Srinagar, Nov 8: MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, on Friday called on the government to reconsider the existing employee verification process, urging the assembly to press for relaxing the stringent checks.

Bhat highlighted instances where deserving youth were denied government jobs due to the alleged criminal background of distant relatives. He specifically mentioned the case of Sobiya Mushtaq, an orphaned girl who was twice denied employment because of issues related to her family’s background.

The MLA also pointed to the case of recently released journalist Sajad Gul, whose brother faced delays in the job verification process despite being selected on merit for a government position.

Bhat criticized such policies as unjust, particularly for young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure that the employment verification process does not unfairly penalize innocent individuals for the actions of their relatives.

SRINAGAR, Nov 8: Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, strongly condemned the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) by terrorists in Kishtwar district on Friday.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Abdullah expressed his deep sorrow and concern over the deaths of Kuldeep Kumar and Nazir Ahmed Padder, both from Kuntwara in Kishtwar, who were members of the local village defence committee. He described the attack as an assault on innocent lives, noting that the two men were killed while grazing their livestock.

“I condemn this attack unequivocally & send my condolences to the families,” Abdullah said in his post. He also urged the security forces to act swiftly to reinforce the counter-terrorism framework in the region and prevent such attacks in the future.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the brutal killings. The PDP shared her statement on X, where she expressed her shock and sorrow over the deaths of Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar.

Sajad Lone, leader of the People’s Conference, also expressed his grief, calling the killings a tragic loss. “My heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. May they rest in peace,” Lone said.

The attack has sparked outrage and calls for stronger security measures to safeguard the lives of local civilians and security personnel in the region.

KISHTWAR/JAMMU, Nov 8: Outrage erupted across Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district as residents protested against the brutal killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) by terrorists. Demanding swift action, protesters called for the immediate elimination of those responsible to restore security and confidence in the region.

Crowds gathered in Kishtwar’s Drabshalla area, blocking roads and burning tires while chanting slogans against terrorism and Pakistan, along with cries of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Similar demonstrations were held in Kuntwara and surrounding areas, where participants voiced their anger with slogans of “Pakistan Murdabad” and staged a sit-in.

“This is a cowardly act, and the community stands united against terrorism,” said Kuldeep Singh, a Drabshalla resident. “We demand a comprehensive operation to eliminate these terrorists so locals feel safe to carry on their daily activities.”

In response to the killings, the Sanatan Dharam Sabha has called for a complete bandh in Kishtwar on Friday, urging citizens to shut down businesses, educational institutions, and shops in solidarity.

Kishtwar MLA Shugan Parihar expressed deep sadness over the incident, condemning the heinous killings of Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, and extended heartfelt condolences to their families.

A joint operation by police and the Army is underway in the dense forests of Kishtwar to locate the attackers. Terrorist group Kashmir Tigers, an affiliate of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, claimed responsibility for the killings, reportedly sharing images of the victims with their eyes blindfolded.

The tragic incident has drawn condemnation from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and leaders across the political spectrum, who expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased and pledged to combat terrorism in the region.

SRINAGAR, Nov 8: For the third consecutive day, chaos erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as BJP members vehemently protested a resolution on special status, leading to the marshalling out of 12 opposition MLAs along with Langate legislator Sheikh Khurshid.

As the session began, BJP legislators shouted slogans such as “Pakistani agenda nahi chalega,” and moved into the well of the House, prompting Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to order their removal. Following this action, 11 more BJP MLAs staged a walkout in protest.

The Assembly has been embroiled in turmoil since Tuesday when Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary introduced the resolution. The resolution reaffirmed the significance of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and constitutional protections, stressing the need to preserve the region’s unique identity, culture, and rights.

It called on the central government to engage with elected representatives to restore the special status and provide constitutional assurances for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution emphasized that any restoration process must uphold both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the local population.