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5 injured after 2 vehicles collide near Zojila Pass

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Srinagar: At least five persons were injured after a vehicle they were travelling in collided with another one near the Zojila Pass area on Monday, officials said.

An official told KNO that soon after the incident, the injured were shifted to PHC Sonamarg, where from they were referred to SKIMS Soura for specialised treatment.

The injured have been as Manzoor Hussain son of Sadiq Ali Balti, Shabir Hussain son of Hussain Ali Balti, Sadiqa Bano wife of Manzoor Hussain Balti, Masrat Zara daughter of Manzoor Hussain and Fareeda Bano daughter of Moad Hussain—all residents of Kargil.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident, the official said. (KNO)

Cabinet likely to meet on Tuesday; To recommend convening of Assembly

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Srinagar: The cabinet is likely to meet on Tuesday to take a final decision on several proposals, including a recommendation to the Lieutenant Governor for convening the autumn session of the Assembly.

Sources told KNO that the cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is expected to meet tomorrow to propose a date to the LG for convening the autumn session of the Assembly.

“The cabinet will meet at 10: 00 AM,” they said. The LG is vested with the authority to summon the Assembly.

As per the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, there must not be a gap longer than six months between the last meeting of one session and the first meeting of the next session.

“The Lieutenant Governor shall, from time to time, summon the Legislative Assembly to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session,” reads the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Since the last sitting of the previous session was held on April 29, and according to the rule that no more than six months should pass between sessions, the next session must be held by October 28.

The issues of statehood and reservation are likely to dominate proceedings in the House.

In the last Assembly session, three resolutions on statehood lapsed due to disruptions created by the National Conference following the rejection of the adjournment motion brought by their legislators on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The issue of reservation also came up repeatedly during discussions in the House, with PC President and MLA from Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, cornering the government over the matter.

The detention of MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik, and his assault during the last budget session could also come up for discussion. (KNO)

Grandfather, Grandson killed in Akhnoor road accident

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Srinagar: In a tragic road accident, a grandfather and grandson were killed at Rasalyote on the National Highway in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district.

Officials told GNS that a Hyundai Nios vehicle with registration number JK11E-3874 collided with a load carrier today. Two people travelling in the Nios car died on the spot in this incident.

The deceased have been identified as Master Dev Raj Sharma and Manik Sharma both resident of Bhajwal, Rajouri.

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

CM Omar unveils Real Kashmir FC’s Peace Jersey with Hummel

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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday unveiled the Peace Jersey of Real Kashmir FC in collaboration with Danish sports brand Hummel at the TRC Ground in Srinagar, describing sport as a vital tool to unite and inspire people.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Abdullah as per KNO said, “The government is developing sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, and I commend Real Kashmir FC for its role in promoting football in the Valley. Sports act as a bridge for unity and peace.”

He also assured farmers that losses to fruit crops due to the recent highway closure were being assessed and compensation would be provided.

Highlighting the message of the Peace Jersey launched by Real Kashmir FC, he added, “This program itself carries the message of peace. Whether it is tourism or a day-night match, nothing can succeed without a peaceful atmosphere. If the situation is not stable, who will come in the evening to play? We need peace for everything. The responsibility lies with those in charge, and they must fulfill it.”

The Peace Jersey, a special edition kit, takes inspiration from Srinagar’s Hari Parbat Fort—symbolizing unity through its shrine, temple, and gurdwara. Its sky-blue tone represents peace, while mountain and dove motifs stand for growth and harmony. The jersey will be available online from September 21, 2025.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Sarmad Hafeez, and representatives from RKFC and Hummel. (KNO)

GST reforms begin tomorrow, daily use items to become cheaper: PM Modi tells nation

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that from tomorrow, India will implement next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms under which there will primarily be two tax slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. He said this change would make most daily use items more affordable for citizens.

Addressing the nation, PM Modi, according to KNO said the reforms were being introduced in line with the country’s current needs and future aspirations. “Reform is a continuous process. As times change and the country’s needs change, next-generation reforms are equally necessary,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, food items, medicines, soaps, brushes, toothpaste, health insurance and life insurance will either be tax-free or attract only 5 per cent tax. “Out of the goods which were earlier taxed at 12 per cent, 99 per cent of the items have now come under the slab of 5 per cent,” he said.

PM Modi announced that from the first day of Navratri, the government will also launch a nationwide “GST Bachat Utsav” or savings festival. “From tomorrow, the GST Savings Festival is going to begin across the country. Your savings will increase, and you will be able to easily buy the things of your choice,” Modi said. He added that poor families, the middle class, shopkeepers, farmers, youth, women, and entrepreneurs will all benefit from the new tax structure.

