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Empower elected J&K Govt in accordance with aspirations of people: CM Omar  

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Asserting that the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir should be empowered in accordance with the aspirations of the people, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that the dispensation led by him has not compromised on any issue. He urged the Centre to honour the promise of restoring J&K’s statehood made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament.

Addressing a news conference in Chennai, Omar, as per KNO said, his regime has not compromised on anything. “Since the day my government has been elected, we have stood steadfast in our belief that statehood must be restored. We were the ones who passed a resolution in the assembly asking for the special status of Jammu and Kashmir to be restored. We are the last people who will compromise on a mandate that has been given to us by the people,” he said.

He further stated that “the law & order and policing, these are not part of the elected government’s responsibilities and I think it is unfortunate. Jammu and Kashmir has been promised full statehood by the Prime Minister, by the Home Minister, by representatives of the Government of India when this matter was argued before the Supreme Court. So there is no reason why this promise shouldn’t be kept. Again, this is something that should have already happened. I fail to understand why it hasn’t been done, but we continue to push and believe that this promise must be kept and the elected government must be empowered the way the people want it to be.”

POST OPERATION SINDOOR, ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS BEING TAKEN

He said that all the necessary precautions are being taken post ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Replying to a query on measures taken post Operation Sindoor for the safety of people, Chief Minister Omar said, “We did a comprehensive security audit of all our tourist destinations. Some of them are even at this moment not open for tourism activity but most of the places have reopened and we are taking all the precautions that are necessary.”

SEEKS RELEASE OF MEHRAJ MALIK

About the detention of a legislator from Doda, Mehraj Malik under Public Safety Act (PSA), the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said, “Whatever the complaints might have been there about the conduct of the MLA, the law that has used to detain him is excessive use of force against an elected representative”.

“He should never have been arrested under this law. The sooner he is released, by all means, if you have a complaint about his conduct, take it up with the Speaker of the Assembly. There are other ways to do it. But detaining him under Public Safety Act, where he is not eligible for bail for at least six months is definitely an excessive use of force,” he said.

CONGRESS PART OF ALLIANCE IN J&K

The Chief Minister rejected the claims of parting ways with the INDI Alliance, saying that there is no gap between the National Conference and the India bloc. “We continue to remain a part of the India bloc. The Congress Party is part of the alliance in Jammu and Kashmir government. Though for their own reasons they are not participating in the government at the moment and have said that they will join the government once statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir. But, otherwise we are very much a part of the India bloc.”

PM MANIPUR VISIT A GOOD THING

About PM Modi’s visit to Manipur, he said it is a good thing. “There has been a lot of commentary about the fact that Prime Minister Modi has avoided travelling to that part of the country and particularly after the violence that broke out in 2023. So, as we say, better late than never. We hope that peace and calm is restored and the differences between the two tribal communities are reduced to the point where people are able to live lives normally,” he said.

CRICKET HAS BECOME VICTIM OF POLITICS

Reacting to a query on the India-Pakistan Cricket match tomorrow, Omar said, “I think our problem has always been with bilateral cricket. I don’t think we have ever had a problem with multilateral parts of large tournaments. If I understand correctly, this game is part of a tournament. It’s not part of a bilateral series between the two countries. If this is a start and things can move in a positive trajectory from there, nothing like it. Very often, sport becomes a victim to politics and nowhere is this more true than with cricket and the subcontinent. But you can’t wish away what happens.”

“J&K has been the direct victim of this. More than 30-35 years of trouble and this year we all saw what happened in Pahalgam. These are real concerns that we have and you can’t wish them away,” he said.

J&K TRYING TO IMPROVE CONNECTIONS WITH SOUTH INDIA 

He said that his government has been trying to improve the connections between the South Indian states and Jammu & Kashmir. “We don’t get enough visitors from Chennai and from the rest of Tamil Nadu to Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, one of the challenges that my government has taken upon itself is to try and improve the links and the connections between the South Indian states and Jammu & Kashmir. We hope that in the months and years ahead, we will see more film shootings from this part of the country and more people coming to Jammu and Kashmir for their holidays,” he added.

Omar further stated that his relation with the Chief Minister MK Stalin is very good. “We have always been very grateful to the DMK for the support that they have extended to Jammu and Kashmir for the issues that matter to us. In fact, I was looking forward to meeting the Honourable Chief Minister, but I understand he’s not going to be in town. So that meeting this time was not possible. Hopefully, we will meet at a future visit,” he said.

ELECTION COMMISSION NEEDS TO STAND TALL

About Bihar row, he said that obviously there are concerns with regard to this special dispensation that was created for Bihar. “I don’t have any direct connection with Bihar, but obviously one hears about the mood of the people and its left people in Bihar very dissatisfied with the conduct of the Election Commission. I am not sure the Election Commission wants to do something in the rest of the country that will add to the questions over its credibility. We have always taken pride in the independence and in the impartiality of our election commission. I think our Election Commission needs to hold true to those ideals,” he added. (KNO)

Panchayat, ULB polls nowhere in sight

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The National Conference (NC)-led government is unlikely to conduct local body elections in the near future, as it has yet to take a call on the recommendations of a commission appointed by the LG-led administration regarding reservation for Other Backward Classes and the appointment of the State Election Commissioner.

