Saturday, April 4, 2026
Home Blog Page 105

Development alone cannot replace justice: CM Omar

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said technology should be harnessed to democratise access to justice through mobile applications and virtual consultation platforms. He said justice today must not only be available but also truly accessible.

Addressing a gathering at SKICC during the North Zone Regional Conference organised by the J&K Legal Services Authority, the Chief Minister announced that the government has sanctioned a dedicated Law University for Jammu and Kashmir, with an initial allocation of Rs 50 crore. He added that preparatory work for this institution is already underway.

According to KNO, Omar said this platform will serve as a forum for deliberation and collective reflection on the foundational promise of the republic – the realisation of social, economic, and political justice as enshrined in the Constitution’s preamble and reinforced by Article 39A, which mandates that access to justice should not be impeded by economic or other disabilities.

“The focus of today’s conference, on the rights and entitlements of defence personnel and tribal communities, touches upon two vital segments of our society. One defends the Constitution with unwavering resolve, while the other has long awaited its full inclusion. Our discussions reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring justice is not a deferred aspiration but a lived reality for both groups, those who serve selflessly and those who have been underserved for too long,” he said. “It is our collective duty to ensure our justice institutions respond swiftly, sensitively, and effectively.”

On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, the CM acknowledged the sacrifices of defence personnel, past and present. “Many of these brave men and women, including those from J&K, serve in remote, inhospitable terrains with dignity and duty. Yet, when faced with legal challenges, like service disputes, pensions, or civil grievances, they often encounter systemic barriers due to their postings and the constraints of military life,” he said. “These challenges constitute disabilities under Article 39A and must be addressed with urgency and compassion.”

He added, “It is unacceptable that those risking their lives to uphold the Constitution struggle to access its protections. I commend the J&K State Legal Services Authority for amending its legal aid rules to include serving and retired defence personnel. Recent procedural reforms by the High Court of J&K are steps in the right direction, but they must lead to deeper institutional engagement.”

Omar called for better coordination among Legal Service Authorities, Military Legal Cells, Zilla Sainik Boards, and Regimental Welfare Offices. “Legal aid clinics in cantonments and districts with significant ex-servicemen populations should be prioritised. He said families of defence personnel, especially widows, elderly parents, and dependents, must receive compassionate and timely legal support,” he urged.

“Awareness is key. No soldier or family member should be unaware of their legal rights or procedural avenues. Paralegal volunteers trained in military legal issues should be deployed in high-defence areas. Moreover, technology must be leveraged through mobile apps, virtual consultations, and user-friendly legal portals to ensure justice is accessible to all,” he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of tribal communities in J&K, including Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, and others, who have preserved rich traditions while facing challenging terrains. “Recent legal protections like the Forest Rights Act, the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, and affirmative action policies mark significant steps in recognising their rights,” he said.

The government has increased capital expenditure for tribal welfare to Rs 98 crore this year. Initiatives include six Eklavvya model residential schools, 222 smart classrooms in tribal areas, expanded healthcare via mobile medical units, and the commissioning of the Tribal Research Institute. “While development efforts are vital, they cannot replace justice,” Omar asserted.

He said that while there are challenges in legal literacy, representation, and redressal among tribal populations due to linguistic, cultural, and geographic barriers. “The Legal Services Authority has operationalised 255 legal aid clinics, supported by 527 lawyers and 561 paralegal volunteers, including in tribal villages and correctional institutions,” he said.

“We must do more,” Omar said. “Training paralegals within tribal communities will ensure legal support is culturally appropriate and in familiar dialects. We also need to expand mobile legal aid vans, promote tele-law platforms, and facilitate virtual hearings to reach remote hamlets across Poonch, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Karnah.”

The CM called for maintaining a delicate balance between national security and tribal rights. “Many tribal areas are in border regions with heightened security. Law enforcement must avoid disenfranchisement. Transparent mechanisms for complaints, court access, and grievance redressal are essential,” he said.

He advocated for the institutionalisation of alternative dispute resolution methods such as Lok Adalat, mediation centres, and village-level panchayats, which can provide swift, culturally sensitive justice, especially on issues like land rights and service entitlements. “Capacity building for judicial officers, legal aid lawyers, and field staff in tribal customs, military jurisprudence, and constitutional ethics is crucial,” he added.

Omar announced that the government has approved the establishment of a dedicated law university with an initial allocation of Rs 50 crore. “Preparatory work is underway. This university will focus on legal research, education, and policy innovation, particularly in tribal rights, constitutional law, military justice, and environmental governance. It aims to build an inclusive legal ecosystem for future generations,” he said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Minister remarked, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uphold this principle by supporting legal institutions and ensuring justice reaches all, especially the marginalised.

