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Statehood our right, we are not begging for it: Sakeena Itoo

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo Wednesday said that statehood is the right of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters at GMC Srinagar, Minister Itoo, as per KNO said that they are demanding their rights, not begging for it.

Responding to the remarks of LoP Sunil Sharma, Itoo further said that he doesn’t know what sort of statement he is giving. “I think he made the same remarks during the elections.”

On being asked about medical seats, she said they had proposed 190 more seats for Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre accepted it, which is an achievement.

Pertinently, Itoo addressed the White Coat (apron) wearing ceremony of the new MBBS batch at Government Medical College Srinagar and formally welcomed the students.

Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Principal GMC Srinagar, faculty members of the college and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena congratulated the fresh batch of students for securing admission to one of the oldest and most reputed medical institutions of J&K. She underlined that pursuing medicine is not merely an academic journey but a lifelong commitment to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.

“The medical profession is built on trust and empathy. As future doctors, your duty extends beyond treating diseases”, she stated.

The Minister urged the students to blend scientific excellence with ethical responsibility, reminding them that medicine is both an art and a science.

Highlighting the government’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and medical education, the Minister noted that GMC Srinagar has played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. She assured full government support for ongoing projects aimed at upgrading teaching, research, and hospital facilities. (KNO)

PDP to introduce ‘anti-eviction’ Bill in LA Session: Mehboob Mufti

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that her party will introduce the ‘anti-Eviction Bill – The J&K Land Rights & Regularisation Bill, 2025’ in the upcoming Legislative Assembly Session in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking with reporters, Mehbooba Mufti, as per KNO urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take a strong stand for the livelihood of locals and asked him to fulfill the promises of his party.

She said that post 2019; there has been a persistent sense of land and job insecurities among the locals in Jammu and Kashmir. “Since we have an elected government now, it must take a stand against these insecurities,” she said.

The PDP Chief added that taking over hotels at prime tourist destinations and bulldozing schools, houses and shops is a matter of great concern.

She also said that earlier, PDP MLA Waheed Parra had tabled a proposal for the protection of land and jobs in Jammu and Kashmir. “Today again, I am proposing a bill for the protection of land and hotels. I urge the Chief Minister either to consider the bill or come up with the solution that eases problems faced by the locals,” she said.

The PDP Chief also criticized the government for not doing the works as promised under his control. “It is injustice if the Chief Minister does not perform the duties that fall under his control. He has promised of 200 free units of electricity, regularization of daily wagers, 12 cylinders for consumers, 1 lakh jobs to the youth and stopping the installation of smart meters doesn’t have any role of Lieutenant Governor,” she said. (KNO)

Srinagar Police attach property worth Rs 75 Lakhs under NDPS Act

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a significant step towards combating drug trafficking, Srinagar Police has attached a residential property and land valued at approximately Rs 75 lakhs under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act ( NDPS Act ).

The attached property — a shared double-storey residential house and 2.5 marlas of shared land (out of a total of 15 marlas) — is located at Kenihama, BK Pora, Nowgam, a police spokesman said in a statement issued here.

As per revenue records, the property is registered in the name of Mohammad Jaffar Ganie, father of Parwaiz Ahmad Ganie alias Pawa, who is presently lodged in District Jail Kathua under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Parwaiz Ahmad Ganie has been named in FIR No. 128/2022 under Sections 8, 22, and 29 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Nowgam.

The investigation established that Parwaiz, being an active shareholder in the said property, holds a room in the residential house and 2.5 marlas of land. Based on this, the property was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act.

The attachment was carried out in the presence of the Executive Magistrate First Class, BK Pora, and two independent witnesses, following thorough legal procedures.

Approval for the action was granted by the competent authority (SAFEMA, New Delhi), and due notice was served in accordance with the law.

The owner is now legally barred from selling, leasing, altering, or creating any third-party interest in the attached property, under the provisions of law.

This action underscores the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s firm resolve to eradicate drug-related activities and create a drug-free society in Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Police urged the public to support and cooperate in this ongoing mission against drug menace.

‘Don’t raise finger on my leader’: Dy CM hits back at LoP Sharma

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary on Tuesday strongly reacted to remarks made by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma, who accused Omar Abdullah of seeking statehood to consolidate power and target innocent civilians in Kashmir.

