Opinion

DC Budgam hands over keys to PM Package employees at transit accommodation Kakanmaran

Budgam, Nov 01: PM Package Employees of District Budgam along with officers of District Administration Budgam today attended the virtual inauguration of transit accommodation for Kashmiri migrant employees at Kakanmaran Budgam. On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Jatin Kishore, handed over keys to the beneficiary employees for their allotted residential quarters and interacted with them. He also inspected various residential blocks and reviewed the availability and functionality of essential facilities, including water supply, lifts, internal roads, electricity and other civic amenities. The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of proper maintenance and uninterrupted functionality of all essential facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for the beneficiary families. Congratulating the beneficiaries, the Deputy Commissioner termed the inauguration a significant milestone towards addressing the residential needs of Kashmiri migrant employees. He also appreciated the efforts of the Public Works Department (PWD) and Relief Commissioner office for successfully completing the project. He added that an effective mechanism would be put in place to ensure timely resolution of any issues faced by the resident families. The transit accommodation complex at Kakanmaran comprises 12 residential blocks housing 192 quarters, besides a community centre and other common facilities, aimed at providing safe, secure and comfortable residential accommodation to Kashmiri migrant employees. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Superintending Engineer, R&B, Executive Engineers of R&B and Jal Shakti departments, and other concerned officers.

Mirwaiz says placed under house arrest ahead of religious sermon in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 1: Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday said he had been placed under house detention ahead of a scheduled religious sermon at Masjid Mehboob-ul-Alam (RA) in Zoonimar, Srinagar. In a post on X, Mirwaiz said he was being detained for referring to a recently published International Crisis Group report on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir during his address at Jama Masjid on Friday. Apparently, stating uncomfortable facts and endorsing recommendations, out of concern for the future of my people and genuine peace in J&K and the region, is not acceptable to the ruling regime, he wrote. Expressing disappointment over the restrictions, Mirwaiz said people looking forward to attending the religious gathering, Majlis-e-Waaz, would be hugely disappointed.

Bookaroo draws 5,000 children, parents and educators to DPS Srinagar for celebration of stories and imagination

Srinagar, Nov 1: The magic of books, storytelling and imagination came alive at Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar, Athwajan, on Sunday as the eighth Srinagar edition of Bookaroo Festival of Childrens Literature witnessed an enthusiastic participation of around 5,000 children, parents, teachers and literary enthusiasts from across the Kashmir Valley. Organised under the aegis of the D.P. Dhar Memorial Trust, the day-long festival brought together young readers from several districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla and Ganderbal, among others, turning the DPS Srinagar campus into a vibrant space of creativity, discovery and literary exploration. The festival was supported by Encash Mahindra and Amandeep Ujala Hospital, Bemina, whose support contributed to making the literary celebration possible. With this years theme, Where Books Come Alive, the festival offered children an opportunity to move beyond conventional reading experiences and immerse themselves in a world of storytelling, art, illustration, music, drama and interactive learning. The festival featured 11 speakers from eight cities across India, with a carefully curated programme of 21 sessions catering to children between the ages of 4 and 14. Acclaimed authors, storytellers, illustrators, artists and creative practitioners engaged young participants through imaginative storytelling, hands-on workshops and thought-provoking interactions. From tales of talking animals and magical mangroves to mountains of adventure, nature, history and environmental awareness, the sessions encouraged children to explore new ideas, ask questions and express their creativity. Art-based activities, interactive storytelling and opportunities to meet authors further enriched the experience. Speaking on the occasion, Swati Roy, Co-founder of Bookaroo, said, Bookaroo has always believed that reading should be an experience children look forward to, rather than something they associate only with classrooms and textbooks. The enthusiasm we witnessed in Srinagar, particularly the participation of children from different districts, reflects the power of stories to bring young minds together. We hope every child who attended today leaves with a new story, a new idea and, most importantly, a greater love for books. Ms. Shafaq Afshan, Principal, DPS Srinagar, said, It is heartening to see nearly 5,000 children, parents and educators come together to celebrate the joy of reading and learning. At DPS Srinagar, we believe that education is about nurturing imagination, encouraging independent thinking and helping children discover their individual strengths. Bookaroo provides exactly this kind of enriching environment, where children learn through stories, creativity and meaningful interactions. We are delighted to have hosted this celebration and to have welcomed students from different parts of the Valley. The participating authors and artists also expressed their appreciation for the warmth and enthusiasm of the children, describing their experience in Srinagar as memorable and deeply rewarding. Roshni Vyam, author and artist, who participated in the festival for the first time in Srinagar, said, Its my first time at Bookaroo Srinagar, and its been a great and beautiful experience. I met such amazing and kind students at DPS. Small children were thanking me for taking the session, and that was really special. It was wonderful to interact with them, and I would love to continue this beautiful journey with Bookaroo. Thank you once again for such a memorable experience! Likla Lall, author of Ganesh Haloi: Colours of Home, shared, Its been a beautiful experience at Bookaroo Srinagar. For so many of us, it was our first trip to Kashmir. The warmth, beauty and enthusiasm with which we were received were truly wonderful. In my session, I introduced children to the works of artist Ganesh Haloi. They were curious, creative and sharp all budding young artists. The teachers and student volunteers were encouraging and passionate. It has been a pleasure and an honour to be part of the festival. I hope we have fulfilled our role in keeping the spark for literature alive! For the participating students, the festival offered an experience that went well beyond the pages of a book. A student from The Life School, Charishrief, shared, I really enjoyed being part of Bookaroo. The stories, activities and interactions with the authors made learning so much fun. I got to explore new things, meet children from other schools and discover that books can take us to places we have never imagined. I would love to come back again. Parents, too, appreciated the initiative for providing children with an engaging and meaningful learning experience outside the classroom. A parent of a DPS Srinagar student said, It was wonderful to see children so excited about books, stories and creative activities. In an age when children spend so much time with screens, an event like this reminds them of the joy of reading, imagining and creating. It was also a great opportunity for parents to be part of their childrens learning journey. Beyond the scheduled sessions, the campus featured dedicated creative spaces, a doodle wall, a bookshop and an author signing area, allowing children to interact with writers, discover new titles and take home memories of their favourite literary encounters. A dedicated PETA Point also introduced young participants to the values of kindness and compassion towards animals through engaging activities. The participation of schools from different districts added a special dimension to the festival, creating opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to interact, share experiences and celebrate a common love for stories and learning. The eighth edition of Bookaroo in Srinagar once again highlighted the importance of creating accessible platforms that encourage children to read, think independently, explore their creativity and develop a lifelong relationship with books. As the festival concluded, it left behind more than memories of a day filled with stories and activities. It reinforced a simple yet powerful message: when children are given the freedom to imagine, question and create, books become much more than printed pages they become gateways to endless possibilities.

LG says government will help displaced Pandits build houses

If you want to become PM, stay in mock parliament: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi

Chandigarh, Nov 1: In a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the country will never forget that the Congress leader held a 'jalsa' on the anniversary of the Sikh genocide of 1984, and that if he wanted to become the prime minister, he should stay in a mock parliament his entire life. Speaking at an event in Chandigarh, he also slammed opposition parties, saying that telling lies, spreading anarchy and negativity, and not letting Parliament function was their true nature. He was addressing a gathering here after the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony of various development projects worth Rs 258 crore. The opposition INDIA bloc on Sunday held the 'Chalo Dilli' protest at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital as part of its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. On Saturday, the opposition alliance carried out a symbolic public impeachment of CEC Kumar, accusing him of deleting votes to steal elections and demanding that he be tried in court for treason and jailed. The meeting was held in a setting resembling Parliament proceedings at the lawns of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The BJP has described it as a mockery of Parliament. Referring to the INDIA bloc rally, Union minister Shah on Sunday said, If you desire to hold a 'jalsa' for the Congress party on such a dark day of genocide, then Rahul ji, no one will be able to take away anything except hatred from your 'mohabbat ki dukaan'. Shah said the Congress has been losing elections for 15 years, and its leader Sonia Gandhi's dream of her son becoming the prime minister remains unfulfilled. So, they have found a new way: conducting a mock parliament. I want to tell Rahul ji, if you want to become the prime minister, stay in the mock parliament your entire life. Your turn (as PM of India) is never going to come, he said. He lashed out at the INDIA bloc leaders for not listening to Delhi traders' request to defer their rally until after Diwali. The traders of Delhi pleaded with them, saying, 'We have just one day, one week in the entire year when our business thrives. If we stock up on sweets and they don't sell, what will happen? It will lead to losses. If we buy firecrackers and they don't sell, what will happen? It will lead to losses', said Shah. A trade worth Rs 25,000 crore takes place in these 3-4 days. The whole of north India comes to Delhi's wholesale market to buy Diwali goods, he said. But no, on the very day the Sikh riots happened, the Sikh genocide happened, on that very day, on that same dark day, they had to hold a rally, he said. Now remember my words: for the next three elections, your account is not going to open there, he added. On the anti-Sikh riots, he said, On November 1, 1984, thousands of Sikhs were brutally murdered in Delhi during riots incited by the Congress party. Thousands of Sikhs were burnt alive. Many Sikhs had to leave their homes, many children were orphaned, many sisters were widowed, and homes of many were burnt, Shah said. He recalled remarks by former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi that when a big tree falls, the earth shakes. I saw that statement on television, and I can never forget it in my lifetime, Shah said of Rajiv Gandhi's remarks in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984. To describe the brutal killing of thousands of Sikhs in such a way is something that only Congress leaders could do, he said. Today, his son Rahul Gandhi organised a 'bada jalsa' in Delhi to rub salt into the wounds of the victims of the 1984 riots and their families. The BJP held a press conference and had asked the INDIA bloc not to hold its rally on November 1, 2 and 3, as on these days, the anti-Sikh riots took place, Shah said. This deeply hurt our Sikh brothers, mothers, sisters, and children. Yet they insisted. From abroad, an order was issued to their party for holding the 'jalsa' on the very same day when thousands of Sikhs were set ablaze, he said. Shah said he strongly condemns and criticises their malicious attempt. India and Punjab will never forget this. Shah said when the Modi government came to power, it reopened all the cases related to the anti-Sikh riots. We provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the riot victims and ensured that prominent Congress leaders involved in the riots were sent behind bars, he said. India had never witnessed politically instigated riots of this nature before, and I hope it never has to witness such riots again, he asserted. Shah said the Narendra Modi government is taking the country forward by leaps and bounds. Article 370 was abolished, Naxalism was ended, Triple Talaq was abolished, he said. Now remember my words: on December 31, 2029, we will make the entire country, including Punjab, drug-free, he asserted. The largest cricket stadium, the highest overbridge, the longest bridge, all of these are being built in India, worth Rs 11 lakh crore. Electricity has reached every poor person's home, the minister added. Shah alleged that Rahul Gandhi does not let Parliament run because he does not want women to get 33 per cent reservation. Rahul Baba, I want to tell you that this very Narendra Modi ji will give 33 per cent reservation to 'nari shakti' of India. This is our resolve, said Shah. The people of the country are watching all these things very closely, he said. Who is making the country safe? Who is making the country developed? Who brought innovation to the country? Who brought the new education policy? Who is making the country economically prosperous? The public of the country is seeing all these things, and all of this will be accounted for in the 2029 elections. Rahul ji, remember my words, said the Union minister. Shah said that in the coming days, the central government will make Chandigarh the number one administrative unit of the country. He also exuded confidence that an NDA government will be formed in the border state after the next assembly elections.

Farooq Abdullah questions 'infiltrator' claim over SIR, asks if 'deleted' Hindu voters in UP are Pakistanis

New Delhi, Nov 1: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday questioned the claim that many voters deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were infiltrators, asking whether Hindu voters allegedly removed from the rolls in Uttar Pradesh were also Pakistanis. Addressing an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan here, Abdullah accused the BJP-RSS of repeatedly questioning the loyalty of Muslims by calling them Pakistanis and said they too had sacrificed their lives for the country. They are pointing fingers at Muslims all the time, calling them Pakistanis. I want to tell the BJP-RSS, we have given our blood for the country. We have to live in this country and strengthen it, he said. At the rally, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti warned that the Constitution was being hollowed out. In an apparent reference to the claims about removing infiltrators through the SIR, Abdullah questioned the Election Commission over the reported deletion of over one crore Hindu voters in Uttar Pradesh. Over one crore Hindus have been removed in UP. Are they also Pakistanis? How long will you give this excuse? he asked, accusing the poll body of vote chori. He said people belonging to any religion were Indians and would live and die as Indians, invoking the Constitution to underline their equal rights. This is Ambedkar's Constitution. We are all equal and every citizen has equal voting right. We have to ensure no Indian is denied the right to vote, he said. Urging people not to be afraid, Abdullah said the power rested with citizens and called for unity to save the country. He also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir was, and would remain, part of India, before ending his address with Jai Hind. Addressing the rally, PDP president Mehbooba warned that the Constitution was being hollowed out and alleged that the Centre was transferring the country's assets to a corporate friend while neglecting the poor. Seeing you people, it feels you understand the problem and can change the situation in the country. If you don't change it now, it will be too late, she said. Mehbooba also alleged that land was being handed over to corporates at throwaway prices and that the government's employment promises had not been fulfilled. They promised jobs, but even those who proudly joined the Army have been made daily wagers, she said. Questioning the BJP's claims of championing Hindutva, she referred to the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. They have stolen donations from the Ram temple. What can be a bigger shame? she said. She said the Constitution gave people the right to elect their representatives and change governments and alleged that the government wanted to take away that right. Referring to the 2019 developments in Jammu and Kashmir when Article 370 was abrogated and the state was divided into two Union territories, the former chief minister said the people of the region had experienced the consequences of the Constitution being hollowed out. We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have been destroyed. They hollowed out the Constitution in 2019. But you should ensure they don't make the whole country Jammu and Kashmir. We are with you, she said. Calling Jammu and Kashmir the soul of India, she ended her address saying, Sare jahan se achchha Hindustan hamara.