“We must meet this challenge with humility, clarity, and resolve. The government of J&K remains unwavering in its support to legal services authorities and their partners, and is committed to transforming constitutional promises into everyday realities,” Omar added. (KNO)

890 Indian laws were not applicable in J&K till Aug 5, 2019: LG Sinha

Srinagar: Asserting that a total of 890 Indian laws were not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir till August 5, 2019, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said abrogation of Article 370 paved way for bringing the region at par with the rest of the country.

Addressing North Zone Regional Conference of Legal Services Authorities here, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “Article 370 was nullified by the Indian Parliament in 2019 and later the Supreme Court also supported it. Now all the laws are applicable in J&K and Dalits, Adivasis, and women have got their equal rights.”

LG Sinha said, “We have taken three major initiatives in J&K to ensure ease of justice to the members of armed forces and committed to provide legal aid to the tribal community. J&K Legal Services Authorities must ensure that all possible legal aid reaches the army personnel, tribal community, deprived and vulnerable sections of society on time so that their lives become easier and their rights granted by the Constitution are protected.”

“Constitution of India guarantees justice, social, economic and political and one of the facets of providing justice is access to justice to all the citizens and it is to be ensured that justice reaches to the poorest of poor, who deserves it the most,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted key structural reforms taken in the past few years to establish social and economic justice in Jammu Kashmir. “Before 2019 various central laws including two important central legislations namely the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 were not applicable to J&K. Now, these laws have become applicable and the tribal community has been empowered,” he said, adding, “We are extending all constitutional guarantees and protections to the members of Tribal population including access to justice by providing free and competent legal aid to them.”

He said, “The justice system has been deeply rooted in the soul of India and played a pivotal role in the nation’s progress. In our culture, the court is not merely an office of justice but a sacred temple of justice, dedicated to ensuring equal justice and access to the legal system for all, without discrimination.”

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, spoke on the major initiatives taken by the J&K administration to ensure ease of justice to the members of Armed Forces and reiterated its commitment to provide legal aid to the tribal community.

“Amendment has been made in J&K Legal Services Authority, Rules 2020 to include Secretary, Zila Sainik Board as member of District Legal Services Authority to provide legal aid to soldiers.

Furthermore, Lieutenant Governor’s Sainik Sahayta Kendra has been established and it is a dedicated institutional mechanism for facilitating the redressal of civilian grievances faced by soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, who are posted in the J&K, or who belong to the UT and are presently serving in other parts of the country”, the Lieutenant Governor said.

LG Sinha emphasised that delay in justice means defeat of moral duties of legal services authorities at the grassroots level involved in helping the deprived and vulnerable sections.

“I am confident that in this important conference, along with solutions to the challenges being faced at the district level, the necessary interventions to make the common citizens aware of their rights under the Constitution will also be discussed,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to the legal luminaries, officials of National Legal Services Authority, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, J&K Legal Services Authority and everyone associated with the conference. He also paid tributes to the bravehearts of Kargil War.

The event was graced by Judge Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman National Legal Services Authority, Justice Surya Kant; Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal; Chief Justice High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli; Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah; Judge High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice Sanjeev Kumar; Judge High Court J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairperson Ladakh Legal Services Authority, Justice Sindhu Sharma; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt. General Pratik Sharma; Hon’ble Judges of Supreme Court of India and Chief Justice of various States and UTs.

Former Chief Justices, serving and retired Judges, senior officials of Legal Services Authorities, Security Forces, Police and Civil Administration, Veer Naris, ex-Servicemen, members from Legal fraternity, and prominent citizens from different walks of life were also present.

On the occasion, NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025, a dedicated legal services scheme for defence personnel, ex-servicemen and their families, was launched. The scheme provides for establishing legal services clinics within Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards for rendering legal services and assistance to Veer Parivar.

Certificates of engagement as Para legal volunteers by Legal Services Authorities of J&K and Ladakh were also handed over to Veer Naris and ex-servicemen. (KNO)

Govt orders inquiry into SMHS incident; MD NHM asked to submit report within 15 days

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered an inquiry into the incident in which a medico was assaulted in SMHS Srinagar following the death of a patient, after which doctors went on a protest and emergency services were allegedly closed for some time.

According to an order issued by the Secretary Health and Medical Education Department, a copy of which lies with KNO, Mission Director NHM Baseer ul Haq Choudhary has been appointed as inquiry officer to probe the incident.

