kumar provided J&K with crucial breakthroughs to finish with figures of 3 for 59 from 20 overs, including eight maidens. Waseem Khanday and Umar Nazir picked up a wicket each. At stumps, Prasad Pawar was unbeaten on one, with Aman Khan batting on nine, as Pondicherry reached 261 for six in 77 overs. For J&K, the second morning will be crucial as they look to wrap up the remaining four wickets quickly and prevent Pondicherry from posting a challenging first-innings total. Every additional run could prove significant, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding J&K's batting form in the tournament. The hosts have managed just two points from their first three matches, having drawn two encounters and lost one. Their batting unit, especially the top order, has struggled to produce substantial contributions, with opener Qamran Iqbal's impressive innings standing out as one of the few bright spots so far. With the match still in its early stages, J&K will need an early breakthrough on Tuesday before their batters take centre stage. A disciplined bowling effort in the morning session could provide the hosts with an opportunity to put pressure back on Pondicherry.
Long before selfies, Kashmiri folk songs immortalised Valleys flowers
Srinagar, Nov 2:Long before chrysanthemums rioted social media, and became part of every autumn selfie that mattered, before tulips became synonymous with spring, Kashmir's flowers had been woven into songs. Forgotten from memory, lyrics of some popular compositions echo of the fragrant colors, intense emotions, love, and longing. A flower is never merely a flower, in the old Kashmiri songs. It is a beloved, a promise, a season, and sometimes even a wound. The poets did not elaborate, did not need to. But a a single blossom was enough to tell the story of a heart. Ba Shraavnitch hee fojis vanan manz, Vuchhaan roozis ba neab chaani Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor's Hee (jasmine) blooms in the forests during Shraavan (Monsoon) a lover waits, watches, blossoms, withers unseen. The flower's life becomes the lover's own - beautiful, fragrant and painfully dependent on the arrival of someone, someone who may never come. Mehjoor doesnt write about the colour or fragrance of the flower, but what it is made to feel. The season is a state of mind and reflection of the fleeting life. Long before Mehjoor, Habba Khatoon saw flowers as her language of longing. In her song, Harmukh bartal the lines Shaer wanham, golab lagaey madno, the flower is an intimate conversation with the beloved. Shaer is often translated as lavender and golab is usually any flower, essentially rose, with immense beauty. Habba Khatoon offers to transcend the boundaries, exceed the limits and submit the beauty of love to the beloved. You ask me for lavender, I will offer rose my love, she write in these verses, while capping off with yee dapham tee lagyo total submission to the consuming love. Kashmiri poetry does not merely mention flowers, it gives them emotional lives. Mehjoor turns flowers into naughty, lively entities when he writes Virkin te tekibatni, suli aay jaay ratne. He write of Crocus and Anemone, how they arrive before the grand spectacle of spring, as if to reserve a spot for themselves. In his song Bul Bul wanaan chu poshan, Mehjoor turns birds and flowers into a little chorus that sings of spring. Then is the famous couplet: Tamanna chaani deedaruk, Chumo yemberzale bumbroo Phachis yan peth,Lejis vichhnai, Gajis chaani kaley bumbroo These are not flowers, but immortalized emotions, impersonated by flowers. These words take us towards the earth itself: the small wild blooms that emerge when winter has not entirely loosened its grip. Kashmir had a floral calendar of its own, charted by nature. Before festivals, people sang of flowers, imagined them as part of their emotional roller-coasters. And then comes the song: Poshan bazaar aey, yoori walo tang phulyan kyah chu jaan Mostly sung at weddings, the apple and pear blossoms are part of a song of hope and a dirge. They blossom and wither, and lead to a harvest, like lives that spread happiness. It doesnt remain a flower, it turns into a fruit. The trees that flower each spring, go through the ritual that celebrates the beginning of a new life. The flowers in these songs do not all grow in the same place, or bloom in the same season. Jasmine belongs to the monsoon, the little wildflowers belong to the uncertain beginnings of spring, while lavender sacrifices itself to rose. Together, they form a map of Kashmirs emotion-scape. No one knows Virkin, Shaer or Hee now, but the songs have preserved these memories. The local names have faded, but when sung, the vivid memories and emotions color every listener into a Kashmiri colour.
