Sunday, April 5, 2026
Home Blog Page 27

‘Operation Sindoor’ was a trailer, every inch of Pak territory within BrahMos range: Rajnath Singh

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Terming ‘Operation Sindoor’ just a trailer, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said any provocation from Pakistan would be met with a stronger response, and every inch of the neighbouring country is within the range of BrahMos missiles.

Speaking at a ceremony in Lucknow in Rajnath Singh, according to KNO said, “The BrahMos missile is capable of striking long distances at supersonic speeds.”

He said that India has strengthened its defence capabilities with the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.

“Every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos. Operation Sindoor is proof that victory has become our habit. The operation was just a trailer. We must further enhance our capabilities,” he said.

Rajnath Singh added that the missile’s guided system and traditional warhead make it a key component of India’s defence and that India is now producing advanced defence systems indigenously.

He said small industries producing critical components must be strengthened to ensure that the entire supply chain remains within India. “We must develop all types of indigenous technologies so that our supply chain remains within India,” he said.

The Defence Minister noted that contracts worth approximately Rs 4,000 crore have been signed with two countries in the last month. He said the Lucknow unit’s turnover is expected to reach around Rs 3,000 crore in the next financial year, with GST collection around Rs 500 crore.

Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the Booster Building and observed demonstrations of the booster docking process, Airframe and Avionics checks, Pre-Dispatch Inspection, and Warhead Buildings. DG (BrahMos) Dr Jaytirth R. Joshi handed over the GST bill and cheque of approximately Rs 40 crore to the Chief Minister, representing revenue generated for the state.

The Lucknow facility completes the full assembly, integration, and testing of BrahMos missiles, making Uttar Pradesh a key hub in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and reinforcing the operational readiness of the armed forces. (KNO)

In past 9 months, no local youth joined any terror outfit in J&K: Amit Shah

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Asserting that no local youth has joined any terrorist outfit during the past nine months in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday promised restoration of statehood to the region at “an appropriate time.”

Addressing a media conclave in Patna, Shah, according to KNO said, “After the abrogation of Article 370, terror-infested Jammu and Kashmir has taken a U-turn, local recruitment in terror outfits has fallen to zero as no local youth has been recruited in the past nine months.”

He said that there is a qualitative change in Jammu and Kashmir, where separatism had been festering since the 1990s. “Earlier, Pakistan felt no need to send terrorists from across the border. They used to place arms in the hands of our children. Now the situation has changed. The people of Jammu and Kashmir feel they belong to the entire country and the entire country belongs to them,” Shah said.

The Union Home Minister said, “Today, democracy has been restored in Jammu and Kashmir. Panchayat and municipal polls have taken place, and so have elections for the legislative assembly. Rajya Sabha elections will also take place after some time.”

Asked about a statement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who spoke of a “gulf” remaining in between Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi on account of statehood not being restored even after a year of his swearing in. Shah replied, “He (Abdullah) may be saying this out of political compulsions. But statehood would be restored at an appropriate time. And it will be done following discussions with him.” (KNO)

CM Omar under fire for comparing prepaid electricity meters to mobile recharges

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah faced backlash for comparing prepaid electricity meters to mobile recharges, with critics accusing him of making a U-turn on his pre-election promise.

The installation of smart meters has been one of the most debated issues in Kashmir, with residents opposing them for being more expensive than previous meters.

Over the past few years, hundreds of protests have been held across the region against the rollout. During the election campaign, Abdullah criticised the meters and told voters that he would address the issue after winning office.

Before the assembly elections, he had told voters that smart meters were being installed even though electricity supply was not yet available, and people would be required to pay bills in advance. He promised that the issue would be addressed after the elections.

After assuming office, Omar described prepaid electricity meters as similar to prepaid mobile phones. He said consumers pay first and then use electricity, questioning why people were concerned and pointing out that the meters were installed across the region, not just in Jammu.

The shift in stance has drawn criticism from political leaders and social media users.

People’s Conference (PC) president Sajad Gani Lone said Abdullah’s earlier assurances about electricity units were misleading and accused him of reversing his position.