CJI Surya Kant calls for introspection on need to improve responsiveness of judicial process

Kochi, Nov 1: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Sunday called for introspection on whether there is room to improve the responsiveness of the judicial process in view of the growing tendency among litigants to move the Supreme Court for urgent listing or early hearing of matters pending before the High Courts. CJI Kant said that the apex court has as consistently respected the institutional autonomy of High Courts, including their authority to regulate their own rosters, but the frequency of such requests invites us to consider whether there is room to improve the responsiveness of our processes. We must ask ourselves -- can urgent matters be identified more effectively? Can listing procedures be made more transparent and predictable? Can technology assist in prioritising cases where delay may cause irreversible prejudice? And can we ensure that a litigants access to timely justice does not depend upon their ability to travel to the national capital? were queries he posed during his inaugural address on the occasion of the platinum jubilee anniversary celebrations of the Kerala High Court here. Justice Kant said that constitutional justice in India does not begin and end in New Delhi as its strength lies in a robust network of 25 constitutional High Courts spread across the country, each entrusted with the duty of protecting rights and upholding the rule of law. He said that the High Courts remain closely connected to the everyday realities of the people as they understand the language of local grievances, the circumstances of regional communities, and the practical consequences of governmental action. He further said that under Article 226 of the Constitution, the High Courts have a wide canvas o fashion meaningful remedies across diverse legal, statutory, administrative and contractual disputes. Equally important is their power to grant timely interim protection. Sometimes, the difference between justice and injustice lies not in the final judgment, but in whether the court intervenes when intervention is most needed, the CJI said in his address. Referring to the Kerala High Court's seven decade long history, Justice Kant said that the High Court and the state of Keralam were both formed in 1956 and their journey during the last 70 years was closely intertwined with each other. He said that the court played a vital role in the state's constitutional development. Through its decisions, it has helped translate constitutional principles into lived realities, ensuring that the rights and liberties of citizens remain protected and that public power is exercised within the bounds of law, the CJI said. He said that the Kerala HC's history did not begin with the formation of the state, rather it inherited a centuries old ich judicial tradition from the regions that now constitute Keralam. From the early courts of Travancore and Cochin, to the establishment of the Travancore High Court in 1887 and the Travancore-Cochin High Court in 1949, each successive institution contributed to the foundations upon which the present Court was built, Justice Kant said. He said that the progressive spirit of the High Court was evident in its constitutional jurisprudence. Whether through its extensive engagement with doctrines of environmental protection, or its invocation of fundamental rights to safeguard life and personal liberty, this High Court has repeatedly demonstrated that constitutional promises must find expression in everyday realities, he said. The CJI said that one example of this was the High Court's 1999 order prohibiting smoking in public places, the first constitutional court to do so across the world. It was a remarkable instance of constitutional foresight, where the Court did not wait for society to catch up with the law, but used the law to show society the way forward, he said. He said that Keralam has long demonstrated that progress is sustained through the combined strength of education, social awareness and public participation. Justice Kant said that just like Keralam's backwaters, where countless streams and waterways ultimately sustain one interconnected ecosystem, the constitutional courts in India too must retain their individual authority while working in harmony towards a shared purpose.

FCIK urges J&K Bank to ensure fair property valuation; questions lower values for loans and higher estimates for debt settlements

Srinagar, Nov 01: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged J&K Bank to adopt a uniform, evidence-based and non-discretionary methodology for valuing mortgaged properties, saying subjective land assessments are restricting MSMEs access to credit and impeding compromise settlements. FCIK has urged the Bank management to issue clear instructions to empanelled valuers and branches for evidence-based collateral valuation and its consistent application in lending and debt settlements. Many borrowers have reported that Bank-approved valuers rely excessively on informal local and real-estate enquiries reflecting sellers asking prices rather than verified sale transactions. Such estimates vary with the persons consulted, making them an unreliable basis for determining loan eligibility or debt settlement amounts. An asking price establishes what a seller hopes to receive, not what a buyer will pay. A valuation with serious consequences for a borrower must rest on evidence that can be examined and verified, FCIK observed. FCIK called for government-notified circle rates and recent registered sales of comparable land to serve as the principal reference points, with documented adjustments for location, access, size, permitted use, tenure and other material factors. Circle rates may not invariably equal market value, but substantial departures should be supported by credible evidence, FCIK maintained. FCIK also questioned the reported restriction of leasehold industrial-land valuations to allotment premium while proprietary land receives substantial appreciation through estimated market rates. Although the ownership rights differ, both assessments should follow transparent principles reflecting transferability, restrictions and achievable proceeds. The Federation highlighted borrowers concerns over the differing use of market, realisable and distress values. Lower or distress values reportedly determine lending eligibility, while higher market estimates underpin Net Present Value (NPV) calculations for compromise settlements. An entrepreneur faces a double disadvantage when the property supports a lower loan while a higher valuation makes settlement unaffordable. The Bank should explain the policy governing this difference and demonstrate how each assessment serves its stated purpose, FCIK said. It further sought clarification of the reported requirement that an auction must fail before realisable value can be considered for settlement. RBIs compromise-settlement framework, it noted, requires prudent reckoning of the current realisable value of collateral under a methodology prescribed in the Banks Board-approved policy. Marketability and foreseeable recovery limitations can be assessed through documentary evidence and professional scrutiny before an auction, the Federation argued, seeking the precise policy and regulatory basis for the reported condition. Despite FCIKs repeated appeals against publicly naming and shaming distressed borrowers, auction notices identifying them continue unabatedly. The reported failure of majority of such auctions raises questions about whether assessed prices are achievable and reinforces the need to distinguish market estimates from realisable amounts. Borrowers should not have to endure an unsuccessful auction merely to establish that a valuation does not attract buyers, FCIK said. The Federation stressed that settlement deadlines frequently compel entrepreneurs to sell assets urgently. Expected recovery and NPV calculations should therefore reflect achievable proceeds, recovery time, realisation expenses and properly supported distress-sale circumstances. FCIK has urged the Managing Director to prescribe verifiable valuation evidence, recorded reasons for adjustments, independent scrutiny and consistent implementation across branches, alongside clear rules governing the valuation basis and NPV methodology for lending and compromise settlements. Transparent, evidence-based valuations can spare loan applicants unwarranted demands for additional collateral and enable stressed borrowers to settle their debts on realistic and rational terms. Such an approach would safeguard the Banks interests while helping entrepreneurs resolve legacy liabilities and rebuild their livelihoods, FCIK added.

Agriculture graduates call off 42-day strike after talks with Minister Javed Dar

Srinagar, Nov 01: Unemployed agriculture graduates in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday called off their 42-day-long strike following a meeting with Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, who assured them that their genuine demands would be addressed soon. The breakthrough came after the minister discussed two key proposals with the protesting graduates a 50:50 recruitment formula for gazetted posts and the merger of two non-gazetted cadres to create a common post at the panchayat level. Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar said the government was committed to addressing the genuine concerns of unemployed agriculture graduates. I met the delegation and listened to their concerns. Their demands are genuine, and I have assured them that these will be fulfilled soon. We will hold further discussions to resolve the outstanding issues, Dar told KNS. Following the meeting, representatives of the graduates announced their decision to end the ongoing agitation, saying the assurances had provided a basis for further engagement with the government. The meeting was constructive. We discussed our demands in detail, and the minister acknowledged our concerns. On the gazetted cadre, he proposed a 50:50 recruitment formula, with half the posts reserved for direct recruitment and the remaining half for departmental candidates, a representative of the delegation said. On non-gazetted recruitment, the delegation said the minister had proposed merging the Agriculture Extension Assistant (AEA) and Junior Agriculture Extension Officer (JAEO) posts into a single cadre without reducing their combined strength. The proposed common post would be available at the panchayat level, potentially creating a unified recruitment structure within the Agriculture Department. The graduates said the proposals would require further discussions before a final decision could be taken. We are calling off our strike for now on the strength of the assurances given by the minister. We will continue to follow up on these issues and expect the government to take concrete steps, the representative said. The delegation also thanked the Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir for supporting their concerns and the Director Agriculture Kashmir for facilitating talks with the government. The graduates acknowledged the support of students, researchers, scholars and others who stood with them during the 42-day agitation. Although the strike has ended, the proposed recruitment formula and cadre merger remain under consideration, with further discussions expected between the government and the graduates. The protesters said they would closely follow the progress of the assurances until their demands were formally addressed.

Police solve two-month-old fatal hit-and-run case in Pulwama; vehicle seized, driver arrested

Srinagar, Nov 01: J&K Police has successfully solved a fatal hit-and-run case registered at Police Station Pulwama, nearly two months after the incident. On 04 September 2026, FIR No. 161/2026 under Sections 281 and 125(A) of BNS was registered at Police Station Pulwama following a fatal road accident in which an unidentified vehicle hit a pedestrian at Babhar area, identified as Inthakab Khan, son of Sheraz Khan, resident of Rajouri, resulting in his death on the spot. The driver had fled the scene taking the advantage of darkness, leaving behind no immediate trace of the offending vehicle. Acting swiftly, the investigating team of Police Station Pulwama pursued multiple investigative leads, technical assistance and undertook sustained efforts to identify and trace the vehicle involved in the accident. Their persistent efforts eventually led to the identification of the offending vehicle, a Hyundai Venue bearing registration No. JK13F-9915, which was seized on October 30, 2026. The accused driver, identified as Asif Illahi, son of Ghulam Mohidin, resident of Shadimarg, has also been arrested in connection with the case. The successful tracing of the accused and the offending vehicle reflects the dedication, perseverance and professional approach of Police in pursuing investigations and ensuring that the culprits do not evade the law by fleeing the scene. The successful outcome has been widely appreciated by the general public in general and by the bereaved family in particular, who lauded Police for its sustained efforts, effective investigation and commitment to deliver justice to the bereaved family.

Kashmir incomplete without Pandits: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Nov 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said Kashmir remained incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, asserting that their dignified return to their homeland with security, confidence and dignity is a commitment towards restoring the regions historical heritage and human values. The dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit families is a commitment towards restoring the historical heritage of Kashmir and reinstating human dignity, the LG said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating transit accommodation flats at Zewan in Srinagar. He said the natural, cultural and spiritual beauty of Kashmir would attain completeness when Kashmiri Pandit families are able to live in their homeland with dignity, security and confidence. Behind every flat is a family and behind every family is a long story of struggle, patience, waiting and hope, Sinha said, referring to the families being provided accommodation under the Prime Ministers Development Package. The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated 936 flats at Zewan and virtually inaugurated two other residential complexes at Kankarmal in Budgam and Toham Bagh in Kupwara, taking the total number of flats inaugurated to 1,416. He said the project envisages construction of 6,000 flats across 20 locations in 10 districts through 342 residential blocks. About 5,200 flats have been completed so far, while approximately 3,800 have been allotted to PM Package employees, he said. Sinha said the project was initially approved at an estimated cost of Rs 920 crore, which was subsequently revised to Rs 1,325 crore, adding that its execution had faced delays following the 2014 floods. He said the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now beginning to take shape on the ground. Calling for proper maintenance of the residential complexes, the LG stressed the need for regular water supply, uninterrupted electricity, adequate security and effective waste management. No resident should feel that the administrations attention has ended immediately after the inauguration, he said. Sinha also assured PM Package employees that the administration would extend all possible assistance to those willing to construct their own houses. He congratulated the families who had received their new homes and expressed hope that the accommodation would provide them with a secure and dignified living environment.(KNO)

Kashmiri apple supplies fall short of Diwali demand amid fungal outbreak

Srinagar, Nov 01: Amid steady festive demand for Kashmiri apples in terminal markets across the country ahead of Diwali, supplies remain inadequate after a substantial portion of this year's crop was hit by a scab outbreak, according to growers and dealers. The demand is very good. On this occasion (Diwali), our large apples (Grade A), especially the gift pack, have a good demand, Zahoor Ahad Tantray, general secretary of Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, said. Tantray, however, said apple supplies in fruit mandis were inadequate as scab affected the crop. This year more Grade B and Grade C apples are arriving in the mandis. This is because apple scab, whether primary or secondary scab, spread extensively this year, causing the quality to deteriorate significantly. Most of the apples...around 50 to 55 per cent or even up to 60 per cent arriving here are Grade B and C apples, which have very low demand in today's market, he said. Tantray said growers are facing trouble because production cost remains the same. Whether it is Grade A, B or C, the cost of production is identical. Yet, in terms of market return, only Grade A fetches good money. As the quality deteriorated this year, growers are worried, traders are worried, and buyers are worried, he added. Mohammad Sohail Tanveer, a dealer from Bihar, said he is satisfied with apple prices. Right now, the prices are reasonable. A wooden crate is selling for around Rs 1,300, and a cardboard carton is going for up to Rs 600. Due to Diwali, prices are good, and quality goods are arriving. Around 400 to 500 truckloads leave this market (mandi) every day, Tanveer added.

Road crash in J-K's Kathua leaves boy dead

Jammu, Nov 01: A 13-year-old boy was killed and seven people sustained injuries after a speeding truck collided with two mini-buses and an auto-rickshaw in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said. The accident took place at 8.30 am when the driver of a truck, which was on its way from Jammu towards Lakhanpur, lost control and hit the vehicles at the busy Kalibari crossing, the officials said. They said a boy identified as Shivam lost his life while seven other persons were injured in the accident. The injured, including a 10-year-old boy, have been shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital, Kathua.

Anantnag Police register 525 NDPS cases, arrest 602 drug peddlers, destroys 2,000 Kg contraband in 10 months of 2026

Anantnag, Nov 01: Continuing its sustained campaign against drug trafficking and narcotics abuse, Anantnag Police has recorded significant achievements during the first ten months of 2026. Police spokesperson, in a statement, said that during this period, Anantnag Police registered 525 FIRs under various provisions of the NDPS Act and arrested 602 drug peddlers for narcotics trafficking and related activities. In multiple operations across the district, police seized more than 597 kilograms of contraband substances and recovered cash amounting to 27,64,276 from drug peddlers. As part of its action against properties acquired through narcotics proceeds, properties worth approximately 63 crore were attached in 43 cases under relevant provisions of law. Additionally, 20 illegal properties worth 20 crore, linked to narcotics proceeds, were demolished. Under its destruction drives, 2,000 kilograms of narcotic substances were destroyed after completing due legal procedures. Illegal narcotic cultivation spread over 305 marlas of land was also destroyed. Police further retrieved more than 271 marlas of government land from encroachment by drug peddlers. As part of its special enforcement measures, female drug peddlers and 13 female cultivators were arrested. Eight government employees were also found involved in drug-related cases, with legal action initiated against them. Under preventive measures, 17 drug peddlers were detained under the PIT NDPS Act. Besides, 28 driving licences and 22 Registration Certificates (RCs) were cancelled in connection with narcotics-related offences. To curb the movement and supply of narcotics, Anantnag Police conducted 300 Narco-CASOs across the district. During inspections conducted jointly with concerned departments, 23 medical shops were inspected, with 23 violations detected and legal action initiated. As part of capacity-building measures, 220 Investigation Officers handling NDPS cases were imparted training at DPO Anantnag on legal procedures and evidence handling. Anantnag Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the drug menace from society and appealed to the general public, particularly the youth, to cooperate in identifying and reporting drug-related activities. Police said public support remains vital in the collective fight against drug abuse to safeguard the future of society. (JKNS)

Darbar Move convoy crosses Ramban amid tight security arrangements

Jammu, Nov 01: The annual Darbar Move convoy, carrying government employees, official records, files and other Secretariat material, crossed Ramban district on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Sunday morning amid tight security arrangements. An official said the convoy is moving from Srinagar to Jammu as part of the traditional seasonal relocation of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Secretariat to the winter capital ahead of the onset of the winter season. He said elaborate security and traffic management arrangements are put in place by the administration to ensure the smooth and safe movement of the convoy along the strategically important highway. The Darbar Move is a long-standing administrative practice in Jammu and Kashmir under which the Civil Secretariat and other government offices shift between Srinagar and Jammu according to the seasons. (KNS)

Amit Shah flags off Run for Unity on Sardar Patels 151st birth anniversary

New Delhi, Oct 31:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday flagged off the Run for Unity in the national capital to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Amit Shah also administered the Unity Pledge to participants, reaffirming the commitment to national unity and integrity. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar were among those present. Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said Patel had not only transformed Indias history but also shaped its geography by integrating numerous princely states after Independence. He said that within 1,218 days of Independence, Patel achieved the task of uniting the country despite predictions that India would disintegrate. Amit Shah said the countrys linguistic, cultural and religious diversity was its strength and called for preserving national unity through dialogue, trust and an inclusive approach. Referring to the governments initiatives, he said the removal of Article 370, the elimination of Naxalism and the introduction of a unified tax system were significant milestones. He added that building a drug-free India was essential to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a Viksit Bharat. Amit Shah also recalled Patels role in envisioning the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple and said initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat were helping the country advance towards becoming one of the worlds leading economies.