Retirement takes him back to college, with a new career in mind
Srinagar, Nov 2:Retirement usually means leaving behind the routine of offices, professional responsibilities and deadlines. For many, it is an opportunity to slow down, spend more time with family and enjoy the freedom that comes after decades of working life. Ghulam Qadir Wani, however, chose a rather different path. Soon after retiring as an Accounts Officer in the Jammu and Kashmir government, the resident of Saloora in Ganderbal decided to go back to college, take up a new subject and prepare himself for an entirely different career. At a stage when most people would be reluctant to return to examinations, assignments and classrooms, Wani enrolled in a law course with the ambition of becoming an advocate. It was not a decision prompted by the need to find another job or occupy his time. Rather, he wanted to pursue a new professional calling, one that had interested him for a long time but which he had not explored during his working years. I had never thought that I would take up something like this. I was not thinking that one morning I would wake up and decide to do something entirely different, Wani says. But the idea of studying law gradually took shape after his retirement. He began exploring the possibility of returning to education and eventually decided to pursue the subject seriously. He bought books, including those on the Constitution and other legal subjects, and started preparing himself for the demands of student life. His decision has meant exchanging the familiar routine of government service for lectures, academic assignments and hours of reading. He is once again a student, sharing classrooms with younger people and learning a discipline that could lead him into a second career. Wani says the experience has been encouraging. His teachers and fellow students have treated him with respect, and he has found it easy to interact with classmates from a much younger generation. There is a great deal of respect. The teachers and other students treat me with considerable respect. The teachers are very friendly, and I get along well with the younger students, he says. His family, he says, has not pressured him into making this choice or imposed expectations about what he should do after retirement. They have allowed him the freedom to pursue an interest of his own. There is no pressure from my family. They have not imposed any expectations on me. If I have an interest in something and want to pursue it, I am free to do so, he says. His ambition is clear. Completing his studies is not an end in itself; he wants to use his qualification to establish himself in a new profession. Inshallah, health permitting, I will practise law. I definitely want to become a lawyer, he says. A Garden of Memories
Kashmirs earthquake risk amplified by soft soil, unsafe buildings: Study
Srinagar, Nov 2:Soft soil, active fault systems and unsafe buildings could magnify the damage caused by a major earthquake in Kashmir, with a scientific study warning that unplanned urbanisation and poor construction practices could increase casualties across the Valley. The study analysed 12,125 earthquake events recorded across the northwest Himalayan region between 1902 and 2017 to assess seismic activity and identify geological and structural factors that could worsen earthquake damage. Titled 'Seismic Hazard and Probability Assessment of Kashmir Valley, Northwest Himalaya, India,' the study estimates an 88 percent probability of an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 or above occurring within 50 years in the wider northwest Himalayan region. The probability rises to 97 percent for a magnitude 7.5 or above earthquake and 100 percent for magnitude 6.5 or above. The estimated recurrence intervals are 47, 27 and four years. These are statistical estimates based on historical earthquake records, not predictions of when or where an earthquake will strike. The figures apply to the wider northwest Himalayan region, not Kashmir Valley alone. Earthquakes measuring 3-3.9 and 4-4.9 accounted for 48.54 percent and 48.52 percent of the recorded events, respectively. Those measuring 5-5.9 made up 2.56 percent, while magnitude 6-6.9 and 7-7.9 earthquakes accounted for 0.31 percent and 0.05 percent. Kashmir and Chenab valley mostly fall in Seismic Zone V, the highest category under India's seismic zonation map, and lie along the active boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The researchers identify several fault systems in and around the Valley, including Oldhams Lost Fault, Balapur Fault, Central Kashmir Fault, Mawer Fault Zone, Tunda Fault Zone, Gulmarg Fault Zone and Mughal Road Fault Zone. The valley's soil composition adds to its vulnerability. Soft alluvial and lacustrine deposits in several areas can amplify seismic waves, intensifying ground shaking during an earthquake. The study also flags the possibility of soil liquefaction in areas with loose, water-saturated soil. During strong shaking, such soil can lose its strength and behave like a liquid, undermining building foundations and threatening structural stability. Groundwater levels in the valley are generally 4 to 6 metres below the surface but can be as shallow as 0.5 metres in some locations. Shallow groundwater, particularly during summer, increases the potential for liquefaction, the researchers note. Alluvial plains, Karewa tablelands, lacustrine