He has been asked to submit a report within 15 days. The enquiry officer, as per the order, shall conduct an objective and comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances pertaining to the law and order situation that occurred on July 23, 2025 at Government Medical College, Srinagar; assess the immediate precursors to the said incident, as well as the developments that ensued after the incident and investigate the reasons for the closure of Operating Theatres (OTs).

As per inquiry’s terms of reference, the inquiry officer shall assess whether such closure was avoidable, and fix responsibility upon the individual(s) found to have acted in dereliction of duty or in contravention of established protocols.

He has been directed to recommend concrete measures aimed at enhancing internal grievance redressal mechanisms, strengthening administrative coordination, and improving the overall functioning of the institution; and propose remedial and preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

According to the order, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak (JKAS), Administrator Associated Hospitals, GMC Srinagar shall be the presenting Officer in the case. (KNO)

Killing of youth in Jammu; District magistrate orders probe; 2 cops suspended

0

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the killing of a Gujjar youth in Jammu on Thursday.

According to an official handout, the district magistrate Jammu has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident that occurred on July 24, 2025, at Surya Chak, Phallian Mandal, Jammu.

As per KNO, “taking serious note of the incident, as reported by Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, the District Magistrate has initiated a magisterial inquiry to ensure a fair and impartial examination of the facts and circumstances leading to the incident,” reads the statement.

The inquiry will be conducted by the sub-divisional magistrate, Jammu South.

The inquiry officer has been directed to complete the investigation within two weeks from the date of the order and submit a detailed report to the district magistrate for further necessary action.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police have suspended two police officials of the district special Branch. Besides, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a DySP ranked officer has also been constituted to probe into the allegations of the family members of the deceased youth.

The deceased, identified as Parvez Ahmad was killed on Thursday evening. The police claimed Parvez was a suspected drug peddler and was killed in crossfire during a chase, with another individual escaping.

However, the family of the deceased disputed the police version, saying that he was killed in a staged encounter.

Leaders from political parties have called for an impartial and time–bound probe in the incident.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the use of force by police cannot be indiscriminate. “The killing of Mohd Parvez of Niki Tawi in Jammu is highly unfortunate & deeply regrettable. Use of force by the police has to be calibrated & cannot be indiscriminate. J&K has paid a heavy price in the past because of incidents such as these. This incident should be investigated in a transparent & time bound manner. I send my condolences to the family of Mohd Parvez. May Allah grant him Jannat,” Omar posted.

Leaders from Peoples Democratic Party, BJP, Peoples Conference and Apni Party have also demanded a transparent investigation into the killing. (KNO)

CBK files case against Anantnag man for defrauding several persons

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) has registered a case against an individual from Anantnag for allegedly defrauding numerous innocent people under the false promise of providing High Density Apple Plants.

“The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) registers FIR against an individual namely Shahid Rehman Bhat S/o Ab. Rehman Bhat R/o Tulbagh Shangus, District Anantnag accused of defrauding numerous innocent people under the false promise of providing High Density Apple Plants,” a statement issued here reads.

The case pertains to several complaints received by Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir), alleging therein that one Shahid Rehman Bhat S/o Ab. Rehman Bhat R/o Shangus, Nowgam, District Anantnag (Proprietor of M/s AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd) has cheated them on the pretext of providing High Density Apple Plants.

“The complainants further alleged that the accused after receiving huge amount of money neither provided them High Density Apple Plants nor returned the money, and after receiving the money he has gone into hiding. The perusal of the bank transaction statements submitted by the complainants reveal that the alleged accused has grabbed an amount in crores from the innocent complainants/ farmers,” the statement added.

The criminal act on the part of the accused Shahid Rehman Bhat S/o Ab. Rehman Bhat R/o Tulbagh Shangus, District Anantnag (Proprietor of M/s AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd) prima facie discloses commission of offence punishable U/S 318 (4) BNS 2023, it reads, adding that cognizance is taken and case is accordingly registered at P/S Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir). (KNO)

Amarnath Yatra: Over 8,000 perform Darshan today, tally crosses 3.60 lakh

Srinagar: Amid tight security and spiritual fervour, 8,181 pilgrims performed darshan at the revered Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday, taking the cumulative tally to 3,60,320 since the commencement of the yatra on July 3.

An official informed KNO that among the devotees who visited the holy cave on the 23rd day of the annual pilgrimage were 6,326 men, 1,264 women, 84 children, 56 sadhus, 3 sadhvis, and 448 security personnel.