Talking to media persons at Seerbagh Shalina, Chaudhary, as per KNO said, “Ask the LoP why he didn’t stop the Machail Mata Yatra when there was a weather high alert and people were killed there. It was his Padder constituency. Why didn’t he stop the Yatra? Don’t raise a finger on my leader. Come and debate with me.”

The Deputy CM questioned Sharma’s silence over key issues affecting Jammu: “What do you want to show? You are not standing with the people of the Jammu division, who gave you 28 seats. Today, Jammu is suffering due to floods. Bridges and houses have collapsed, roads are damaged, and crops and apples are destroyed. Why don’t you speak about that? Did you give any compensation to the affected people?”

Chaudhary further added, “Why don’t you speak about unemployed farmers? Why didn’t you resolve the issue of daily wagers in the last 11 years? Why don’t you speak for Jammu? It’s all drama. The LoP is a leader of reels, not of the ground. NC leaders are among the people, in panchayats, and constantly engaging with them.”

On the upcoming by-elections, the Deputy CM said the National Conference is fully prepared and confident of victory. “We are ready for Budgam and Nagrota by-elections and will win both seats,” he said.

Accusing the BJP of “political drama,” Chaudhary said, “If they truly sympathised with Jammu and Kashmir, they wouldn’t have scrapped statehood or reduced us to a Union Territory. Give us statehood back.”

Responding to the BJP’s criticism of the NC’s manifesto, which includes promises of free electricity, 12 gas cylinders, and employment opportunities, he said, “Did the unemployed youth take birth in the last one year? This unemployment crisis has been created over the past 11 years by the BJP, PDP, and six years of LG administration.”

Chaudhary added, “We are not selected or appointed, but elected by the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have promised statehood, and we will fulfil that promise. The LG should show sympathy towards the people. Unemployed youth deserve opportunities. And if Omar Abdullah wants to deliver, give us the statehood back so that we can work for our people.” (KNO)

2 soldiers go missing in Kokernag forests, searches operation on

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Two Army soldiers have gone missing in the Ahlan Gadole forest belt of Kokernag area in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, prompting a massive search operation by security forces.

Official sources told KNO that the two soldiers went missing on Monday evening during an operation in the dense forests of Ahlan Gadole. “Contact with them could not be established since last evening,” they said.

“The missing soldiers were part of a small operational team that was carrying out searches following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area,” sources said, adding, “A sudden change in weather conditions disrupted the operation, and during that time, two soldiers went missing.”

The area has recently witnessed snowfall, and the thick foliage and rough terrain are making the search operation difficult.

Sources said additional Army personnel have been deployed, and every corner of the forest is being combed. “Choppers and drones have been pressed into service to trace the missing soldiers,” they said.

Meanwhile, the Army said that two soldiers have gone missing after a severe snowstorm in the Gadole forest area of Kokernag in Anantnag.

In a post on X, the Army’s Chinar Corps wrote, “On the intervening night of 6/7 Oct, an operational team on the Kishtwar range confronted a severe snowstorm and whiteout conditions in the mountains of South Kashmir. Since then, two soldiers have gone out of communication. Intense search and rescue operations have been launched but are being hampered due to prevailing adverse weather conditions.”

The Ahlan Gadole area has witnessed major encounters in the past. In September 2023, Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Donchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Humayun Muzamil were killed in a gunfight in the same forests. In another encounter last year, two soldiers and a civilian were also killed. (KNO)

100-120 terrorists believed to be near LoC launch pads, says IG BSF Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday said approximately 100 to 120 terrorists are currently stationed across the Line of Control (LoC) and may attempt infiltration before winter sets in.

“Two months are still left before harsh winters. Terrorists can try infiltration during this period. Our intelligence agencies are analysing their activities and we are taking countermeasures from our side,” Inspector General (IG) BSF Kashmir Frontier, Ashok Yadav said.

Speaking to the media after unveiling a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the BSF Sector Headquarters in Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, Yadav said the security along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir remains tight, with constant monitoring and countermeasures in place to prevent any infiltration attempts by terrorists stationed across the border.

The IG BSF, Ashok Yadav, as per KNO, said troops are maintaining high alert and are equipped with modern surveillance systems to detect and neutralise any infiltration attempts.

“We remain alert along the border and act on every alert. We receive frequent intelligence about attempted infiltrations and keep the area under domination to ensure infiltration does not succeed,” he said.

