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Our Budgam candidate expects support from Aga Ruhullah: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the party candidate for Budgam by-poll, Aga Mehmood is expecting support from Member of Parliament, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.

Speaking with reporters after Aga Mehmood filed nomination for Budgam bypoll, the Chief Minister, as per KNO, said that there is nothing more to say on Ruhullah’s support.

“Aga Mehmood has already stated that Aga Ruhullah is like his son. He expects his support for the upcoming assembly by-election. What else can I say on it,” he said.

He also that Congress was offered Nagrota seat despite NC emerging victorious from there in 2014 elections and fielding it’s candidate in last assembly election. “Since Congress denied to field its candidate, the party has fielded Shameema Begum, who filed her nomination papers today,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the party president, after threadbare discussion with leaders, nominated Aga Mehmood for Budgam seat, which party believes is the right choice. “There was no delay in nominating the candidate as almost all the candidates filed their nomination papers today itself. Like other parties, we also took a decision strategically,” he added. (KNO)

Many surprises for Rajya Sabha polls, will win all 4 seats: NC’s Tanvir Sadiq

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: National Conference (NC) Chief Spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq Monday said that there are many surprises for October 24 Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu & Kashmir and that the party will secure all the four seats.

Speaking with reporters in Srinagar, Sadiq, as per KNO said that he believes if somebody votes for them he is a friend and not an opponent. “Many surprises will be there on October 24. NC will bag all the four seats,” he said.

He said that the NC will get support in Rajya Sabha elections from the people who are not part of the alliance. “There is also an opportunity for us to win the Nagrota seat this time. Shamim Begum, the party candidate, got a good number of votes last time. Congress will also support us and there are some reports coming that some locals disgruntled with the BJP will also support us. We have also nominated Aga Mehmood for Budgam seat after threadbare discussions. We expect to secure both seats” he said.

He added that they have many issues to put forth before the people and expect voters to support them like they did in the last 2024 assembly elections.

“There is no rift with the Congress and the party preferred the NC candidate for Nagrota as in the last election, the party stood second. We will put our efforts to win all the elections that are being held in the next one month,” he said.

On AIMIM Chief Assadudin Owaisi’s PSA remark, he asked where was he in 2019 when people of J&K were being suppressed. “He was then sitting with the BJP and didn’t say anything. Now, when the time has come to serve the people, he raised his fingers. I want to make an appeal to him to focus on Hyderbad. We have got a mandate from the people and we will do our job,” he added. (KNO)

NC deceived J&K people, voters looking for alternatives now: LoP Sharma in Budgam

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Monday criticised the National Conference (NC), accusing the party of betraying the people of the region and promoting family politics.

Speaking with reporters in Budgam, Sharma, as per KNO said that the NC has lost public trust and that voters are now looking for alternatives.

“NC has deceived people in Jammu and Kashmir for decades. Recently, it took a u-turn on smart meters. People are now seeking alternatives,” Sharma said, adding that the Abdullah family has maintained control over politics in the region.

“People have started a fight against Abdullah family and will reject them. A big fight has begun in Kashmir against family dominance,” Sharma said.

He alleged that the public is no longer willing to tolerate dynastic politics. “The National Conference will soon collapse like a pack of cards and its MLAs will be seen scattered,” he said.

He also criticised what he called “double standards” on governance issues, referring to the issue of smart meters and other policies. “Those who eat with silver spoons can never understand the pain of poor people,” Sharma said.

Sharma also said that the BJP would implement policies at the ground level in Budgam and across the region. “PM Modi’s policies are pro-poor. The BJP will take these welfare measures to the people in Budgam and throughout Kashmir,” he said.

The Budgam by-election was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retained his Ganderbal seat following the 2024 assembly elections. BJP has fielded Aga Mohsin for the bypoll to Budgam seat. (KNO)

NC finalises Shamim Begum for Nagrota after Congress refusal

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: After Congress declined the offer to contest the Nagrota seat, the National Conference on Monday decided to field District Development Council member Shamim Begum as its candidate for the constituency.

Speaking to KNO, NC’s Provincial President for Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, said that the party has decided to nominate DDC member Shamim Begum as its candidate for the seat after Congress deciding against contesting the seat.

“The party high command has cleared her name and she will be filing nomination papers,” he said.

A Muslim Gujjar woman, Shamim Begum won 2020 district development council elections from Nagrota.