INDIA bloc leaders pass motion seeking impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner

New Delhi, Oct 31:The Congress-led INDIA bloc on Saturday held a mock public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges residence, accusing him of electoral malpractice and demanding his removal. Kharge moved a resolution seeking Gyanesh Kumars removal, alleging that he had acted against the interests of democracy. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, other Opposition MPs, jurists, lawyers and civil society members attended the meeting, which was presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. Kharge listed six charges against the CEC, including conspiring to steal elections, deleting 13.2 crore voters from electoral rolls, rewriting Form 6 applications, and taking control of electoral rolls through ECINET. The Opposition also accused Gyanesh Kumar of ignoring the views of the other two Election Commissioners and working at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would not continue in office, claiming that the Opposition had enough evidence to ensure his removal. ANI meanwhile reports that INDIA bloc leaders passed a motion seeking the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during a symbolic public impeachment programme organised against him. The event was held to register the opposition blocs protest against the CEC. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, according to PTI described the INDIA blocs Mock Parliament, held at party president Mallikarjun Kharges residence in Delhi, as a dignified and constructive discussion reflecting a strong commitment to protecting Indian democracy. Following the meeting, Tharoor said the same spirit would carry forward to the blocs Maha Rally at Ramlila Maidan, where lakhs of people are expected to participate tomorrow. The meeting was organised after authorities denied permission for holding it at Ramlila Maidan. The INDIA bloc raised three key demands: restoration of names of voters allegedly removed from electoral rolls, removal of the CEC and repeal of the law granting immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner. The Opposition is also scheduled to hold a rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 as part of its vote chori campaign against the Election Commission and the Centre.

ISRO successfully launches 3rd-generation navigation satellite NVS-03

New Delhi, Oct 31: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its next-generation navigation satellite NVS-03 aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket from Sriharikota, marking another step towards strengthening Indias indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC. The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh and placed the 2,232-kg satellite in its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. It was the 20th flight of the GSLV. NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISROs second-generation navigation series. It carries an indigenous atomic clock and introduces the L1 frequency band alongside the existing L5 and S bands to improve navigation services and strengthen Indias positioning and timing capabilities. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the mission was completed with a turnaround time of just 56 days between two successive GSLV launches, the shortest so far. He said NVS-03 carried the third indigenous atomic clock placed in orbit by India. Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the ISRO team, saying the successful mission would strengthen NavIC and advance Indias self-reliance in critical space technologies.

North Zone-2 secures 2nd place in CBSE National Boys Cricket Championship

Srinagar, Oct 31:North Zone-2 delivered an outstanding performance to secure second place in the CBSE National Boys Under-17 Cricket Championship 2026. The prestigious national tournament was held at Velammal School in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and witnessed participation from teams across the country along with international teams representing CBSE schools from Oman and Dubai. Throughout the tournament, the North Zone-2 team, as per a statement, demonstrated discipline, sportsmanship, and exceptional cricketing skills. Competing against strong opponents, the players showcased their talent and determination, leading the team to one of the top positions in the championship. Manish Kumar from Panipat played a crucial role as the teams head coach. His guidance, strategic preparation, and continuous efforts with the players helped the team deliver an impressive performance throughout the competition. Mohammad Talah from Kashmir lead North Zone -2 team to second position under his captaincy. Garv Rohilla of Salwan Public School -Gurgaon delivered an outstanding performance in the semi-final. His achievement has brought immense joy and pride to his school and family.

JKFA Election Process: J&K Sports Council calls stakeholders meeting on JKFA executive committee elections

Srinagar, Oct 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has convened a consultative meeting with representatives of the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) and stakeholders of the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) on November 2 in Srinagar to deliberate on the proposed executive committee elections and ensure a transparent electoral process. As per a statement issued, all stakeholders of the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) and affiliated units of JKFA are hereby informed that a high-level consultative meeting is scheduled to be held with the visiting representatives of the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), on Monday, 2nd November 2026 at Time: 03:30 PM in Conference Hall, TRC Srinagar. The statement added, The deliberations shall focus on critical governance matters to ensure fair and robust electoral process, keeping the larger interest and long-term development of football in Jammu & Kashmir paramount, ensuring genuine district representation, eligibility of voting members, and formulating the clear procedure for transparent electoral execution under independent supervision. Your active participation, constructive insights and valuable suggestions are earnestly solicited in the collective interest to strengthen and foster the collective growth of football in Jammu & Kashmir. All stakeholders are requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the deliberation on scheduled date and time. The stakeholders who are unable to attend the meeting physically may participate through virtual mode. The meeting link shall be shared separately. To obtain the link, kindly email on jkstatesportscouncil@gmail.com by or before 02.11.2026 (10:00 AM), the statement added.

Athwas Retail announces Diwali cashback offer in partnership with J&K Bank

Srinagar, Oct 31:Athwas Retail, Jammu and Kashmir's first homegrown omnichannel hypermarket, has announced a special Diwali cashback offer in partnership with J&K Bank, providing festive savings to eligible bank credit and debit cardholders on electronics and grocery purchases. The offer, which remains valid until November 30, 2026, was announced in the presence of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javid Ahmad Tenga and Senior Vice President Umar Nazir Tibet Baqal. Senior J&K Bank officials present on the occasion included Arshid Qadri, Divisional Head, Kashmir; Anita Nehru, General Manager, Digital and Alternate Channels; Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar, Zonal Head, Srinagar; Ashok Kumar Raina, Deputy General Manager, Digital and Alternate Channels; Zahoor A. Qanoongo, Cluster Head; and Humaira, Incharge, Digital and Alternate Channels. Under the offer, customers purchasing electronics can avail themselves of 5 per cent cashback, up to Rs 3,000, on eligible credit cards and 3 per cent cashback, up to Rs 2,000, on eligible debit cards, subject to a minimum transaction of Rs 10,000. For grocery purchases, eligible credit cardholders can receive 5 per cent cashback, up to Rs 500, while debit cardholders can avail themselves of 3 per cent cashback, up to Rs 300, on a minimum transaction of Rs 2,500. EMI facilities are also available across categories at Athwas Retail, subject to eligibility and applicable terms and conditions. Each eligible cardholder can avail of one offer per month. Welcoming the dignitaries, Irfaan Ahmed Guju, Managing Director of Athwas Retail, a unit of IA Multi Ventures Pvt Ltd, said the initiative was aimed at making festive shopping more rewarding for customers. Diwali celebrates joy, togetherness and new beginnings. Through this offer with J&K Bank, we aim to bring greater value to our customers and make festive shopping more rewarding for families. We thank the leadership of J&K Bank and KCCI for joining us and extend our warm wishes to everyone celebrating the festival of lights, he said.

SBIOA urges MP Aga Ruhullah to take up 5-day banking demand with Centre

Srinagar, Oct 31:A delegation of the State Bank of India Officers' Association (SBIOA), Jammu Module, on Saturday called on Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and sought his intervention for the early implementation of a five-day banking week by declaring all Saturdays, except the second and fourth, as bank holidays. The delegation, led by SBIOA Jammu Module President Shah Zaman, apprised the MP of the long-pending demand, which, they said, affects nearly 20 lakh bank employees and their families across the country. The delegation sought Ruhullah's intervention with the Union Finance Minister and the Department of Financial Services to expedite a decision on the proposal submitted by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA). Explaining their demand, the representatives said a five-day banking week would introduce a more sustainable work pattern while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential banking services through suitably adjusted weekday working hours and adequate customer-service arrangements. They said regular rest and time with family were essential for bankers' health, sound judgement, effective risk management and the quality of services delivered to the public. The delegation maintained that the transition could be implemented without reducing total working hours, as bank unions had already agreed to work additional hours on weekdays to compensate for the two Saturdays proposed to be declared holidays. It also pointed out that digital banking channels, including UPI, internet and mobile banking, and ATMs would continue to operate without interruption. Suitable arrangements could also be made for elderly, rural and digitally excluded customers through advance public communication and adequate staffing. The representatives further noted that several institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation, Central Government offices, many state government offices, courts and the Securities and Exchange Board of India, follow a five-day working week. They also pointed out that money, foreign-exchange and stock markets remain closed on Saturdays.

J&K Bank bags top CGTMSE Award for highest guarantee coverage in J&K and Ladakh

Srinagar, Oct 31:In recognition of its contribution to expanding access to collateral-free credit for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), J&K Bank has been honoured by the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for Highest Guarantee Coverage (Number) in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Divisional Head (Rest of India) Riaz Ahmed Wani received the award on behalf of the Bank, accompanied by Zonal Head (Mumbai) Irfan Kawoosa and Incharge GSGD (CHQ) Vikas Aithmia. The award was presented at the Member Lending Institutions (MLI) Felicitation Ceremony 2026, organised by CGTMSE in Mumbai, to honour the outstanding contribution of its MLIs towards widening access to collateral-free credit for MSEs. Welcoming the recognition, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, We thank CGTMSE for recognizing the Banks efforts to widen access to enterprise credit in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. I congratulate our staff, particularly our colleagues in operations, whose diligence in processing proposals, securing guarantee coverage and supporting borrowers has been central to this achievement. Underscoring the strategic significance of guarantee-backed lending, he said, Expanding access to collateral-free credit is strategically important for strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. CGTMSE coverage helps us support viable enterprises whose promoters may have the ability and commitment to build a business but lack collateral. By extending this support to more eligible entrepreneurs, we aim to encourage enterprise creation, support business expansion and generate employment across the region. We will continue to deepen awareness of guarantee-backed credit and strengthen its delivery across our operational network so that more eligible micro and small enterprises can access the finance they need to establish, sustain and expand their businesses, he added. The recognition reinforces the Banks focus on using credit guarantee mechanisms to broaden formal credit access and support a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Quality sports infrastructure, modern training facilities essential for nurturing sporting talent: Secretary J&K Sports Council

Srinagar, Oct 31:Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Tazayun Mukhtar, Saturday visited Gindun Sports Complex, Rajbagh, Srinagar, where she attended a two-day District Srinagar Rollball Championship and inspected the ongoing development of the gymnastics centre. She also inspected other sports facilities during her visit. The District Srinagar Rollball Championship, as per a statement, witnessed the participation of around 100 athletes, providing them an opportunity to enhance their skills, interact with fellow players and gain valuable exposure through organised sporting activities. During the visit, the Secretary J&K Sports Council interacted with the participating athletes and coaches, taking feedback on the camp and encouraging the players to pursue sports with dedication and discipline. The athletes also presented a demonstration of their skills through various sporting activities and matches, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm for the game. The two-day camp concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where the Secretary felicitated the participants and appreciated their efforts and performances. Later, Secretary J&K Sports Council visited the gymnastics hall at the complex, where she interacted with athletes and reviewed the facilities being developed for the promotion of gymnastics in Jammu and Kashmir. The gymnastics centre is being established by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council as a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with modern infrastructure and equipment to provide athletes with a conducive environment for training and skill development. During the interaction, the Secretary emphasised the Council's commitment to promoting gymnastics on a wider scale and creating opportunities for young athletes to excel at the national and international levels. She said the development of quality sports infrastructure and the availability of modern training facilities were essential for nurturing sporting talent and encouraging greater participation in sports. The visit was part of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council's continued efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure, promote different sporting disciplines and provide athletes with better opportunities to develop their skills and achieve excellence.

After weather-induced losses, saffron growers hope for better returns

Pampore, Oct 31:A sense of cautious satisfaction is visible on the face of Irshad Ahmad, a saffron cultivator from Patlibagh in south Kashmirs Pampore, as he gathers the delicate purple flowers from his saffron field. After a devastating season last year, he hopes the current harvest will bring some respite to farmers who suffered heavy losses due to unfavourable weather conditions. This year, the crop is comparatively better, Ahmad said, adding that saffron growers witnessed a nearly 80 percent decline in production last year. As the harvesting of the worlds most expensive spice gets underway in Pampore, the heartland of Kashmirs saffron cultivation, farmers are reporting a marginal improvement in production compared with the previous year. However, they remain cautious, saying it is too early to assess the overall yield. Last year, prolonged dry weather and a snowless winter took a heavy toll on saffron production, leaving cultivators struggling to recover their investment. According to farmers, the yield declined by more than 80 percent in several fields, resulting in substantial financial losses. Last year, saffron cultivators suffered heavy losses. All their hard work went down the drain due to a lack of moisture in the saffron fields, Ahmad said. He said farmers were once again concerned about the impact of largely similar weather conditions on the crop this year. However, rainfall in August brought some relief by improving moisture conditions in the fields and raising hopes of a better harvest. Despite the improvement, Ahmad said the weather remained a major concern for saffron growers, whose crop depends heavily on suitable soil moisture and favourable climatic conditions during crucial stages of growth. Farmers said the initial signs were encouraging, but the actual production would become clearer as more saffron flowers emerged in the coming days. The harvesting season is crucial for cultivators, who carefully pluck the flowers and separate the delicate red stigmas that are dried and processed into saffron. The crop requires considerable labour, particularly during harvesting, when flowers must be collected and processed carefully to preserve the quality of the spice. Any substantial decline in production directly affects growers earnings, given the investment involved in maintaining saffron fields. For many cultivators in Pampore, saffron remains an important source of livelihood, supporting at least 20,000 to 25,000 farming households and workers involved in harvesting and processing. However, erratic weather conditions have added to the uncertainty surrounding production, making it difficult for farmers to estimate their returns before the season progresses.