The sacred ice Shivlingam inside the cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 metres, continues to attract devotees from across India and abroad. However, in recent days, there has been a noticeable dip in the number of daily pilgrims undertaking the trek.

From the Jammu base camp, the 23rd batch of 2,896 pilgrims—comprising 2,505 men and 314 women—left early Friday morning under multi-layered security arrangements. The convoy included 117 vehicles escorted by CRPF and police personnel.

According to officials, the first group of 790 pilgrims in 42 vehicles proceeded via the Baltal route in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The second group, consisting of 2,106 yatris in 75 vehicles, opted for the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.

Despite smooth arrangements and favourable weather, both the footfall at the cave shrine and the number of pilgrims departing from Jammu have gradually declined.

Officials attribute the drop to several factors, including exhaustion after the peak rush in earlier weeks and the early completion of darshan by many registered pilgrims. Nonetheless, authorities are maintaining full arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of the remaining yatris.

The pilgrimage, which began on July 3, will conclude on August 9. (KNO)

Doctors responsible for denying medical care to patients will face law: Sakina Itoo

Srinagar: Taking a strong note of the ongoing doctors’ strike at SMHS Hospital, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, on Friday said that doctors responsible for denying patients access to medical care will face the harshest punishment under the law.

In an exclusive chat with KNO Itoo while referring to the incident that led to the hospital closure said, “The truth is that yes, what happened there—the incident—was wrong, and everyone has condemned it. But to close the hospital, the emergency, the OPD, the OT, and to deny treatment to patients as a reaction—if, God forbid, someone had died in that situation, who would have been responsible for that tragedy? Who would have been accountable?”

The Minister announced that new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be implemented immediately. “First of all, doctors will have to be on duty. At night, there are a lot of complaints that senior doctors are not present; only junior doctors are present. This will not be tolerated. I have made this absolutely clear to them,” she said.

She expressed deep concern for the patients affected by the closure. “You saw how many patients came—how many were wandering outside helplessly. Most of those who could manage went to JVC, but those who were seriously ill were left suffering. What has been done is absolutely unjustified. The doctors are being blamed for their actions at this time; their profession does not allow this.”

“If something wrong has happened anywhere, there is a proper legal process for that. There are rules; you [doctors] could have initiated proceedings under those rules or informed the department, which would have taken further action. But shutting down emergency, OT, and OPD, and making patients suffer, cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”

She questioned the root causes of such violent incidents in the hospitals. “Why do such situations arise? Why does such violence take place in hospitals? Who is responsible for creating these circumstances where attendants, patients, and doctors become ready for violence? These things are absolutely wrong and will not be tolerated,” she added.

She stressed that accountability is universal. “Doctors are our brothers. But that doesn’t mean doctors can do anything and nobody will question them. Accountability applies to everyone—whether it is a sweeper, a doctor, or a minister. If there is any compromise in patient care, it cannot be tolerated. Serious patients had to go back because the gates were closed. That is absolutely unjustified and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Itoo also announced a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. “All these things will be looked into; a full inquiry will take place, and the inquiry report will be submitted within 15 days. The report will look at everything: what actually happened and why violence occurred. The inquiry will start there and then go as far as to investigate why the hospital gates were closed, why patients were not attended to, and why the emergency and surgeries were closed. These things have to be examined because they are beyond tolerance.”

“People believe that, after God, if anyone can save a patient, it is a doctor. This is a very noble profession—close to my heart. But if someone makes a mistake in this profession… People trust that if they bring their patient, after God, the doctor can save them. A doctor has to treat and treat properly.”

She called for a change in behavior and attitude among healthcare professionals. “Doctors should behave in such a way that gives confidence to the patient and attendant. The most important thing is to correct behavior; it cannot go on like this,” she added.

The Health Minister also announced a new policy for identification. “Today, I have issued a written directive to the department that from now on, every doctor must wear an apron and a nameplate. Their name must be written on the apron so that whichever patient comes, they know which kind of doctor it is. This is very important. There are other SOPs as well that must be implemented.”

“Accountability is mandatory, no matter who it is. Things cannot continue in this manner,” she said, adding that whoever is found responsible in the ongoing inquiry will face appropriate action. “You have to start somewhere. In the past 10 years, every system has been ruined—there’s no accountability, nobody is answerable, everyone is doing as they please. But the people have created this government; this is the people’s government, we are their servants. Such things cannot be tolerated when it comes to patient care.”