plains and wetlands require detailed geological and soil assessments before construction, the study says. Beyond geological vulnerabilities, the researchers warn that unplanned urbanisation, high-rise buildings and unsafe construction practices could increase casualties and property damage. The study also points to the decline of traditional construction systems such as Taq and Dhajji Dewari, which use timber elements to improve a building's ability to withstand seismic forces. It calls for structural safety assessments of residential buildings and public infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, shopping complexes and industrial establishments. Poor site selection, inadequate construction and a shortage of designated open spaces and earthquake shelters could further hamper rescue and relief operations after a major tremor. The researchers call for seismic micro-zonation of Kashmir valley to map variations in ground conditions and earthquake hazards across different locations. The findings should guide land-use planning, building regulations and the location of critical infrastructure. The study stresses that earthquakes cannot be predicted in terms of their exact timing, location or magnitude. It calls for safer construction, stricter enforcement of building standards and public preparedness to reduce the risks. The research was authored by Rakesh Chandra, Javid Ahmad Dar, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Irfan Rashid, Imtiyaz A Parvez, Sareer Ahmad Mir and Midhat Fayaz. It was supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences under a collaborative project involving the University of Kashmir and CSIR Fourth Paradigm Institute to assess the geological characteristics of Kashmir Valley for probabilistic seismic hazard and risk.
FICCI FLO JKL delegation meets JU-VC
Jammu, Nov 2: A delegation of FICCI FLO Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh led by its senior vice chairperson Rupika Sahai met Jammu University (JU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Umesh Rai here on Monday, November 2, 2026. The FICCI FLO members during the course of the meeting on behalf of its chairperson Varsha Bansal apprised the Vice Chancellor about the various initiatives being taken by the organisation especially those in the field of health and education. The delegation on the occasion also complimented the Vice Chancellor for establishing Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence at University of Jammu and for establishing its sub office at Kashmir that would serve the centres, Kashmir chapter and also for establishing the Non Collegiate Women Education Board at Jammu University. The Centre at Jammu and its Kashmir chapter apart from research and related activities would also further act as a unifying factor for the two regions the delegation members stated. Prof Umesh Rai, while appreciating FICCI FLO members for their active role and contribution towards different sectors, also outlined the forthcoming programmes that would be undertaken by Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence University of Jammu including its Kashmir chapter for the promotion and preservation of the rich socio- cultural heritage of both Jammu and Kashmir regions apart from research projects. Other members who were part of the delegation included Iruvanthika Chowdhary, Karen Mahajan and Chandni Kapoor. Neeraj Sharma Registrar University of Jammu and Ranjeet Kalra from MMTTC Jammu University were also present on the occasion.
Devyani Rana kickstarts development of Devender Rana Chowk, Pata Lehar road in Nagrota
Nagrota, Nov 2:Continuing her commitment towards the development and transformation of Nagrota constituency, MLA Devyani Rana on Monday kick-started two important development works, including the development of Devender Rana chowk and blacktopping (BT) of Pata Lehar road, with a combined advertised cost of Rs 50 lakh. The initiatives mark another step towards strengthening public infrastructure, improving road connectivity and enhancing civic amenities for the people of Nagrota. Speaking on the occasion, Devyani reiterated that the development of Nagrota remained her foremost priority, with a focus on ensuring that every area of the constituency received due attention and benefits from developmental initiatives. She said that the vision of inclusive development, guided by the BJP's core mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, remained central to her approach towards public service. She emphasised that development must reach every household, every village and every section of society, without discrimination, ensuring equitable opportunities and better infrastructure for all. Highlighting the significance of the projects, she said that the development of Devender Rana chowk would add to the civic infrastructure and provide a meaningful public space, while the blacktopping of Pata Lehar road would improve connectivity, ensure smoother transportation and provide much-needed relief to local residents. Our resolve is clear: a developed Nagrota, better infrastructure, improved connectivity and equitable opportunities for all. We will continue working with dedication to ensure that the fruits of development reach every corner of the constituency, she added. The ongoing and upcoming development initiatives reflected the commitment to building a more connected, progressive and prosperous Nagrota.