Sajad Gani Lone said, “Now this is no longer about free 200 units of electricity. This is about CM sahib lying through his teeth. The comparison between the pre- and post-election videos of CM sahib about smart meters unambiguously and digitally nails the lies and deception. Mark my words, this is the ‘coffee and toffee’ moment for CM sahib for all times to come.”

Senior Congress leader Vikar Rasool said the pre-election promises now appeared inconsistent with his current remarks. “Omar Abdullah spoke about installing smart meters before the elections, but where did that honesty go after he became Chief Minister?”

Meanwhile, social media users also criticised the Chief Minister. Many highlighted clips from his campaign statements alongside his recent comments, accusing him of a U-turn. (KNO)

Rajya Sabha polls: Returning officer sends ballot to Kathua jail for AAP MLA Mehraj Malik

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha polls has sent postal ballot papers to the Superintendent of District Jail Kathua, where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik is detained under the Public Safety Act, 1978, to enable him to cast his vote.

Sources told KNO that Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, Manoj Pandita-who is serving as the Returning Officer for the polls-has dispatched the ballot papers via post to Malik so that he can participate in the election.

“Three ballot papers have been sent because every MLA is entitled to cast three votes in the election,” they said, adding that the ballot papers were sent in a sealed cover.

The Jail Superintendent is also required to sign a declaration to verify Malik’s identity.

As per the rules, Malik can cast his vote before the scheduled polling date on October 24.

The Representation of the People Act, 1951 permits detainees to exercise their voting rights but disallows voting rights to undertrials and convicts lodged in jails. Since Mehraj Malik is currently detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), he has been provided the postal ballot facility.

According to sub-section (5) of Section 62 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, individuals confined in prison-whether serving a sentence of imprisonment, undergoing transportation, or held in police custody-are not entitled to vote. However, the proviso to this sub-section clarifies that the restriction does not apply to individuals subjected to preventive detention under any law currently in force.

This legal provision makes it unambiguously clear that persons under preventive detention retain their right to vote in all elections.

After the announcement of the Rajya Sabha polls, the Election Commission had written to the Jammu & Kashmir administration seeking details of detained elector(s) for the Rajya Sabha elections, along with information about the prison(s) where they are lodged. “The J&K administration submitted details of Malik to the Returning Officer for the polls,” they added. (KNO)

Rajya Sabha polls: All eyes on independents, but no one can see their vote

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The National Conference (NC) and Congress made last-ditch efforts to forge unity ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, following Congress’s public announcement that it would not contest the ‘riskier’ fourth seat.

As a result of negotiations, Congress leaders claim they had nearly agreed to field a candidate for the competitive seat; however, the issue of independents played spoilsport in the final moments of the unity talks.

The differences arose from the voting method of independent MLAs, who are not required to show their marked ballots to polling agents-unlike party-affiliated legislators.

As per KNO, with the Rajya Sabha election just a week away, all eyes are on seven independent MLAs-five of whom support the government and two who are aligned with the fragmented bloc of Kashmir-based opposition in the Assembly.

Among the five supporting the government are Satish Sharma, a minister in the Omar Abdullah-led administration; Pyare Lal (MLA, Inderwal); Muzaffar Khan (MLA, Rajouri); Choudhary Akram (MLA, Surankote); and Dr. Rameshwar Singh (MLA, Bani). These MLAs did not contest the 2024 Assembly elections on the ticket of any recognized or registered party and won as independents. They submitted letters of support to Omar Abdullah when he staked his claim to form the government in October last year.

In the House, Sheikh Khursheed (MLA, Langate) and Shabir Ahmed Kulley are the two independents aligned with the opposition bloc. Kulley contested the last Assembly election as an independent after being denied a party ticket.

Interestingly, he also accompanied the NC’s Rajya Sabha candidates to the office of the Returning Officer on October 13, when they submitted their nomination papers.

Khursheed’s Awami Ittehad Party does not exist in the records of the Election Commission of India, and he contested the election as an independent.

With the BJP just one vote short of victory on the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, the entire attention has shifted to independent MLAs in the Assembly given opaque voting rules for them.