“Doctors must understand this, and I request the public also to understand. If there are problems, if any doctor behaves wrongly, let us know—file a complaint. You cannot take the law into your own hands, whether you are a doctor, a senior officer, or any ordinary person. The law is there, and it must be followed. That is necessary,” she said. (KNO)

‘Operation Sindoor’ still underway, armed forces maintaining tight vigil: CDS Chauhan

New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ is still underway and the armed forces are maintaining a tight vigil and high level of preparedness.

Speaking at a defence seminar here, General Chauhan, according to KNO said, “The military response against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an ongoing process. Forces are maintaining a high level of preparedness at all times to counter any potential action from across the border.”

Terming ‘Operation Sindoor’ as an example of India’s military strength, he said, “There are no runners-up in war.”

“Since Operation Sindoor was carried out, our security forces have remained on high alert. A high-level alert remains in place across forward posts, with drones and radars deployed for round-the-clock surveillance,” the CDS said.

Pertinently, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 6, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead.

The armed forces destroyed over nine terror camps operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfits in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

According to the officials, over 100 terrorists were killed in the strikes. In response, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks on Indian military installations between May 8 and 10. India conducted counter-strikes during the same period, targeting Pakistani military bases. The skirmishes ended on May 10, after Pakistan DGMO approached his Indian counterpart and requested for a ceasefire.

Referring to the current phase of warfare, General Chauhan said, “The armed forces have to operate across multiple dimensions. The pace of technological change is affecting every aspect of military strategy and planning.”

He said that the nature of conflict has shifted, blending older methods of combat with newer, technology-driven tools.

He said this evolving form of warfare integrates kinetic and non-kinetic means and combines tactical, operational, and strategic aspects. He referred to this shift as a form of “convergence warfare.”

General Chauhan said members of the military must develop a clear understanding of both traditional combat methods and modern technological tools.

He said the ability to respond quickly and across domains will shape the outcome of future conflicts. (KNO)

SMHS doctors’ strike unjustified, unacceptable: Sakina Itoo

Srinagar: Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday condemned the strike by doctors at SMHS hospital, stating that such actions by which poor patients are made to suffer and move from pillar to post for no fault is “unacceptable” and “not tolerable” at all.

Speaking to media persons at SMHS hospital, Sakina Itoo, per KNO described the incident as deeply unfortunate, emphasising that such situations should never arise, particularly within hospitals.

She said if any wrongdoing occurs, there are established rules and laws for investigation and action, and these must be strictly followed. “The closure of hospital services and denial of care to patients as a form of protest is both unjustified and unacceptable.”

“Patients who had appointments had to suffer and could not receive treatment because of the closure. In my opinion, this should not happen. There will certainly be an investigation and action will be taken, because what fault do the patients have?” she questioned.

She also said all such matters be resolved strictly within legal and procedural frameworks, involving departmental or police intervention if necessary.

The minister criticised the closure of the operation theatre, emergency services, and patient care wards, terming this as intolerable and contrary to the principles of public health.

She also acknowledged the pressure and challenges faced by doctors, however, stressed for the expectation that medical staff maintain professional conduct and proper behavior at all times, especially towards patients and attendants who are already under distress.

She expressed regret that there are currently insufficient statutory measures to hold doctors accountable for medical negligence, and called for the development of proper legal frameworks to ensure prompt investigation and action in such cases.

She also referenced an incident involving media personnel, emphasising that all complaints, whether from doctors, patients, or journalists, should be subjected to thorough investigation.

To improve transparency and accountability, she said the department will soon issue an order mandating all doctors wear a nameplate clearly indicating their name and specialty—whether they are surgeons, physicians, orthopedists, or otherwise.

She stressed that wearing an apron and identification is essential for both patient reassurance and operational clarity within hospitals.

She also said government will establish a formal grievance cell at the secretariat level, where both patients and medical professionals can register complaints. (KNO)

World to Witness longest Solar eclipse lasting over 6 minutes

0

Srinagar: On August 2, the world will witness a breathtaking event a total solar eclipse lasting over 6 minutes, the longest of its kind in more than 100 years. During this rare phenomenon, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, turning day into night for several minutes.

The eclipse will be visible across parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe, with the maximum totality occurring over southern Egypt, where the darkness will last for about 6 minutes and 23 seconds. The Sun’s corona will glow around the black disk of the Moon, creating a truly spectacular sight.

This eclipse offers not only a stunning visual experience but also a valuable chance for solar research, as scientists study the Sun’s outer atmosphere during totality.

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic show happening on August 2, 2027.