Fire-Hit Shiv Market Jammu:Announce relief package, provide adequate compensation: AIP

Jammu, Oct 31: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi visited the fire-ravaged Shiv Market in Jammu to assess the devastation caused by the massive blaze that gutted dozens of shops and severely affected the livelihoods of local traders. Expressing solidarity with the affected trading community on behalf on AIP leadership, Inam Un Nabi, as per a statement, urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to announce an immediate relief package, ensure transparent assessment of losses and provide adequate compensation without unnecessary procedural delays. The affected traders cannot be left to rebuild their lives on assurances alone. For many families, these shops represented years of hard work, investment and their only source of income. The government must provide immediate financial assistance and ensure their businesses are restored through a time-bound rehabilitation plan, he said. Inam Un Nabi said the government must move beyond expressions of sympathy and political assurances and demonstrate its commitment through tangible relief, timely compensation and a clear roadmap for restoring the affected businesses. AIP reiterated its solidarity with the affected trading community and urged the administration to act with urgency and sensitivity.

Arif Laigroo holds Habba Kadal Zone meeting at PDP Headquarters

Srinagar, Oct 31:PDP former State Secretary and Constituency Incharge Habba Kadal, Arif Laigroo, chaired an important meeting of Habba Kadal Zone at the party headquarters to review preparations for the upcoming Workers Convention scheduled to be held on November 2 at 10:00 AM at Sher-i-Kashmir Park, Polo View, Srinagar. The convention, as per a statement will be addressed by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti.

CRPF celebrates National Unity Day in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 31:Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) was celebrated by CRPF with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at Group Center CRPF Srinagar, Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) & HQ Srinagar Sector on Saturday to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. He was not merely a freedom fighter, he was the architect of Indias political unity and integrated more than 562 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence in 1947, thereby laying the foundation of a united India. As per a statement, the occasion was marked by a series of activities aimed at promoting national unity, integrity, solidarity and a sense of collective responsibility towards the nation. The Programme commenced with floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, followed by the administration of the National Unity Day Pledge, reaffirming the commitment to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation. The commemorative Programme was observed at GC CRPF Srinagar and presided over by Rajesh Kumar, IPS, SDG, CRPF, J&K Zone, and attended by the Pawan Kumar Sharma, Inspector General, CRPF Srinagar Sector, Vivek Bhandral, DIG, GC CRPF Srinagar, other senior officers & personnel of the Force.

GD Goenka MUN promotes diplomacy, dialogue among students

Srinagar, Oct 31:The two-day GDGS MUN 2026, organised by GD Goenka Public School, Srinagar, concluded on Saturday with a grand felicitation ceremony, bringing together enthusiastic young delegates from various participating schools for an enriching experience of diplomacy, dialogue, critical thinking, and experiential learning. Held on 29th and 30th of October, the conference, as per a statement, provided a vibrant platform for students to deliberate on pressing global issues, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore solutions through negotiation, collaboration, and consensus-building. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Naseer Ahmad Wani, Director of School Education, Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, while Dr Iqbal Hussain Mir attended as the Guest of Honour Farid Ahmad, Senior Journalist, Aaj TakIndia Today, was also among the distinguished guests. The occasion was attended by the school's management, including Chairman Imtiyaz Kawoosa, Managing Director Madam Massara Kawoosa, Director, HR Director Adil Zargar, and Principal Zubair Ahmed Khan. The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a melodious welcome song presented by the students of the Music Club. Asia Mushtaq, Lead Coordinator, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of Model United Nations in nurturing leadership qualities, critical thinking, effective communication, and a sense of global citizenship among students. A documentary on the United Nations was subsequently screened, followed by the National Anthem.

JKSA welcomes restoration of Jamia Students Union

Srinagar, Oct 31:The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday welcomed the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students Union, describing it as a historic victory for student democracy and the collective determination of students who fought a prolonged battle to reclaim their democratic rights after nearly two decades. The Association, as per a statement, said the university administration's decision to concede to the demands of protesting students marks a significant milestone in Jamias institutional history and reflects the strength of peaceful, sustained and collective student resistance. National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that following 18 days of an intense and unwavering hunger strike, the university administration had finally agreed to recognise and restore the Students Union, paving the way for the revival of an elected representative body at the university. He said, This victory has not come easily. It has been earned through immense sacrifice, determination, courage and perseverance. Despite intimidation, restrictions and repeated attempts to weaken the movement, Jamias students stood their ground and remained steadfast in their democratic demands. Their 18-day hunger strike and sustained agitation compelled the administration to acknowledge the legitimacy of their struggle. Those who underestimated the strength of collective resistance and student unity have witnessed what determined students can achieve when they stand together for their rights. He said the struggle, sacrifices and unwavering commitment of Jamias students to democratic rights would always occupy a special place in the university's history. Their perseverance has reaffirmed the importance of student representation, democratic participation and institutional accountability within educational institutions. Khuehami said the movement had endured an extraordinary series of challenges, including show-cause notices, disciplinary proceedings, suspensions, campus restrictions, locked gates, restricted access, disruption of academic activities, police intervention, detentions, FIRs and judicial proceedings. Several student leaders were also sent to judicial custody during the course of the agitation. Khuehami remarked, They barricaded our gates, but could not barricade our voices. They attempted to restrict our movement, but could not restrict our aspirations. Jamia has won. Its students have won. This is a victory of courage over intimidation, unity over division and democratic aspirations over every attempt to silence student voices. Congratulating the students of Jamia Millia Islamia, Khuehami said the restoration of the Students Union was not merely about holding elections or establishing an elected representative body; it was about reclaiming an essential democratic space within the university. He added that an elected Students Union provides students with a legitimate institutional platform to articulate their concerns, represent their interests, engage constructively with the administration and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting campus life. Student representation, he said, is an essential component of a vibrant, inclusive and accountable university environment.

When someone does your push-ups, can you feel your muscles flex?

Anthropic has accused Alibaba of stealing its intellectual property and called this industrial espionage. The company's business model involves charging creators who contributed to its training data. This raises questions about the implications of artificial intelligence on independent thinking and creativity. The author emphasizes the importance of personal struggle in the thinking process. Ultimately, AI may provide answers but cannot replace the unique human experience of thought and creativity.

Red card for Maobappe from Mai-Bappe state: Chinese, dimagi Maoists on a totally different la liga

Kylian Mbappe stirred controversy with a joke about a Chinese dictator, which came back to haunt him months later. His meme, featuring his face overlaid on an image of Mao Zedong, drew sharp criticism. In response, Chinese brands severed ties, and La Liga faced a suspension on state TV.

J&K govt orders major administrative reshuffle; 6 IAS, IPS officers assigned new responsibilities

Srinagar, Oct 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a series of administrative transfers and postings involving six senior IAS and IPS officers, with immediate effect. According to Government Order No. 1718-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 31, 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), several officers have been assigned additional responsibilities, while others have been transferred to new administrative positions in the interest of administration. As per the order, Shailendra Kumar, IAS (AGMUT: 1995), Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance Department, shall also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, till further orders. Similarly, Anil Kumar Singh, IAS (AGMUT: 1995), Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Public Works (R&B) Department, has been assigned the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department, till further orders. Vikramjit Singh, IPS (AGMUT: 2004), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce Department, shall also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Mining Department, till further orders. In another significant posting, Tariq Ali, IAS (AGMUT: 2010), Director General, Women and Child Development, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Secretary in the Civil Aviation Department. Meanwhile, Mohammad Akbar Wani, IAS (AGMUT: 2013), Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Secretary in the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department. The order further states that Leena Padha, IAS (AGMUT), Registrar, Cooperative Societies, J&K, has been assigned the additional charge of Mission Director, Skill Development Mission, besides her own duties, till further orders. The Government Order has been issued by the General Administration Department by order of the Lieutenant Governor and signed by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government. The transfers and additional charge assignments have been made with immediate effect. (KNC)

Cybercrime, drug menace major challenges, will be tackled: IGP Kashmir

LG Manoj Sinha attends Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Srinagar

Gold tumbles Rs 3,200 to 10-month low of Rs 1.42 lakh/10gm in Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 31: Gold prices in the national capital dropped Rs 3,200 to a 10-month low of Rs 1.42 lakh per 10 grams on Saturday, extending losses for the second straight session amid a sharp global selloff in precious metals. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity fell Rs 3,200 to Rs 1,42,000 per 10 grams, inclusive of all taxes, from Friday's close of Rs 1,45,200 per 10 grams, according to the All India Sarafa Association. It was last quoted at Rs 1,42,300 per 10 grams on December 26, 2025. Silver prices also continued their downward trajectory, declining Rs 4,200 to Rs 1,86,000 per kilogram, inclusive of all taxes, from the previous close of Rs 1,90,200 per kg. The white metal was last trading around these levels on December 8, 2025, when it was quoted at Rs 1,85,000 per kg. Gold and silver prices were weighed down by rising energy prices, which fuelled inflation concerns, and hawkish commentary from the US Federal Reserve, said Rahul Khetawat, Senior Vice President and Fund Manager at 360 ONE Asset. These developments tempered expectations of monetary easing and put pressure on precious metals, leading to a correction in prices, he said. In overseas markets, spot gold plunged by USD 145.84, or nearly 4 per cent, to close at USD 3,875.55 per ounce on Friday, hitting its lowest level in over a year. It was last quoted around this level at USD 3,887.09 per ounce on October 3, 2025. Spot silver also tumbled USD 3.04, or 6 per cent, to settle at USD 49.12 per ounce. The metal was last quoted at USD 48.02 per ounce, recorded on November 6, 2025. Gold fell towards USD 3,800 and silver slipped below USD 50 per ounce, while Shanghai contracts also dropped sharply while still in premium to global markets, especially for white metal, said Manav Modi, Commodities Analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. He added that higher oil prices and firm inflation have revived expectations of a December Fed hike, strengthening the case for higher-for-longer interest rates by the US Federal Reserve. Modi also pointed out that an AI-led equity rout added forced liquidation and cash-raising pressure, while silver's industrial exposure amplified its fall. In China, reports of investors selling gold to raise cash are a possible additional factor, though not confirmed. He noted that speculative short positions had also built up ahead of the US mid-term elections, with President Donald Trump's majority likely to be an important factor in determining the further trajectory of bullion prices.

J-K Police apprehend 9 drug peddlers in multiple anti-narcotics operations in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 31: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Jammu and Kashmir Police have apprehended nine alleged drug peddlers in multiple operations across Bandipora, Anantnag, Pulwama and Awantipora districts, recovering substantial quantities of contraband substances. In Bandipora, Police Station Pethkoot apprehended two persons, identified as Gh. Mohd Bhat and Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, both residents of Wewan, during naka checking at Lal Qila Morh, Pethkoot. Approximately 1.030 kg of charas-like substance was recovered from their possession. In Anantnag, Police apprehended four alleged drug peddlers in separate operations conducted by Police Stations Srigufwara, Bijbehara and Uttrasoo, and Police Post Sangam. At Hatigam Crossing, Police Station Srigufwara apprehended Shabir Ahmad Khan, a resident of Liver Srigufwara, and recovered 982 grams of charas powder from his possession. At Kandipora, Police Station Bijbehara apprehended Mohd Maqbool Bhat, a resident of Kandipora, and recovered four sticks of charas weighing approximately 84 grams. Police Post Sangam apprehended Parvaiz Ahmad Shah, a resident of Syedpora Devipora Mattan, and recovered 8 grams of charas. Meanwhile, Police Station Uttrasoo apprehended Asif Ahmad Mochi, a resident of Sheikhpora, at Shergund near the bridge and recovered 11 grams of charas. In Pulwama, Police apprehended two alleged drug peddlers in separate operations at Murran Sheikhpora and Tehsil Office Link Road. During naka checking at Murran Sheikhpora, Police Station Pulwama intercepted Rayees Ahmad Rather, a resident of Murran, and recovered 2.222 kg of charas chura along with 40 grams of a charas-like substance from his possession. In another operation at Tehsil Office Link Road, Police apprehended Sabzar Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Inder, and recovered five lathis of a charas-like substance wrapped in maize husk. In Awantipora, Police Station Tral apprehended Owais Ahmed Khan, a resident of Yanganwani Aripal, during naka checking on Tral-Awantipora Road near Fiza Point. Approximately 30 grams of a cannabis-like substance and 1.070 kg of grinded cannabis were recovered from his possession. The Auto Load Carrier bearing registration number JK13K-7629, allegedly used in the commission of the offence, was also seized. Regarding the incidents, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered in respective police stations and investigations have been initiated. J&K Police reiterated its commitment to intensifying action against drug trafficking and substance abuse and appealed to the general public to share credible information regarding drug peddling and other unlawful activities with the nearest police establishment.

J-K Police attach two residential buildings under NDPS Act in Anantnag

Srinagar, Oct 31: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and the financial networks associated with the drug trade, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag have attached two residential properties worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore belonging to NDPS accused persons in separate operations across the district. In the first action, Police Station Srigufwara attached a double-storey residential house worth approximately Rs 1 crore belonging to accused Ab Rashid Bhat son of Asadullah Bhat resident of Shitipora. The attachment was carried out under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act. The accused is involved in Case FIR No. 39/2026 under Sections 8/20 and 29 of the NDPS Act, officials said. In another action, a two-storey residential building worth approximately 1.5 crore belonging to accused Mohd Yousaf alias Shabir Ahmed son of Mohd Akram resident of Frastwar, Ashmuqam, was attached under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. The operation was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Pahalgam in the presence of the area Chowkidar and Numberdar. Officials said these actions reflect J&K Police's continued commitment to dismantling the financial networks of drug traffickers and taking stringent action against properties acquired through proceeds of illicit drug trade. J&K Police reiterated its resolve to continue its intensified campaign against drug trafficking and work towards a drug-free society.

