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Kulgam: Longest encounter in decades enters 7th day

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The longest encounter in decades between security forces and terrorists hiding in the deep Akhal forests of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its seventh day on Thursday.

Officials told KNO that the intermittent firing continued throughout the night, resulting in injuries to three more army personnel.

“Half dozen security personnel have been injured so far in the encounter. The injured soldiers were shifted to a military hospital for treatment,” they added.

“During the exchange of fire, three soldiers sustained injuries on Thursday,” an official said, adding that the search operation is ongoing with reinforcements deployed.

The encounter began last Friday after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Akhal forest area following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.

After the initial exchange of fire on Friday evening, the operation was paused for the night, but the cordon was tightened and additional reinforcements were sent in. One terrorist has also been killed in the ongoing operation.

“The operation entered its seventh day today and is ongoing. This is the longest encounter in decades in Kashmir,” the officials said.

They added that drones, UAVs, and attack helicopters are being used to track down the terrorists in the difficult forest terrain.

“Security forces are exercising extreme caution to avoid collateral damage and ensure safety,” they said.

J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat arrived at the Kulgam encounter site to review the ongoing operation for the third time in seven days. He was accompanied by IGP Kashmir and other senior officials.

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir and was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the region.

In a post shared on X, the Northern Command of the Indian Army stated, “Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander Northern Command, reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir, where he was briefed on the security situation, operational readiness and ongoing operations.”

“He complimented all ranks for their steadfastness and resilience, enabling the Indian Army’s resolute commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region,” the X post read. (KNO)

Restoration of J&K’s statehood

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A plea seeking the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood is likely to be listed for hearing in the Supreme Court on August 14.

Talking to KNO, advocate Soayib Qureshi, said the case is likely to be listed for hearing on August 14. “We have prayed for a time-bound direction for restoration of J&K’s statehood,” he said, adding that the matter has not been listed for hearing tomorrow.

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.

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)

Rotten meat floods markets: FDA destroys over 3500 kg in Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In an ongoing crackdown on the supply of ‘unsafe’ meat and dressed chicken in Kashmir, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has seized and destroyed over 35 quintals (3,500 kg) of decomposed and unlabelled meat in recent days. The action is part of an intensified enforcement drive by the FDA to ensure food safety and public health.

Officials told KNO that the seized consignments were either being transported or stored without proper labelling or cold-chain logistics, raising serious concerns over public health and food safety.

“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. Sethi said that illegal suppliers are now dumping meat consignments in open areas and even water bodies to evade detection.

“This is a panic response. They know we are closing in. So, before the material reaches markets or checkpoints, they are dumping it on roadsides or in water bodies,” Sethi said.

According to the officials, during the past 72 hours, raids have been conducted in several locations across Kashmir, including Srinagar, Pulwama, and Central Kashmir, where large stocks of suspected rotten poultry and mutton were seized. A single raid in Lasjan led to the seizure of over five quintals, where the owner of the stock is claiming the supply is for commercial distribution to restaurants and hotels.

The FDA says that public complaints were crucial in triggering the enforcement. Residents reported foul smells and suspicious movements, helping authorities identify storage points.

“People have turned into whistleblowers. We are grateful for their cooperation. With our limited staff, we can’t reach every corner unless people help us,” Sethi said.

The crackdown is being supported by local police units, who have accompanied FDA officials during field operations. Officials say the coordination is crucial for ensuring safety and law enforcement during seizures.

As per the officials, cold storage units and meat supply hubs were now under the FDA’s scanner. While the department has not yet named any specific facilities, officials confirmed that an investigation is underway.

“Yes, we are monitoring them closely. I won’t reveal names right now due to the sensitivity of the probe,” Sethi said.

Samples from the seized stock have been sent for laboratory testing, and further legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act is expected once reports arrive.

“This is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that only safe and legal food reaches the public,” Sethi added.

As per the officials, during the past two days, the department conducted a series of surprise inspections and raids in multiple locations. Notably, in the Safakadal and Parimpora areas of district Srinagar, enforcement teams seized 2,500 kababs found to be processed using frozen meat containing unpermitted food colour. These adulterated kebabs were destroyed on the spot and safely disposed-off to prevent any risk to public health.

Additionally, 150 kilograms of meatballs (Gushtaba) were also seized during the operations. Legal food samples of the seized products were collected by Food Safety Officers for detailed analysis and further legal action.

In a separate incident in the Nagbal area of district Ganderbal, approximately 250 kilograms of locally procured meat were destroyed due to visible signs of deterioration caused by improper handling and storage conditions. (KNO)

J&K deserves statehood without delay: CM Omar Abdullah

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir should be granted statehood as soon as possible, as it is the right of the people, who have been waiting for its restoration.

During an address at the National Tribal Festival in Gurez, Omar Abdullah, as per KNO said that the Supreme Court mentioned about the restoration of statehood during Article 370 hearing last year.