According to officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI), open ballot voting applies only in elections to the Rajya Sabha. “Every political party which has members in the Assembly can appoint an authorized agent to verify whom its members have voted for. The authorized agent will be seated inside the polling station in seats provided by the Returning Officer. In the case of MLAs who are members of political parties, after they mark their vote and before inserting the ballot into the box, they are required to show the marked ballot paper to the authorized agent of their party,” the officials said.

However, they added that independent MLAs are required to insert the marked ballot paper into the ballot box without showing it to any agent. “If they display their vote to anyone, including the authorized agent of any political party, it is liable to be cancelled,” they said. (KNO)

Congress asked to field candidate from Nagrota, Budgam to stay with NC: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the National Conference (NC) has asked its ally, Congress, to field a candidate from the Nagrota Assembly seat in the by-election, slated to be held next month. He added that the alienation with New Delhi will end once the statehood is restored.

Speaking to media persons in Anantnag here, the Chief Minister, as per KNO said that a year has passed since the elected government took over. “However, a year has elapsed, but we still have four years left. The work is before the people, and we stick to our promises.”

Omar said the people should not judge them for a period of a week, a month or a year, but they have been given a time of five years, and hopefully they will fulfil their promises.

About the nomination of candidates for the by-election on two Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said there are still a few days left. “NC will contest from the Budgam seat while Congress has been asked to field its candidate from the Nagrota seat. We have assured our complete support to Congress if they want to field their candidate from Nagrota. Congress has sought consent from the high command, and if they get the approval, then they will file the nomination papers from Nagrota and Budgam will be left for NC,” he said.

About the regularisation for the daily wagers after the CPWs, the CM said that a committee has already been formed in the last assembly session, headed by the Chief Secretary. The committee has made progress in this regard. Once the report is filed, we will do whatever is needed,” he added.

Abdullah, however, refused to reply to the allegations made by the Congress leader Vikar Rasool Wani, who accused him of keeping Congress away at the directions of Home Minister Amit Shah. “Why are you wasting my time to reply to the accusation of a leader, who stood third in his constituency during the recent Assembly Polls,” he said.

Omar further said that the alienation between J&K and New Delhi will end once statehood is restored. “We are being deprived of statehood. The Business Rules are nowhere in sight. Advocate General is nowhere, and many organisations should have control of the elected government. In such a situation, there would be alienation,” he said.

“As the alienation was ended in the first year of our tenure, we expect it to be ended in the second year,” the Chief Minister said. (KNO)

PM Modi led Govt’s tough stand on terror in J&K unmatched: Amit Shah

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Asserting that India now responds to terror threats with unprecedented resolve and strength, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the PM Modi-led government’s action against terrorism in J&K is unlike anything seen in decades.

Addressing a public rally in Taraiya, Bihar, Shah, according to KNO said, “During the Congress rule, terrorists played ‘khoon ki holi’ (blood-soaked Holi) across India. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we entered their homes and wiped them out through ‘Operation Sindoor.’

He said that terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were brought to justice under ‘Operation Mahadev,’ and their handlers were also targeted inside Pakistan. “The way Modi ji responded to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, no one did in the past several decades,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s achievements, the Home Minister said the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was a historic decision that permanently integrated the region with the rest of the country. “From removing Article 370 to fighting terrorism, we have acted on every front. When terrorists tried to rise again, we launched Operation Sindoor and taught them a lesson in their own homes,” Shah said.

He said the government ended the practice of triple talaq, giving justice to Muslim women, and after 350 years fulfilled the long-standing promise of building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Shah also accused opposition parties of misleading people with “unrealistic promises” and reviving what he described as the politics of corruption and fear.

He said the regime led by PM Modi remains focussed on development, welfare, and national security.

“The Indian economy is now among the fastest-growing in the world, inflation is under control, and the country’s global standing has strengthened,” he said, adding that the government’s vision is to build a self-reliant and secure nation rooted in cultural values.

Calling for public vigilance, Shah urged citizens to stay alert against those who seek to derail progress. “Only a stable government can ensure continuity of development and the safety of the nation,” he said.

The Home Minister also launched a sharp attack on Lalu Prasad Yadav, the RJD, and the INDI Alliance, recalling the “jungle raj” era in Bihar marked by corruption and lawlessness. Expressing confidence, Shah said the NDA would return to power in Bihar with the largest majority in two decades.