Countrywide butter shortage hits Kashmir as supplies run dry
Srinagar, Nov 2:The familiar Amul butter pack is becoming increasingly elusive in Srinagar, and other districts as well. Consumers are struggling to find it at neighbourhood grocery stores and departmental outlets amidst a shortage that extends well beyond Kashmir. Finding a pack of Amul butter, any size, has now become like hitting a lottery. The supply disruption has left households searching multiple shops for the popular dairy product. For the past one week, we have been looking for 500 gm pack for our home, the one we usually have. We couldn't find it, neither at small shops in neighbourhood, nor at bigger departmental, Farhan Zargar, a resident of Lal Chowk Srinagar said. He said earlier in the week, the shops sold blister packs, but even that supply appears to have exhausted now. Now, there are some tin-can packs available in some shops, and it costs double the regular packs, he said. Retailers that Greater Kashmir spoke to said they are receiving inadequate stocks to meet customer demand. Saleem Hussain, a grocery store owner in Jawahar Nagar said his suppliers are not delivering Amul butter for some time. It is a problem. Some people have old stock, but new stock is disrupted, he said. The problem is not confined to Srinagar or other districts of Kashmir. Similar shortages have been reported from several parts of the country, including Gujarat, Pune, Kolkata and Agra. These shortages point to a wider supply-side disruption. Consumers looking for their preferred butter brands have now found themselves having to settle for alternatives. A report published by The Himalayan Post on October 29 quoted a regional distributor as saying only 50 parcels were being supplied against orders for 500 parcels. The distributor attributed the shortage to inadequate supplies from the company. He claimed that the disruption was being experienced nationally. The report also documented shortages at departmental stores and online grocery retailer. Some online sellers reported that distributors were imposing conditions involving bulk purchases of other products. The precise reasons behind the disruption is unclear through. In September, reports from Gujarat had also highlighted consumers' inability to find Amul butter across retail outlets. The shortage had also hit quick-commerce platforms. A distributor had attributed the problem to seasonal milk availability in Gujarat. In Pune, a shortage was reported as early as July. The distributors had pointed to inadequate availability of milk with the required fat content. Kolkata retailers too reported erratic replenishment in September. They were quoted across media outlets saying they received only a fraction of their usual requirements. Recently reports from Agra have pointed to shortages ahead of the festive season. There is also change in retail prices, wherever available.