He said statehood is the right of Jammu and Kashmir and it should be granted without further delay.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the significance of hosting the festival near the Line of Control (LoC). He said it was important to hold the event openly and celebrate with full enthusiasm, allowing others to witness the region’s cultural vibrancy despite the challenges.

On border tourism, the Chief Minister said that while peace is vital, there are plans to improve border tourism in Kashmir and Jammu. “Border tourism could be a key factor in reducing unemployment and boosting the local economy, particularly in remote areas,” he said.

On the long-pending demand for the construction of tunnel to Gurez at Razdan Pass, he said around 10 km tunnel would be feasible and it will be built. (KNO)

3 CRPF personnel killed, 10 injured as vehicle falls into gorge at Basantgarh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Three CRPF personnel were killed while over 10 others sustained injuries—five of them critically—after a vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident and plunged into a deep gorge in Basantgarh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday.

Official sources told KNO that the CRPF vehicle was on its way to a location in the hilly terrain when it skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge, leading to casualties.

“Rescue operations were immediately launched, and all the injured were evacuated from the accident site,” an official said. “Five among the injured are in a very serious condition and have been shifted to a hospital for advanced treatment.”

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) and expressed concern over the incident.

“Disturbing to receive the news of a road accident involving a CRPF vehicle in the Kandva–Basantgarh area. The vehicle was carrying several brave jawans of the CRPF,” he posted.

“I have just now spoken to DC Ms. Saloni Rai, who is personally monitoring the situation and keeping me updated. Rescue measures have been initiated immediately. Locals have voluntarily come forward to assist. All possible help is being ensured,” he added.

Moreover, Army helicopters have been pressed to airlift the injured.

Officials said that On the request of the Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Army Helicopters have been pressed into service to airlift the seriously injured. (KNO)

Work hard to make Bharat Aatmanirbhar: PM Narendra Modi urges people

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: Asserting that government’s administrative machinery for decades ran from British-era buildings, Prime Minister Narendra on Wednesday urged people to work hard to make Bharat Aatmanirbhar.

Speaking at an event at Kartavya Path after inaugurating Kartavya Bhavan here, PM Modi, according to KNO said, “The project along with other infrastructure facilities symbolise India’s global vision.”

He said, “We have to work together to write the success story of ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It should be our resolve that we will scale up our and the country’s productivity.”

PM Modi said that his government is working with a holistic vision to rejuvenate infrastructure nationwide. “India has witnessed a governance model that is transparent, sensitive and citizen-centric over the last 11 years,” he said, adding, “The government’s administrative machinery for decades ran from British-era buildings, where the working conditions were poor and marked by inadequate space, light and ventilation, he said.

He added, “Kartavya Bhavan embodies the resolve to fulfill the nation’s dreams. It will guide the policies and direction of a developed India.”

He said it was also a moment for introspection as India could not develop at the same pace as many other countries, which got independence around the time it did and progressed ahead.

“It is our responsibility that we should not leave current problems to future generations,” he said. (KNO)

Day 6: Anti-terror operation continues in Kulgam, hunt for terrorists on

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The massive anti-terrorist operation in the dense Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district continued for sixth running day on Wednesday, with security forces intensifying search for terrorists believed to be hiding in the rugged terrain.

The Akhal encounter, one of the longest this year, began on Friday after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there, officials told KNO.

“After an initial exchange of fire between the two sides on Friday evening, the operation was halted for the night, but the cordon was strengthened and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area,” they said, adding, “Firing resumed on Saturday morning, during which one terrorist was killed. Till date, continuous firing and explosions have been heard in the area.”

A senior police official told KNO that the operation remains active and is likely to continue for another two to three days due to the challenging terrain and changing weather conditions.

“The area is densely forested, making the search effort extremely difficult. We are taking every possible measure to flush out the hiding terrorists,” the official said.

So far, the body of one terrorist has been recovered and four soldiers have also been injured during the gun battle.

Initial intelligence inputs had indicated the presence of five terrorists in the area. Despite heavy firing over the last six days, the terrorists have managed to hide in the thick forest cover.

To bolster the search efforts, security forces have deployed Rudra attack helicopters, surveillance drones, sniffer dogs, and elite units of the Army’s Special Forces. Additional reinforcements have also been moved in from neighbouring districts, officials added.

Top security officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, have visited the encounter site to assess the situation on the ground and guide the ongoing operation.

The entire forest belt has been cordoned off, and search operations have been extended to adjacent forest areas to prevent any escape attempt by the terrorists. (KNO)

Huge Cache of Habit-Forming Drugs Seized in Anantnag, One Booked

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a major crackdown, Drug Control Officers in Anantnag seized a large quantity of habit-forming drugs, including Pregabalin and Alprazolam, worth around ₹40,000 from a local resident accused of promoting drug abuse among youth.

In a statement issued here, Drug Control Officers, Anantnag, seized a large quantity of Pregabalin, Alprazolam and other habit forming drugs worth Rs 40,000/= from a person namely Mohamad Amin Dar from Shoul Boutangoo Annatnag.

