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SIA searches 8 locations across Kashmir in case linked to terrorist sleeper cell module

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In continuation of its unrelenting efforts to crackdown the sleeper cell module, the State Investigation Agency carried out extensive searches at eight locations across seven districts in the Kashmir valley today.

In a statement, issued to KNO, a spokesperson said that the searches were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation of case FIR No.

“01/2025 of Police Station CI/SIA Kashmir. The case is related to the sleeper cell module operating in the Valley at the behest of terrorist commanders of proscribed terrorist organisations of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The module is used for spreading secessionist propaganda thereby radicalising and recruiting the youth into the terror fold,” reads the statement.

It reads that today’s search operation was conducted simultaneously across 7 districts in north, central and south Kashmir. “During raids, substantial incriminating materials have been seized, and the suspects have been rounded up for further questioning,” it reads.

It added that preliminary investigation has clearly brought out the active engagement of these entities in a terrorist conspiracy aimed at propagating and furthering anti-India narratives aimed not only at challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India but also at inciting disaffection, public disorder, and communal hatred.

“Searches highlight the continued and unrelenting efforts of the State Investigating Agency to ensure that the whole of the module is dismantled & with aim to strike at roots of the terror ecosystem,” it reads. (KNO)

‘Do you want statehood to kill innocent Kashmiri civilians’? Sunil Sharma to Omar Abdullah

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, questioning whether his demand for statehood was intended to kill innocent Kashmiri civilians.

Addressing a news conference, as per KNO, Sharma accused Abdullah of harming innocent civilians during his tenure as Chief Minister.

“I want to remind Kashmiris that if we turn back the pages of history, we will find many fabricated stories told in the name of terrorism. Many people would narrate how they were innocent and killed during Omar Abdullah’s tenure under the guise of counter-terrorism. Do you want statehood to kill innocent Kashmiris? You didn’t eliminate terrorists-you targeted civilians, enforced shutdowns, and closed schools,” Sharma said.

He said that Omar Abdullah harmed civilians and failed to protect people during his rule as Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Wasn’t statehood with National Conference governments between 2008 to 2014 and 1996 to 2008? Wasn’t it with your governments that were in power till 1989 and 1982?” Sharma asked.

He further said that Kashmiris do not want a statehood where political rivals of the National Conference are booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), and parents live in fear about the safety of their school-going children.

Coming down heavily on the National Conference, Sharma accused the party of introducing the PSA and pellet guns.

“You were the ones who introduced pellet guns; you were the ones who imposed the PSA. If we compare the figures, the highest number of innocent civilians were killed during your tenure,” he said.

Sharma praised the Government of India for eliminating terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir without harming civilians.

“Nobody can raise a finger at the Ministry of Home Affairs for harming civilians. The biggest achievement of the MHA is that not a single local youth joined terrorism. It shows that the youth of Kashmir have accepted the policies of the Government of India and want to voice their concerns within a democratic setup,” he said.

He accused Omar Abdullah of misleading and hoodwinking the public in the name of statehood to cover up governance failures.

“If you listen to Omar Abdullah’s speeches-whether on August 15, at public functions, or in institutions-he consistently tries to hoodwink the people of Jammu and Kashmir by claiming they lack power,” Sharma added.

Countering Omar Abdullah’s claims , Sharma said the Lieutenant Governor had approved 97 decisions of the Council of Ministers over the past year.

“Tell me, which file has not been approved by the LG? Which pro-people decisions have been held back? Is it about 200 units of free electricity or 12 LPG cylinders or 10 kilograms of ration, or one lakh jobs?” he asked.

Sharma further accused Abdullah of misleading the public regarding the appointment of the Advocate General and the Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR).

“I have come to know that the file is pending with the CM’s office,” he said, adding that the Chief Minister is sitting on files related to the appointment of the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and the promotion of engineers. (KNO)

22-year-old Woman killed after being hit by Oil tanker in Anantnag

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A 22-Year-Old woman was killed in an accident near Larkipora area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday.

Officials told GNS that a woman was killed when an oil tanker hit her in the Larkipora area. The deceased has been identified as Sonia Ashraf, daughter of Mohd Ashraf Naukoo, resident of Hakoora.

Her mother and cousin have also received minor injuries, who were being treated at GMC Anantnag.

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

Terrorists, Security forces exchange fire in Rajouri

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: An exchange of fire erupted between terrorists and a team of Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police in Rajouri District on Tuesday evening.

Sources told KNO that an exchange of fire took place at Beeranthub area under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kandi.

As per officials, joint teams comprising SOG personnel, Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) swiftly responded to the scene, establishing a tight cordon around the area to prevent any escape by the terrorists and to neutralize the threat.

Operations are currently underway, with security forces conducting thorough searches amid heightened vigilance
Jammu Kashmir Police said.

