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At Tiranga Rally, LG Sinha praises security forces for avenging Pahalgam attack

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday praised the security forces for avenging the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.

During his address at the Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar, LG Sinha, as per KNO said called upon citizens to honour the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and security.

“I want to pay tributes to those who laid down their lives to free us from imperial colonialism, and to the armed forces and police who avenged the Pahalgam attack and saved the nation. Our duty is to protect their hopes and aspirations,” he said.

He also said for the last five years, the enthusiasm for the Tiranga Yatra has only increased.

He said the Tiranga Yatra holds special significance as it aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

“From August 2, we initiated the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, and the energy we witnessed among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir was inspiring. We have resolved to live for the tricolour and happily lay our lives for its honor,” he said.

He also credited PM Modi for making hectic efforts in realising the dreams of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)

Tricolour our identity, we must uphold its honour: CM Omar at Tiranga Rally

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the national flag, is “our identity”, urging citizens to honour its dignity by remembering the sacrifices.

During his address at the Tiranga Yatra, CM Omar, as per KNO, reflected on the nation’s journey towards embracing the tricolour as a symbol of unity and pride. “Often, we either say this ourselves or hear someone else say, ‘I am alone, what can I do by myself?’ But remember that time when we were not allowed to hoist our national flag at our own homes,” Omar Abdullah recalled.

He said the law was such that only government offices or buildings would display the national flag. He shared the story of one determined citizen who, inspired by the sight of American friends freely displaying their national flag, initiated a legal battle upon returning to India.

“He knocked at the doors of the courts and forced the rulers of the country to change the law so that every citizen would have the right to hoist the tricolour in their own home,” CM Omar said.

“He had his own resources and ways, but above all, he had the intent. Those who sacrificed their lives for this flag, who did not care for their own tomorrow for its protection, never thought, ‘What can I do alone?’ Instead, they believed, ‘I alone am enough.’ This spirit, this determination, is what has always protected our flag,” he added.

He urged the connection with the tricolour should not be limited to ceremonial functions. “This flag is our identity. We must uphold its respect and honour, walking in the footsteps of those who made immense sacrifices for its glory. That is the purpose of this program and the lesson we should carry forward,” he said. (KNO)

Statehood petition listed for hearing on Aug 14; Case to be heard by CJI-led bench

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Supreme Court is set to hear the petition seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood on August 14.

According to the cause list issued by the Apex Court registry, the statehood petition is listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India. “The case is listed for hearing on August 14 before a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India,” advocate Soayib Qureshi told KNO over phone from New Delhi.

The case was mentioned on August 5 by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. Sankaranarayanan informed the Court that the hearing was listed for August 8 on the Supreme Court website and requested that it not be removed from the cause list. The CJI had agreed to the request. However, the case was not listed on August 08.

The petition has been filed by Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a lawyer and academician and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, a socio-political activist.

The petition argues that the continued delay in restoring statehood violates the principle of federalism, which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution.

The petitioners have submitted that no steps have been taken to lay out a clear timeline or implement the Supreme Court’s December 2023 directive that ‘restoration of statehood shall take place at the earliest and as soon as possible’.

The plea is listed for hearing at a time when political momentum around the issue is building. The Congress party has launched a full-fledged campaign for restoration of statehood.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to all political parties, including BJP, to bring a bill in the Parliament during the ongoing monsoon session to restore J&K’s statehood. (KNO)

Day 11: Kulgam enounter continues, searches intensified in dense Akhal forests

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The prolonged anti-terror operation in the Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its 11th day on Monday, with a brief lull in firing reported since morning.

Security forces remain on high alert as the search operation continues in the thickly forested and mountainous terrain.

Officials told KNO that a multi-layer security cordon has been in place to prevent the escape of any terrorists believed to be holed up in the area.

The dense vegetation and steep slopes have posed huge challenges. Specialised search teams, including personnel from the Army, CRPF and J&K Police, are combing suspected hideouts.

Sources said that forces have been conducting systematic searches in multiple phases, moving sector by sector to clear the vast forest zone and to plug possible escape routes, particularly towards adjoining villages and higher ridges.

“Given the complexity of the terrain and the possibility of terrorists shifting positions during the night, forces are advancing cautiously to avoid casualties and ensure no area is left unchecked,” they said.

The operation, which was launched on August 1 following specific intelligence inputs, has witnessed multiple intermittent exchanges of fire.

So far, at least one terrorist has been killed, while two soldiers have lost their lives in the line of duty. More than a dozen security personnel have sustained injuries during the intense gunfights.

Officials said the prolonged nature of the encounter indicates the terrorists are well-entrenched, using natural caves, thick foliage and shifting positions to evade the cordon. (KNO)

Health Minister warns against food adulteration, vows strict action to protect public health

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo on Monday termed food adulteration and the mixing of harmful chemicals in consumables as a serious health concern, warning that the government will take strict action against those involved in the practice.

