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Was shaped by people, not any agency: MP Aga Ruhullah

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: As fissures continue within the National Conference (NC) ahead of the Budgam by-elections, Member of Parliament (MP) for Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Wednesday said that his political journey is rooted in the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not in any political organization or institution.

Ruhullah, as per KNO, wrote on Facebook handle, “I was not shaped in any agency, I was shaped by the people of Jammu & Kashmir. They taught me what no political institution could: courage, patience, and conviction. I will always stand with them, for they have been and will always remain my first and foremost priority.”

His statement comes soon after the party’s candidate for Budgam by-election, Aga Syed Mehmood, stated that ‘NC made Ruhullah; Ruhullah didn’t make NC’.

Pertinently, MP Ruhullah made his decision public earlier, announcing to stay away from the campaigning for the by-poll. He had said that he would “vote, not campaign.” (KNO)

NC will win all 4 Rajya Sabha seats: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday exuded hope that the National Conference (NC) would emerge victorious in all four seats in the Rajya Sabha elections, slated to be held on October 24. He also urged the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, to stop issuing baseless statements.

On the sidelines of the joint strategy meeting, the Chief Minister, as per told media persons that ahead of every Assembly session, a Legislature Party Meeting is conducted, and today, NC and other independents held a meeting to devise a strategy.

“This session is different from others as elections for the Rajya Sabha are being held, and a strategy was being prepared to secure victory in all the seats,” he said, terming today’s meeting as significant.

“I am thankful to Tarigami and other independents for attending the meeting. With the enthusiasm that can be seen among the NC MLAs and other independents, I am hopeful that NC will secure all four Rajya Sabha seats,” he said.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister, while replying to a query about Congress’s non-participation in the meeting, said that they did not join as they had their own meeting. “Congress has always maintained that they will not allow the BJP to emerge victorious. Congress has its own system. There is a difference between their party and ours. They have to wait for the party high command’s decision, whereas we take decisions here,” he said.

“The Congress high command cannot be in favour of the BJP,” he said, referring to Congress’s participation in the Rajya Sabha elections. He added that although, at the local level, Congress was ready to contest the bypolls, the high command decided to leave the seat for NC, and therefore, the candidate was announced.

Regarding PDP’s support, the Chief Minister said, “Our leader, Shami Oberoi, met PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti today and requested, on behalf of the party, to support the NC candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections. Earlier, Dr. Farooq Abdullah also spoke with her. Although no decision has been made public by the party yet, they have promised us that a decision will be taken after internal discussions,” he said.

On the LoP’s statement, the Chief Minister said that he must clarify who made the offer to form a government with the BJP. “We have not made any such offer. We don’t hide anything. The LoP must stop issuing these baseless statements,” he added. (KNO)

9-day autumn session of J&K Assembly to begin tomorrow

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The nine-day autumn session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly is expected to be stormy, with opposition parties gearing up to corner the ruling National Conference (NC)-led government over a range of issues.

The session, comprising six sittings, will begin tomorrow with obituary references for six former legislators who passed away after the last budget session held in Jammu.

The proceedings are expected to be stormy, with the opposition expected to target the government over governance failures, unfulfilled promises made in the NC’s election manifesto, demands for statehood, and reservation-related concerns.

Talking to KNO, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will demand accountability from the NC-led government for what he described as a “betrayal of electoral promises.” “The government has failed to deliver on its commitments made during the elections—whether it is the promise of 200 free units of electricity, 12 LPG cylinders per household, or other assurances given to the people,” Sharma said.

He further said that the BJP will question the government on its inability to create employment opportunities for the youth. “In the election, the government promised to create one lakh jobs for the youth, but they have done nothing. We will ask them what they have done for the youth in the past year,” he added.

Meanwhile, smaller Kashmir-based opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC), and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) are expected to agitate over issues like statehood restoration, reservation rationalisation, and other challenges confronting the region.

As previously reported, the Assembly Secretariat has disallowed a resolution submitted by Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone seeking the restoration of statehood, citing that the matter is sub judice.

The focal point of the session will be three government bills slated for introduction. The cabinet has already approved amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, and the Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Business Establishments Bill, 2025.

The Legislative Assembly Secretariat has received 450 questions, 13 private members’ bills, and 55 private members’ resolutions for the session. Additionally, 33 private members’ bills submitted during the last Assembly session remain pending and will be given priority on October 28-the day designated for private members’ business. However, many of these bills are unlikely to be introduced in the House.