Literary brilliance honored: Sahitya Akademi, cultural bodies host grand symposium on Dr. Aziz Hajini in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 31: In a resounding tribute to a towering stalwart of Kashmiri language literature and culture, a grand symposium dedicated to the life and literary contributions of the late Dr. Aziz Hajini was held today at the Conference Hall Tagore Hall Srinagar. Jointly organized by the Sahitya Akademi New Delhi in collaboration with Halqa-i-Adab Sonawari and Wahab Cultural Society Hajini, the prestigious literary gathering brought together prominent scholars poets intellectuals and admirers from across the region to honor a visionary leader who shaped modern Kashmiri letters. The day-long event commenced with an insightful inaugural session. The proceedings opened with a warm welcome address by Shakir Shafi President of Halqa-i-Adab Sonawari. This was followed by a comprehensive keynote address delivered by Shad Ramzan Convener of the Kashmiri Advisory Board. The inaugural session was graced by Athar Aamir Khan (IAS) as the Chief Guest who expressed immense pride in being present at the event and identifying as a proud fellow and admirer of Dr. Aziz Hajini. Sharing his reflections he noted that having read Dr. Hajini's works the most unique and striking quality he observed in his poetry was an enduring sense of hope and positivity. The session also featured famous pulmonologist Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah as the Guest of Honour. Delivering the presidential address Mohd Zaman Azurda General Council Member of the Sahitya Akademi paid glowing tributes to Dr. Hajini emphasizing his lifelong dedication to securing an honorable status for the Kashmiri language and empowering its literary institutions. The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by noted broadcaster Azhar Hajini (son of the legendary literary figure) and was smoothly anchored by Dr. Reyaz ul Hassan President of the Wahab Cultural Society Hajini. Speakers during the symposium deeply reflected on Dr. Aziz Hajinis multidimensional persona remembering him not only as an accomplished poet and perceptive critic but also as a fearless cultural activist and dedicated administrator. Reminiscing about his vast contributions speakers noted that Dr. Hajini worked tirelessly for the institutional growth of Kashmiri literature and played a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of the mother tongue in formal educational curricula leaving an inspiring legacy for future generations. The academic depth of the event unfolded across subsequent thematic sessions. The first session was chaired by noted writer and historian Farooq Fayaz and featured insightful paper presentations by Aijaz Mohammad Sheikh Riyaz-ul-Hassan and Shakir Shafi. This session was anchored by Majeed Majazy Member of the Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademis Kashmiri Advisory Board. The second session was chaired by Mohammad Amin Bhat President of Adbi Markaz Kamraz and featured rich scholarly papers presented by Majeed Majazi G.N. Shakir, Aadil Mohi-ud-Din, Nazeer Javeed. The subsequent third session was graced by Shafeeq Qureshi as the Guest of Honour and the concluding proceedings of the symposium were gracefully conducted by Sagar Sarfaraz a senior member of the Wahab Cultural Society Hajini. The literary event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of esteemed members of Halqa-i-Adab Sonawari and Wahab Cultural Society Hajin alongside other cultural luminaries and guests including Hajini Gh Nabi Dar Zameer Ansari Sahil Dar Altaf Ahmed Dr. Abdul Majeed Badrawahi Engineer Peerzada Hidayatullah Engineer Hoor e Yasrab Prof. Naseem Shafai Prof. Neelofar Naaz, Akhter Mansoor, Kifayat Faheem, Mohid ud Din Poshpori, Saad ud Din Sadi, Nasir Mirza, Akhter Mansoor, Tariq Margoob and Shabnum Vijpari. The symposium concluded on a reflective note celebrating Dr. Hajinis timeless contributions and reaffirming the collective commitment to preserving and promoting Kashmiri language and heritage.

Man convicted of rape of minor sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment in Ramban

Banihal, Oct 31: The Fast Track Court, Ramban, has convicted Dawood Ahmed, a resident of Bhadi, Marmat, in a 2016 rape case involving a minor girl and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The judgment was pronounced on October 30, 2026, by Fast Track Court Judge Pardeep Kumar after hearing Additional Public Prosecutor Jai Pal Singh and the defence counsel. The court convicted Dawood Ahmed under Section 376(3) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000. The court directed that the fine, if realised, be paid to the victim as compensation. In default of payment, the convict will undergo an additional six months of simple imprisonment. According to the prosecution, the case was registered at Police Station Batote under FIR No. 54/2016 following a complaint lodged by Mohammad Akbar, a resident of Badthal, Batote, on August 24, 2016. The complaint alleged that the accused had sexually assaulted the victim, who was 12 years old at the time, approximately a year before the registration of the case. He had allegedly threatened to kill the victim and her parents if she disclosed the incident. The victim had subsequently given birth to a girl child. Following the complaint, a case was registered against Dawood Ahmed for the alleged offence, while another person, Mohammad Ishfaq, was also named for allegedly assisting in the commission of the crime. The case was effectively prosecuted by Additional Public Prosecutor Jai Pal Singh under the guidance of Deputy Director of Prosecution Ramban, Manzar Khayam. After examining the evidence presented during the trial, the court convicted Dawood Ahmed. The Prosecution Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring effective prosecution of criminal cases and bringing offenders to justice in accordance with law.

Census 2027: J&K completes DCHB fieldwork; population enumeration training underway

Sharma said the data collected during the exercise would now undergo scrutiny and validation. Charge Officers have been given 15 days to recheck and compile the information, which is expected to reach the Directorate by November 15

Census 2027: J&K completes DCHB fieldwork; population enumeration training underway

Sharma said the data collected during the exercise would now undergo scrutiny and validation. Charge Officers have been given 15 days to recheck and compile the information, which is expected to reach the Directorate by November 15

LG Sinha takes on Farooq Abdullah over Pakistan versus India remarks

Sakina Itoo urges fixed timings for security convoys to ease civilian movement

J-K CM Omar Abdullah marries journalist Nidhi Razdan in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has married television journalist Nidhi Razdan here. In a tweet on Saturday, 56-year-old Omar said, a new journey began yesterday... and tagged Nidhi in it. The tweet included four pictures of the couple. Sources said the marriage was solemnised under the Special Marriage Act here on Friday. The witnesses included family members from both sides. Omar's marriage to his first wife, Payal, was dissolved by an order of the Supreme Court in July this year after the two reached a settlement. This is the second marriage for 49-year-old Nidhi. The wedding functions in Srinagar and New Delhi were attended by families and close relatives from both sides. Abdullah's parents, Farooq Abdullah and Mollie, his three sisters, and other close relatives, as well as Nidhi's parents, veteran journalist M K Razdan and Sarla Razdan, attended the functions.

Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism, Its Ecosystem Being Crushed: LG Sinha

Ladakh Census 2027 completed: Official

Jammu, Oct 31: A senior official on Saturday said the Census-related exercise in Ladakh has been completed in all respects, marking the successful conclusion of the remaining District Census Handbook (DCHB) fieldwork. Speaking at a press conference here, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Director of Census Operations Amit Sharma said the DCHB exercise covered all 244 villages and two statutory towns, Leh and Kargil, achieving 100 per cent completion. Ladakh is 100 per cent snowbound, and Population Enumeration there has also been completed. The only remaining activity was the DCHB fieldwork, which was successfully completed yesterday (October 30). With this, the entire Census exercise in Ladakh stands completed in all respects, and Ladakh Census data is now 100 per cent available in all ways, he said. Sharma, who is also the Chief Principal Census Officer of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, said the data is now available for further validation, evaluation and final publication as per the prescribed procedure. Sharma described the achievement as an important milestone in the preparations for Census 2027.

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes charge as new Chief of Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, an accomplished fighter pilot with over 3,500 hours of flying experience on over 20 types of aircraft, on Saturday assumed charge as the new Chief of Air Staff. He succeeded Air Chief Marshal A P Singh who superannuated from the force after a 43-year-long illustrious career. The IAF accorded a ceremonial guard of honour to Air Chief Marshal Singh at the Race Course Air Force Station before he handed over the baton to Dixit. Air Chief Marshal Dixit, known for his strategic planning and who played a key role during Operation Sindoor, was serving as the Vice Chief of the force. In a distinguished career spanning four decades, Air Chief Marshal Dixit has held a variety of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. Born on December 9, 1966, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. Prior to assuming charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Dixit served as Ch

J&Ks eight-year journey has been one of development, peace and prosperity: LG

Srinagar, Oct 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the Union Territorys eighth Foundation Day, describing its eight-year journey as one of development, peace and prosperity. In a message marking the occasion, Sinha said National Unity Day, observed on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was celebrated with enthusiasm across the country and in every district of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the entire country is celebrating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with great enthusiasm as National Unity Day. In Jammu and Kashmir too, Unity Day has been celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in every district, he said. Referring to the completion of eight years since Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said the region had witnessed a journey of development, peace and prosperity during this period. Today is the eighth Foundation Day of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. The journey of Jammu and Kashmir over the past eight years has been a journey of development, peace and prosperity, he said. Sinha extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion. The eighth Foundation Day of the Union Territory coincides with National Unity Day, observed annually on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Eight years of development, peace and prosperity in J&K: LG

IPS Officer Divya D awarded Dakshata Padak for landmark POCSO investigation in Puducherry

Srinagar, Oct 31: IPS officer Divya D, who earlier served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore and held several key assignments in Jammu and Kashmir, has been conferred the prestigious Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for excellence in investigation. Divya D has been recognised for her outstanding investigation into a sensitive case involving offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and child labour during her probationary posting in Puducherry. According to details, her investigation led to the conviction of 11 accused persons, who were subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment by the court. In another significant outcome, the court also awarded compensation amounting to Rs 51 lakh to the child victims, described as a first-of-its-kind compensation award in Puducherry. The investigation involved a sensitive case concerning the exploitation of children, with the officer adopting a victim-centric approach and focusing on effective evidence collection and meticulous investigation to ensure the accused were brought to justice. The recognition is particularly significant as the investigation was carried out during her probationary period, reflecting the work undertaken by the officer at an early stage of her policing career. The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak is awarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs to recognise excellence in specialised policing fields, including outstanding investigations, exceptional performance, intelligence services and forensic science. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday announced the award for 490 personnel from various states, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations for the year 2026. The medal is announced annually on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Before her transfer to Puducherry, Divya D served in several important assignments in Jammu and Kashmir, including SSP Sopore, SP Headquarters Baramulla and SP State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir. Her tenure in North Kashmir, particularly in Sopore and Baramulla, placed her in key policing responsibilities in the region. The award recognises her investigative work in Puducherry and brings recognition to the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, particularly among those familiar with her previous assignments in North Kashmir. (KNS)

If Ruhullah leaves NC, he will go alone, party will remain unaffected: Javed Rana

Jammu, Oct 31: Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday said that if National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi decides to leave the party, he will go so alone, asserting that his departure would have no impact on the party or its organisation. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Rana said the National Conference remained united and there is no resentment within the party. If Aga Sahib decides to leave, he will leave alone. Why would his departure affect the party? The organisation will remain united, Rana said. Dismissing reports of internal differences following the recent cabinet expansion, the minister said both the party and the government remained strong under their respective leaderships. I can say with complete confidence that there is no resentment. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is strong, the government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is strong and the party organisation under Dr Farooq Abdullah stands united like a rock, he said. Rana, said some legislators might feel disappointed over not being accommodated in the Council of Ministers. Every MLA wants to become a minister, but the available positions are limited. Naturally, there may be disappointment among those who could not become ministers, he said. Expressing optimism over the restoration of statehood, Rana said Jammu and Kashmir would regain statehood soon, paving the way for the appointment of more ministers. InshaAllah, statehood will be restored very soon and more ministers will also be appointed, he added.(KNO)

Missing woman in J-K suspected to have crossed LoC into Pakistan

Jammu, Oct 31: A woman has gone missing in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district and is suspected to have crossed the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) along with eight goats, officials said on Saturday. Rubina Kousar, a resident of Karni village near the LoC, took the goats out for grazing on Friday but did not return home by evening, they said. They said preliminary information suggests that she may have crossed the LoC into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) along with the livestock. It was not immediately clear whether she crossed the LoC inadvertently while grazing the goats or did so deliberately, they added. Several families living along the LoC have relatives across the divide in PoK, making it difficult to ascertain the circumstances behind her suspected crossing, officials said. Further details are awaited.

Rusted mortar shell defused near LoC in J-K's Poonch

Jammu, Oct 31: A rusted mortar shell was safely defused near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Saturday, officials said. The unexploded shell was spotted near a forward post in the Sawjian sector around 9.50 am, following which the Army cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure, the officials said. The shell, believed to have been fired by the Pakistani Army during cross-border shelling, failed to explode on impact and remained at the site as unexploded ordnance, officials said. Subsequently, a Bomb Disposal Squad was called in, and the device was neutralised following necessary precautions. No damage was reported, they added.

PM Modi visits CCIC Pavilion at Bharat Parv 2026 in Gujarat

New Delhi, Oct 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on friday visited the pavilion of the Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIC) at Bharat Parv 2026 in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, where he was briefed on the corporations rich legacy and its initiatives to promote Indias traditional handloom and handicraft heritage. The visit highlighted CCICs longstanding association with artisans and weavers and its continued efforts to showcase and preserve the countrys rich cultural craftsmanship. CCIC Pavilion presents the Corporations journey of empowering artisans and weavers by providing them with better market access and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Through its initiatives, CCIC is actively contributing to the vision of Vocal for Local and taking Local to Global, by connecting Indias traditional craftsmanship with wider domestic and international markets. Bimal Gopalachari, Managing Director, CCIC, along with officials of the Corporation, artisans and weavers, were present at the Pavilion. The Pavilion showcases the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of artisans from different parts of the country, including artisans from Gujarat demonstrating traditional artwork using Agate stones and semi-precious stones and intricate Appliqu work. CCIC is celebrates the rich and diverse heritage of Indian handloom and handicrafts, bringing together exceptional artistry, creativity and craftsmanship from across the country and showcases a wide range of traditional and handcrafted products that reflect Indias vibrant cultural legacy and the timeless beauty of its indigenous art forms.

No Rift In NC, Yesterday's Meeting Was Friendly Gathering, No Rebel Group: Provincial President Showkat Mir

Mubarak Gul to reveal everything about NC on November 4

Srinagar, Oct 31: Senior National Conference leader Mubarak Gul has said he will reveal details about developments within the party at a press conference on November 4, amid uncertainty over his appointment as General Secretary. Gul said he had so far maintained silence but would disclose everything about the developments within the party when he addresses the media, news agency KNT reported. Gul was responding to a question about the party leaderships decision to retain Ali Mohammad Sagar as General Secretary despite his appointment to the post earlier this week. On October 27, NC president Farooq Abdullah appointed Gul as General Secretary after Sagar was inducted into the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers. However, on October 30, the party issued a fresh order directing Sagar to continue as General Secretary until further orders, raising questions over Guls appointment. The developments come amid reported discontent within the ruling party following the recent Cabinet expansion, which left several senior legislators out of the government. Guls November 4 press conference is expected to shed light on the controversy surrounding the partys organisational leadership and the ongoing developments within the NC.

Apart from cabinet reshuffle, NC MLAs seek intensification of struggle for statehood, Article 370, time-bound implementation of 2024 manifesto

Memorandum sent to NCs top brass? Srinagar, Oct 31: Legislators of the National Conference (NC), who are up in arms against the party leadership over Tuesdays cabinet reshuffle-cum-expansion, have prepared a memorandum listing a set of demands, including a cabinet reshuffle, intensified efforts for the restoration of statehood and Article 370, and the time-bound implementation [] The post Apart from cabinet reshuffle, NC MLAs seek intensification of struggle for statehood, Article 370, time-bound implementation of 2024 manifesto appeared first on Northlines .