Amid widening fissures between the ruling alliance partners in Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress has turned down the National Conference’s offer to contest the Nagrota seat, stating that it has decided to leave the seat to its ally, the National Conference, in order to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In a late-night development, the Congress decided against contesting the seat, “keeping in view the larger interests and the goal of defeating the BJP”.

“After detailed deliberations over the report of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, and taking into account various factors – including the fact that in the last Assembly elections in 2024, which were contested by Congress and NC on a friendly basis, the National Conference had secured second position in the final election results of the said constituency – the central leadership of the INC has decided to leave the seat to its ally, the National Conference, in furtherance of the broader principles and goals of the coalition to defeat the BJP,” the Congress said.

The ties between the National Conference and Congress have taken a hit after the former refused to offer the latter a safe seat in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, scheduled for October 24. The NC had offered Congress the fourth, relatively riskier seat, which the latter declined to contest.

The Congress leadership in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in New Delhi, is miffed over the National Conference’s ‘reneging’ on its commitment to offer a ‘safe’ seat to the party in the Rajya Sabha polls. (KNO)

Baramulla driver dies after vehicle overturns in Anantnag

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A truck driver was killed after his vehicle met with an accident in Laripora area of Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday morning.

Officials told GNS that a tipper bearing registration number JK01AJ-7136 lost his control and turned turtle at Laripora.

In this incident, the driver of the vehicle was killed. He has been identified as Mehraj Ud Din Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Baramulla.

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

Fire damages three-storey Darsgah building in Pulwama

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A massive fire broke out early Monday morning at a religious seminary (Darsgah) in Bongam Rahmoo area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, damaging a three-storey building before being brought under control by Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES).

According to official sources, the fire engulfed a three-storey concrete building belonging to the local Darsgah.

Firefighters launched a coordinated operation to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent structures. After continuous efforts, the blaze was brought under control.

An officer from the Drabgam Fire Station confirmed that the situation was contained in time and no casualties or injuries were reported. The extent of property damage, however, is yet to be fully assessed.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, though police have initiated an inquiry to ascertain how it started.

Authorities have urged institutions and the public to ensure basic fire safety measures, especially as colder months approach when the use of heating devices typically rises. (KNT)

Congress turns down NC’s Nagrota seat offer

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Amid widening fissures between the ruling alliance partners in Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress has turned down the National Conference’s offer to contest the Nagrota seat, stating that it has decided to leave the seat to its ally, the National Conference, in order to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In a late-night statement issued to KNO, the party said it has decided against contesting the seat, keeping in view the larger interests and the goal of defeating the BJP.

“After detailed deliberations over the report of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, and taking into account various factors – including the fact that in the last Assembly elections in 2024, which were contested by Congress and NC on a friendly basis, the National Conference had secured second position in the final election results of the said constituency – the central leadership of the INC has decided to leave the seat to its ally, the National Conference, in furtherance of the broader principles and goals of the coalition to defeat the BJP,” said JKPCC Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma.

The ties between the National Conference and Congress have taken a hit after the former refused to offer the latter a safe seat in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, scheduled for October 24. The NC had offered Congress the fourth, relatively riskier seat, which the latter declined to contest.

The Congress leadership in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in New Delhi, is miffed over the National Conference’s ‘reneging’ on its commitment to offer a ‘safe’ seat to the party in the Rajya Sabha polls. (KNO)

By-polls: Aga Mehmood is NC’s candidate for Budgam

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Sunday officially announced Aga Syed Mehmood as its candidate for the upcoming Budgam Assembly by-elections.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the party said, “On the directions of the party leadership, JKNC has announced Agha Syed Mehmood as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Budgam Assembly election. The party extends best wishes to him for a successful campaign in service of the people of Budgam.”

The Budgam segment has been a traditional stronghold of the National Conference with the party enjoying support of both Sunni and Shia communities.

The announcement came a day before the deadline for filing nomination papers.

Meanwhile, Aga Muntazir Mehdi announced on his facebook handle that he will file nomination papers as a PDP candidate on Monday.

Muntazir, who lost 2024 assembly elections by 18000 votes, is the son of Aga Syed Hassan, who is president of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan

The Budgam by-election is scheduled to be held on November 11, with counting on November 14. The seat fell vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to retain his Ganderbal constituency following his dual win in the 2024 Assembly elections. (KNO)

Linking Pahalgam attack with statehood injustice to J&K people: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that linking Pahalgam attack with statehood restoration is an injustice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the government will scrap Public Safety Act (PSA) once statehood is restored.

Omar also said the candidate for Budgam by-poll would be announced within the next 48 hours. He further announced that the cabinet would be expanded after the by-elections.

