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Terrorist attacks were ‘frequent during UPA regime: Amit Shah

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Asserting that terrorist attacks were ‘frequent in India during the UPA regime,’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday slammed opposition parties for opposing ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Addressing a public meeting in Bihar Shah, according to KNO, said, “India is different under the Narendra Modi ji’s regime. Our soldiers killed terrorists in their hideouts. But the RJD and Congress leaders are opposing Operation Sindoor.”

The Union Home Minister lashed out at opposition parties for objecting to the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, asserting that infiltrators have “no right to vote”.

He also alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was “indulging in politics over the SIR exercise” in the state.  “Names of infiltrators must be removed from the voters’ lists. They have no right to vote. But the RJD and the Congress are opposing SIR in Bihar because the names of infiltrators are being deleted from the lists,” he added.

He also asserted that the NDA will form the government in the coming assembly polls.

“The RJD did nothing for Bihar. Lalu ji, as central minister, sanctioned Rs 1,132 cr for railway infrastructure in Bihar, while our govt provided Rs 10,066 cr in FY’26,” he claimed.

Shah also alleged that the RJD “encouraged hooliganism” during its rule in the state. (KNO)

Crackdown against Rotten Meat, Chickens

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Reassuring people that no one will be allowed to sell adulterated, rotten meat and dressed chickens in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma on Friday said that a massive crackdown has been launched to identify and nail the culprits running this racket in the region.

Sharma, while talking KNO said, “Samples will be taken from every food outlet from five star hotels to a roadside eatery and the people involved in flooding markets with adulterated items won’t be spared.”

He said, “What we have seen in the past one or two days is that there are some people—whether they are suppliers or hoteliers, strict action will be taken against them. And whether they are manufacturers, they will face the consequences of their actions.”

Sharma said that a high-level team is being formed to devise a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring there is no compromise in tackling the (rotten meat) issue.

Sharma said, “Just yesterday, we had a meeting with the Health Minister and the Agriculture Minister; we took feedback from some people in the poultry sector and from the food department as well.  Let me tell you, whoever is found to be involved, wherever they are, they will not be spared.”

Pertinently, over the past week, Food Safety Department officials have raided various locations across Kashmir, recovering huge quantities of harmful and unfit-for-consumption meat.

Just two days ago in Srinagar, officials seized similar unfit chicken meat. Traders from whom the meat was recovered claimed that the spoilage was due to inadequate cold storage, not the quality of the product itself.

However, authorities have questioned how such meat could possibly remain safe without proper refrigeration, emphasizing the health risks associated with consuming improperly stored meat.

ROTTEN RICE SEIZED FROM FCI WAREHOUSE

Meanwhile, in a related development, a large quantity of foul-smelling and rotten rice was seized from a Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouse in the Sumbal area of Bandipora district.

Reports indicate that the rice had been transported from Punjab to the Kashmir Valley.

Food and Supplies Minister Satish Sharma  said that some items had reached Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouses, but had not yet entered the Public Distribution System (PDS). “Secondly, a team checks at least three times, and if something is found to be spoiled, it is returned. Right now, it has been spoiled in transit, and there is an investigation into how this happened. But so far, it has not been distributed further, and strict action is being taken in this case as well, with full severity. Wherever anything is found. Whether it is coming from Punjab or elsewhere this is our staple diet, and we want quality.” (KNO)

Organised fraud racket busted by Anantnag Police

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a significant action against organised financial crime, District Police Anantnag today arrested three habitual fraudsters involved in a multi-layered racket of cheating and criminal intimidation.

The arrested individuals have been identified as, 1. Tasaduq Hussain Dar @ Haji Tasaduq, S/o Abdul Gani Dar, R/o Sadoora Anantnag 2. Mohd Iqbal Wani @ Iqbal Bumdori, S/o Mohd Sikander Wani, R/o Bumdoora Kokernag 3. ⁠Mujeeb Ahmad Koka S/o Gh Mohiuddin Koka R/o Shankerpora, Dooru.

The trio had been operating under the garb of various fake business ventures including real estate, fruit trade, and wild garlic trade (Jangli Lahsun), and have allegedly defrauded numerous individuals across the district and the Union Territory. They would lure victims with false promises of high returns and subsequently resort to criminal intimidation when demands for repayment were made.

In this regard, FIR No. 126/2025 under Sections 318(4), 351(2), and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) stands registered at Police Station Anantnag, following a complaint by a victim from Kishtwar who was allegedly cheated of ₹55 lakhs in a fake wild garlic business deal.