Salman Sagar dismisses reports of dissent within NC, says party remains strong

Srinagar, Oct 31: Senior National Conference leader Salman Sagar on Saturday dismissed reports of growing resentment and internal differences within the party, saying the National Conference remained strong and its legislators continued to have complete faith in the leadership. Reacting to reports that around 20 MLAs had demanded the removal of an adviser and certain ministers from the Cabinet, reportedly issuing a 15-day ultimatum to the leadership, Sagar said the situation was being exaggerated. I don't think the matter is the way you are presenting it. We had a discussion with some of our senior colleagues, he said. Describing the gathering of legislators as a normal meeting, Sagar said the media had given it unnecessary prominence. What was essentially a normal meeting has been turned into something else by the media hype, he said, adding that the National Conference had been a strong party and would continue to remain so. There can be grievances. Anyone can have grievances, including me. At the same time, everyone has the right to express their displeasure, he said. However, Sagar maintained that the resentment within the party was not as serious as being portrayed. Our MLAs have complete faith in the leadership. They trust the leadership, and these minor issues keep happening within families. This is an internal matter of our family, he said. He said the legislators would meet party president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss their concerns and could also submit a memorandum. Sagar said the leadership would examine their demands and consider addressing those found to be genuine. If he finds any of the points justified and genuine, some of them may be addressed. It is also possible that certain things will be corrected, he said. Targeting those he accused of trying to exploit the situation, Sagar said the National Conference's opponents would not succeed in creating divisions within the party. Those who are trying to create a controversy out of this, particularly the traditional enemies of the National Conference who want such things to happen, will fail this time as well, he said. On questions surrounding the party's organisational decisions, including Sagar's appointment as general secretary, he said there was no reason for suspicion, adding that administrative considerations could have been involved. Dr Sahib would know better. There must have been some reason behind whatever decision the leadership took, he said. Reaffirming the position of senior party leaders amid speculation over their reported dissatisfaction, Sagar named senior leaders Gulam Hassan Mir (Gul Sahib), Mohammad Akbar Lone (Gurezi Sahib) and Kaiser Jamsheed Lone, saying they remained firmly with the party. Don't be under the impression that they are going anywhere. They are pillars of the National Conference here, he said.

Salman Sagar dismisses reports of rift in National Conference

Operation underway to recover bodies from remote chopper crash site in Uttarakhand

A team from the forest department, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau officials, a DGCA team have all been dispatched to the crash site

LG Sinha flags off Run for Unity at SKICC

PM Modi congratulates scientists, engineers at ISRO on successful launch of NVS-03

New Delhi, Oct 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03 and said the mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, the country's indigenous satellite navigation system. Modi also said that equipped with enhanced capabilities, NVS-03 will further India's pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies and support navigation services that benefit the people. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03. This mission marks an important step in strengthening NavIC, our indigenous satellite navigation system, he said in a post on X. The prime minister said the dedication and ingenuity of India's space scientists continue to make the nation proud. India's independent regional navigation satellite system NavIC was restored to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites on Friday as ISRO successfully launched its navigation satellite NVS-03, which was placed into the designated injection orbit by a GSLV rocket. The second-generation navigation satellite NVS-03, with indigenous and procured atomic clock, has a wide array of applications, including civilian use like real-time tracking of trains, vehicles and shipping vessels.

EOW Kashmir chargesheets two persons for duping job aspirants of lakhs of rupees

Srinagar, Oct 31: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against two Srinagar residents for allegedly duping job aspirants of lakhs of rupees on the false promise of providing lucrative overseas employment opportunities in reputed foreign companies, officials said on Saturday. According to the officials, the chargesheet has been filed in in case FIR No.32/2026 under Sections 420 and 120-B IPC, 10/24 of the Emigration Act before the Court of PT&E,Srinagar, against Sajad Abdullah, son of Mohammad Abdullah Sheikh, resident of Hamdaniya Colony, Bemina, Srinagar and Jahangir Ahmad Tanky, son of Hafizullah Tanky, resident of Sheshgari Mohalla, Khanyar, Srinagar In a press statement, an official EOW spokesperson said, The case was registered following complaints alleging that the accused, proprietors of M/s Al-Aqsa GlobalServices Pvt. Ltd., Moomin-Abad, Lane-04, Batamaloo, Srinagar, lured people with promises of lucrativeoverseas employment in reputed foreign companies and collected advance payments exceeding Rs. 15 lakhs. However, the promised jobs were not provided, and cheques issued towards refunds were dishonoured due to insufficient funds, he added. Investigation revealed that the consultancy was registered as an excursion agent for tour and travel services and not as a recruiting agent, and was operating without the requisite registration for overseas recruitment. It was further established that both accused received lakhs of rupees in their respective personal bank accounts from complainants on the pretext of providing overseas employment, but failed to fulfil their promises. Despite sustained efforts, the spokesperson said, accused Jahangir Ahmad Tanky could not be traced and has been absconding since 2025. The investigation was concluded as proved, and the chargesheet has been filed before the competent court for judicial determination. SSP EOW Kashmir advised job seekers to verify recruitment agency credentials and avoid paying advance fees to unauthorised agencies.

Abrogation of Article 370 integrated Kashmir with India: Amit Shah

Srinagar, Oct 31: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the abrogation of Article 370 had integrated Kashmir with the rest of the country, describing it as one of the major achievements of the Narendra Modi government. Addressing a gathering ahead of flagging off the Run for Unity in New Delhi on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shah said several significant decisions had been taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modis tenure, including the abrogation of Article 370, elimination of Naxalism and implementation of the One Nation, One Tax system. When we succeed in building a drug-free India, it will be the most significant achievement among all these initiatives for the countrys youth and its future, he said. Shah set December 31, 2029, as the target for making India completely drug-free, saying the vision of a Viksit Bharat begins with the creation of a Nasha-Mukt Bharat. He said Indias linguistic, cultural, traditional and religious diversity is its strength and reflected the message of national unity associated with Sardar Patel. Referring to the governments fight against Naxalism, Shah said India has moved beyond the shadow of Naxalism on March 31 this year and was now moving towards becoming a drug-free nation. He said collective efforts are needed to protect the countrys youth from drugs and build a stronger and more prosperous India.(KNO)

Why voters won't reject Netanyahu

Netanyahu has won only because he hasn't been defeated. He's also changed Israel fundamentally. Any ruling alliance now will have to be a coalition to the exclusion of Israel's Arab citizens

Womans body recovered in Udhampur

Udhampur, Oct 31: The body of a woman was recovered under suspicious circumstances near the CO Office in Udhampur on Saturday morning, officials said. An official said that a police team rushed to the spot after receiving information and took the body into its custody. He said an Eco vehicle was also found at the location, from which some personal belongings, like scarf, were recovered. The official said the identity of the deceased and the exact cause of death are yet to be ascertained, while further investigation is underway.(KNO)

When a blunder led to a news scoop

It rarely happens that a reporter makes a big blunder, and the blunder leads him to the biggest news story of his career. Perhaps, it was fate. Exactly 42 years ago, Indira Gandhi was shot by two of her own security guards at her prime ministerial residence around 9:30 in the morning on October 31, 1984. The news spread like wildfire that she has been taken to AIIMS for treatment. This reporter quickly reached AIIMS riding the pillion of the scooter of his professional friend, Anil Tyagi. Acting smart, the duo decided not to go to the emergency ward from the main gate. Instead, they entered AIIMS from the side gate located on the Ring Road, and rode straight to the Directors bungalow. It was an act of sheer stupidity. Why would the Director be at home when the Prime Minister has been shot? That morning, unrelated to the shooting, a top-level routine meeting had already been held in AIIMS to appoint Dr. Sneh Bhargava as the new Director. When the journos reached the Directors bungalow, it was locked. This reporter and his friend felt like fools. They had no option but to turn the scooter around and exit the AIIMS campus and re-enter from the main gate leading to the emergency ward. After all, that was the place to get real news. But, fortunately, the reporters did not need to reach the right place. Fatefully, on the way towards the side gate, the reporters spotted a bunch of young doctors, with grave faces, talking animatedly with one another. Such a scene is almost surely bound to get noticed by a journalist. They were all standing at the gate of the doctors hostel. The reporters quietly parked the scooter and merged into the crowd. The fraternity conversation between the doctors turned out to be a scoop, on a platter, for the reporter duo. The doctors doing the talking were senior residents who were looking after the emergency ward when Indira Gandhi was brought in. They had examined her themselves. They were sharing the story with their colleagues. Indira Gandhi had been brought dead to the hospital. There was no pulse, no heartbeat, no sign of life. They had informed their seniors at lightning speed. Meanwhile crowds had begun to build up outside the emergency ward. The AIIMS administration took two quick decisions. One: They shifted Indira Gandhis body to an operation theatre on the sixth floor. Two: They persuaded all the senior residents present in the emergency ward to vacate their post and go back to their hostel. Free from duty, those doctors returned to the hostel and were sharing their once-in-a-lifetime experience with their fellows. After hearing out all the details, this journalist asked gently, doctor sahib, was Indira Gandhi clinically dead?. The doctors reply was categorical. Not just clinically, even otherwise she was dead. Suddenly, the doctor realised that he was interacting with two unknown faces. He wanted to know their identity. The reporters replied politely that they were just passing by, and had joined the group out of curiosity. Both the journos had got the final news from the horses mouth. Now they did not need to go to emergency ward for confirmation. So they parked the scooter behind the academic block, and entered AIIMS from the rear. There was no one there to stop them. Walking unhindered through the corridors of the academic block, the two reporters reached the backdoor of the emergency ward, and walked right into it. Before anyone could realise what was happening, suddenly the front door of the emergency ward opened, and Chandra Shekhar walked in. The reporters greeted him with folded hands. He caught hold of their hands and took them along with him right up to the sixth floor. This was where Indira Gandhis body was being embalmed because it had to be kept in state at Teen Murti Bhawan for people to have their last darshan. Embalming was proving to be a difficult task. The body was riddled with bullet wounds. A total of 36 bullets, fired at point blank range, had pierced through her frail frame. No human being could have survived such a lethal attack. The doctors walked Chandra Shekhar alone, a little further down the corridor, and whispered something into his ears. He nodded and, with a grim face, returned to leave. The three walked back through the emergency ward, and emerged outside from the front door. This was where a crowd of journalists and Congress workers had gathered, anxious for news. The AIIMS administration had deliberately misinformed everyone. The plan was to keep the news under wraps to enable Rajiv Gandhi to be smoothly sworn in as the next Prime Minister. The AIIMS administration had succeeded in withholding the vital information. The journalists waiting outside the emergency ward were under the impression that a wounded Indira Gandhi is being operated upon, to save her life. This reporters professional senior, Kumkum Chadha, pointed out towards a van parked some distance away, and it was believed that it had brought blood for the operation. When this reporter gave her the news that Indira Gandhi was dead, she did not believe it. Rajiv Gandhi returned from West Bengal to Delhi by 4 p.m. President Zail Singh returned from North Yemen to Delhi by 4:30 p.m. Around 6:30 pm, Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in at Ashoka Hall, Rashtrapati Bhawan. Meanwhile, BBC had broken the news by 1 p.m. IST. Major Indian newspapers had brought out special afternoon editions with screaming banner headlines announcing the news. Doordarshan had been obedient, as expected. It finally put out the news at 6 p.m.

Seven injured in Samba as bus rams into Truck

Samba, Oct 31: At least seven persons were injured after a bus and a truck collided head-on in the Sandbari area of Samba district on Saturday, officials said. An official said that the collision triggered a rescue operation, with local residents rushing to the spot and helping evacuate the injured passengers from the bus. The injured were shifted to District Hospital Samba for treatment, while their identities are being ascertained, the official said. Police have registered a case and further proceedings are underway.(KNO)

US approves a proposed USD 2.1 billion sale of Patriot interceptors to Ukraine after alleged holdup

Washington, Oct 31: The Trump administration has said that it has approved a proposed USD 2.1 billion sale of Patriot air defense interceptors for Ukraine after Kyiv had accused the Pentagon of delaying delivery of the vital munition needed to stop Russian ballistic missiles. The State Department said 500 Patriot missiles are being purchased for Ukraine with donations from Canada, Germany and Norway through a US programme and that no American funds were involved. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe, the department said in a press release. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned this month that his country had nearly run out of the vital military munition it needs to combat Moscow's attacks as tensions with US President Donald Trump's administration escalated. The Ukrainian leader had accused the Pentagon of delaying the delivery of the missiles that other countries have purchased for Ukraine. He also said US intelligence that warns of incoming Russian attacks had been interrupted and the Starlink satellite internet service had been throttled. Ukraine says Starlink speeds and intelligence have been restored.

JKEEGA bids farewell to CS J&K Atal Dulloo

Srinagar, Oct 30: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineers Association (JKEEGA) called on Atal Dulloo (IAS), Chief Secretary, J&K, in his chambers at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to bid him farewell on his last working day at the Civil Secretariat, Kashmir. During the interaction, General Secretary JKEEGA, Er. Pirzada Hidayatullah, as per a statement, acknowledged and appreciated his valuable contributions towards the welfare and professional interests of engineers, particularly those serving in the Power Development Department (PDD). He specifically highlighted the pivotal role played by Atal Dulloo in addressing and resolving various HR-related issues concerning Power Engineers and employees, particularly the long-pending issue of regularisation of engineers. Er. Pirzada Hidayatullah expressed the Associations sincere gratitude for his support, understanding and positive interventions in addressing the concerns of the engineering fraternity. He also wished him good health, happiness and a prosperous life ahead. The delegation was accompanied by Er. Surjeel Gani Lala, Er. Haroon Masoodi, Er. Hur e Yasrab, Er. Farhan Manzoor, Er. Tufail Ahmed Khan and Er. Amir Masoodi. JKEEGA places on record its sincere appreciation and extends its best wishes to Atal Dulloo for his future endeavours.