“Exchange of fire took place between terrorists and SOG team in Beeranthub area, PS Kandi, Rajouri. Joint parties of Police, Army and CRPF have rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area”. (KNO)

Alarming rise in suicides in J&K; unemployment, family distress major causes

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a worrying increase in suicides, recording a 13 per cent rise in one year, according to the latest report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The report, accessed by KNO, reveals that 365 people ended their lives in 2023 compared to 323 in 2022. The data paints a grim picture of social and economic distress in the region, with unemployment emerging as the single biggest cause.

The NCRB report shows that 178 unemployed individuals took their own lives in 2023, which accounts for 48 per cent of all suicides reported that year. Of these, 114 were men and 73 were women. In 2022, the figure was 84, including 58 men and 26 women. This indicates that the number of unemployed people taking their lives has more than doubled within a year.

The data also shows that men are facing greater pressure from joblessness, resulting in a higher suicide rate among them.

Family problems were the second most common reason for suicide, causing 60 deaths in 2023. This includes 34 men and 26 women. Illness was another major factor, leading to 46 suicides, of which 29 were men. Mental health issues also saw a sharp increase, with 37 people taking their lives in 2023 compared to 19 in 2022. Of these, 26 were men.

The report also highlights a growing trend of suicides linked to love affairs. In 2023, 40 people, including 22 men and 18 women, died by suicide due to failed relationships or emotional distress. In 2022, only 15 such cases were recorded, including seven men and eight women. This represents a 166 per cent increase in one year.

Financial distress continues to be a major contributor. Among the victims, 241 people had annual incomes below one lakh rupees. This included 120 men and 121 women. Another 108 people with incomes between one lakh and five lakh rupees also died by suicide, including 78 men and 30 women. These figures indicate that financial hardship cuts across income levels and remains a major cause of despair.

The NCRB report further reveals that hanging remains the most common method of suicide, with 174 cases recorded in 2023. The second most frequent method was the consumption of poison, accounting for 120 deaths. The data also mentions the use of sleeping pills and other toxic substances in several cases.

According to experts, men tend to use more fatal methods when attempting suicide, which explains the higher rate of completed suicides among them. Women, on the other hand, attempt suicide more often but are less likely to succeed, they said.

Mental health professionals have called for an urgent need to strengthen counselling services, job opportunities, and awareness about mental well-being. (KNO)

Weather improves after two-day wet spell in J&K

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The season’s first snowfall was recorded at multiple places in Jammu and Kashmir on the second straight day on Tuesday, while the weather conditions improved from this afternoon amid the closure of all the major highways and roads in the region.

According to KNO, the maximum temperature continued to witness a dip today as well amid the season’s first snowfall in Kokernag, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Sadhna Top, Karnah, Sinthan Top, Pir Ki Gali and others.

The weather conditions improved from this afternoon, while the day temperature recorded a dip for the second consecutive day today.

As per the details, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 16.1 degreess Celsius (9.4 degrees Celsius below normal), Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, recorded 15.4 degrees Celsius (8.7 degrees Celsius below normal).

The details further reveal that the maximum temperature in Pahalgam settled at 12.1 degrees Celsius (10.3 degrees Celsius below normal) while Kupwara and Kokernag saw a maximum temperature of 15.4 degrees Celsius (11.4 degrees Celsius below normal and 13.2 degrees Celsius (10.6 degrees Celsius below normal) respectively.

In Jammu division, Banihal recorded a maximum temperature of 16.8 degrees Celsius (9.7 degrees Celsius below normal) while Jammu recorded 27.2 degrees Celsius (5.2 degrees Celsius below normal). In Bhaderwah, the temperature settled at 13.4 degrees Celsius (12.7 degrees Celsius below normal). Batote recorded 11.7 degrees Celsius (13.4 degrees Celsius below normal) & Katra recorded 24.0 degrees Celsius (5.1 degrees Celsius below normal).

Meanwhile, the local Meteorological department here informed that during the past 24 hours till today afternoon, Udhampur recorded a rainfall of 100.2 mm, Batote 98.2 mm, Doda 86 mm, Bhaderwah 77 mm, Banihal 75.8 mm, Qazigund 70 mm, Kokernag 68.9 mm, Ramban 68.5 mm, Pahalgam 52.6 mm respectively.

Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, in a detailed forecast, stated that a brief spell of light rain is expected at a few places in Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow (Wednesday).

Generally, dry weather is expected from October 9 to 17, he added.

Moreover, in its advisory, the farmers have been advised to resume all farm activities from Wednesday onwards.

It reads that there is a possibility of landslides and shooting stones at a few vulnerable places.

Nonetheless, all the major highways and roads remained closed for vehicular movement today as a precautionary measure.

Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri, Mughal Road, Pir ki Gali and Bandipora-Gurez road have been closed by the authorities today as a precautionary measure.

The highways and roads are expected to be thrown open for vehicular movement by tomorrow, officials said. (KNO)

India responded decisively after Pahalgam attack: President Murmu

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the Indian Armed Forces’ coordinated strength and strategic planning by dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the LoC, which she termed as India’s consistent balance between peace and war preparedness.

According to KNO, the President was addressing the faculty and course members of the 65th National Defence College Course at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Referring to the cross-border operation launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Murmu said that a tri-service response was executed in a calibrated manner.