The drugs were reportedly being sold among youth and the said person was indulging youth in drug addiction.

Legal formalities as envisaged under provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act have been initiated against accused and the suppliers who have supplied such drugs. Further investigation is under way.

This action underscores the continued efforts of the Drug Control department to plug gaps in the system and prevent the misuse of scheduled category drugs.

The department remains committed to ensuring the safe and regulated sale and purchase of medicines for the general public.

Govt forfeits 25 books promoting ‘secessionist narratives’

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a move aimed at countering the spread of false narratives and secessionism, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced the forfeiture of 25 books identified as promoting anti-national ideologies and inciting violence.

This decision, made under the provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 in order to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of India, especially in the sensitive region.

According to KNO, the action follows detailed investigations and credible intelligence reports that highlighted the role of certain literature in radicalizing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

These books have been found to distort historical facts, vilify security forces, glorify terrorists and promote a culture of grievance, victimhood and terrorism.

The government said that such literature, often disguised as historical or political commentary, plays a critical role in misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism, and fostering an environment conducive to violence.

The notification issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department, declares these 25 books and their copies “forfeited” under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023. The government stated that the continued circulation of these books poses a direct threat to national security, peace, and the integrity of the country.

The forfeited books, which have now been banned for publication or circulation in the region, cover a wide range of topics related to Kashmir’s political and social issues.

Among the books listed are “Human Rights Violations in Kashmir” by Piotr Balcerowicz and Agnieszka Kuszewska, “Kashmiri’s Fight for Freedom” by Mohd Yosuf Saraf, and “Colonizing Kashmir, State-Building under Occupation” by Hafsa Kanjwal.

Other books, such as “Do You Remember Kunan Poshpora?” by Essar Batool and “Mujahid ki Azaan” edited by Imam Hasan Al-Bana Shaheed, further reflect the deeply contentious narratives that have been promoted through these publications.

Also included in the list are works like “Independent Kashmir” by Christopher Snedden, “Kashmir Politics and Plebiscite” by Dr. Abdul Jabbar Gockhami, and “Azadi” by renowned author Arundhati Roy.

These books have been linked to propagating the secessionist ideologies that fuel the ongoing insurgency in the region, with some even openly questioning the sovereignty of India over Jammu and Kashmir.

In particular, the government highlighted the role of digital formats and online distribution networks that have allowed such literature to spread beyond traditional bookstores, reaching a wider audience.

In declaring these books forfeited, the Jammu and Kashmir government has made it clear that any attempt to destabilize the region through misinformation and radical narratives will not be tolerated. (KNO)

‘We were forgotten, but not today’: NoKs of terror victims moved to tears as LG Sinha hands over jobs

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Tears, memories, and hope filled the air at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on Tuesday as the next of kin (NoKs) of terrorism victims opened up about their long years of suffering, survival and today, a sense of recognition.

The emotional outpouring came during an official ceremony where the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, handed over government job appointment letters to the affected families.

The event, as per KNO, held on the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, saw more than 150 families in attendance.

At SKICC, beyond the ceremonial moment, it was the voices of the victims’ children, some orphaned in infancy that captured the pain of Kashmir’s prolonged conflict.

Junaid Ahmad from Anantnag, who lost his father when he was just two years old, shared how his life spiraled after his mother also passed away a decade later.

“My sister had to marry at 15. We were completely alone. I walked from pillar to post, but no one ever helped. Even our relatives turned their backs,” he said, adding, “I used to think of ending my life. But today, holding this letter in my hand, I feel seen for the first time. I have nothing but prayers for LG Manoj Sinha.”

‘Tears rolled down as I held the letter’

Yasmeen Bano from Baramulla was too choked with emotion to speak much.

“When my father was killed, my mother raised me alone. Today, I just couldn’t stop my tears while receiving the appointment letter. I’m overwhelmed,” she said softly.

Bisma, from Qazigund (Anantnag), another NoK, was not even born when her father was killed. Her entire childhood was shaped by her mother’s sacrifices.

“My mother worked in homes with one hand and held me in the other. No one helped us. But today, this man—LG Sinha, came to us like an angel. I have no words, only gratitude and tears,” she said.

Junaid Ali Malla, who lost his policeman father to a terrorist attack, said he was three when the tragedy struck. “No one helped us. I had to build everything on my own. But I always told my mother that my father’s sacrifice won’t go in vain. Today, I feel proud, and this letter proves his sacrifice mattered.”

Anju Riyaz, another victim who was just six months old when her father was killed, recalled being thrown out by her paternal family. “We lived in my maternal home. My mother made me what I am. We were never helped, not even once. But today, this letter brought us a moment of peace we never had,” she said.

On Tuesday, a total of 158 appointment letters were distributed by LG Sinha himself to victims and their family members from north, south and central Kashmir. (KNO)

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