Committed to take development to every village, habitation: MLA Sajjad Shaheen

Banihal, Oct 30:MLA BanihalGool, Sajjad Shaheen, Friday laid the foundation stone of the MangitJamando Road, marking the commencement of work on a long-pending demand of the local population. The road, as per a statement, will provide connectivity to the picturesque tourist destination of Jamando and open new opportunities for tourism and local economic activities. Shaheen said that plans are also underway to develop a park at Jamando to further promote the area as an attractive tourist destination. He further informed that an internal circular road connecting Mangit and Mahoo has also been proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh, and work on the project is expected to start shortly. He added that work on improving road connectivity to Mangit and the Bajnari Road is also expected to commence soon. Several other road projects aimed at connecting remote habitations and potential tourist destinations have also been taken up and proposed. On the power front, Shaheen said that separate 11 kV feeders for Neel and Ukhral were successfully commissioned yesterday at the 33/11 kV Receiving Station, Ramsoo. He said the feeder segregation fulfils a long-pending demand of the local population and is expected to improve power distribution, reduce frequent interruptions and ensure better electricity supply in Neel, Ukhral, Ramsoo and adjoining areas. Highlighting the broader development agenda of the constituency, Shaheen said that over the last two years, several major initiatives have been undertaken across BanihalGool to address the long-standing developmental deficit and improve the quality of life of the people. He said that focused efforts are underway to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, upgrade school buildings and educational facilities, improve major road networks, extend road connectivity to unconnected habitations and construct bridges in areas where people continue to face difficulties due to the absence of proper connectivity. He further said that special attention is being given to sports infrastructure, while tourism is being promoted through the development of eco-parks, recreational parks and other tourism-related faciilities. Work on several such projects have already been started, while more projects are in the pipeline. Shaheen said that remote areas such as Mangit and Mahoo have remained among the priority areas of his development agenda. Efforts are being made to improve their road connectivity and basic infrastructure so that people living in these far-flung areas can also benefit from better facilities and development opportunities. He added that the power sector is also undergoing a major strengthening and improvement exercise, with feeder segregation, augmentation of receiving stations and other infrastructure upgrades being undertaken to improve the reliability of electricity supply across the constituency. Over the last two years, our consistent effort has been to bring a visible and meaningful change in the lives of people, reduce their day-to-day difficulties and ensure that people in every part of BanihalGool can lead a dignified life. A number of important projects have already been started, while several others are at different stages of planning and execution, Shaheen said. He added that a new phase of development, involving projects of significant and transformative nature, has begun in the BanihalGool constituency. He assured that the pace of implementation would be further accelerated in the coming months to ensure timely completion of ongoing works and early commencement of the projects still in the pipeline. Shaheen reiterated his commitment to taking development to every village and habitation, particularly those which have remained underserved for decades. He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the concerned departments for their continued support and cooperation in advancing the development agenda of BanihalGool.

Delegations call on Education Minister Shamim Firdous, discuss sector reforms

Srinagar, Oct 30:Delegations comprising heads of various departments and JKNC functionaries, including the Director SKIMS, Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director Sericulture, Principal Amar Singh College, District President Pulwama and former Minister Mohammad Khalil Bandh, as well as a separate delegation led by JKNC State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar along with constituency-level functionaries, called on Minister Advocate Shamim Firdous at her residence in Bhagat. The delegations, as per a statement, congratulated her on assuming ministerial responsibilities and extended their best wishes. During the meetings, discussions were held on strengthening the education sector and improving the functioning of educational institutions. The Minister said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to giving a new direction to education and strengthening the sector. Recalling the educational legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, she highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's journey from a literacy rate of around 7 per cent to over 82 per cent today. She emphasised that the government is committed to carrying this legacy forward through meaningful reforms, strengthening educational institutions and renewing the focus on quality education, while addressing challenges accumulated over the past decade. Earlier Provincial President NC Showkat Ahmad Mir, MLA Chadoora Ali Mohd Dar, MLA Khan Sahib Saiifuddin Bhat called on Shamim Firdous.

Democratic struggle for rights, identity, dignity of people of J&K to continue: NC

Srinagar, Oct 30: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir Friday reiterated the partys unwavering commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs special status and full statehood. He said that the National Conference has always represented the rights, identity and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to raise their voice with full strength on every democratic and constitutional platform. The Provincial President, as per a party statement, urged party functionaries and workers to remain prepared to face the prevailing circumstances and all emerging challenges, while further strengthening their engagement with the people. He said that the real strength of the National Conference lies in the trust of the people and the selfless dedication of its workers. Every party worker, he said, must work with unity, discipline and determination to carry forward the partys mission. He asserted that depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their constitutional rights can neither suppress their voice nor silence the National Conference. He said the party would continue to raise the concerns of the people in every forum, democratic institution and appropriate platform across the country, while pursuing all peaceful, democratic and constitutional means for securing their democratic, constitutional and legal rights. Showkat said that since 2015, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured prolonged hardships, uncertainty and numerous challenges, severely affecting their daily lives, economy and livelihood opportunities. In such circumstances, he said, providing maximum relief to the people has become an urgent necessity and remains the foremost priority of the present government. He appreciated the welfare measures undertaken by the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stating that the government is working on the ground to address public grievances, improve basic amenities, accelerate developmental activities and provide relief to people facing various difficulties. He said the induction of additional ministers into the Cabinet has created further avenues for addressing public grievances and ensuring better public service delivery, adding that the benefits of this expansion would become increasingly visible to the people. While acknowledging that the government continues to face constraints due to limited powers, financial difficulties, administrative hurdles and other challenges, he maintained that it is moving in the right direction and utilising all available resources to serve the people. He reiterated that the National Conference remains steadfast in its commitments and principles, adding that the party's democratic struggle for the restoration of the dignity, identity, special constitutional rights and statehood of the people of Jammu and Kashmir would continue with full vigour, responsibility and determination.

TCI MAX launches 53 Grade Winter Shield cement in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 30: TCI MAX Cement has launched its 53 Grade Cement in new packaging under the brand name 53 Grade Winter Shield, targeting the growing demand for reliable construction materials in Kashmir, where freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions pose challenges to construction activity. The product was unveiled at a launch event held at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, with company representatives highlighting the importance of strength, stability and reliability in construction during the regions winter months. The company said Winter Shield was previously available in regular 53 Grade Cement bags and has now been introduced in distinctive new packaging to reflect changing market requirements and customer demand. Due to the growing demand for 53 Grade Cement, we have introduced 53 Grade Winter Shield, keeping in mind the evolving market and customer requirements, said Nisar Ahmad Bhat, Marketing Manager at TCI MAX Cement. He said the launch reflected the companys focus on providing strength, stability and protection, particularly in a region where construction materials have to withstand challenging weather conditions. Tawseef Ahmad, Sales Manager at TCI MAX Cement, said the product was aimed at meeting the specific construction requirements of Kashmir, where low temperatures and severe winter conditions make the selection of dependable building materials important. When it comes to harsh weather conditions in Kashmir and freezing temperatures, TCI MAX is among the most preferred and dependable cement brands. With the launch of 53 Grade Winter Shield, we aim to make construction more dependable and reliable, he said. The launch comes amid growing demand for 53 Grade Cement in the region, with builders and customers increasingly focusing on strength and reliability while undertaking construction during the winter season.

SKUAST-K witnesses live telecast of 24th PM-KISAN instalment release

Srinagar, Oct 30: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) witnessed the live telecast of the national programme marking the release of the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme at its Shalimar Campus today. Held under the guidance of Honble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the programme brought together around 650 farmers, besides university officials, scientists, students, extension functionaries and representatives of various government departments. The programme was attended by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir; Shri G. A. Sofi, Secretary Technical, Agriculture Production Department, Jammu and Kashmir; Shri Sartaj Ahmad, Director Agriculture Kashmir; Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Kelan, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir; Dr. Bashir Amin Kuthu, Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir; and Smt. Ravdeep Kour, Deputy Secretary, Agriculture Production Department. The participants witnessed the live address of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from Banaskantha, Gujarat, during which over 18,690 crore was released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 9.34 crore eligible farmer families across the country under the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN. The national programme also marked the dedication of 521 agricultural infrastructure units and the inauguration of 12 horticulture clusters, aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure, enhancing production efficiency and promoting value-chain development in the horticulture sector. Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmer families receive annual financial assistance of 6,000 in three equal instalments of 2,000 each, directly credited to their bank accounts. The scheme provides income support to farmers to help them meet agricultural and household requirements. The live telecast provided an opportunity for farmers and other stakeholders to gain insights into various government initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure, improving farm productivity and enhancing rural livelihoods. The programme also highlighted the importance of coordination among agricultural universities, government departments and farming communities in facilitating access to farmer welfare schemes and institutional support services. SKUAST-Kashmir, through its Directorate of Extension and network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), continues to strengthen farmer-oriented outreach, capacity building and dissemination of scientific agricultural technologies across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on improving farm productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan concludes in Pulwama with coordinated farmer outreach, awareness activities

Pulwama, Oct 30: Khet Bachao Abhiyan, which commenced on October 22, 2026, concluded today with a series of coordinated farmer outreach and awareness activities across Pulwama district. The concluding day also featured activities connected with the release of the 24th instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) by the Honble Prime Minister, with the proceedings followed through live telecast. As part of the campaign, the Chief Agriculture Officer, Pulwama, coordinated the observance of Khet Bachao Abhiyan across the district and issued a calendar for its observance in each Agriculture Zone, facilitating a structured programme of farmer-oriented activities throughout the campaign period. On the concluding day, programmes were organised at Town Hall Tral and Town Hall Awantipora under the leadership of ADC Tral and ADC Awantipora, respectively. The main district-level programme was organised at Circuit House, Pulwama, under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, with farmers participating in large numbers along with district officers and officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture and allied departments. The farmer gatherings held under the campaign were utilised for saturation of AgriStack IDs, dissemination of information regarding agriculture-related schemes and services, Census-related activities and sensitisation against drug abuse. Farmers were also sensitised against the cultivation of poppy and other narcotic plants and encouraged to contribute towards efforts aimed at combating drug abuse. A special focus was laid on the PM-KISAN saturation drive, under which eligible farmers and beneficiaries were identified and verified, while pending issues were taken up for resolution as per the prescribed guidelines. The campaign also witnessed effective inter-departmental coordination and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, with concerned line departments working together to disseminate information regarding PM-KISAN, the 24th instalment and other agriculture-related schemes and initiatives. The programmes witnessed participation of district officers and officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture and allied departments, who extended support to the campaign and undertook necessary field-level activities within their respective jurisdictions. The conclusion of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan marked a coordinated district-wide effort towards strengthening farmer outreach, facilitating beneficiary saturation and verification, promoting awareness about government schemes and ensuring effective convergence among departments for improved delivery of services and benefits to the farming community.

Jio adds nearly 10 times more core mobile subscribers than Airtel in September

Srinagar, Oct 30:Reliance Jio strengthened its position in Indias telecom market in September, adding nearly 10 times more core mobile subscribers than Bharti Airtel, according to the latest data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). As per analyst reports based on TRAI data, Indias core mobile subscriber base, excluding machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, increased by 2.2 million during September to reach 1.15 billion. Jio accounted for 1.9 million of these additions, while Airtel added just 0.2 million subscribers. Jio ended September with 511.14 million core mobile subscribers, maintaining its lead over Airtel, which had 494.29 million users. Airtels subscriber additions marked its weakest monthly expansion in recent months. Analysts have attributed the slowdown partly to the withdrawal of its affordable Rs 299 prepaid plan in August, which may have affected its ability to attract and retain price-sensitive customers. Although Airtel recorded gross wireless subscriber additions of 2.69 million during September, its much smaller gain in core mobile users indicates that a significant portion of its additions came from M2M connections rather than regular mobile subscribers. The trend was also reflected in active subscriber numbers, which provide a broader indication of actual network usage. The industrys active core mobile subscriber base, measured through the Visitor Location Register (VLR), increased by 0.6 million during September. Jio alone added 1.3 million active subscribers, while Airtel lost 0.2 million and Vodafone Idea registered a decline of 0.3 million. The figures indicate that Jio was the only major private telecom operator among the three to record growth in its active subscriber base during the month. Septembers numbers underline Jios continued dominance in subscriber additions, with the company accounting for nearly nine out of every 10 net core mobile subscribers added by the industry. For Airtel, the slowdown in core mobile additions and the decline in active users present a challenge, particularly following the discontinuation of its Rs 299 prepaid plan. Jio, meanwhile, continued to widen its lead over its nearest competitor in Indias highly competitive telecom market.

Council of Ministers approves 2 new industrial estates in J&K at Rs 162.72 Cr

Srinagar, Oct 30: The Council of Ministers, recently chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved the establishment of two new Industrial Estates in Jammu & Kashmir, involving a combined investment of Rs 162.72 crore. The approved projects include a New Industrial Estate at Pehlipora, Lar, Ganderbal, at a cost of Rs 60.92 crore, and Industrial Estate Bhagthali (Part-II), Kathua, at a cost of Rs 101.80 crore. The Chief Minister said the projects would strengthen industrial infrastructure, attract investment, promote local manufacturing and create new employment opportunities for the youth. He added that these initiatives would contribute to sustained economic growth and further strengthen the industrial ecosystem across Jammu & Kashmir.

PM Modi visits J&K pavilion at Bharat Parv in Gujarat

Ekta Nagar, Oct 30:Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Jammu and Kashmir pavilion at Bharat Parv in Gujarats Ekta Nagar, where the Union Territorys rich cultural heritage, traditional handicrafts, handlooms, local products and emerging tourism destinations were showcased. During the visit, Director Tourism Jammu, Dr Vikas Gupta, briefed the Prime Minister about the pavilions theme and the diverse range of traditional products, cultural attractions and tourism opportunities being presented by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. The participation was organised under the guidance of Secretary Tourism, J&K, Avny Lavasa, and Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), Akriti Sagar, with the objective of promoting the regions cultural identity, indigenous craftsmanship and tourism potential. The pavilion prominently featured products under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, highlighting the distinctive crafts and agricultural produce associated with different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials, the Prime Minister showed keen interest in the products on display and enquired about Basohli paintings, Sulai honey, garlic and Rajma from Jammu, besides walnuts, saffron, Pashmina and Kani shawls from Kashmir. A major attraction at the pavilion was a live demonstration of traditional Sozni embroidery by renowned artisan Gulab Gilani, offering visitors an opportunity to witness the intricate craftsmanship and skills involved in producing Kashmirs celebrated embroidered textiles. The cultural presentation also featured a live Santoor performance by Kashmiri artist Younis Majid, highlighting the Valleys distinctive musical heritage and artistic traditions. The Tourism Department showcased several emerging and offbeat destinations, including Patnitop, Bhaderwah, Basohli-Sarthal, Panchari and the seven lakes of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region. Tourist destinations in Kashmir, including Gurez Valley, Bangus and Yousmarg, were also highlighted for their scenic landscapes and potential for adventure, nature-based and experiential tourism. Officials said the focus on lesser-explored destinations was aimed at diversifying tourism circuits, encouraging longer visitor stays, supporting local communities and creating economic opportunities in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The pavilion also promoted the Union Territorys potential in adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, heritage tourism, rural tourism and nature-based travel. General Manager JKTDC Srinagar Altaf Hussain Bhat, Assistant Director Tourism Jammu Vishal Sadhotra and Manager JKTDC Srinagar Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat were also present during the Prime Ministers visit. Artists and artisans participating in the event expressed gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Tourism Department for providing them with an opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and artistic talent at a national platform. Officials said the participation at Bharat Parv offered an opportunity to introduce visitors from across the country to Jammu and Kashmirs diverse tourism destinations, traditional products and cultural heritage.

