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INC Kargil Submits No Confidence Motion

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INC Kargil Submits No Confidence Motion
The Councillors of Indian National Congress Kargil on Thursday submitted a no confidence motion to CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, over administrative functioning and seeking necessary action under the provisions of the LAHDC Act.
The delegation urged that the matter be processed in accordance with the legal framework and democratic procedures laid down in the LAHDC Act.
CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, while responding to the development, assured the delegation that the matter would be processed strictly as per the provisions of the LAHDC Act and applicable rules.

LG Sinha Inaugurates ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Complex In Tangdhar, Boosts Battlefield Tourism

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LG Sinha Inaugurates ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Complex In Tangdhar, Boosts Battlefield Tourism
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Complex at SM Hill in the Tangdhar area of Karnah in Kupwara district, marking a major initiative towards promotion of battlefield tourism, heritage preservation and border area development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the complex stands as a tribute to the courage and supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. He said their valour should inspire every citizen and serve as a source of pride for future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the efforts of the Northern Command, Chinar Corps, Army officers, soldiers, engineers, workforce and local residents for completing the prestigious project within a short span of time.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Manoj Sinha said the Shaurya Gatha Complex would open new opportunities for battlefield tourism in the border region and help generate employment through homestays, local handicrafts and youth entrepreneurship.
He said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing peace, prosperity and rapid development, while illegally Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to suffer from neglect and misgovernance. Reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India, he said the people are experiencing a renewed sense of confidence and progress.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment towards the development of border areas and said initiatives under the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan programme would strengthen economic growth in Tangdhar-Karnah and showcase the defence heritage and culture of the region.
He further informed that seven villages in Tangdhar-Karnah have been included under the Vibrant Village Programme to ensure improved infrastructure, better livelihood opportunities and enhanced quality of life for the local population.
Speaking on connectivity projects, Manoj Sinha said the proposed Sadhna Tunnel would significantly improve security, connectivity and economic activity in the region by ensuring all-weather access and facilitating trade, healthcare, education and disaster response.
Among those present on the occasion were Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, Ashish Chandra Verma, Anshul Garg, senior Army officers, civil administration officials, police and security personnel.

Crime Branch Conducts Raids In Srinagar, Budgam Over Land Fraud Case

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Crime Branch Conducts Raids In Srinagar, Budgam Over Land Fraud Case
The Special Crime Wing Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K on Wednesday carried out house searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts in connection with an alleged land fraud case registered under FIR No. 06/2026.
Officials said the case has been registered under Sections 420, 468 and 120-B RPC following a written complaint lodged by a resident of Humhama, Budgam. The complainant alleged that Tariq Ahmad Sofi of Solina, Srinagar fraudulently obtained lakhs of rupees from him on the pretext of selling land located at Narkara, Srinagar.
During the course of investigation, the Crime Branch prima facie found that accused Tariq Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Ahmad Sofi and resident of Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar, along with Tariq Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Abdullah Wani and resident of Narkara near Unani Hospital, Budgam, allegedly prepared and used forged documents in connivance with the then Patwari to execute the fraudulent land deal.
The investigating agency said the accused persons, who were allegedly acting as land brokers, entered into a criminal conspiracy to deceive the complainant and misappropriate money linked to the transaction.
In continuation of the probe, searches were conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrates to collect incriminating material and other evidence relevant to the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch advised the general public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and urged people to report such incidents directly to the SSP, Special Crime Wing Kashmir. (KNC)