“This operation resulted in the dismantling of terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and further beyond, and showed the impact of working together across military branches,” she said, adding that this level of coordination was made possible due to structural changes in defence administration.

The President referred to the creation of the Department of Military Affairs and the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff as its Secretary as part of the process. The ongoing formation of Integrated Theatre Commands and Integrated Battle Groups, she said, is part of a restructuring plan.

“India is in the process of building an armed force capable of integrated operations across domains,” Murmu said, adding that the current security context and geopolitical environment require responses that are dynamic and based on situational understanding.

The aim, she said, is to make the Armed Forces ready for challenges across traditional and emerging areas.

Speaking on the broader idea of security, Murmu said national interests shape the security framework of any country, but India’s national interests are guided by values that have remained consistent.

“India has always viewed humanity as one collective group, referring to the phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” she said. “Peace and brotherhood are key principles, but being ready for confrontation when required is part of India’s approach.”

Referring to the Mahabharata, President Murmu said the epic shows repeated efforts to avoid war. “But once conflict became unavoidable, Krishna told Arjuna to remove doubt and fight with resolve,” she said. “This approach reflects how peace and preparedness can exist together. (KNO)

LG Sinha expresses gratitude to PM Modi, Union Agri Minister for advance release of assistance to farmers

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan for advance release of 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme for the farmers of UT of Jammu Kashmir.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor, according to KNO wrote: “I am extremely grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri @Narendramodi Ji and Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri @ChouhanShivraj Ji for advance release of 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme for the farmers of J&K UT.”

Meanwhile, Office of Chief Minister, J&K, Omar Abdullah (@CM_JnK) posts, wrote on X: “Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister @ChouhanShivraj for the release of over ₹170 crore under the 21st PM-KISAN installment, benefiting more than 8.5 lakh farmers in Jammu & Kashmir. This release follows the consistent efforts of the J&K Government to ensure timely support for its farming community. Cabinet Minister @JavedDar_NC, along with his officers, attended the online function held in this regard.”

Pertinently, earlier the Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan released the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance.

The instalment, amounting to Rs 171 crore, according to KNO, was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women beneficiaries, through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. (KNO)

Centre releases Rs 171 crore to flood hit J&K farmers

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a major relief initiative for farmers affected by recent floods and landslides in Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Monday released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in advance.

The installment, amounting to Rs 171 crore, according to KNO, was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women beneficiaries, through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. With this, the cumulative assistance under PM-KISAN for farmers in Jammu & Kashmir has reached Rs 4,052 crore.

The release function was held at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, and attended by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR DG Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials. Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, along with officials and farmers from across the Union Territory, joined the event virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, Chouhan reiterated the Centre’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and disaster-affected families in Jammu & Kashmir. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government stands shoulder to shoulder with every affected farmer and citizen. We will ensure that no one is left alone in this hour of crisis,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s relief and rehabilitation measures, Chouhan announced that the Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 85.62 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin) for the reconstruction of 5,100 damaged houses. Each beneficiary will receive support for house rebuilding, toilet construction, and additional financial aid under the MGNREGA scheme.

The Minister stated that the Centre has approved an increase in MGNREGA workdays from 100 to 150 days for affected families in Jammu & Kashmir, providing additional livelihood opportunities during the recovery phase.

Chouhan assured that the Union Government is fully prepared to assist in the revival of agricultural activities across affected regions, including support for seeds, fertilisers, and essential inputs. He also said that additional funds could be released under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) upon the Jammu & Kashmir Government’s request.

On the issue of crop insurance, the Minister added that compensation to insured farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will be disbursed promptly once the State Government submits its proposal, ensuring direct transfer of funds to farmers’ accounts.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also addressed the event and lauded the Agriculture Ministry for its swift and compassionate action. He said the relief measures reflect the Centre’s “sensitivity and responsiveness” toward the people of Jammu & Kashmir during difficult times.

Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar thanked the Central Government for the timely intervention, stating that the release of funds under PM-KISAN and the additional assistance through PMAY-Gramin and MGNREGA would provide much-needed relief to thousands of affected farming families. (KNO)

48 drug inspections conducted in Anantnag; One medical shop suspended for violations

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: On the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, the Drug Control Department conducted a series of inspections across multiple areas in the district to ensure compliance with drug sale regulations.

According to officials, over 48 inspections were carried out at medical sale establishments in Qazigund, Khahbazar, and Shairbagh areas. Most shops were found adhering to surveillance equipment guidelines and maintaining computerized billing systems.

However, the operation of one medical shop — Universal Medical Store — was suspended on the spot for failing to maintain proper records of Schedule H1 medicines.

The department also emphasized the strict implementation of the revised GST slab and instructed chemists to pass on the full benefit of the new rates to consumers. Authorities warned that any chemist or wholesaler found violating these directions would face action under the relevant rules.

The Drug Control Authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe and regulated sale and purchase of medicines in the interest of public health.

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