He also paid tribute to late BJP leader Brijmohan Ji, and remembered Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and Bhikhari Thakur, calling them symbols of Bihar’s political and cultural pride. (KNO)

CM Omar announces revival of Darbar Move in J&K

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced the resumption of the traditional bi-annual Darbar Move practice after a gap of more than four years. The practice was halted by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in 2021.

Addressing a press conference here, the CM, as per KNO said the cabinet has given nod for the revival of the century-old practice. “The file was sent to the Lieutenant Governor and has been approved. The government is reviving the practice soon,” he said.

The Cabinet had recommended a return to the full-fledged Darbar Move in September this year.

Following the Chief Minister’s announcement, the J&K Government ordered the transfer of government offices from Srinagar to Jammu for the winter season 2025–26.

According to the order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on October 16, 2025, offices observing a five-day work week will close in Srinagar on October 31, while the six-day offices will close on November 1. All departments will reopen in Jammu on November 3 (Monday).

The order specifies that offices listed in Annexure A will move to Jammu “in full”, while those in Annexure B will move “in camp” with one-third of their staff or at least ten officials.

The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) will provide adequate buses on November 1 and 2 for transporting employees, with advance ticketing from October 27, according to the order. Each convoy will be escorted by J&K Police with cranes, empty buses, and mobile workshops accompanying the movement to prevent inconvenience.

Medical aid facilities will be arranged at Qazigund, Banihal, Ramsu, Ramban, Chenani, Udhampur, and Jhajjar Kotli by the Health and Medical Education Department.

Employees will receive a Special Move TA of Rs 25,000 while those who fail to move within the prescribed dates will forfeit the allowance, the order states. The salary for October will be disbursed on October 31, and advance pay may be sanctioned for non-gazetted staff.

The order further directs that no employee shall occupy government accommodation without proper allotment. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department will ensure ration supply at Jammu residential colonies.

The Winter Secretariat will function at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar during the move. The Estates Department has been tasked with providing accommodation to officers and staff as per past practice.

Office timings in Jammu will be 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm for the Civil Secretariat and 10:00 am to 4:30 pm for other departments observing a six-day work week.

The Darbar Move practice was initiated in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh to move the capital between Jammu in the winter and Srinagar in the summer. (KNO)

1614 J&K Policemen laid down their lives fighting Pak, its proxies in UT: DG Prabhat

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Stating that more than 1,614 Jammu and Kashmir Policemen laid down their lives during the past three decades while fighting Pakistan and its proxies in the Union Territory, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, on Thursday reiterated the commitment of the force to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 10th All India Police Games Judo Cluster at Indoor Stadium here, DGP Prabhat, according to KNO said, “Supreme sacrifices of police martyrs stand as a testimony to the unwavering courage and commitment of the J&K Police.”

He said, “The J&K Police has played a pivotal role in fighting the enemies of peace. Our men continue to work with utmost dedication to ensure the safety and security of the people.”

He said that the Police have not only remained at the forefront of counter-terrorism operations but have also been actively engaged in youth outreach and sports activities across the Union Territory. “We conduct such programmes so that our connection with the locals remains strong and meaningful,” he added.

Referring to ‘Jashn-e-Dal’ and other sporting events organized by J&K Police, DGP Prabhat said that thousands of people, including youth from different districts, participated in these initiatives, which have become platforms for community bonding and talent promotion.

Expressing gratitude to the Union Home Ministry, the DGP said, “I am thankful to the Ministry for sanctioning Rs 100 crore for sporting events and youth engagement programmes. This support will further strengthen our efforts to channel the energy of young people in positive directions.”

DGP Prabhat also praised the achievements of J&K policemen who have won medals in various national and international events, bringing laurels to the force and the Union Territory.

He reiterated the department’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and progressive society, rooted in mutual trust between the Police and the people. (KNO)

Gave our best under challenging circumstances in J&K: CM Omar as NC govt completes one year

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the National Conference (NC) government has performed to the best of its ability under the challenging circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference after the completion of the government’s one year in office, the Chief Minister, as per KNO said that it would make no sense to remain satisfied with the government’s work done in the past year, as ultimately, it is the people who decide after five years through their votes.