Based on current indications, the government appears averse to conducting Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections in the remaining months of 2025. “There are no chances of holding Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies polls this year. As of now, we have not received any such indication from the government,” a legislator from the ruling National Conference told KNO.

Holding of Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) polls falls under the domain of the elected government.

The last local body elections were held during Governor’s rule in 2018, and the term of those bodies has since expired.

The first indication that the government has no plan to hold local body elections comes from its ‘inaction’ over the recommendations submitted by a three-member panel headed by former High Court Judge Justice Janak Raj Kotwal.

“The cabinet is yet to take a call on the report. It has to decide whether to adopt or reject it,” sources within the government disclosed.

Secondly, the government has not taken any visible steps toward appointing the State Election Commissioner, the authority responsible for conducting the polls, after former IAS officer B.R. Sharma completed his term.

The SEC is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of a committee comprising the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Thirdly, the process of revising electoral rolls could not be undertaken due to the absence of a State Election Commissioner, who holds the authority to order such revisions.

According to a former Block Development Council chairman, the delay in holding Panchayat elections is causing financial losses, as some components of funding by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj are contingent upon the existence of Panchayati Raj Institutions. “The government should hold elections so that we don’t lose crores of rupees annually. The implementation of plans at Panchayat level have also been affected to some extent due to non-existence of PRIs,” he said.

It is worth mentioning that the Union Government is keen on reviving grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir

A report tabled in Parliament recently revealed that the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj had issued an advisory to Jammu & Kashmir in December 2024, urging steps to hold Panchayat elections.

In its report tabled in both Houses of Parliament on July 28, 2025, the department-related Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj stated that the ministry had advised various states, including J&K and Ladakh, to initiate the process for conducting Panchayat elections. (KNO)

After Himachal, PM Modi to visit J&K, review damage caused by natural calamities

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: After visiting flood hit areas in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir in coming days to review the flood situation and damage caused due to cloudbursts, rains and landslides.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and organizational General Secretary Ashok Koul while talking to KNO said, “PM Modi will visit J&K to take the first-hand account of the damages caused by the recent natural calamities.”

He said, “The date of his J&K visit will be announced soon.”

Sources said that PM Modi besides assessing the damages will also conduct an aerial survey of landslide hit holy town of Katra, where landslides enroute Shri Mata Vashino Devi Shrine last month led to more than 35 people losing their lives.

They said that PM Modi will also conduct the aerial survey of Chasoti village in Kishtwar District where more than 60 people died after a landslide hit the hamlet nestled within mountains. “PM Modi may also announce a special relief package for the flood victims in J&K.”

PM VISITS HIMACHAL PRADESH ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF RS 1500 CRORE

Meanwhile, PM Modi today visited Himachal Pradesh to review the losses caused by floods and landslides.

The Prime Minister first conducted an aerial survey of flood affected areas of Himachal Pradesh. Thereafter, PM Modi had an official meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage that has occurred in Himachal Pradesh.

PM Modi announced a financial assistance of Rs 1500 crore for Himachal Pradesh. There will be advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

PM asked for a multi-dimensional view to be taken to get the entire region and people back on its feet. These would be done through multiple ways, like rebuilding homes through PM Awas Yojana, restoration of national highways, rebuilding schools, provision of relief under PMNRF along with release of Mini Kits for livestock.

Recognizing the critical need to support the agricultural community, additional assistance will be provided specifically targeted at farmers who currently lack power connections under the PM Awas Yojana, geotagging of damaged houses will be done. This will help in accurate damage assessment and faster delivery of aid to those affected.

To ensure uninterrupted education, schools will be able to report and geotag damages, enabling timely assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Construction of recharge structures for water harvesting to help collect and store rainwater will be done. These efforts will improve groundwater levels and support better water management.

The Union Government has already sent Inter-Ministerial Central teams to visit Himachal Pradesh to assess the extent of damage, and based on their detailed report further assistance will be considered, it said.

Prime Minister also met families who were affected by the calamity. He expressed his condolences and deep sorrow to the family members of those who have lost their lives. He stated that the Union Government will work closely with the State Government at this difficult time and extend all possible assistance.

PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to the seriously injured in the floods and natural calamity.

The Prime Minister announced that children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides will be extended comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme. This will ensure their long-term welfare.

Prime Minister also stated that all assistance under disaster management rules are being made including advance disbursements to the States. He appreciated the efforts of the personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army, State administration and other service-oriented organisations for making efforts in immediate relief and response. The Central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the State as well as the report of the Central teams.