She said that rising incidents of cancer, liver ailments, tumours, and sudden heart attacks—particularly among young people—are being linked by health experts to the widespread consumption of adulterated food.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, the minister, as reported by KNO, said the issue has reached alarming levels. “Some people are playing with our health by giving us food items that are adulterated and laced with harmful chemicals. This is not only unethical but life-threatening,” she said.

According to health officials, Jammu & Kashmir currently has around 51,000 registered active cancer cases, besides a growing number of patients suffering from chronic liver diseases, tumours, and cardiac complications.

Itoo expressed concern that sudden heart attacks among otherwise healthy young individuals are becoming increasingly common. “We often hear of sudden deaths due to heart attacks in young people, and we used to wonder why this was happening. It now seems that adulteration and chemical contamination in food could be one of the major reasons,” she added.

To tackle the menace, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday convened a high-level meeting in which all three concerned ministers and top officials participated. The meeting decided on a multi-pronged action plan to stamp out adulteration from the market.

As part of the plan, testing laboratories will be established in every district headquarters, enabling on-the-spot checking of all edible items to determine their safety for consumption.

“The government will act firmly. There will be strict checks, punishments, and continuous monitoring. No one will be allowed to indulge in this dangerous practice in the future,” the health minister said.

Sakina also called for maintaining public trust in the medical fraternity. “Both patients and doctors are our own people. We must strengthen the bond between them. However, wherever there is any negligence on the part of doctors, the government will not leave any stone unturned in taking action,” she said.

The minister assured the public that the government is determined to curb the menace once and for all. “Whosoever is involved will face the music. This is about safeguarding public health, and we will not compromise,” she affirmed.

Health experts have long warned that the consumption of contaminated and chemically treated food is directly contributing to the rise of life-threatening illnesses. (KNO)

Act tough against accused selling rotten food items to public: CM Omar directs officials

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Asking officials to act tough against the accused selling adulterated and rotten food to the public, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that culprits will be given exemplary punishment.

The Chief Minister while chairing a high-level meeting here amidst the ongoing crackdown against the selling of rotten meat and chicken in the markets, according to KNO, passed slew of directions to the concerned authorities, seeking an end to such practices, saying that the public health can’t be compromised at any cost.

Pertinently, large quantity of adulterated and rotten meat was seized from different parts of Kashmir during the past two weeks. The people have questioned the authorities for failing to curb such practices and putting the health of common masses at risk.

The crackdown began from Srinagar outskirts on July 31 when the Food Safety Department Srinagar, in coordination with the Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO) seized and destroyed 1,200 kilograms of rotten meat stored for distribution in the city.

Multiple raids were conducted since then and more such practices were exposed and the rotten meat including the adulterated delicacies like Kababs and Gushtabas, easily available in the markets were seized and destroyed simultaneously.

Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah reviewed the ongoing food safety enforcement campaign in the wake of recent seizures of unsafe meat and meat products, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.

The Chief Minister directed exemplary punitive action against those found storing or selling unsafe food, emphasising that offenders posing risks to public health must be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act. He called for criminal proceedings against the most serious violators.

“The grave problem appears to have remained unchecked and unnoticed for too long. The unscrupulous elements have played with the health and lives of people. This has to stop and those deliberately involved in playing with public health must face the law,” the Chief Minister said.

“I appreciate officials for launching the drive and exposing the dangerous rot in our food chain. There can be no compromise on public health and the drive will continue. There will be an audit of the concerned departments and the mechanism to stop import, sale and use of the unhygienic meat and other food items,” the CM added.

To tighten quality control, the Chief Minister ordered the establishment of entry-point check posts and testing laboratories at Lakhanpur and Qazigund to screen mutton, chicken, and other perishable items entering Jammu & Kashmir. He further directed that Food Testing Laboratories be set up at every district headquarters, instead of limiting such facilities to Jammu and Srinagar, thereby significantly enhancing the Government’s enforcement capacity. No meat should be sold and used without proper clearance, he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasised that the Food Safety and Drugs Organization would be further strengthened to ensure rigorous monitoring and swift action against violations.

The Chief Minister further instructed intensified inspection drives across all districts, with Deputy Commissioners personally leading surprise market checks to ensure strict compliance with prescribed hygiene and quality standards. All mobile food-testing vans are to be deployed immediately to support these operations.

While acknowledging the justified public and media concern, the CM urged citizens to approach the concerned authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands. He cautioned against vigilante actions and directed the Food Safety Department to follow due procedure, work with the police for surprise raids, and avoid harassment of traders who comply with safety regulations.

The CM also ordered the registration of all food distributors, traders, and vendors, bringing them under a formal licensing framework. An inter-departmental committee will be constituted to ensure coordination, efficiency, and smooth enforcement, particularly for the distribution and sale of safe, hygienic, fresh, and properly labelled perishable items such as meat and chicken.