Modi kahin nahi jayega slogans echo at PMs roadshow, rally in Gujarats Banaskantha

Bhildi (Gujarat), Oct 30: From a roadshow to a rally of farmers, the chants of Modi kahin nahi jayega (Modi will not go anywhere) echoed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Gujarats Banaskantha district on Friday. The chants were seen as a direct counter-response by the PMs supporters to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges remark, Modi ka baap bhi jayega (Even Modis father will go), made at a party event in Patna a few days ago. As Modi held a roadshow in Bhildi town of Banaskantha district, where he arrived to inaugurate and lay the foundation for development works worth Rs 14,000 crore and to release the 24th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, people gathered on both sides of the road raised various slogans.

6 killed as helicopter crashes near Joshimath in Uttarakhand

New Delhi, Oct 30:Six people, including a pilot and five passengers, were killed after a helicopter crashed near Chayee village in the Joshimath area of Uttarakhands Chamoli district on Friday afternoon. The helicopter, operated by private aviation company Trans Bharat Aviation Pvt Ltd, was flying from Badrinath to Sahastradhara in Dehradun when it crashed near the JP Power House amid adverse weather conditions, officials said. The bodies of all six occupants were recovered from the crash site following a joint search and rescue operation involving the Army, police, district administration and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Hindustan Times reported. According to Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer NK Joshi, the helicopter, bearing call sign VT-HCX, took off from Badrinath at around 1.14 pm. It lost communication shortly afterwards while flying over the Jyotirmath valley, and its tracking system also stopped transmitting its location. The incident was reported through an Army post, following which rescue teams were mobilised. Drone teams were also deployed to assist in the search operation. Two helicopters of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority were deployed for aerial reconnaissance as the state government launched an extensive rescue operation. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was personally monitoring the situation and had directed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance and airlifting of critically injured passengers, if required. In a post on X, Dhami said a joint rescue operation was being conducted by the district administration, Disaster Management Department and SDRF. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

Govt reconstitutes Hajj Committee

Sagar reappointed as NC General Secretary

NC likely to field Rather on Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat

Srinagar, Oct 30:Ruling National Conference (NC) is considering veteran NC leader and Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather as a possible candidate for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat after Member of Parliament from Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary constituency Aga Syed Ruhullah vacates it on November 3, sources said. They said senior NC legislator Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) was being considered for Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. However, talking to Greater Kashmir, Khan said that he had not been informed about any such decision. On October 27, at the swearing-in ceremony of four new ministers in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government's Council of Ministers (CoM), over a dozen NC legislators were conspicuous by their absence, with reports attributing the absences to dissatisfaction over the distribution of ministerial positions and regional representation. Gurezi was among those who did not attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-inducted ministers. Senior party leaders subsequently visited Gurezi at his Srinagar residence amid reports that he was unhappy at being left out of the expanded cabinet. Against this backdrop, reports that Rather could be considered for the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat and Gurezi for the Legislative Assembly Speakers post have added another dimension to the partys internal calculations. Rather, a veteran NC leader and seven-time legislator from Charar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir's Budgam district, was elected Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in November 2024. Any move to field him for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat would involve a change in his current legislative role, subject to formal party decisions and the procedures governing the respective offices.

17 NC MLAs, 1 independent MLA hold closed-door meeting in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 30:Seventeen legislators of the ruling National Conference (NC), including MubarikGul, who was announced as the party's general secretary just three days ago, and an independent MLA, held a closed-door meeting in Srinagar on Friday amid mounting discontent within the party over Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's recent cabinet expansion. According to sources privy to the meeting, 17 NC MLA who attended the meeting included MLA GurezNazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi), MLA EidgahMubarikGul, MLA Pampore Justice (Retd) HasnainMasoodi, MLA SonawariHilal Akbar Lone, MLA Poonch Haveli Aijaz Jan, MLA BudhalJavaidChoudhary, MLA Uri Sajad Shafi, MLA KarnahJavid Ahmad Mirchal, MLA RajporaGhulamMohiuddin Mir, MLA ChanaporaMushtaq Ahmad Guroo, MLA GulabgarhKhurshied Ahmad, MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, MLA Anantnag West Abdul Majid Larmi, MLA Khan Sahib SaifuddinBhat, MLA Bijnehra Bashir Ahmad Veeri, MLA TangmarPirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, besides host MLA LolabQaysarJamsheed Lone and independent MLA ThanamandiMuzaffar Iqbal Khan. The meeting comes days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inducted four legislators into his cabinet on October 27, a move that triggered resentment among several party MLAs who felt they had been overlooked despite their seniority and political experience. The meeting has raised questions about internal cohesion within the NC, although there was no immediate confirmation that the legislators had agreed on a collective course of action or were seeking a change in the party's leadership. Talking to Greater Kashmir, MLA GurezNazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) said that MLA Lolab Qaysar Jamsheed Lone had invited all NC legislators for a meal. Almost every NC legislator attended. We were around 20 to 25. It was not a meeting of dissidents or a protest by those who missed out on the cabinet expansion. It was just a routine meeting over a meal and, of course, several party issues were discussed, Khan said. He said the meeting had no connection with Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah, who is set to resign from the party and as a parliamentarian on November 3. Ruhullah will announce his resignation at Behisht-e-Zehra Park near the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Budgam on November 3, at a function commemorating the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, who was killed in a militant attack in 2000. If the participation of 17 NC legislators and independent MLA from Thanamandi, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan at the Srinagar residence of MLA Lolab is an indication of dissent within the party, it represents a substantial section of the NC's 41-member legislative strength in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The cabinet expansion brought Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shamim Firdous, and Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo) into the government. The reshuffle also saw independent MLA Satish Sharma being dropped from the cabinet. Following the cabinet expansion, several legislators publicly expressed disappointment over the appointments. MubarikGul, a six-time legislator and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, was among those dissatisfied with the cabinet composition. His supporters staged protests in Srinagar, demanding that he resign from the party and questioning the leadership's decision to exclude him from the government. Abdul Majeed Larmi, the MLA from Anantnag West, also questioned Wani's selection, arguing that his own seniority warranted consideration for a ministerial position. According to sources, Larmi also attended Friday's meeting in Srinagar. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, the MLA from Bijbehara, criticised the continuation of ministers whom he described as non-performing, while congratulating those inducted into the cabinet. Talking to Greater Kashmir, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali said he had been invited to attend the meeting but could not do so as he was in Jammu. MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed told Greater Kashmir that he did not attend the meeting as he was looking after his ailing father, Sheikh Ghulam Qadir (Pardesi), at home. The sources said the legislators demanded the removal of ministers who had completed two years in office. The sources said that all NC MLAs from the Jammu region, along with the independent MLA from Thanamandi, expressed resentment over the continuation of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary. The legislators from the Jammu region said they had already raised concerns with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over Chaudhary allegedly using funds allocated to the Public Works (R&B) Department largely in his own Assembly constituency while neglecting the constituencies of other legislators from the region. They said that although the Chief Minister had assured them that action would be taken on the issue, he had done nothing so far and had instead rewarded Chaudhary by retaining him as Deputy Chief Minister. The sources said that if independent MLA Satish Sharma had been dropped from the cabinet, there was no reason to continue Chaudhary and other ministers who had held their portfolios for the past two years. The NC MLAs from the Kashmir region also expressed resentment over Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani allegedly calling the shots in the party, the sources said. They said the legislators from Kashmir questioned how Wani could continue to hold a position equivalent to that of a cabinet minister when several legislators who had won their seats multiple times had not been accommodated in the cabinet. The NC has 41 legislators in the 90-member Legislative Assembly, while the government is supported by the Congress, the CPI(M), and a few independent legislators. The ruling alliance and its supporting members have a strength of 53, above the 46 required for a majority. The Congress has so far stayed out of the cabinet, maintaining that it would not join the government until statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir, while continuing to support the administration. The internal tensions have also emerged against the backdrop of differences between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah, who has been critical of aspects of the party leadership. Meanwhile, the BJP has sought to capitalise on the developments, with its Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Party leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma describing the growing discontent as a sign of trouble for the Omar Abdullah-led government. However, the reported meeting does not, by itself, indicate an immediate threat to the government's survival. The developments could become a significant test of the party's internal cohesion, particularly if the legislators move beyond individual grievances and present a coordinated set of demands to the party leadership.

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Today's columns examine climate overshoot and AI's environmental costs, Netanyahu's electoral position in Israel, US midterm implications for oil prices and China's property crisis

Issueless NC-Congress govt belies peoples trust: Pathania

Udhampur, Oct 30:Launching a scathing attack on the National Conference-Congress government for, what he alleged, its failure to honour the promises made to the people during the assembly elections, BJP MLA from Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania on Friday maintained that the government had reduced governance to a political rhetoric, excuses and unfulfilled assurances, while the aspirations of the people continued to remain unaddressed. He was addressing the people after inaugurating and initiating a series of important developmental works in the Khandui-Khandra area. Pathania said that the National Conference had sought votes on the basis of a tall catalogue of promises, including 200 units of free electricity; free LPG cylinders; free travel and one lakh jobs for the youth. However, even after assuming power, the government failed to translate these commitments into tangible relief for the people, he claimed. An issue-less and purposeless government seems to have lost its direction and sense of responsibility. The people were given tall promises and lofty assurances, but what they are receiving in return is disappointment and disillusionment. Political rhetoric cannot substitute for governance, nor can excuses compensate for unfulfilled commitments, he asserted. Taking particular exception to what he termed the continued neglect of the Jammu region, Pathania said that the entire region was being left out of the developmental priorities of the present dispensation. From Doda and Kishtwar to the Pahari belt of Rajouri and Poonch and from Udhampur to Kathua and Samba, people across Jammu region continue to await equitable attention, development and their legitimate share in governance, BJP MLA alleged. He said that the people of Jammu region had equal aspirations and equal rights to development and there could be no justification for any discriminatory or indifferent approach towards their concerns. Elections are not merely about securing votes through attractive promises; they are about delivering on those promises. The real test of leadership lies in the roads constructed, grievances resolved, facilities created and opportunities delivered, he added. On this occasion, he also inaugurated and initiated important developmental works in the Khandui-Khandra area, aimed at strengthening rural connectivity, community infrastructure and educational facilities. A major highlight was the Naddi Talab to Khandra road project, to be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 12 Cr. He also kickstarted construction of a shelter shed, community hall at Baba Loundna Dev Sthan at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh. Pathania stated that three additional classrooms would be constructed at Middle School Khandui. Timely execution, quality of construction and effective monitoring of all developmental works, he said, would remain central to his approach.

No heavy vehicle movement on Jammu-Srinagar highway for two days

Ramban, Oct 30: In view of the Darbar Move and to facilitate the smooth movement of the secretariat employees' convoy from Srinagar to Jammu, traffic authorities have imposed restrictions on the movement of heavy and medium goods vehicles on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) on October 31 and November 1. As per the traffic advisory, no upward movement of heavy vehicles and medium motor vehicles, including goods carriers, will be allowed from Jakheni in Udhampur towards Srinagar on Saturday and Sunday i.e., October 31 and November 1, 2026. However, downward movement of heavy vehicles from Qazigund towards Jammu will be permitted in a regulated manner. The advisory further states that no goods carriers (heavy or medium vehicles) will be allowed to proceed from Jakheni towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar or from Qazigund towards Banihal, Ramban and Udhampur, after 2 am on October 31 and November 1. Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for regulated two-way traffic of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) on Friday. Traffic authorities said very slow movement was witnessed at several stretches due to single-lane road conditions and the uneven and undulating 30-40-metre stretch at Dawal in Udhampur, besides the single-lane section between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The movement was further affected by vehicle breakdowns between Marog and Kishtwari Pather and the crossing of nomadic herds between Banihal and Nachlana. Traffic authorities cautioned that the movement of nomadic herds could further slow down traffic on the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake their journeys during daytime and avoid night travel due to the possibility of shooting stones and landslides, movement of nomadic herds from the valley and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. The advisory also states that, in view of widening work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on the Digdol-Khooni Nullah stretch, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers will remain restricted during daytime between 7 am and 7 pm. Since tankers carrying inflammable material are not permitted through tunnels, upward-bound tankers will be allowed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am. Tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Goods carrier operators transporting fresh perishable commodities and livestock have been asked to plan and load their vehicles in accordance with traffic advisories issued by Traffic Police Headquarters. Heavy vehicle operators have also been advised against overloading and asked to ensure proper vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking journeys on the highway. Commuters have been urged to avoid unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide-prone and shooting-stone areas, to ensure their safety and prevent traffic congestion.

Why Congress afraid of clean voter lists, asks Sat Sharma

Jammu, Oct 30:J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma on Friday slammed the Congress party for, what he alleged, attempting to create political instability and confusion in the country out of frustration over its declining public support. Sat Sharma and MLA Mohan Lal Bhagat, accompanied by district Prabhari Vinay Gupta, president Kuldeep Sharma, and others, were addressing a gathering of prominent citizens in the event, organised by the BJPs Akhnoor district unit under the theme Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (Save democracy, eliminate anarchy). Gurvinder Singh, president Gurudwara Committee; Rashpaul Singh, Jitender Singh, Swarn Singh, Amrik Singh, ex Sarpanch Vijay Sharma, Bablu Sharma, Kishori Sharma, Virender Kumar, Gullu Ram, Babu Ram besides others were amongst the prominent citizens present on the occasion.. Sat Sharma said that the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, had increasingly resorted to misinformation, baseless allegations and political confrontation to regain lost ground. He said that the congress was putting its hunger for power above national interest and attempting to undermine public confidence in constitutional institutions. He said that Congress, instead of strengthening democratic institutions, was repeatedly questioning them whenever their functioning did not suit its political interests. Strongly defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Sat Sharma said that maintaining an accurate, transparent and clean voter list was fundamental to free and fair elections. He questioned why Congress was opposing an exercise intended to identify duplicate, deceased, shifted and otherwise ineligible entries while ensuring that every eligible citizen retained the right to vote. Does Congress believe that it cannot win people's trust and secure votes through democratic means? Why does it become uncomfortable whenever electoral rolls are scrutinised? Is its political survival dependent on questionable entries and bogus voting? he asked. J&K BJP president further pointed out that intensive revisions of electoral rolls had been conducted several times in the past, including during earlier Congress-led governments. Such exercises took place in 195256, 1957, 1961, 196566, 198384, 198789, 199295 and 200204, among other periods. He said that a process recognised as a legitimate electoral exercise in the past should not suddenly become controversial merely because the present government supported its implementation. Mohan Lal Bhagat said that Congress was attempting to manufacture controversy around constitutional processes instead of addressing public concerns and presenting a constructive political alternative. He said democracy required responsible opposition, not persistent attempts to create confusion and confrontation. Kuldeep Sharma said that the intellectual community must expose misinformation and encourage informed public participation. He said that transparent electoral processes and respect for democratic institutions were essential for protecting the country's democratic framework.