Farooq Abdullah Backs RSS Leader Hosabale On Dialogue With Pakistan

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Farooq Abdullah Backs RSS Leader Hosabale On Dialogue With Pakistan
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday backed RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale’s remarks advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying that war was not an option.
Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah, a three-time chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also welcomed former Army Chief M M Naravane backing Hosable.
“It is a very big move that the RSS leader has said that there should be talks with Pakistan, and the ex-Army chief has also backed his statement. I am glad that somebody is now thinking that war is not an option. It is the question of dialogue, which we must always have to solve our problems,” the NC president said.
Earlier, in an interview with news agency on Tuesday, Hosabale said people-topeople contact was key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan, and there should always be a window for dialogue.
Pakistan’s military and political leadership have lost India’s confidence, and it is time for civil society to lead the way, the RSS leader had said.
Responding to the ongoing BRICS conclave in New Delhi, Abdullah expressed hope that the grouping would help push for peace in the Middle East. He also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s visit to China.
When asked about his response on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers downsizing their cavalcades as part of austerity measures, Abdullah said these measures are necessary to tackle the fuel crisis.
“I think it is very good. It shows that we are short of fuel, and obviously, there is a shortage. I hope everybody will reduce their cavalcade,” he said. (Agencies)

Investigation Into NEET Paper Leak Must Be Transparent, Culprits Should Be Punished: Sakina Itoo

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Investigation Into NEET Paper Leak Must Be Transparent, Culprits Should Be Punished: Sakina Itoo
Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo on Thursday said that the investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak case should be conducted in a transparent manner and those found involved must be dealt with strictly.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the NEET examination paper leak, Sakina Itoo said the matter has caused serious concern among students and parents across the country and stressed the need for a fair and impartial probe.
She said that deserving students should not suffer due to the actions of a few individuals and emphasized that the agencies investigating the case must ensure accountability at every level.
Her remarks come amid an ongoing probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, in which multiple arrests and detentions have been made by investigating agencies, including the CBI, across several states.
The minister further said that strict action should be taken against all those responsible for compromising the integrity of the examination system. (KNC)

Ex-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Appears Before Calcutta HC To Argue Post-Poll Violence Case

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Ex-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Appears Before Calcutta HC To Argue Post-Poll Violence Case
Former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday appeared before the Calcutta High Court to argue a case in connection with alleged post-poll violence and attacks on party offices.
Banerjee reached the high court in a lawyer’s gown, accompanied by senior Trinamool Congress leaders Chandrima Bhattacharya and Kalyan Banerjee.
The matter pertains to a public interest litigation filed by advocate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay on behalf of the TMC, alleging attacks on party offices and violence against its workers, following the announcement of the 2026 assembly poll results.
According to the petitioner, several TMC leaders and workers were allegedly forced to flee their homes after the polls, while many of them were attacked “because of their association with the Trinamool Congress”.
The petition was filed in the Calcutta High Court on May 12. The matter came up for hearing before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen.
In a post on X, the TMC said: “Our Hon’ble Chairperson Smt @MamataOfficial personally reached the Calcutta High Court today to argue in a matter concerning the widespread post-poll violence unleashed across Bengal by @BJP4Bengal.” The former ruling party in West Bengal asserted that once again, Banerjee has shown what “truly sets her apart”.
“She NEVER abandons the people of Bengal in their hour of need. She NEVER stops fighting for truth, justice, and constitutional values. And time and again, she rises above the politics of hatred with unmatched COMPASSION, COURAGE and CONVICTION.
“Whether confronting the injustice of SIR or standing firm against the unruly conduct of @BJP4India, she continues to prove that there is truly NO LEADER LIKE HER in the country today,” the TMC said. (Agencies)

J&K Congress Protests In Jammu Over NEET Cancellation; Demands SC-Monitored Probe

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J&K Congress Protests In Jammu Over NEET Cancellation; Demands SC-Monitored Probe