Meanwhile, the Business Advisory Committee of the Assembly met today in the Speaker’s office to discuss the allocation of time for legislative business during the session. (KNO)

Tral minor dies 11 days after being hit by vehicle

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A ten-year-old boy from Tral area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district succumbed to his injuries, eleven days after being critically injured in a road accident, officials said.

An official told KNO that the boy was hit by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road on October 10. He was initially taken to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tral for treatment and later referred to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar in critical condition.

The official said that despite the efforts of doctors, the boy succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening. He was identified as Ariz (10), son of Abdul Gaffar Bhat, resident of Hardamir Tral.

Meanwhile, cognizance of the incident has already been taken. (KNO)

Protests in Budgam against Deputy CM’s remarks on MP Ruhullah

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Protests broke out in Ichgam, Budgam, and several other areas of central Kashmir on Tuesday following a viral video of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary.

In the footage, he was purportedly heard saying, “Who Agha? I don’t know him, I know only Agha Mehmood, who is our candidate for the Budgam by-elections.”

The remarks triggered widespread anger among locals and supporters of National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, who took to the streets demanding an apology from the Deputy CM for what they termed as a “disrespectful” statement against a senior political leader.

According to KNO, visuals from protest sites showed large crowds chanting slogans and expressing strong opposition to Choudhary’s comments.

Amid mounting backlash, the Deputy CM issued a clarification, stating that his remarks were “misinterpreted” and taken out of context. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Choudhary explained that there was “a lot of rush, noise, and commotion” at the venue when he made the statement, which led to confusion over whom he was referring to.

“Yesterday’s statement was not about Aga Ruhullah. There was a huge rush and noise at that time. I was speaking about the BJP candidate. Aga Ruhullah Sahib is an honourable MP and senior leader of the National Conference,” Choudhary clarified.

He further said that someone at the venue had asked him a question about “Aga”, to which he responded about the BJP candidate, not the MP. “Someone asked me a question about Aga… oh, the BJP candidate. I replied that I don’t know that Aga, I don’t recognise him. But as far as Aga Ruhullah Sahib is concerned, he’s a respected MP, I know him personally and have even visited his house,” he added.

The Deputy CM also accused sections of the media of distorting his comments to “increase TRPs”. “The media’s job now seems to be to twist statements for headlines. I have nothing to do with that,” he said.

Speaking on the upcoming Budgam by-election, Choudhary expressed confidence in the National Conference’s prospects, saying, “Budgam has always been a National Conference seat. Aga Ruhullah Sahib and Aga Mehmood Sahib will work together to ensure victory for the party. Under Aga Ruhullah Sahib’s leadership, we are confident that the NC candidate will win.”

Despite his clarification, protests continued across several parts of Budgam throughout the day, with demonstrators insisting that the Deputy CM should offer a public apology to quell the growing outrage. (KNO)

‘Power generation in J&K dips by nearly 45%

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: With the onset of winters, the local hydro power generation has taken a dip by nearly 45 percent.

Top officials informed KNO that the hydel power generation from the local plants has reduced by nearly 500 Megawatts (MWs).

The official said, “As of now, on an average, we are generating nearly 500-600 MW of power. From the Baglihar power project, we are on an average generating nearly 300 MWs. This too depends on the functioning of machines.”

“During the peak season, we were generating over 1100 MWs of power from the total generation capacity of 1197.4 MW of Jammu and Kashmir power plants,” the official said.

It also said, “Due to the reduced water levels some of the small power projects in Kashmir were usually not generating any power in the month of October but this year due to the late monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir, they are doing very well in comparison to the previous years.”

The official further informed KNO that there were additional 800 MWs allocated from the centre. “From this year, we have 1300 MW from the central pool. We have started banking with other states.”

Pertinently, till the third week of February, an official had said that Jammu and Kashmir was relying on more than 85 percent of coal and solar power amid acute deficit of hydro power generation.

Officials of PDD department had claimed that local hydro power generation from the local power plants have reduced by nearly 90 percent.

An official had informed that “At present Jammu and Kashmir is 85-90 percent dependent on coal and solar energy that is being procured from the other states because as of now we don’t have a local power generation.”

“In winters the local hydro power generation of Jammu and Kashmir power plants has reduced by almost 90 percent and in order to cater the requisite power demand, we need to have a base power availability that we procure from outside states. The energy is coal based energy,” the official had said. (KNO)

Police Commemoration Day: CM Omar pays tribute to martyrs

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today paid rich tributes to police martyrs on Commemoration Day at Zewan here.