The case is being investigated as part of an organised financial crime, and efforts are underway to identify other victims and possible associates of the accused.

District Police Anantnag appeals to the general public that if anyone has been defrauded by the above-mentioned individuals under similar modus operandi, they may approach Police Station Anantnag .

This arrest is part of the continuous efforts of Anantnag Police to crack down on organised criminal syndicates operating in the region and ensure that fraudsters are brought to justice.

Your ID is your invitation; join us in celebrating Independence Day with full enthusiasm: Div Com Bidhuri

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir V K Bidhuri has invited the public to take part in this year’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15, calling it a festival of national pride and unity.

“Your ID card will be your invitation. Everyone is welcome,” he said, noting that preparations for the event have been completed, including security, parking, seating, and transport arrangements.

According to KNS, Bidhuri said growing enthusiasm among citizens over the past three years and praised schools for volunteering in large numbers this year.

“Many schools are participating, and their involvement will be more visible this time,” he added.

Div Com urged people to take part in related national campaigns, including the Tiranga Rally on August 12 and the ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga initiative. Citizens are encouraged to upload selfies with the national flag at their homes to show their support.

“These events are a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the spirit of freedom,” he said. (KNS)

‘Our Daughter Died Due to Negligence’: Kokernag family blames GMC Anantnag, Authorities order probe

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A grieving family from south Kashmir’s Kokernag has accused paramedical staff at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag of medical negligence, claiming it led to the death of their two-year-old daughter, Pakeeza Shakeel.

According to her uncle, Malik Basharat, the child, a resident of Adal village, was admitted to the Pediatric Section of GMC Anantnag on August 4 after she developed an intestinal infection. He said doctors had advised the paramedical staff to administer a test dose of the Cefixime before giving the full dosage.

“We pleaded repeatedly with the staff to follow the doctor’s advice, but they ignored us,” Basharat alleged. “Pakeeza developed a severe reaction. When her condition worsened, they referred her to JVC Bemina, but no paramedical staff accompanied us in the ambulance.”

He further claimed that during the journey, the oxygen pipe came loose near Pampore and was reattached with difficulty by the ambulance driver. “Doctors at JVC Bemina tried their best to save her, but she passed away during the night of August 4–5,” he said, blaming GMC Anantnag for her death and alleging that the “arrogance of the paramedical staff is beyond limits.”

The family said they were too shocked to raise the matter immediately after the incident. However, when the KNT contacted GMC Anantnag Principal Dr Arshid regarding the allegations, he said a committee has already been constituted to investigate the matter and determine responsibility.

The official probe is expected to examine the treatment process, staff conduct, and adherence to medical protocols.

Notably, at Government Medical College Anantnag, patients and their attendants have been voicing serious concerns over what they describe as rampant mismanagement and an unprofessional attitude among certain paramedical staff. (KNT)

Archaeologists Found 115,000 Year Old Human Footprints in Saudi Arabia

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Jiddah: A remarkable discovery in the Nefud Desert of northern Saudi Arabia has unveiled human footprints dating back 115,000 years, challenging previous ideas about early human activity in the Arabian Peninsula.

This extraordinary find was made in 2017 at a site locals call “the trace,” where natural erosion stripped away overlying sediment to reveal what was once a muddy lakebed bustling with prehistoric life.

Such lakebeds were likely high-traffic areas for ancient humans, serving as watering holes and fertile grounds for hunting and gathering. Footprints left in the soft mud by these early inhabitants were preserved by natural processes, only to be exposed after thousands of years. The remarkable preservation is partly due to the unique properties of mud, which can capture and protect fine details of footprints before they are buried and fossilized.

Interestingly, modern experiments show that footprints in mud can disappear or become unrecognizable within just a few days due to drying and erosion. This makes the survival of these 115,000-year-old prints even more extraordinary, highlighting the rare and delicate conditions that allowed this snapshot of prehistoric life to be preserved for scientists to study today.

This discovery not only provides direct evidence of early human presence in an area where it was once unexpected but also offers insight into how ancient environments played a role in preserving such traces. The Nefud Desert site adds a valuable chapter to the story of human migration and survival during the Late Pleistocene era.

Fun Fact: Some of the best-preserved ancient footprints come from mud environments because mud can capture intricate details, but these prints usually vanish within days unless they are quickly covered by sediment.

