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Amid protests, Centre scraps foreign funding license of Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday cancelled the foreign funding license of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), a Non-Governmental Organisation owned activist Sonam Wangchuk.

The action comes 24 hours after violent protests in the Leh city over statehood and 6th Schedule demand led by Sonam Wangchuk.

According to an MHA order, a copy of which lies with KNO, SECMOL was granted registration under FCRA to accept foreign contributions for cultural and educational programs.

It stated that the ministry had issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) on August 20 this year through speed post followed by mail on September 9 to show cause as to why the NGO’s FCRA registration should not be cancelled.

The ministry noted that in view of violations u/s 8(1)(a),17, 18, 19 and conditions of registration under section 12 (4) (f) (i) of the Act, the FCRA registration certificate of the association is liable to be cancelled in exercise of power u/s 14 of the Act.

It stated that considering the facts and position, the Competent Authority, hereby, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 14 (1) of the Act, cancels with immediate effect the FCRA Certificate of Registration No. 152710012R granted to SECMOL.

At least four persons died and over 50 were injured after violent protest broke out in the Leh city on Wednesday. Over 30 police and CRP personnel were also injured during the clash. The Home Ministry, in a statement, blamed Sonam Wangchuk of provoking the mob by his speeches with references of Arab Spring-style protest and Gen Z protests in Nepal. (KNO)

Govt to provide 5-marla land to flood-hit homeless, landless families: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday announced that the government has decided to provide five marlas of land each to all flood-affected families who have been rendered homeless and have suffered both on account of their houses destroyed and left without land due to landslides and flashfloods which has taken away their everything so that they are able to construct their dwelling units on the allotted land.

The Chief Minister made this announcement while interacting with residents of Duggain, Billawar, whose houses and livelihoods were severely impacted by the recent flooding. Earlier, he conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in the district, accompanied by MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh.

Assuring people of all possible assistance, Omar Abdullah directed the administration to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation measures. “The year 2025 has brought immense devastation to Jammu and Kashmir—from the dry spell in March-April to incessant rains, flash floods, and landslides in August-September,” he said. “From Kathua to Kupwara, the damage has been unprecedented.”

The Chief Minister highlighted the scale of destruction, noting that torrential rains have damaged over 350 bridges, around 2,000 km of road network, thousands of hectares of agricultural land, besides washing away standing crops and inflicting damages on both government and private buildings. “Given the enormity of restoration challenges, Jammu and Kashmir is looking forward to a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Central Government,” he added.

Emphasizing the importance of first-hand assessment, Omar Abdullah said his visit to the remote and isolated areas of Kathua was aimed at understanding the ground realities. He also undertook an aerial survey of damages in Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, the entry point of Jammu and Kashmir.

Later, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, ADC, and senior civil and police officers. He directed the DC to conduct extensive tours of all affected areas and submit detailed ground reports at the earliest.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, underlined that the Bani region too has suffered extensive damages due to landslides triggered by torrential rains. He said that in villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra, nearly 100 families have lost their land and property completely. He demanded allotment of five marlas of land for such affected families, besides highlighting other pressing concerns, including damages to the Jalana Bridge, delay in tendering of work for High School Lohai, upgradation of High School Sadrota, as well as amnesty from KCC loans and electricity bills for affected families.

The Chief Minister assured that the government would examine all these demands with due seriousness and extend all possible support to the affected families. (KNO)

Don’t take law in your hands, maintain peace: CM Omar to Leh residents

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday appealed to the people of Leh to maintain peace and not to take law in their hands.

Speaking to reporters in Reasi, the Chief Minister, as per KNO, said that the situation has deteriorated in Leh. “I want to tell the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, brotherhood and not to take the law in their hands”.

He said that the demand of Union Territory was raised by the people and let them progress as much as they can.

Meanwhile, CM Omar, after assessing the situation in Reasi post-land sinking incident, stated that the government will provide every possible assistance to the affected people. (KNO)

Situation in Ladakh serious matter, Delhi must adopt dialogue process: Farooq Abdullah

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah Thursday said that the prevailing situation in Ladakh is a serious concern and that the Centre must stop the use of force and adopt dialogue process to resolve pressing issues.