Departments have been instructed to verify that meat supplies originate from safe sources, that the cold chain is maintained, and that cold stores are equipped with deep-freezing facilities. The CM took serious note of the use of harmful chemicals, unauthorized synthetic additives, and colouring agents, stressing their potential health hazards.

Health experts, including the Director of SKIMS and the Principal of GMC Srinagar, briefed the meeting on the ill-effects of food adulteration and the health risks posed by unsafe food, urging changes in food habits to reduce the rising incidence of chronic illnesses.

The meeting was attended by Health & Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Agriculture Shailender Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Vikramjeet Singh, Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat, Secretary Health & Medical Education Dr Abid Rashid Shah, Director SKIMS Dr M. Ashraf Ganai, Principal GMC Srinagar Dr Iffat Hassan, Commissioner Food Safety Smita Sethi, and other senior officials.

Dr Abid Rashid Shah presented details of recent enforcement activities, seizures of unsafe meat and poultry, penalties prescribed under law, and the roles of various departments, including Food Safety, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Industries & Commerce, Home, Housing & Urban Development, and District Administration. He also outlined an immediate 30-day action plan involving Mapping all food businesses and vendors, Intensified inspection drives, Public reporting campaigns via “Dial 104”, Community engagement initiatives, and Establishing entry check posts at Lakhanpur and Qazigund.

Concluding the meeting, the CM reiterated the government’s commitment to take concerted and coordinated action to curb violations in the sale, storage, and distribution of perishable food items—particularly meat, meat-based products, and dairy—ensuring the highest standards of consumer safety and public health.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed people to remain vigilant and not to buy any processed meat from unauthorized vendors. (KNO)

A week on, 11,668 Kg rotten meat seized in J&K, Srinagar Police identify 2 key suspects, lodge FIR

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In one of the biggest food safety crackdowns in recent years, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have seized over 11,668 kilograms of unsafe meat across the Union Territory, in just over a week, while Srinagar Police have identified a key suspect and his another aide for their alleged involvement in this racket, officials said on Monday.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Kashmir, Smiti Sethi, while talking to KNO, said a total of over 11,668 kilograms of unsafe meat has been seized across J&K so far, with intensified raids underway to purge markets of manipulation and health hazards.

She said until the market improves, the drives will continue. “We are following proper procedure and once the process is complete, details will be made public,” Sethi said.

Moreover, the large-scale seizures come amid a government crackdown following multiple raids in recent weeks—ranging from the destruction of 1,200 kg of rotten meat in Srinagar’s Zakura to the disposal of thousands of kababs and Gushtaba found laced with prohibited colouring agents in other districts.

Additionally, health experts at the meeting, including SKIMS and GMC Srinagar heads, warned of chronic illnesses linked to food adulteration and urged the public to avoid buying meat from unverified vendors. Also, the authorities have appealed to citizens to report violations via helpline “Dial 104” rather than resorting to vigilante actions.

SRINAGAR POLICE IDENTIFY 2 KEY SUSPECTS

Meanwhile, in a joint operation, the Srinagar Police and the Food Safety Department conducted raids at multiple locations across the city, targeting vendors suspected of selling unhygienic and expired meat products.

An official said, “During the operation, substantial quantities of rotten meat were seized and destroyed on the spot under relevant sections of Food Safety and Standards Act.”

In one such action, Srinagar Police in collaboration with officials of the Food Safety and Standards Association of India ( FSSAI ) raided cold storage unit in Parimpora where rotten meat was stored, which was seized, subsequently leading to the seizure of the cold storage under relevant section of the Food Safety and Standards Act, they said , adding that the action is part of an intensified drive to safeguard public health and ensure strict adherence to food safety standards.

“Similarly, acting on credible input received at Police Station Zakura, authorities identified Abdul Hameed Kuchay, a resident of Soura and operator of Sunshine Foods located at SICOP Zakoora, as a key suspect. He is alleged to be involved in a criminal conspiracy with Arif Ahmad Shah, of Baghat Barzulla, to supply decomposed meat unfit for consumption in large quantities to restaurants and hotels across Srinagar,” Police said.

Police stated that this deliberate act of distributing rotten meat poses a serious threat to public health and constitutes a grave offence under applicable laws.

Consequently, FIR No. 48/2025 has been registered at Police Station Zakura under sections 271, 275, and 61(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway.

Srinagar Police affirms that inspections and legal action will continue in collaboration with concerned departments in the coming days to ensure strict compliance and accountability across the food supply chain, in the interests of public health and safety. (KNO)

Nomination of 5 MLAs outside purview of elected government: MHA

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs has informed Jammu & Kashmir High Court that nomination of five MLAs of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly falls outside the purview of the elected government and is to be made by the Lieutenant Governor without aid and advice of the council of ministers.