The Prime Minister linked the tax reforms to the larger changes in the economy over the past decade. He said that in the last eleven years, 25 crore people in the country had moved out of poverty and were now part of what he called the “neo-middle class.” He said this group had its own aspirations and would gain significantly from both GST simplification and recent income tax relief. “This year, the government presented a gift by making income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free,” he said. “When income tax relief up to Rs 12 lakh is granted, the lives of the middle class undergo a profound transformation.”

PM Modi recalled the challenges businesses faced before GST was introduced in 2017. “For decades, the people of our country, traders, and businesses were trapped in the web of multiple taxes. Octroi, entry tax, sales tax, excise, VAT, service tax—so many kinds of taxes existed,” he said.

He cited an example reported in a foreign newspaper of a company that found it easier to send goods from Bengaluru to Europe and then ship them back to Hyderabad, rather than deal with tax barriers between states.

He said the introduction of GST in 2017, after consultations with all states and stakeholders, ended the system of multiple taxes and checkpoints. “By taking every state and everyone along, such a big tax reform became possible in independent India. The dream of ‘One Nation, One Tax’ to create a unified system across the country was fulfilled,” he said.

With the new reforms, PM Modi said, businesses will find it easier to operate, investment will become more attractive, and all states will participate equally in the race for development. (KNO)

Lakes and rivers lifelines of people, need to preserve them: LG Sinha

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Srinagar: Terming lakes and rivers as the lifeline of people, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said it’s the collective responsibility of all to preserve the water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing Swachhta drive organized under Sewa Parv at SKICC on the bank of Dal Lake here, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “The existence of the Dal Lake is important for us and the future generations.”

LG Sinha said that it is not only the duty of LCMA, SMC and other agencies but of every citizen to keep water resources clean.

Referring to the recent natural challenges faced by the Union Territory, LG Sinha said people have realized the true value of water resources. “We must learn to live in harmony with nature and restore our water bodies to their original form,” he said.

The Lt Governor informed that in the ongoing conservation efforts, nearly one-third of Dal Lake, covering 6.5 km, has been made weed-free and several projects completed. He credited the people of Kashmir, LCMA and other agencies for visible improvement in the lake’s condition.

He said all houseboats have been connected with the SWIC programme and a new Dal-Nigeen Eco Project is in the pipeline, which will give a boost to tourism.

LG Sinha appreciated the sanitation workers for their role and said both cities and villages are experiencing ease of living through such initiatives. “A garbage-free city and village should not just remain a dream. Every citizen must devote a few hours of service and pledge not to litter,” he said.

The Lt Governor also called upon officials and administrators to speed up the ongoing programmes. “True development is incomplete without environmental protection.

We must build awareness for future generations to preserve rivers and lakes as symbols of reverence and culture,” he added. (KNO)

45-year-old critically injured in Bear attack in Anantnag

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Srinagar: A 45-year-old man was critically injured after being attacked by a bear in Ainoo Brai Aishmuqam area of Anantnag district in South Kashmir on Sunday.

Officials told GNS that a bear attacked a man this morning while he was working in his paddy field, leaving him critically injured.

He was immediately taken to PHC Aishmuqam, from where he was referred to GMC Anantnag for further treatment.

He has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad(45) son of Ab Ahad Mir resident of Ainoo Brai.

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

Flying squad seizes 100 kg rotten fish from Srinagar Airport

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Srinagar: To curb the transportation and sale of unsafe food items in district Budgam, the district administration has constituted special Flying Squads comprising officials from all concerned departments, including Police.

Budgam Police have also established nakas at major entry points of the district to strictly monitor the movement of such items, a police spokesman said in a statement issued to KNO.

During a joint inspection at Humhama Chowk, led by I/C PP Humhama in collaboration with officials of the Food Safety Department, 100 kg of rotten fish packed in two parcels was seized from the possession of a fish seller, Mehdi Hasan Lashkar S/o Attaullah Lashkar R/o Hawgul Dori, West Bengal, presently residing at Safa Kadal Chowk Srinagar.

The accused was carrying the consignment from Srinagar International Airport towards his shop. He was arrested on the spot, and FIR No. 263/2025 under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station Budgam, the spokesman said, adding that legal action under Sections 271, 272, and 275 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 has been initiated against him.

“Budgam Police reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring food safety. Strict legal action will continue against those indulging in the sale of substandard or unhygienic food items. The general public is urged to remain vigilant and promptly report such malpractices to the nearest Police Station,” the statement reads. (KNO)

CIK cracks down on terror-linked network masquerading as social activists

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Srinagar: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has launched a massive crackdown against the terror-linked network masquerading as social activists in the Valley.

According to a statement issued to KNO, the spokesman said that the searches were conducted by CIK at multiple locations across Kashmir in connection with a case under FIR number 03/2023 under section 505 IPC, 153-A IPC and Sections 13 & 18 of UA (P) Act of Police Station CIK Srinagar.