Follow PreHistoric World for more fascinating archaeological discoveries and insights into the lives of our earliest ancestors. (Agencies)

Culprits involved in smuggling rotten meat into Kashmir won’t be spared, says Food and Supplies Minister

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma on Thursday said that culprits involved in smuggling rotten meat into Kashmir won’t be spared, and blanket ban would be imposed on the entry of illegal packed food items entering the valley.

Talking to KNO Sharma said, “Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Agriculture Minister Javed Dar took separate meetings with stakeholders today. A high-level meeting will be held on Friday to devise a strategy to prevent the rotten meat from entering into Kashmir.”

Sharma said that law enforcing agencies, including J&K Police, will be involved, to act against the accused involved in this illegal trade. “We are going to act tough and no one will be spared. It’s a big Mafia and it will be dealt with an iron fist.”

Pertinently, officials on Thursday said that during the past few days the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) seized and destroyed over 35 quintals (3,500 kg) of decomposed and unlabelled meat across Kashmir. The seized consignments, as per officials, were either being transported or stored without proper labelling or cold-chain logistics.

“The meat was in a decomposed condition, packed without any identification or temperature control. In many cases, we could not even open the packages due to the foul smell,” Smiti Sethi, Commissioner, FDA Kashmir said.

“The crackdown has sparked panic among those involved in the trade. The illegal suppliers are now dumping meat consignments in open areas and even water bodies to evade detection, Sethi added.

“This is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that only safe and legal food reaches the public,” she said. (KNO)

Police conduct valley-wide searches of bookstores as Govt forfeits 25 books

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A day after the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered the forfeiture of 25 books accused of promoting secessionist ideologies and inciting violence, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday launched valley-wide searches of bookstores to ensure compliance with the ban.

Police teams, as per the details available with KNO, visited several bookstores in Srinagar, Sopore, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam and other towns, verifying inventory and removing any listed titles that had been declared as “forfeited” under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Officials said that the searches are being conducted as a preventive measure to ensure that no banned material remains in circulation or reaches the public domain. “Bookstore owners have been directed to cooperate and immediately report any stock of the listed books.”

The government on Wednesday announced the forfeiture of 25 books identified as promoting anti-national narratives, vilifying security forces and glorifying terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The move was taken in light of intelligence inputs and investigative reports pointing to the literature’s role in radicalizing youth and promoting discord.

Books by authors such as Arundhati Roy, Piotr Balcerowicz, Hafsa Kanjwal, Christopher Snedden, Mohammad Yosuf Saraf and Essar Batool were among those banned.

Police have warned that any continued sale or possession of these banned publications would attract legal consequences.

Meanwhile, Srinagar Police in a statement issued to KNO, said that in compliance with Order No. Home-ISA/223/2025-11(7655892) dated August 5, 2025, raids were conducted in various bookshops for search and forfeiture of banned books across the district under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The objective of the operation was to identify, seize, and forfeit any literature that propagates or systematically disseminates false narratives, promotes secessionist ideologies, or otherwise poses a threat to the Sovereignty and Unity of India, a police spokesman said.

“These measures have been undertaken as part of a broader effort to counter subversive and anti-national content that could incite unrest or undermine National Integrity. The searches were conducted in a peaceful manner, and due legal process was followed,” police said.

Srinagar Police remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no material or content which endangers the security or integrity of the Nation is allowed to circulate among the general public, police said, adding that further action, if warranted, will be taken under law, as per the findings of the ongoing investigation. (KNO)

J&K hosts multiple operational hydropower plants with 3,360 MW capacity: Centre

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is home to several operational hydropower plants (HEPs) that play a vital role in the country’s power generation capacity, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Power, Shriphad Naik, said on Thursday.

Speaking in Lok Sabha, the minister, as reported by KNO said that as of August 2025, the region boasts a total installed capacity of 3,360 MW from various plants under the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and NHPC.

The key hydropower plants in the region include the Baglihar-I and Baglihar-II plants in Ramban, each with a capacity of 450 MW. Additionally, Dulhasti in Kishtwar contributes 390 MW, while Salal-I & II in Reasi and Udhampur combined provide 690 MW. Other notable plants include Uri-I (480 MW), Uri-II (240 MW), and Sewa-II in Mahska (120 MW).

The Kishanganga plant in Bandipora adds 330 MW, and Lower Jhelum (105 MW) and Upper Sindh-II (105 MW) further strengthen the state’s energy capacity, Naik said, adding that these plants significantly contribute to the power grid, ensuring reliable energy for both Jammu and Kashmir and the broader national network.