As per KNO, in a preliminary affidavit reply submitted to J&K High Court, the MHA has stated that J&K Reorganisation Act explicitly confers upon the LG the statutory authority to nominate members to the Legislative Assembly.

“Sections 15, 15A and 15B all recognize the power and authority of the Lieutenant Governor to make a nomination to the Legislative Assembly. Accordingly, there can be no manner of doubt that it is the Lieutenant Governor who has to exercise this statutory duty in his discretion, as a statutory functionary and not as an extension of the government, thus, without aid and advice,” reads the affidavit filed by MHA through Vishal Sharma, Deputy Solicitor General of India.

While Section 15 of the Reorganisation Act empowers the Lieutenant Governor to nominate two women to the Assembly if he feels that they are not adequately represented, Sections 15A and 15B confer upon him the authority to nominate two Kashmiri migrants and one Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) refugee, respectively.

The MHA has submitted that “Section 14(3) does not provide the total strength of the Legislative Assembly; but merely provides the number of directly elected members to such Legislative Assembly”.

“It is respectfully submitted that the petitioner has failed to substantiate the claim that the nominations made under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act; 2019, exceed the sanctioned strength of the Legislative Assembly, while those under the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 do not. The petitioner has not provided any cogent legal basis or statutory interpretation to support such a distinction, and the submissions in this regard remain misconceived and unsustainable in law,” the affidivat states.

The MHA further submitted that the sanctioned strength of the Assembly is not 114, but 114 + all members nominated in terms of Sections 15, 15A and 15B of J&K Reorganisation Act-2019.

The MHA has filed the reply in response to a petition challenging nomination of five MLAs. The petition has been filed by Ravinder Sharma, spokesperson of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC). (KNO)

Security tightened across J&K ahead of Independence Day

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Security has been heightened across Jammu & Kashmir ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, with multi-tiered measures, sanitisation and area domination exercises being carried out by security personnel, officials said here on Monday.

This year’s Independence Day will be the first following the formation of an elected government after the abrogation of J&K’s special status in 2019.

A senior security official told KNO, that security has been increased in 20 districts, particularly in the border areas. “Sensitive areas in Kashmir have seen enhanced security, including road blockades, vehicle checks, security cordons, and search operations,” he said.

The official said there is an extensive deployment of police and paramilitary forces along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC). “Senior officers have reviewed security arrangements in sensitive border areas to ensure effective coordination between various agencies,” he added.

Meanwhile, the official said that BSF personnel opened fire on a Pakistani national attempting to cross into Indian territory along the International Border (IB) in Kathua district, injuring him.

“On the evening of 11 Aug 2025, BSF troops observed suspicious movement wherein a Pak National was observed crossing the IB and approaching aggressively towards the border fence in district Kathua, Jammu. He was warned by alert troops but paid no heed. BSF troops, sensing a threat, fired at his legs. Later on, he was taken into BSF custody. Protest being lodged with counterpart,” a Jammu-based BSF spokesperson said.

He added that to further bolster security, advanced surveillance technologies, including drones and high-resolution CCTV cameras, have been deployed to monitor event venues and surrounding areas.

Checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and other district headquarters, particularly at key entry points, the official said, adding that random vehicle checks and frisking operations are being conducted to prevent the movement of subversive elements.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi said all necessary security and logistical arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations across the valley.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a rehearsal parade at Pratap Park, Srinagar, the IGP said rehearsal drills are being carried out as part of the preparations.

He said multiple layers of security will be in place on August 15, with special arrangements at sensitive locations to ensure the event passes off peacefully.

“Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and incident-free celebrations,” the IGP added. (KNO)

Five Killed, Two injured in separate accidents across Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A series of tragic accidents across Kashmir in the past 24 hours have left five people dead, including two J&K Police Sub-Inspectors, and two others injured.

In Srinagar’s Nowgam area, two Sub-Inspectors—Sachin Verma of 23 Bn IRP and Shubam Sait of 21 Bn IRP—were killed, and another officer, Mastan Singh, injured after their speeding KIA vehicle hit a road divider at Tengen Bypass during the intervening night of August 10-11. Police have taken cognizance of the case.

In Bandipora, Irshad Manzoor (19) from Batamaloo, Srinagar, died when his scooty collided with a truck near Wullar Vantage. His pillion rider was injured and is under treatment.

In Budgam’s Dedina area, Shah-e-Jahan (29), a JCB driver from Goa, succumbed to injuries sustained when his machine overturned during excavation work.

In Banihal, Naseema Bano (50) from Anantnag, who was struck by an unidentified vehicle on August 8, passed away at SKIMS Soura after battling critical head injuries for three days.

Authorities have renewed appeals for safer driving practices as the Valley grapples with frequent fatal accidents. (With KNT Inputs)

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