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Cabinet gives its nod for introduction of 3 key bills in Assembly

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod for introduction three key bills in the upcoming session of Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

Sources told KNO that the cabinet gave its nod for amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 and the Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017, as well as for the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Business Establishment Bill, 2025.

According to sources, the amendment to the Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 proposes to raise the upper age limit for the State Election Commissioner (SEC) from 65 years to 70 years.

With the proposed amendment, the upper age limit would be enhanced to 70 years.

The government also gave its go ahead for the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Business Establishment Act-2025.

The proposed legislation mooted by the Labour & Employment Department aims at regulating working conditions, employment practices, and operational standards for shops and other business establishments in the Union Territory.

It also gave go-ahead for introduction of amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act 2017.

The cabinet has also given nod for the removal of the qualification requirement under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme. As per existing guidelines, a girl availing benefits of the scheme must be middle pass.

The cabinet has also given nod to in Schedule II of Jammu and Kashmir Engineering (Gazetted) Services Recruitment Rules 1978 which would pave the way for filling the posts of Chief Engineers and other higher-ups in different engineering departments.

It has been learnt that cabinet has given nod to e-auctioning of limestone mineral blocks in J&K. Besides, it has also given go-ahead to administrative approval for a sewerage scheme at tourist resort of Gulmarg at a cost of Rs 45.80 crore. (KNO)

RS polls: Detained MLA Mehraj Malik likely to get postal ballot facility in jail

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The detained Member of Legislative Assembly, Mehraj Malik, is likely to be granted postal ballot facility for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 24, sources disclosed.

Sources told KNO that the law governing voting rights in India permits individuals under preventive detention to cast their votes in all electoral exercises.

“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 is likely to be allowed to cast his vote through postal ballot from within the jail premises,” they said.

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.

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

As per rules governing voting rights of detainees, the Returning Officer shall send the postal ballot to the jail where the detainees are lodged.

Malik has also filed a fresh petition in the Jammu & Kashmir High Court seeking permission to attend the upcoming Assembly session and cast his vote in the Rajya Sabha elections. (KNO)

Terrorists, their local support system peddled false narratives for 3 decades to whitewash Pakistan’s sins: LG Sinha

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Assuring full support and assistance to terror victim families, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that elements who peddled false narratives for decades at Pakistan’s behest will not be spared.

LG Sinha, according to KNO visited Dardpora in North Kashmir and met the families of civilian martyrs killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

While addressing the terror victim families, the Lieutenant Governor said, “The culprit Pakistani terrorists and their support system in the valley ran a false narrative for three decades to absolve terror country Pakistan for its sins.”

“Pakistan, the breeding ground of terrorism, is exposed now and those involved in peddling a fake narrative on behalf of terrorists will be brought to justice,” he said.

He assured the terror victim families of proper rehabilitation and strictest punishment to the culprits. “Justice, respect and dignity to family members of civilian martyrs killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists is top priority of the government,” he said, adding, “The criminal justice system will ensure perpetrators and elements of the terror ecosystem are punished, providing a sense of justice and closure for victim’s family and the society.”

“I have assured the family members that their decades-long trauma, torment and suffering is over. We will ensure all the support so that they can reclaim their lives,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also observed that families of civilian martyrs have gone through deep trauma, suffered various challenges including unemployment and education and felt loss of hope in the past three decades.

“Families of civilians who were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists also suffered systemic barriers which stifled their progress. They were denied their rights and access to resources. All obstacles are now removed and we are ensuring justice and dignity for terror victim families,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the civilians who were mercilessly killed by Pakistan sponsored terrorists in Jammu Kashmir. The families of terror victims also narrated their ordeal. “It is difficult to articulate the pain and suffering of terror victim families due to their profound emotional and psychological trauma and the administration will handle each case with full sensitivity and responsibility.

He said, “So far around 250 terror victim families have been provided with government jobs. This mission will continue till justice is done to every affected family. This is the beginning of a new era of justice in Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Recalling his earlier interactions with victims’ families in 2024, the LG said many had lost their breadwinners to terrorism, leaving them in deep distress. “Some families received government jobs, but many others continued to struggle. After reviewing their situation with officials, we collectively decided that every district must take responsibility for rehabilitating such families”, he added.

The Lieutenant Governor also promised action on pending cases. “If FIRs have not been registered in any circumstances, the FIRs will be registered,” he said.

He also spoke on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) and Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, under which the houses of terror victims having their own land will be constructed. Under the initiative, the HRDS India and Divisional Commissioners of both the divisions will identify terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by the terrorists.