Fulfilling promises

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar over the completion of one year in office, the CM, as per KNO, said that all promises made with the people will be fulfilled in the five-year tenure.

“There are some hurdles in our way, but all our promises to the people mentioned in the manifesto will be fulfilled in five years,” he said while replying to a query on 12 gas cylinders and an increase in ration quota as promised ahead of the 2024 Assembly polls.

Installation of smart meters

The Chief Minister talked about the issue of smart meter installation, saying the National Conference never promised to do away with the smart meters in its manifesto. “We had promised 200 free units to the people, which can only be possible when the smart meters are installed. If these meters are not installed, then promises can’t be fulfilled as there would be no process to gauge the load of consumers,” he said.

He said that the government has been trying to ensure the people have better supplies and a reduction in the power bills. This, he said, has been possible only after the smart meter installation. “The (power) department tried to ensure better supply during winter, and during recent floods, the electricity supply was restored. I want to ensure better supply to people, infrastructure to fulfil our promises,” he added.

Omar said that, as far as poor consumers are concerned, proper assessment of the load has resulted in a reduction in their electricity bills. “We want to ensure free units to the poor, reduction in bills and better supply to the consumers,” he said.

Statehood promise

On statehood, the Chief Minister said that the Centre never promised its restoration only after the BJP comes into power. “We will have to hope for it. But, it is a fact that statehood has been linked with the Pahalgam (terror attack), which is an injustice to the people. The elected government was not responsible for it, and the people also didn’t support the attack. Even those involved in the attack and later killed by the security forces were not from J&K.”

He added, “We have been promised in the Parliament and the Supreme Court that first delimitation, then election and later statehood will be restored. Two promises have been kept so far, while the third is still pending. We hope it will be fulfilled and the (J&K) government will be empowered.”

Abdullah said that linking the statehood restoration with an alliance with the BJP is out of the question. We have been suffering the after-effects of the unnecessary alliance between the BJP and the PDP. Therefore, we won’t repeat the mistake that others have made in the past,” he said.

Cabinet expansion

The CM said the constraints of being a Union Territory and an “artificially” low number of ministers that were allowed to be inducted have their bearing in terms of areas and communities that can find representation within the government. “But, this belief that unless you are a minister you can’t work for an area is incorrect. I am not the Chief Minister of Ganderbal, Sakeena is not the minister for Noorbabad, but of the entire J&K,” he said.

He said there is still the possibility of having a few more ministers. “It is something I am actively considering. Once by-elections are held, we will see what happens,” he said.

Promise of scrapping PSA

The Chief Minister said the party has promised to remove the Public Safety Act (PSA). “But for that, we will need statehood, and the elected government should have law and order in its hands. If that happens, I won’t wait for the assembly but pass an ordinance to remove the PSA,” he said.

J&K by-elections

Omar said only a few candidates have been announced for the by-elections (in Budgam and Nagrota), and there are still a few days left. “The discussion is going on, and in the next 24 or 48 hours, our candidate will be announced, who will file the nomination papers,” he said.

For Nagrota, he said the Congress has been formally approached, and the NC is ready to keep the seat for them. “Earlier, the seat was fought by NC, and in 2024, the party emerged victorious. Since we have an alliance with Congress, we want them to have a strong base in Jammu. We won’t have any issues if they want to come up with a candidate. We will extend our support,” he added.

The CM also reacted to a query about the consultation with the party’s Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Ruhullah on the Budgam seat, saying that the leaders, who have been authorised to give a mandate, know whether he has been taken on the board or not.

Absence of Advocate General

About the absence of Advocate General, Abdullah said, “The government, soon after assuming the office, had appointed an Advocate General; in fact, the existing Advocate General was asked to continue, but he was stopped from attending work. I don’t know for what reason he was asked to stop. I believe the authority to appoint an Advocate General is with the elected government.”

He said the absence of the Advocate General is not good for J&K. “He (AG) is the legal face of the government. We are probably the only state or UT in the country that doesn’t have an Advocate General to attend the court,” he said. “Some disagree, but we continue to press this case. We are also pressing for the clarity of the Business Rules that were cleared by the cabinet in March this year. Hopefully, when those go ahead, we will be able to address this.”

Centre’s statehood consultation

The Chief Minister rejected the reports that the central government is consulting with the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration regarding the restoration of statehood. ” I first heard about it when the Supreme Court was informed about this,” he said.