Addressing a press conference at party headquarters here, Farooq Abdullah, as per KNO said people of Ladakh led by activist Sonam Wangchuk were peacefully protesting for the last 15 days, demanding statehood and 6th Schedule.

He said that Sonam Wangchuk had even walked on foot from Leh to Delhi to highlight their demands, but the authorities did not address their concerns properly. “Initially protests were non-violent. The younger generation in Ladakh believed in the promises made to them. However, when these promises proved hollow, frustration grew, and they took to the streets. They abandoned peaceful means,” he said.

He added that some incidents during the protests included the burning of BJP offices, police vehicles, and attempts to set public offices on fire.

Farooq Abdullah warned of broader implications, stating that Ladakh is a border region and China occupies a significant portion of the land. “Such unrest in these sensitive areas is dangerous for our nation. Efforts must be made to resolve these issues through dialogue and prevent any further escalation.”

Responding to query that the protests were influenced by external forces, he said he doesn’t believe any external group is behind this. “I have seen such situations before. This is the genuine voice of the local people. They will not wait indefinitely. The government must remember the promises made to Ladakh regarding elections, delimitation, and statehood,” he said.

The NC patron also said that it has been almost 11 months since promises were made regarding statehood to Jammu and Kashmir , yet there has been no progress. He urged authorities to learn from the situation in Ladakh. (KNO)

LG chairs high-level security review meet a day after violent protests in Leh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Thursday chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the situation across Ladakh, a day after violent protests left 4 dead and over 50 people injured over Statehood and 6th Schedule demand.

In a post on X, Lt Gupta, as per KNO, emphasised the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination and proactive measures to safeguard peace, security and public order across the Union Territory.

“Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, & proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, & public order across UT,” Office of LG Ladakh posted on X.

At least four persons died and over 50 were injured after protestors, demanding Statehood and constitutional guarantees under 6th Schedule for Ladakh, set ablaze a police vehicle. In response, security forces resorted to firing in self-defence, leading to casualties, Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement last night.

The protestors also set ablaze Bharatiya Janata Party’s head office in Leh and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC). The Home Ministry stated that activist Sonam Wangchuk’s provocative speeches led to the violence in Leh.

Following the violent protests, authorities imposed restrictions in the Leh city to contain the situation. Meanwhile, Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called for a complete shutdown in the Kargil town today, prompting authorities to impose restrictions in order to avoid any law and order situation. (KNO)

India realising dream of home ownership under PM Modi’s leadership: LG Sinha

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Asserting that India is realising the dream of home ownership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that real estate development should benefit workers and their families.

Addressing the Governing Council Meet of the All India Forum of Real Estate Regulatory Authorities here, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “Under PM housing schemes, new homes are being approved. This sector is expected to attract investments of around ₹10 lakh crore and could reach $1.04 trillion by 2040.”

LG Sinha said, “After agriculture, real estate has become the second largest employment provider. There are challenges, as buyers have had to wait years for possession. Many developers merge projects, and those who wanted homes sometimes did not even get a roof.”

He said, “Earlier, India did not have mechanisms to handle these issues. Today, the entire country is realizing the dream of homeownership, and people are showing patience under PM Modi’s guidance.”

LG Sinha said, “Now all relevant information is in the public domain. Real estate development should benefit workers and their families, providing for their health and education.”

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while welcoming the participants said, “I welcome all to J&K. Over the past few decades, real estate has grown significantly and can become a key sector for the economy.”

He said, “There has been growth in the luxury housing segment. Property prices have increased, with annual growth around 14–15%, and further increases are possible.”

He stressed, “We must ensure that workers and their families can meet their needs.”

“J&K has successfully implemented systems with transparency and all other necessary measures,” LG Sinha said. (KNO)

Final call on RS polls will be taken by party high command: Tariq Karra

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: President of the Jammu & Kashmir unit of the Congress, Tariq Hamid Karra on Thursday said that the party’s high command will make the final decision regarding its strategy for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 24.

Speaking to KNO, Karra said, “The matter will be discussed with the party leadership, and they will examine all aspects before taking a final call.”

He refused to comment further on the matter.