Reiterating the administration’s stand, LG Sinha said the government stands with every innocent victim of terrorism. “Together we will build a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.

On tourism concerns, the Lieutenant Governor said several tourist spots in Kupwara district have already been opened after security reviews and those left will be reopened after consulting the district administration.

After visiting Dardpora, Office of J&K, LG, posted on X: “Today interacted with terror victim families at Dardpora, Kupwara. Also, addressed the NoKs of terror victims at GDC, Kupwara. I have assured family members that their decades-long trauma, torment & suffering is over. We’ll ensure all the support so that they reclaim their lives. Families of civilians who were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists also suffered systemic barriers which stifled their progress. They were denied their rights & access to resources. All obstacles are now removed & we’re ensuring justice & dignity for terror victim families.”

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; DIG NKR Baramulla, Maqsood-Ul-Zaman; Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; SSP Kupwara, Syed Al-Tahir Gilani; Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, Wajahat Farooq Bhat and other members of the Foundation, senior officials and family members of victims of terrorism were present. (KNO)

Rajya Sabha polls direct contest between NC and BJP: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Rajya Sabha election is a direct contest between the National Conference and the Bharatiya Janata Party, urging opposition parties to get united against the saffron party.

Speaking with reporters in Baramulla, the Chief Minister, as per KNO, said People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone’s decision to stay away from polls would only benefit the BJP. “You and I know who will benefit from this. I appeal to others not to stay away. This is a direct contest between NC and BJP. Not voting for NC means helping the BJP,”3 he said.

CM Omar urged all opposition parties, including the PDP and Congress, to stay united and vote strategically to ensure BJP’s defeat. “If the aim is to stop the BJP, every party must contribute. Staying out of the field only weakens the fight”, he said.

On reports of friction within the INDIA bloc, the Chief Minister clarified that the alliance with Congress remains intact. “We did not want to field our candidate on the fourth seat. We wanted Congress to contest because that would have given us the best chance to win. But Congress chose not to fight, so we had to nominate our candidate there as well,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that the National Conference remains committed to strengthening the alliance spirit, ensuring BJP’s loss on all three seats. “Our goal is clear. The BJP must be defeated and we will fight for that on every seat”, he said. (KNO)

Sajad Lone accuses CM of denying RS ticket to Congress at behest of BJP

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday announced that he will not vote for National Conference (NC) candidates in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Lone accused the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir of aligning with the BJP and betraying Congress.

As per KNO, Lone said he recently saw a video clip in which the Chief Minister suggested that anyone not supporting the NC in the Rajya Sabha polls is effectively siding with the BJP. He criticized this stance, arguing that such rhetoric paints even Congress and others as BJP supporters, which he called “astonishing.”

Recalling past political events, Lone accused the NC, particularly Omar Abdullah, of misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the 2024 elections. “We lost the elections, and our expectations were shattered. How many times must we be blamed for the same thing?” he said, questioning the NC’s repeated accusations against others.

Lone challenged the Chief Minister to prove that the denial of a Rajya Sabha seat to Congress was not done on BJP’s instructions. He claimed that the CM had traveled to Delhi under controversial circumstances in the past, notably before the abrogation of Article 370, and accused the NC of backstabbing Congress.

Highlighting Congress’s consistent opposition to BJP, Lone said, “There is only one party that is truly anti-BJP and that is Congress. The NC has collaborated with BJP before, but Congress has never done so.” He added that on the issue of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, only Congress could play a pivotal role since BJP was unwilling.

Lone also criticized Omar Abdullah for damaging his party’s credibility by allegedly burning bridges with Congress after receiving their support in the 2024 elections. “You must now prove you’re not with BJP,” Lone argued, adding that the recent actions of the NC only benefit the BJP.

Addressing his own position, Lone said he would never vote for the National Conference, either ideologically or practically. He also pointed out the hardships faced by ordinary Kashmiris under the current administration, citing the example of a worker whose ailing mother was denied a transfer.

Lone questioned the Chief Minister’s leadership and motives, referencing Omar Abdullah’s interactions with BJP leaders, time spent with BJP officials, and a history of aligning with them on key decisions. He challenged the NC to clarify its position and asked, “What could be better news for BJP than you denying Congress the seat?” (KNO)

LG Sinha inaugurates one-day Police Diwali Mela in Jammu

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated one day Police Diwali mela at Gulshan Ground in Jammu.

An official told KNO that the LG was accompanied by J&K DGP besides other police and civil officials.

“A large number of people from all walks of life also attended this mela. This mela has been dedicated to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the country,” he said.