Mehbooba urges Centre to initiate dialogue with J&K
Srinagar, Nov 2: People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC), holding the party responsible for what she described as an atmosphere of mistrust between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir, and accusing it of repeatedly changing its political position on the Kashmir issue to suit its pursuit of power. Addressing a workers' convention in Srinagar, the former chief minister traced the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir to the events surrounding the 1947 accession, questioning the NC's subsequent political positions and its handling of the region's special constitutional status. She said Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India was signed by NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, despite the region being Muslim-majority. However, she alleged that the party subsequently changed its position and began demanding a plebiscite. Who is responsible for this atmosphere of suspicion? Mehbooba asked, alleging that the NC had created confusion among people through its shifting political positions. Referring to the period between the accession and the 1975 Indira-Sheikh Accord, she said the NC had advocated a plebiscite for nearly 22 years before abandoning the demand and returning to power through an agreement with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She pointed out that Sheikh Abdullah accepted the position of chief minister under the accord despite his party having no elected MLAs at the time. When you became chief minister instead of prime minister, you told people to forget the plebiscite because you needed power, she said, accusing the NC founder of compromising his earlier political position for power. Mehbooba further argued that India's leadership, including Jawaharlal Nehru and B R Ambedkar, had provided J&K with a special status and its own constitution, but subsequent political developments had created doubts in New Delhi about the region. She alleged that the consequences of these political reversals extended beyond individual leaders, with suspicion eventually affecting the wider population of J&K. The PDP president maintained that the NC had repeatedly harmed the interests of the region and asserted that peace would remain elusive as long as the party continued to govern J&K. Mehbooba also sought to defend the PDP's decision to enter into an alliance with the BJP in 2014 to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, asking party workers not to feel embarrassed when confronted by the NC over the political arrangement. She urged her workers to counter the NC's criticism by reminding people of Sheikh Abdullah's political compromises and what she described as the party's inconsistent stand on Kashmir. The PDP chief also took an apparent swipe at NC President Farooq Abdullah, without explicitly naming him, over his remarks suggesting that Pakistan was protecting Kashmir. She alleged that such statements amounted to sending a political signal to New Delhi that Kashmiris were aligned with Pakistan. Turning her criticism towards the Centre, Mehbooba said the Kashmir issue required political engagement and dialogue rather than an approach centred on security measures and coercive action. She argued that invoking stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA), or terminating government employees from service, would not resolve the underlying political concerns. Kashmir cannot be resolved by using the UAPA, PSA or dismissing employees from service. It can be resolved through dialogue, Mehbooba said. She also called for reopening traditional trade routes connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Central Asian cities, including Kashgar, Khotan and Yarkand, arguing that renewed economic and commercial connectivity could contribute to addressing the region's longstanding issues. Drawing a comparison with the arrangements at Lipulekh in Uttarakhand, she questioned why similar possibilities for opening traditional routes could not be explored in Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba warned that a policy relying on force and restrictions could not be sustained indefinitely, questioning how long the authorities expected to silence public concerns through such measures. The former CM alleged that people in J&K had endured prolonged restrictions and pressure over the past seven years. Referring to July 22 and October 12, she claimed that developments on these dates had given people in the rest of the country a glimpse of the conditions Kashmiris had been experiencing for years. She said people elsewhere had found it difficult to endure such circumstances even for a single day, whereas the population of J&K had faced them for an extended period.
Modi govt focuses on empowerment of SCs, OBCs, women: BJP
Jammu, Nov 2:Accusing previous governments of using Scheduled Castes, OBC and women communities merely as vote banks without ensuring their genuine empowerment, Reena Kashyap, MLA and Seh-Prabhari, J&K BJP, on Monday called upon the three Morchas to expose the politics of appeasement and vote-bank calculations and strengthen the party's connect with every section of society. Addressing a joint meeting of Mahila Morcha, SC Morcha and OBC Morcha at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, in the presence of Sat Sharma, president, J&K BJP and Rajya Sabha MP, she emphasised that social empowerment must translate into dignity, representation and equal opportunities. Reena Kashyap said that the BJP believed in empowering communities rather than keeping them dependent on political promises. She said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, women, SCs and OBCs received greater recognition in governance and development. She urged Morcha functionaries to challenge misleading narratives spread by political opponents, highlight the achievements of the government and take the party's message directly to the people. Reena Kashyap stressed that organisational strength must be reflected in meaningful public engagement and the resolution of people's everyday concerns. Sat Sharma said that the opposition's politics repeatedly revolved around slogans and electoral calculations, while the BJP was committed to delivering development and social justice on the ground. He asserted that the Modi government brought a decisive change in the approach towards women and socially disadvantaged communities by expanding opportunities, strengthening welfare delivery and ensuring dignity and participation. Sat Sharma further said that the BJP did not believe in dividing society into political vote banks but in bringing every section together in the collective mission of nation-building. He called upon the three Morchas to expose the opposition's double standards and ensure that the party's policies and achievements reach every household. J&K BJP general secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan also addressed the meeting, emphasising coordinated organizational efforts and stronger grassroots outreach. The meeting was attended by SC Morcha president Dharminder Kumar, OBC Morcha president Brahmjyot Satti and Mahila Morcha president Neha Mahajan, along with other Morcha functionaries.