“We want the people to be satisfied with our work. I believe we couldn’t have done better under these circumstances, but we will do much better in the future,” he said.

He said that the people can judge this government after the completion of five years. “The mandate has not been given to us for a period of ten months or a year. We have been given five years to serve.

No government can fulfil all the promises in just one year,” he said, adding that the government has fulfilled its promise of passing the resolution in the cabinet and bringing it to the Assembly.

Regarding the regularisation of daily wagers, Omar said the government has already started work in this regard, and only today, the Education Department has regularised 860 CPWs, who were earlier working on meagre remuneration.

“We are sticking to our promises, and all of them will be fulfilled in the five-year period. The report card on all the promises made by the government will be before the people,” he said.

Abdullah said that working in the Union Territory is a different experience. “We were expecting the restoration of statehood in the first year of governance, but we will not stop here; we will continue to fight for it,” he said.

The Chief Minister said he believes all the issues can be resolved once statehood is restored. “I want to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to fulfil the promises made to the people in Parliament and in the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of statehood,” he said.

Omar added that all means and ways are open for them to seek the restoration of statehood, but he believes that these issues cannot be resolved or achieved by issuing threats and other measures. “We are still hopeful that the promises will be fulfilled without bloodshed and through other peaceful means,” he said.

While replying to a query, the CM said it would be unfortunate to deny people their right to statehood due to BJP’s defeat here. “The Centre had not promised the restoration of statehood only when BJP came to power. They had promised delimitation, elections, and then statehood. There were no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts,’” he said.

“If we are being forced to include them in the government, then I want to make it clear that statehood is not going to be restored in the next four years. We will not allow BJP to come into power,” he added.

Regarding the reservation issue, the CM Abdullah said that in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, the Cabinet Sub-Committee submitted its final report, which has been approved by the cabinet. “The Social Welfare Department has been asked to prepare a cabinet memo, which will be sent to the cabinet ministers for necessary actions and subsequently to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. We hope the process will be completed in the next 3–4 days,” he added.

The Chief Minister further said that the alliance between the National Conference and Congress is intact. “There are no differences. I have met the Congress General Secretary in New Delhi and told him that it would be 3 and 1 in the Rajya Sabha elections. The fourth seat for Congress could have helped secure votes from the other legislators,” he said, adding, “The talks with Congress are ongoing regarding the by-elections for the Nagrota and Budgam seats. We are ready to give Congress the Nagrota seat if they have a better candidate.”

Regarding the government’s measures after the floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the CM said that through SDRF and the CM Relief Fund, the government has done everything possible according to the guidelines.

Regarding reconstruction and other issues, Omar said the Centre has sent teams that have assessed the situation. “We are expecting a comprehensive package for J&K to repair the losses, as more than 300 roads were damaged, many bridges collapsed, crops were destroyed, and houses were damaged,” he said as per KNO

He said the government is in the process of ensuring 5 marla plots for people under the existing government scheme, for those who lost their houses along with the land. “The process is ongoing, and we expect the papers will reach the cabinet soon. Those who lost their land will receive 5 marlas of land and further assistance for house reconstruction,” he assured.

Moreover, CM Abdullah said the government has sought assistance from the Centre to conduct a survey to identify crowd-prone areas vulnerable to cloudbursts and assess the situation, keeping in view the topography, climate, and other factors, so that the government can stay prepared for the future.

Regarding support from bureaucrats, the CM said it would not have been possible for the government to perform without their support. However, he added, “Not all officers are the same; some are willing to work, and they do, while others choose not to.”

Asked about Mehbooba Mufti’s statement regarding PDP’s support to the NC candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, the Chief Minister said that Dr Farooq Abdullah had talked to her and sought her party’s support to fight against BJP in the elections. “If the vote is not cast in our favour, then it will benefit BJP, and abstaining from voting is also akin to supporting BJP.

However, as far as her conditions are concerned, it is the Speaker who has to decide on the bills. Nobody other than the Speaker can decide on it. Once it comes to the assembly, we will have no issues creating hurdles,” he said. (KNO)

1...262728...139Page 27 of 139

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© kashmir Leader Magazine . Powered By FmSoft