LG Sinha paid tributes to martyrs and also inspected various stalls established by various district police officials. He also witnessed a patriotic cultural programme and praised the organizers for organising this mela.

IGP of Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, on this occasion, said that this mela is a huge success as a large number of people have thronged to this mela. (KNO)

Don’t know anything: CM Omar on Aga Ruhulla’s Budgam campaign remark

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that he has no knowledge about senior party leader and MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s decision to stay away from the National Conference’s campaign for bypolls in Budgam.

CM Omar, as per KNO, made the remarks on the sidelines of the FICCI National Executive Committee meeting in Srinagar

When asked about Ruhullah’s recent remark that he would not participate in the party’s campaign for bypoll in Budgam, CM Omar said that he don’t know anything about him.

He also said that Jammu and Kashmir’s financial condition has been under stress due to a series of crises this year but expressed hope that the government would continue to serve the people effectively.

“It’s true that this year has been difficult for us – first the Pahalgam attack, then war-like situation between India and Pakistan, and then heavy rainfall in July, August, and September caused major damage. But even in the darkness, there is ray of hop, and we are moving forward with that hope.”

Regarding tourism revival, CM Omar said the government has initiated promotional efforts both in India and abroad and that a team has been sent to Singapore to attract tourists from Southeast Asia, while similar campaigns are underway across India’s metro cities like Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. (KNO)

3 killed in head-on collision between auto-rickshaw and bus in Katra

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: At least three persons were killed and tow other injured after a head-on collision between an auto-rickshaw and a bus in Serli village near Katra on Tuesday morning.

An official told KNO that the accident took place on a road connecting the helipad to Katra, a key route for pilgrims visiting the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

He said that the auto-rickshaw, carrying devotees, collided with a bus that was coming from the opposite direction. “In the inicident the auto-rickshaw driver and two passengers died on spot, while two others were injured,” he said.

The injured have been rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment, he said. (KNO)

Tourism revival hasn’t been easy, hopes on winter season now: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Stating that the revival of tourism hasn’t been a journey without challenges, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir hopes to rebuild tourism on snowfall to woo visitors.

Addressing an event at a Srinagar hotel, CM Omar, as per KNO, said that there is a clear slowdown in our economy post the middle of April this year and that will have a bearing on the government’s ability to be able to spend as the year goes to a close.

He said that the manufacturing, tourism, handicrafts, handlooms, and unfortunately because of the recent heavy rains and floods both in Jammu and in Kashmir, agriculture and horticulture have also not remained unscathed.

“Our own internal assessment is that coupled with the recent changes in the GST rates, which will obviously impact our GST earnings, we will have a hold on our GST earnings alone for anything in the range of 900 to 1000 crores this year. And for a state that anyway has a deficit financial position, 1000 crores is a lot of money to lose in terms of earnings in one year. But that said, this is not a situation of doom and gloom. It’s not a story of pessimism. It’s a story of hope. It’s a story of optimism. It’s a story of not looking backwards but looking forwards,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that he along with his colleagues and friends in the tourism industry is working hard to put things back on track.

“It hasn’t been easy. It hasn’t been a journey without challenges. We had hoped that the revival would be a little quicker than it has turned out to be. The fact is that while summer was an entirely lost season, in fact even autumn hasn’t been as promising as we had hoped. We had hoped to see a reasonably strong tourism growth, particularly from the east of India, centred around the Punjab holidays,” he said.

He also said that his year has been difficult – first, because of Pahalgam terror attack and then the India-Pakistan conflict. “Then, in July, August, and September, there were heavy losses due to rain and flash floods. The result is that the condition in Jammu and Kashmir is very bad. For tourism promotion, one of our teams is in Singapore. Southeast Asia is a very big market for tourism, and we are trying to capitalise on that. We are also promoting tourism in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad,” he said.

“We draw a lot of our tourism from West Bengal and large groups from there, which unfortunately this year we didn’t see in the numbers that we had hoped to. Now our next hope is for a decent winter season. We hear that this winter will be more extreme than past winters and that we can hope for more snow than perhaps in previous ones. If that’s the case, then hopefully we will rebuild our tourism on the snow in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. (KNO)

Two terrorists killed in Kupwara as Army foils infiltration bid along LOC

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Two infiltrators were killed on Tuesday after security forces foiled an infiltration attempt in the Machil sector near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said.

Officials told KNO that alert troops noticed suspicious movement near the Line of Control and opened fire, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire that resulted in the killing of two militants.

The search operations are underway to rule out the presence of more infiltrators. (KNO)

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