He said any infiltration attempt is being responded to with force. “With our modernised forces, if any attempt is made, we will neutralise it,” he added.

The IG BSF said there has been no major terrorist infiltration so far this year, and all attempts have been foiled. The BSF, along with the Army, is conducting continuous area domination and surveillance along the LoC, he said.

“BSF personnel are always on alert with the Army on the LoC. We have many intelligence inputs that terrorists are ready across the LoC at launching pads for infiltration,” he said.

The IG said the BSF and other security forces are using the latest technology to monitor border areas and prevent infiltration. “Through our modern surveillance and latest technology, we are dominating the borders to neutralise any threat. So far this year, every infiltration attempt was neutralised,” he said.

The security agencies, he said, remain focused on the areas considered vulnerable before snowfall, as visibility and movement across the LoC become difficult during winter.

“Our operations will continue in coordination with other forces to ensure the safety and security of the region,” Yadav added. (KNO)

‘Operation Sindoor’ exhibited how air power can influence military outcomes: Air Chief Marshal Singh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ demonstrated how air power, when applied with precision and planning, can influence military outcomes in a short span of time.

Addressing air warriors at the 93rd Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base, the Air Chief Marshal, according to KNO said, “Disciplined operations, empowered leadership, and indigenous technology enabled rapid, high-impact action across the Line of Control (LoC).”

“Our performance in Operation Sindoor fills us with professional pride. We proved to the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcomes in just a few days,” he added.

Pertinently, ‘Operation Sindoor,’ launched in May 2025 following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted nine terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the skirmishes that followed led to Pakistan vital military installations and air bases suffering massive damages.

Singh said the mission was a result of “meticulous planning, disciplined training and determined execution,” adding that the operation reaffirmed the offensive role of air power in national security.

He said the use of indigenously developed platforms and weapons played a key role in the operation. “The outstanding performance of the indigenously developed and integrated weapons which delivered precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory vindicates our faith in home-grown capabilities,” he said.

According to him, India’s long-range missile systems and integrated air defence architecture also restricted enemy movement during the operation. “Our robust air defence architecture and offensive employment of long-range surface to air missile systems limited the adversary’s ability to operate and ensured safety of our vital assets,” he said.

Singh said there is a growing culture of accountability and readiness across the force. “I can see that there is an increased culture of accountability, safety and security among air warriors. This is directly reflected in our reduced incidents and accidents.”

He noted that leadership within the force is driving this momentum. “At all levels, leaders are leading from the front, demonstrating vision and empathy. They are ensuring that every individual is empowered with the necessary training and is motivated.”

HINDON AIR BASE HOSTS IAF’S 93RD FOUNDATION DAY

Meanwhile, Hindon air base at Ghaziabad hosted IAF’s 93rd Foundation Day showcasing India’s aerial strength and operational readiness with display of fighter jets such as the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29. The IAF parade also highlighted the achievements of Operation Sindoor.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh inspected the parade and took the salute at the parade held at Hindon Air Base as part of the Air Force Day celebrations.

Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi paid tribute to the soldiers at the National War Memorial on the occasion of 93rd Air Force Day.

CDS, along with the chiefs of the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy, laid wreaths at the National War Memorial.

PARADE HIGHLIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS OF ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’

This year’s parade was held at Hindon Air Base, one of India’s largest and most strategic airbases. The Air Force Day parades were previously held in Chennai in 2024 and Prayagraj in 2023.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) highlighted the achievements of Operation Sindoor during the Air Force Day celebrations. It demonstrated the force’s operational strength, growing technological capabilities, and humanitarian role that it has played over the years.

This year, the static display line-up also included platforms that played a part in forcing Islamabad to retreat and seek a ceasefire after its Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) dialed his Indian counterpart.

The display featured fighter jets such as the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, along with India’s indigenous Netra AEW&C, the C-17 Globemaster III, the indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, the C-130J Hercules, Apache attack helicopters fitted with Longbow radar, and the Advanced Light Helicopter. An S-band Rohini radar will also be part of the display.

The recently retired MiG-21 Bison was also a part of the display as a tribute to its over six decades of service to the IAF.