In the Rajya Sabha polls, the NC-Congress alliance is poised to comfortably win three out of the four seats. It is widely believed that the Congress, which has six MLAs in J&K, could seek one of the three “safe” seats.

Sources disclosed that the party may field Ghulam Ahmad Mir, MLA from Dooru, who has already been playing a role at the national level.

Mir, who was appointed as the party’s general secretary in charge of Jharkhand in December 2023, is currently serving as general secretary in charge of West Bengal. Under his leadership, the party performed well in both the assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Jharkhand, winning 16 and two seats respectively.

The party may also consider fielding a senior leader from the Jammu mainland, which was once its stronghold but failed to secure even a single assembly or Lok Sabha seat since 2014. (KNO)

Sonam Wangchuk’s provocative speeches led to violence in Leh: Home Ministry

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday said that provocative speeches by activist Sonam Wangchuk led to the violence in Ladakh, killing four and injuring over 50 people.

In a statement, issued to here, the Home Ministry said that the Government of India has been actively engaging with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance through the High-Powered Committee (HPC), a sub-committee, and multiple informal channels.

The statement reads that these efforts have already yielded phenomenal results, including raising Scheduled Tribe reservations in Ladakh from 45% to 84%, granting one-third women’s reservation in councils, declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and initiating the recruitment process for 1,800 posts.

The ministry accused certain “politically motivated” individuals of trying to sabotage the dialogue process, despite the HPC having scheduled further meetings with Ladakh leaders on September 25 and 26 and October 6.

“Despite appeals from several leaders to end the protest, Wangchuk continued his hunger strike and allegedly misled people with provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z demonstrations in Nepal,” it reads.

It added that the situation escalated today at around 11:30 am when a mob allegedly influenced by Wangchuk’s speeches left the protest venue and attacked a political party office and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) in Leh, setting both on fire.

“The mob also torched a police vehicle, injured over 30 police and CRPF personnel, and damaged public property. In response, security forces resorted to firing in self-defence, leading to casualties. The situation was brought under control by 4:00 pm,” it reads.

The statement further reads that it is clear that the mob was guided by Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. “Incidentally, amidst these developments, he called off his hunger strike,” the MHA said.

It added that the Government of India remains committed to addressing the aspirations of Ladakh’s people by providing adequate constitutional safeguards.

The ministry also appealed to the public not to circulate old or provocative videos on media or social media that may disrupt peace. (KNO)

Mehraj Malik challenges his PSA detention, J&K and Ladakh High Court admits petition

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: After 16 days of his arrest under the Public Safety Act (PSA), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik, challenged his detention in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh here on Wednesday.

As per KNO, the petition, filed through his counsel Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed, seeks the quashing of Detention Order No. 05 of 2025, dated September 8, issued by the District Magistrate, Doda, under Section 8 of the J&K PSA, 1978.

Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul admitted the Habeas Corpus petition and issued post-admission notices to the Principal Secretary, Home Department; District Magistrate, Doda; SSP, Doda; and Superintendent, District Jail, Kathua. Notices were also issued to private respondent Deputy Commissioner, S. Harvinder Singh (IAS).

Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, appearing for the government, was given time to file the response by October 14, 2025, the next hearing date.

During the hearing, Malik’s counsel requested the shortest possible time for the respondents to file their reply, citing the urgency as Malik is an elected representative whose duties require his presence.

The petition challenges the detention on several grounds, including alleged personal bias by the District Magistrate. Malik has also claimed compensation of Rs 5 crore for curtailment of his personal liberty.

The High Court is scheduled to consider the matter again on October 14, 2025. (KNO)

OGW who aided slain LeT Terrorists in Operation Mahadev arrested: Police

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday said that it have arrested a Over Ground Worker (OGW) from south Kashmir’s Kulgam, who had provided the logistic support to the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev.

Official sources said that Srinagar Police arrested an OGW from south Kashmir, identified as Mohd Yousuf Katari (26) of Kulgam. He had role in providing logistical support to terrorists killed in op mahadev.

Pertinently, operation Mahadev took place on July 28, 2025, when security forces, including the Army and police, conducted an anti-terror operation in the Lidwas area of Srinagar.

This operation resulted in the elimination of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, identified as Suleman, Afghan, and Jibran, who were involved in the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack.

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