The searches were carried out after obtaining search warrants from the Court of Special Judge, designated under NIA Act, Srinagar.

“The case was registered on a credible input received by CIK wherein it had emerged that certain individuals in J&K, under the cloak of social activism, were misusing platforms connected to mass media, social media, human rights, environment, and women empowerment for activities detrimental to the sovereignty and security of the State. Discreet information indicated their suspected links with secessionist organizations and proscribed terrorist outfits,” it reads.

The spokesman said that inputs further revealed that some of these users were suspected to be in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers through encrypted messaging applications. “They were found to be involved in spreading false narratives, radicalizing youth and attempting to disturb public order and peace in J&K.”

Eight locations across Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Handwara and Shopian were identified and subsequently searched. “During these searches, seven suspects were detained for questioning. Incriminating digital evidence having bearing on the investigation was seized,” the spokesman said.

The raids have successfully disrupted a dangerous ecosystem operating under the facade of social activism but serving terror interests. The seized digital evidence is expected to reveal deeper footprints of the conspiracy, and further arrests cannot be ruled out, the statement reads, adding that investigation is on to unearth the full scale of the conspiracy, identify other operatives, and expose the suspected communication chains with handlers across the border.

“Today’s action signals a zero-tolerance approach against those attempting to camouflage terror-linked activities as legitimate civil society initiatives. CIK stresses that such elements not only endanger peace but also act as force multipliers for cross-border terrorism. With investigation gaining momentum, fresh revelations about the covert operations of these pseudo-activist networks, Social Media users, many of whom had been attempting to infiltrate public discourse under noble causes while serving anti-national agendas, are expected,” the spokesman said. (KNO)

Elimination of terrorism nation’s biggest priority: LG Sinha

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Srinagar: Asserting that the biggest priority for our nation is the elimination of terrorism, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the encouraging fact is that terrorism today has been greatly reduced and is now limited to very small pockets.

Addressing the 4th CII Northern Regional Council Meeting here, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “Whether it was left-wing extremism or Naxalism the dream once seen of creating a Nepal style guerrilla movement it has now been confined to a few districts. I firmly believe that in the next three to four months, the nation will be completely free of Naxalism.”

“However, terrorism has not disappeared completely. Some activities still remain in parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and a few regions of Jammu and Kashmir. I have always said that where terrorism exists, there is potential for greater danger. Its elimination cannot be the sole responsibility of the police or security forces society as a whole must take part,” he said.

“When narratives are created that weaken the nation, they give rise to division and hostility. That is why I particularly urge the industrialists of the Valley to take responsibility. If you choose to remain silent spectators, your businesses and progress will suffer,” LG Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “The world has shown growing confidence in India. Now, it is the responsibility of the industry to rise to the challenge of making our growth processes faster and more competitive. We need focused approach to enhance productivity & export of MSMEs & foster innovation economy.”

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to accelerate the pace of industrial development in Jammu Kashmir and bring this region at par with the rest of the country.

LG Sinha commended the business leaders for their vision and reach & asked them to work together to realise the dream of developed India. He also, highlighted need for private investment in research & development.

“The world has shown growing confidence in India. Now, it is the responsibility of the industry to rise to the challenge of making our growth processes faster and more competitive. We need focused approach to enhance productivity & export of MSMEs & foster innovation economy,” he said.

LG Sinha said, “Big companies, corporate houses, MSMEs of the country must take a pledge that the industrial development of Jammu Kashmir will be their personal responsibility. The industrial ecosystem of the country should come forward and support rapid Industrialisation of the Union Territory. Today, the country’s top industrial houses should invest in Jammu Kashmir keeping in mind that it is their collective responsibility to ensure the complete integration and inclusive development of Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He commended the business leaders for their vision and reach and asked them to work together to realise the dream of developed India. “The world has shown growing confidence in India. Now, it is the responsibility of the industry to rise to the challenge of making our growth processes faster and more competitive,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He emphasised the need for a focused approach to enhance productivity and export of MSMEs and foster innovation economy. “Micro and Small Industries in J&K have demonstrated their ability to be globally competitive and we are open to new ideas on how we can spread industrialization across the UT and encourage new enterprises at Panchayat level,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He observed that the Next Generation Reforms will greatly benefit MSMEs and Handicrafts Units and building a self-reliant India. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the need for private investment in Research & Development (R&D), with special focus on defence, space, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

He said, for a developed India, we must create an innovation economy where growth and wealth are driven by new technologies and innovations.

Anjali Singh, Chairperson, CII Northern Region; Dr. M.A. Alim, Chairman, CII J&K; Shri Iqram Shafiee, Vice Chairman, CII J&K; Shri Puneet Kaura, Deputy Chairman, CII Northern Region; Business & Industry leaders and members of Confederation of Indian Industry were present. Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other senior officials were also present on the occasion. (KNO)