PRESIDENT MURMU, PM MODI EXTEND GREETINGS

President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to Air Force personnel, veterans, and their families on the occasion of the 93rd Air Force Day. In a post on X, Droupadi Murmu said, “Warm greetings to all air warriors, veterans and their families on Air Force Day! The Indian Air Force has always demonstrated courage, commitment, and excellence. Our Air warriors protect our skies and serve the nation with tireless dedication during disasters and humanitarian missions.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted Air Force personnel on Air Force Day and said they have played a vital role in safeguarding Indian skies during the most challenging situations. Modi said, “Greetings to all the courageous Air Warriors and their families on Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force epitomises bravery, discipline and precision. They have played a vital role in safeguarding our skies, including during the most challenging situations.” (KNO)

Amit Shah to chair high level J&K security review meeting in New Delhi tomorrow

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Thursday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources told KNO that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Duloo, top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau, Army, paramilitary forces, including CRPF and BSF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police are expected to attend the meeting.

The meeting chaired by the Home Minister, sources said, “will hold discussions on counter infiltration, anti- terror operations, winter preparedness and steps needed to enhance synergy between security agencies.”

Pertinently, the Union Home Minister during his visit to Jammu last month chaired a comprehensive security review meeting and reiterated the Central Government’s unwavering zero-tolerance policy against terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shah had directed all security agencies to maintain high vigil and operate in a coordinated manner to completely eradicate terrorism from the Union Territory.

Shah had praised the UT administration and security forces for their exemplary efforts in ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2025.

It may be recalled that in the last week of September, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting in Srinagar and discussed the situation across J&K with the security top brass.

“Threadbare discussions were held on counter infiltration and counter terrorism operations during the meeting.”

“War against terrorism is not over yet. Kinetic and non-kinetic operations must continue. We must maintain the momentum and take stringent action against terrorism and its entire ecosystem,” LG Sinha had told the officers, during the meeting. (KNO)

JKBOSE announces date sheet for 11th, 12th classes

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Wednesday issued annual regular examination date sheet for 11th and 12th classes.

As per KNO, the annual regular exams for 11th standard will commence from November-19 till December-13.

JKBOSE further said that the exams for 12th standard will commence from November-08 till December-03.

Earlier, JKBOSE notified date sheet for 10th standard wherein the board had said that the exams will commence from November-03 to November-27.

Pertinently, JKBOSE has announced 15 percent syllabi relaxation for all board exams for the ensuing academic year. (KNO)

LoP Sharma challenges CM Omar to name BJP leader behind alliance ‘offer” if truth in his claims

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Leader of the Opposition (LOP) Sunil Sharma on Wednesday challenged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to name any BJP leader who offered to form a government with the National Conference, if there is any truth in his claims that he had an option of forming government with the party.

Addressing a news conference, as per KNO, Sharma demanded that the Chief Minister identify the BJP leader who made such an offer if there is an iota of truth in his claims.

“Omar Abdullah is claiming everywhere that he had two options in 2024: either to form a government or to run it alone. I don’t know in which dream the BJP offered an alliance to his party. I say this with full responsibility-if any BJP leader made such an offer, he should prove it and reveal it. He is resorting to concocted stories, claiming he had the option to form a government. The BJP’s doors were shut to him then, and they remain shut now,” Sharma said.

He added that Omar Abdullah should either prove the BJP offered him an alliance or apologise for making the misleading statement.

“On one hand, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is creating hatred against the BJP in Kashmir, while on the other, he is meeting with our leaders and offering bouquets and shawls to them in Delhi,” Sharma said, adding that Abdullah’s statements reek of the height of political indecency.

Referring to Omar Abdullah’s recent statement, Sharma said it is not in his nature to push others aside for advancing career.

“I come from a poor family-a very poor family. I began my political career as a booth-level worker. I have lost elections and I have won elections. But I have never trampled anyone in my life to advance my career. I have been entrusted with this responsibility because of my commitment. I have never shoved anyone aside, nor am I in a race to compete with others,” he said.

He accused Omar Abdullah’s family of having a tradition of sidelining others for personal advancement.

“You were born into Farooq Abdullah’s family and went to Mumbai to study at the Chief Minister’s residence there. You returned and shoved aside a long list of leaders who had dedicated their lives to the National Conference. They were pushed aside, and you were crowned. This is how you trample others to build your career. You didn’t work hard nor did you struggle. The only criteria was that you were the prince of Abdullah family and son of Farooq Abdullah,” Sharma said. “Prove or apologise for misleading statements; BJP doors were shut for him then and remain shut now”. (KNO)

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