Prime Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the Central Government will make all efforts to address the situation. (KNO)

3 soldiers dead after avalanche hits Siachen base camp in Ladakh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Three soldiers of the Mahar Regiment were killed after an avalanche hit their base camp at the Siachen glacier in Ladakh on Tuesday, officials said.

An official said that the soldiers were trapped under snow for nearly 5 hours before rescue teams reached the spot.

An Army captain, who was also caught in the avalanche, was rescued, he added. More details are awaited. (KNO)

Mistakes could be corrected in Assembly, not by PSA: CM Omar on Mehraj Malik’s arrest

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said any mistake by Doda MLA Mehraj Malik could have been addressed in the Assembly and that there was no need to arrest him under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Speaking with reporters, CM Omar Abdullah, as per KNO, said what did Malik do that deserved PSA? “If he had made a mistake, it could have been rectified in the Assembly under the supervision of the speaker. Such a law should not have been imposed against him.”

He said there were no law and order problem in Doda, no stone pelting was witnessed, no riots took place, yet the MLA was booked under PSA. “This is unjust and would undermine trust in democracy.

He also alleged while people area being summoned to police stations and questioned, no action is being taken against those who played with religious sentiments and disturbed the atmosphere in Hazratbal.

The Chief Minister said on July 13 many leaders were arrested, and on July 14, when he visited the graveyard, he was pushed by the police. (KNO)

Man found dead in Srinagar, probe launched: Police

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A man was found dead in Batwara area in Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said, adding that a probe has been launched in the matter.

An official told KNO that the body was spotted by locals, who then informed the police.

He said soon after a police party from Ram Munshi Bagh police station reached the spot and took the body into their custody.

The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Qayoom Butt son of Mohammad Kamal Butt of Gabdbal, Srinagar.

“Necessary legal formalities have been initiated and further investigation is underway,” he said. (KNO)

Budgam man dies, woman injured after train hits them in Pulwama

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A man was killed while a woman sustained injuries after being run over by a train in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday, officials said

An official told KNO that the incident took place at Panzgam railway station, when a train, running from Baramulla to Sangaldan, hit the duo.

“The man, identified as Reyaz Ahmad of Budgam, died on the spot, while the woman got injured and has been shifted to a hospital. Medico-legal formalities are underway,” he said. (KNO)

SIA arrests key operator in 2022 narco-terror case

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has arrested a key operator in Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district in the 2022 narco-terror case, the agency said today.

According to a statement, issued to KNO, the accused, Abdul Rashid Bhat of Awantipora, was evading arrest for more than 2 years.

The statement reads that he was designated a proclaimed offender by the court in case FIR 19/2022 of SIA Kashmir.

“Rashid is the third absconder to be arrested in the case so far following years of pursuit. His arrest marks a severe blow to the LeT operated narco-terror module backed by Pakistan based handlers,” it reads.

It adds this module was involved in smuggling of narcotics and arms through dead drop consignments near the LoC in Karnah sector and subsequent transportation and sale throughout the valley.

“Sale proceeds of these narcotic substances were later channelised to sustain the waning terrorism in J&K. So far multiple charge sheets have been filed in this case. With this arrest the SIA hopes to unfold some important links and to gather more evidence to be presented before the court to supplement the undergoing trial,” it reads. (KNO)

Speaker says Govt did not seek permission for arrest of MLA Doda Mehraj Malik

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday clarified that the government had not sought any permission from him regarding the arrest of MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik.

Speaking to KINS, Rather explained that under Rule 260 of the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker’s role is limited to being informed about the arrest of any legislator. “In Mehraj’s case, I too was informed and the same I conveyed to legislators,” Rather said.

He said that his office was not consulted nor required to give approval for the detention. “No permission was sought from me. I have no role in his arrest. The order has been issued by the District Commissioner. My only responsibility is to communicate the matter to the members,” he noted.

The Speaker further underlined that the decision on the legality of the arrest lies with the judiciary. “Rest, the court has to decide if anything has been done wrong,” he added.

The arrest of Mehraj Malik has sparked sharp reactions across political circles, with several parties condemning the move and questioning the grounds of his detention. Critics argue that the action sets a “dangerous precedent” by undermining the rights of elected representatives.

The matter is now expected to be taken up in the courts, where Malik’s legal team will contest the charges against him. Meanwhile, the Speaker’s clarification appears aimed at distancing the Assembly Secretariat from the ongoing controversy. (KINS)

Woman, 2 kids found dead in Ramban village, probe launched: Police

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A woman and her two kids were found dead under a culvert in the Chamalwas village of Ramban today evening, police said, adding that a probe has been launched into the matter.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, Arun Gupta told KNO that prima facie it appears to be a case of homicide.

“Three bodies, including a woman and her two children – a boy and a girl – were found under a culvert. A team has been constituted,” he said.

He said that a probe has been launched. “Wr will seek the opinion of doctors and wait for the outcome of the probe before drawing any conclusions,” he added. (KNO)

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