Becoming a party in statehood case

Abdullah said he has had conversations with very senior lawyers both in J&K as well as in Delhi about the possibility of becoming a party in this case as the Chief Minister of J&K. “I don’t think anyone understands the disadvantages that we are put to by being a UT than I do, because I am the only person in the entire country with experience of being a Chief Minister of both the State and a Union Territory. This issue is being actively discussed with a legal team, and based on their opinion, there is a possibility that I will make myself the party of the case,” he said.

Fight for statehood and special status

Omar said the government in the first Assembly Session passed the resolution of special status and the statehood restoration, which was sent to the central government and has not been dismissed or thrown into the bin so far. “At one point in time, if not with this government then maybe with the next government, it will become a base for the discussion on the issue,” he said.

Also, in the first cabinet meeting, the resolution was passed for statehood restoration, which was handed over to the Prime Minister by him personally, he added.

The CM said the accusations are being made by the people who sought votes from the people to keep the BJP away, but later joined hands with them.

Promotion of tourism

The Chief Minister said that the J&K government has been trying its best to promote tourism here. “We know that lakhs of people are earning from it. We want tourism to reach the heights as it was before Pahalgam. We sent our teams to outside countries as well, and also within the country. We want the tourists to return. Our efforts are still on and we can’t say that the centre has not supported us,” he said.

Abdullah added, “In J&K, we are speaking in two voices. On one hand, we have been putting efforts to promote tourism, while on the other hand, the unelected government has kept many destinations closed for tourism. It has not been done in the last 35 years. In the peak of militancy, these destinations were not closed. At this juncture, we need to open them so that there is no confusion, and we will make further efforts to promote tourism.”

About bills in Assembly session

CM Omar said that any bill is the property of the Speaker before being introduced in the House. “There is a procedure to introduce the bill. If there are enough bills, then the draw of lots takes place. If any bill is introduced meant for the public’s well-being, our government will not create any hurdles. But nobody knows whose bill is introduced in the Assembly Session,” he said. (KNO)

LG Sinha thanks PM Modi for providing him with opportunity to bring back holy relics

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing him with a sacred opportunity to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha from Kalmykia, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the exposition will strengthen the people to people ties between India & Russia.

Interacting with media persons after paying his reverent homage to the relics, enshrined at the iconic Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “Exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia is a landmark event that represents a historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people, the only Buddhist nation in Europe. It stands as a powerful bridge of spiritual friendship between India and Russia, showcasing India’s efforts in cultural ties and the unifying power of the Buddha’s teachings.”

The J&K Lieutenant Governor presented “Khatak” to the holy relics and lighted a lamp in the temple. He also offered prayers and presented “Khatak” in front of Bakula Rinpoche.

LG Shina presented a Kashmiri shawl to Shajin Lama and received blessings.

Pertinently, the Lieutenant Governor on Friday arrived in Russia to bring back the holy relics of Lord Buddha to India following their exposition in Elista, the Capital city of the Republic of Kalmykia.

The Lieutenant Governor, who is leading the Indian delegation, was received by the First Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kalmykia, Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich, Deputy Chairman Dzhambinov Ochir Vladimirovichand India’s Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri. The delegation will accompany the Holy Relics back to India on October 19th 2025.

Earlier in the day, LG Sinha announced his departure for Kalmykia, saying he would lead the delegation entrusted with bringing back the holy relics of Lord Buddha. In a post on X, the LG’s office said, “Leaving for Kalmykia, Russia, where I will lead the delegation to bring back holly relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exposition. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this sacred opportunity. ‘Om Mamo Buddhaya’.

Meanwhile, a communique issued by the PIB said, “Powerful display of spiritual devotion and shared cultural heritage, the exposition of sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India has drawn an unprecedented response in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia. As of today, over 90,000 devotees have paid their reverent homage to the relics, enshrined at the iconic Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.”

“The sacred relics, recognize as a National Treasure of India, were brought to the capital city of Elista by a high-level delegation, led by Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and including senior Indian monks. The delegation is conducting special religious services and blessings for the predominantly Buddhist population of Kalmykia, the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the predominant religion,” it said, adding, “This historic exposition, the first of its kind in the Russian Republic, is a testament to the deep civilizational bonds between India and Russia. It revives the enduring legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the revered Buddhist monk and diplomat from Ladakh, who was instrumental in reviving Buddhism in Mongolia and reigniting interest in the Buddha Dharma in Russian regions like Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva.”

“The event has been organised by the BTI section of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The exposition will continue in the capital city of Elista until October 18, 2025,” the statement added. (KNO)

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