The Chief Minister, according to KNO led a solemn ceremony to pay homage to the police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The ceremony was addressed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Accompanied by Council of Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Ahmad Dar, along with Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, the Chief Minister offered floral tributes at the memorial in honor of the courage and supreme sacrifice of the martyrs.

The commemoration ceremony was also attended by several Members of the Legislative Assembly, who joined in laying wreaths as a mark of respect to the fallen heroes.

Senior government functionaries and police officers were also present, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police J&K Nalin Prabhat, Additional DGP (Armed) Anand Jain, and Principal Secretary, Home Department.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the Chief Minister, who was also Guest of Honour, visited a blood donation camp organized as part of the commemoration.

He interacted with volunteers and appreciated their humanitarian spirit, commending their selfless service towards community welfare. (KNO)

J&K policemen kept tricolour flying even at cost of their own life: LG Sinha

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Lauding the “immense” sacrifices rendered by the J&K Policemen, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that they have kept tricolor flying high even at the cost of their own life.

Addressing Police Commemoration Day here, LG Sinha, according to KNO highlighted the extraordinary commitment of police personnel, saying they have “no holidays, no festivals — their duty is only their kartavya.” “I appreciate all the police personnel for working 24×7 for maintaining peace and remaining at the forefront of operations on multiple fronts,” LG Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor also expressed his deepest gratitude to J&K Police’s brave police personnel and their families for keeping citizens safe and upholding the rule of law. “While fighting terrorism, enforcing laws, investigating crimes or responding to emergencies like the recent natural calamities, the J&K Police’s commitment is to their duty first,” he said.

LG Sinha described J&K Police as an epitome of duty, discipline, loyalty and selfless service. “The glorious legacy of our police personnel lives on and their supreme sacrifices are inspiring future generations to serve and uphold the values of our great country. J&K Police need to always be ready to eliminate terrorist threats,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He lauded the “immense” sacrifices rendered by the police and paid tributes to the 1,614 personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. “Their sacrifices cannot be equated with money,” he said, promising that the administration will ensure families of martyrs do not face difficulties.

He highlighted that J&K Police is implementing numerous programs to ensure that the families of brave martyrs live a life of comfort and dignity.

He said that the entire country has acknowledged J&K Police’s mettle and unflinching resolve in maintaining peace and security in the Union Territory. “During the past five years people of J&K have stood against terrorism. We have to ensure that terrorists and their supporters don’t succeed in their nefarious designs. It’s our collective resolve to secure the region,” LG Sinha added.

The LG said the J&K Police must always remain prepared to eliminate terrorist threats and ensure peace and stability in the Union Territory.

“J&K Police’s courage, commitment, and professionalism are unmatched. Their service to the nation is a matter of pride for every citizen,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the five pillars of the criminal justice system—police, prosecution, judiciary, forensics, and prison to actively support development and ensure justice for all.

He also stressed the need to adopt innovation and smart technology to strengthen policing, and enable an effective response to new crime trends, drug smuggling, and false narratives in Jammu Kashmir.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat read the names of brave-hearts of Police who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The arms were reversed and a two-minute silence was observed in the honour of the Martyrs.

The Lieutenant Governor also visited the Blood Donation Camp organized to mark the occasion. (KNO)

33-year-old man dies in Anantnag road accident

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A 33-year-old man was killed after his vehicle met with an accident near Bidher Larnoo area of Kakernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday.

Officials told GNS that a Alto K10 car bearing registration number JK03M-9119 lost its control near Larnoo and turned turtle.

In this incident, the driver of vehicle was seriously injured and was shifted to PHC Larnoo, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Umer Malik son of Ghulam Ahmad Malik resident of Damhal Anantnag.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident. (GNS)

NC, PDP, BJP candidates file nominations for key election to Budgam

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Candidates of all major political parties, including National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, filed nominations for key election to the Budgam seat on Monday-the last day for filling nominations papers.

According to details available with KNO, National Conference candidate Aga Syed Mehmood was accompanied by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah filed his notomination papers, while Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi was accompanied by MLA Waheed Rehman Parra.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Aga Syed Mohsin also filed his nomination today. He was accompanied by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma.

The Budgam by-election will be held on November 11, while counting of votes will take place on November 14.

The by-election was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the Budgam seat, retaining traditional stronghold Ganderbal following the 2024 Assembly elections. (KNO)

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