The Power Ministry confirmed that all hydropower plants in the region, including those mentioned above, have received the necessary environmental clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) before construction.

These clearances ensure that each project adheres to strict environmental guidelines, minimising adverse impacts on the surrounding ecosystems.

To further safeguard the environment, sustainability and ecological impact studies are regularly conducted for these plants, the minister said. “The studies help ensure that the power generation processes are in harmony with the local ecological balance. However, it is important to note that hydropower projects located at elevations above 1,500 meters and in the upper reaches of the Himalayan region, such as those in Jammu and Kashmir, have been identified as vulnerable due to their susceptibility to geological or climatic disruptions.”

In response to the potential risks associated with these plants, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has identified certain hydropower projects in the region as vulnerable, Nail said, adding that these projects are now mandated to implement Early Warning Systems (EWS) to detect and mitigate risks.

The CEA has issued an advisory to developers of these plants, urging them to install EWS to ensure the safety of both the local population and the infrastructure, especially in the event of extreme weather events or natural disasters. (KNO)

Growing outcry in Kashmir over unregulated IVF centres, high charges, ‘false promises’

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A wave of discontent is sweeping across Jammu and Kashmir as distressed patients and their families raise serious concerns over the functioning of several In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centres operating in the region. The spotlight is now on unregulated consultation fees, lack of transparency, and the mysterious appearance of “visiting doctors” – many of whom patients allege may not be properly verified.

Dozens of fertility and speciality clinics operating across Jammu and Kashmir claim to provide expert care by inviting renowned doctors from states like Delhi, Punjab, and even from abroad, mostly on Sundays. However, locals say there’s little to no accountability or verification of these claims, and they feel financially exploited.

“Kashmir, due to both very high primary and secondary infertility rates, is a booming market for IVF centres, and poor people are duped by these centres with false advertisements,” Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a health expert told KNO.

He said that in the absence of any regulatory mechanism and social stigma associated with infertility, hardly any couple dares to counter these fake claims, despite the households having been completely drained financially and mentally.

“Apart from a regulatory mechanism by the State, people need to be educated about the various issues related to the dynamics of infertility, so that they do not get trapped by these IVF centres,” he said, adding that people are being duped in the name of expert care.

Shakeela Bano, a 34-year-old patient from Pulwama, has been undergoing treatment at an IVF centre in Srinagar. Speaking to KNO, she said, “They advertise that the doctor has decades of experience and has worked in AIIMS or foreign countries, but no one checks whether those claims are true. Who are these doctors really? Are their credentials even verified?”

Bano has been visiting various IVF centres for the last seven years, hoping for a positive outcome. “Unfortunately, all that I earned over the years gradually vanished in this pursuit. It has been an exhausting and emotionally draining journey,” she said.

Another woman questioned the mushrooming of IVF centres, urging the government to keep a check on them. “Innocent people are being trapped in the name of 100% success of IVF,” she said.

Concerns extend beyond IVF clinics. Patients said similar issues exist in clinics claiming expertise in orthopaedics, oncology, neurology, and other specialities. They said marketing tactics such as claiming affiliations with prestigious institutions are often manipulative, preying on the hopes of desperate families.

“They advertise that a top doctor from Mumbai or Delhi is visiting Kashmir on weekends,” said Mehraj Din, a college lecturer from Anantnag. “But how do we verify these doctors’ credentials or qualifications? The government must establish proper verification protocols.”

Several clinics are accused of selling false hope by claiming “100% success rates” in infertility treatment, misleading vulnerable couples.

“Infertility is already a painful experience,” pleaded Rukhsana, who has been undergoing treatment for two years. “These centres should not deceive couples with false promises. They need to be ethical and transparent. Proper regulation is essential.”

Patients have appealed to the Health Minister, Sakina Itoo, demanding urgent regulation of private clinics and IVF centres. Their key concerns include the verification of doctors’ degrees, the regulation of consultation fees, and stricter controls on false advertising.

“We urge the government to establish a system to verify doctors’ credentials, cap consultation charges, and prevent misleading advertisements,” said a group of affected patients.

They called for clear guidelines on ethical advertising, transparent pricing, and improved grievance redressal mechanisms.

Dr Mohammad Salim Khan, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC), said these centres are regulated under existing rules and laws. “The district health authorities are responsible for registering and monitoring these clinics,” he said. “The JKMC oversees the registration of doctors and enforces ethical standards of conduct and professionalism.” (KNO)

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