Opposition Targets Omar Over Mirwaiz Security Remark; NC Hits Back Srinagar, February 26, 2025 – Several opposition leaders in the Valley have criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remark about the security of Hurriyat chairman and Jamia Masjid chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. During an interview on a news channel, the Chief Minister stated that there has been a decline in separatist activity in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, and it would have been unthinkable earlier for the Mirwaiz to be provided with CRPF cover. Enhanced Security for Mirwaiz Umar Farooq…
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People’s Democratic Party’s Call for Liquor Ban Resonates with Kashmir’s Community Leaders
People’s Democratic Party Calls for Complete Ban on Liquor in Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) launched a signature campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on February 23 to gather support for a complete ban on liquor in the region. The campaign was organised to back a bill introduced by PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, which proposes a total prohibition of alcohol in the union territory. The initiative was launched by party leader Iltija Mufti at the PDP’s head office. Mufti had initially planned to…
Read MoreBaglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat: Power Generation Down 83%
Baglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The stark reality of climate change has become increasingly evident at the Baglihar Dam along the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Chenab Valley. The prestigious Baglihar hydroelectric project, with an installed capacity of 900 MW, is currently generating a mere 150 MW of power, signifying a decline of 83 percent. “Climate change and less precipitation are having a direct impact on the power generation from Baglihar,” said a senior Power Development Department (PDD) official, noting that both stages…
Read MoreSrinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Kashmir Police for Removing Anti-Alcohol Hoardings
Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Kashmir Police for Removing Anti-Alcohol Hoardings Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – In a recent development, Srinagar MP and National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticized the Jammu and Kashmir police for removing anti-alcohol hoardings in Srinagar. The hoardings, which were put up by traders in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, urged tourists to refrain from consuming liquor and drugs, promoting responsible tourism and respect for local culture. The Controversy The controversy began when the police reportedly removed signboards and standees placed by…
Read MoreOmar Abdullah Advocates for Regulated Investments to Safeguard Land and Create Jobs
Investments Must Be Regulated to Protect Land and Jobs: Omar Abdullah Srinagar, February 21, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday attended the Confederation of Indian Industry’s J&K Annual Session-2025 titled “Amazing J&K: Aspiring for new growth goals”. According to a spokesperson, the event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (J&K Council), brought together business leaders, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to discuss strategic actions to boost J&K’s economic growth and development, driving the region’s competitiveness and business potential through a robust and resilient industrial and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem.…
Read MoreBJP Questions Karra’s Son’s Presence in Government Meeting: Allegations of Nepotism
According to J&K Pradesh Congress Committee chief Tariq Hamid Karra, his son Waleed attended the meeting pertaining to developmental issues. “He didn’t attend assembly meeting,” he says. Opposing the “presence of the son of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president and MLA Tariq Hameed Karra in a government review meeting” in Kashmir, the BJP on Thursday termed it “political nepotism”. “The presence of Waleed Karra, son of MLA Tariq Hamid Karra, in a high-level government review meeting in Srinagar is a blatant example of political nepotism and a gross violation of…
Read MoreOmar Abdullah Confronts Karnataka CM Over Kashmiri Student’s Harassment
The JKSA said such incidents highlight the alarming culture of unchecked ragging and abuse within educational institutions. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday raised the issue of a Kashmiri student’s thrashing with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and sought a First Information Report (FIR) into the incident. “I have spoken to the CM of Karnataka, Siddaramaiahji, about this unfortunate incident. He has assured me that the police have filed an FIR and necessary action will be taken. Four people accused of perpetrating this ragging/thrashing have been identified,” Mr. Abdullah said.…
Read MoreNC’s Ideological Integrity Under Scrutiny: MP Ruhullah’s Call to Action
NC must stick to its ideological commitments: MP Ruhullah Srinagar, Feb 18: National Conference (NC) MP Agha Ruhullah Mehdi has said that his party will have to stick to its ideological commitments or it will be seen betraying the people. He made the remarks in an exclusive conversation with Kashmir News Service (KNS) in New Delhi. Reacting to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sonmarg, Ruhullah dismissed the praise, calling it unnatural and a sign of divine wrath. During PM Modi’s visit to Sonmarg in…
Read MoreCPM Calls for Unity Among Secular Forces for Restoration of Statehood in J&K
All Secular Forces Must Unite to Press for Restoration of Statehood: CPM leader MY Tarigami Srinagar, February 17, 2025 – Senior CPM leader MY Tarigami has called for all secular forces to unite in pressing for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the party’s state conference in Jammu, Tarigami criticized the BJP for allegedly misleading the country with false propaganda regarding Article 370, which granted special status to the region and was revoked in August 2019. Tarigami, who won the Assembly elections from Kulgam seat for…
Read MoreExcise Department to E-Auction 305 Liquor Vends Amid Ban Controversy
Excise Department to e-auction 305 vends amid ban row Amid ongoing controversy over the demand for a ban on the sale of alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir, the Excise Department has unveiled the excise policy for the 2025-26 period, which includes the e-auction of a total of 305 liquor vends across the Union Territory. The 305 vends will include 14 in the Valley, where the call for a ban on liquor in J&K was first raised. This policy comes at a time when political and religious leaders have expressed differing…
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