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Wednesday staged protests against the Centre over the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, demanding strict action against those involved in the alleged paper leak and a Supreme Court-monitored probe into it.
Carrying party flags, scores of Congress workers and leaders led by working president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Raman Bhalla held a demonstration outside the party headquarters in Jammu.
The protesters raised slogans against the BJP government and burnt an effigy of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, seeking a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the alleged irregularities linked to the NEET examination.
“We demand a Supreme Court-monitored investigation to expose the alleged high-level nexus and restore the trust of students in the examination system. We want a foolproof system in future to ensure transparency and fairness in competitive examinations,” Bhalla told reporters.
The protests were held after the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET (UG) 2026 conducted on May 3, stating that the examination would be reconducted on dates to be notified separately.
The agency also said that the CBI would conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations linked to the examination.
Lashing out at the BJP-led Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy and a series of recruitment scams in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhalla accused the government of “playing with the future of the youth”.
He alleged that incidents of paper leaks had become widespread since the BJP came to power at the Centre and referred to alleged irregularities linked to NEET examinations in Bihar and Rajasthan.
Bhalla said repeated controversies surrounding the NEET examination pattern had brought embarrassment to the country’s education system and demanded accountability from those responsible.
“Strict action should be taken against all those involved in paper leak cases and those responsible must resign,” he said.
Questioning the postponement of examinations after months of preparation by students, the Congress leader said such decisions adversely affected the morale and focus of aspirants.
“Students prepare with dedication and hard work. Postponement of examinations after paper leaks badly affects their focus and mental preparedness. The future of the youth is being played with,” Bhalla said.
Targeting the BJP, he said the ruling party had promised transparency and development but failed to curb examination scams and paper leaks. He said the Congress stood firmly with students and youths facing uncertainty due to such incidents.
Bhalla also referred to recruitment scams reported in Jammu and Kashmir after 2014, including alleged irregularities in fire services, accounts assistant, junior engineer and sub-inspector recruitments.
He alleged that influential links had surfaced in several recruitment scam cases and urged the Centre to take strict action against corruption instead of “remaining silent”. (Agencies)

LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign In Kupwara

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LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign In Kupwara
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, today joined ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ Padyatra in Kupwara. The Lieutenant Governor also addressed a public gathering.
The Lieutenant Governor said that over the past 32 days, civil and police administration struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem and this people’s movement is transforming into a revolution against narcotics.
“Our consistent action is crippling narco-terrorist networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that at the start of this campaign in April, many doubted the possibility of a mass movement against drugs and underestimated the strength of an awakened public and the impact of determined governance with citizen support.
“With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban neighborhoods, schools, colleges, and the streets of Jammu Kashmir.
This fight against drugs is a long one. For decades, people in Jammu Kashmir saw drugs and terrorism as separate threats. But they are not two problems but they are the two heads of the same snake. One head makes money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism. Our terrorist neighbor is involved in financing terror through drug smuggling, turning both drugs and money against innocent Kashmiris,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor further observed that the drug smuggling is destroying families and communities and it is providing terror groups their oxygen. He said by dismantling drug smuggling networks, the administration is cutting the lifeline that feeds the fire of terror.
“In Kupwara and Handwara areas combined, 28 drug smugglers are now behind bars. I want to urge our police officers, the soldiers guarding Kupwara’s borders, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force warriors that not a single guilty should escape. As a border district, Kupwara must stay extra vigilant and take the harshest action against drug smugglers,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
It is pertinent to mention that every police station in Kupwara has been directed to gather full details on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their areas and launch decisive action within the next 68 days.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged citizens of Kupwara to participate in awareness drive. He also emphasized on rehabilitation and asked the officers and stakeholders to treat drug addicts as a victim trapped in the dark web of narcotics.
“The drug addicts need our compassion. They are our responsibility. We have to support every young man and woman seeking counseling or treatment. We must ensure they return to society’s mainstream. Senior officials must ensure swift action on every complaint and tip coming through the Manas portal and toll-free number. This has to be done with commitment. Every citizen of Kupwara must remember that we will reach every young person extending a hand for help. Together, we will dismantle the drug smuggling networks, free our youth from addiction’s clutches, and reconnect them to the path of progress,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor challenged those criticizing ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’ and said that they should name just one innocent person who was unfairly targeted and effective action will be taken. He said if anyone is trying to protect drug smugglers, we must ask ourselves should they face consequences or not? The Lieutenant Governor said that people of Jammu Kashmir are very clear and firm and they want stringent action against drug smugglers and when the people unite, no force can stop us.
“In the days ahead, our crackdown against drug smuggling network will grow tougher and more powerful. The women of Dardpora village had met and they shared how drug smuggling funded weapons that slaughtered their families. That’s why I say it loud and clear that drug traffickers and terrorists are inseparable partners in crime,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled the trophies of Kupwara Forest League by Forest Department and Youth Service and Sports’s Volleyball Championship under Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan.
He also felicitated the winner of reel making competition on drug abuse.

Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Carries 45,000 Passengers In First 10 Days

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Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Carries 45,000 Passengers In First 10 Days
The Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has carried nearly 45,000 passengers within the first 10 days of its regular operations, underlining strong demand for the rail service that is rapidly emerging as a major connectivity lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir.
According to data released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday, the four daily services on the route transported 44,727 passengers between May 2 and May 11, while 28,762 passengers travelled in the maiden week itself till May 8.
The surge in ridership comes less than a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the historic 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) on June 6, 2025, a landmark infrastructure project that connected the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network.
The services received a further boost on April 30 this year when Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the augmented 20-coach Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, significantly increasing passenger capacity on the high-demand route.
Two pairs of Vande Bharat trains currently operate on the corridor. Train numbers 26401 and 26402 run six days a week except Tuesdays, while 26403 and 26404 operate every day except Wednesdays. This ensures at least two services daily on most days and one service each on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Passenger demand has remained consistently high, especially on days when both pairs of trains operated. Railways recorded 4,977 passengers on May 3, 4,955 on May 8, 5,284 on May 9, 5,657 on May 10, and 5,024 on May 11, indicating near-capacity occupancy levels.
Even on days when only one pair of trains operated, occupancy remained robust, touching 95.03 per cent on May 5 and 94.79 per cent on May 6. On May 10, occupancy touched an impressive 98.21 per cent, reflecting growing tourist interest in the route.
Officials said the train service has become a preferred mode of travel for pilgrims, tourists, students, traders, and government officials, offering seamless travel between Jammu and Srinagar without disruptions often caused by landslides or snowfall on national highways.
The train route also offers passengers panoramic views of major engineering landmarks, including the Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, along with tunnels cutting through the Himalayan terrain before entering the Kashmir Valley.
Railways highlighted that the service is also more economical than air travel and road transport, with chair car fares, including meals, significantly lower than flight tickets and private taxi fares.
With summer tourism picking up in destinations such as Dal Lake, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, officials expect passenger numbers to rise further in the coming weeks.
Indian Railways said the service is not just transporting passengers but also strengthening economic activity and bringing Kashmir closer to the rest of the country through faster, affordable, and all-weather connectivity.

Seems Hosabale’s Recent US Trip Impacted Him As Well As RSS: Cong’s Dig Over Pak Remarks

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Seems Hosabale’s Recent US Trip Impacted Him As Well As RSS: Cong’s Dig Over Pak Remarks
The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale over his remarks that there should always be a window for dialogue with Pakistan, saying his recent US trip has impacted him as well as the Sangh.
The opposition party also wondered how the “bhakt brigade, including the various TV channels”, would have frothed, fumed and fulminated if the remarks were made by someone else.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh tagged a post on X carrying the video clip of Hosable’s remarks in an interview to PTI.
“It appears that the recent US trip of Shri Hosabale, during which one of his colleagues admitted to the PM doing what the US wanted him to do, has impacted him as well as the RSS,” Ramesh said on X.
“Just imagine how the bhakt brigade including the various TV channels would have frothed, fumed and fulminated if..,” Ramesh said.
In an interview with PTI Videos, Hosabale has said people-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and there should always be a window for dialogue.
Hosabale said Pakistan’s military and political leadership have lost India’s confidence and it is time for civil society to lead the way.
“The security and self-respect of a country have to be protected and the government of the day should take care of it. But at the same time, we need not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage them in a dialogue,” he said.
The RSS general secretary termed people-to-people contact the key in breaking the deadlock between the two countries and said that it “should be tried more and more now”.
The RSS had been on a mission to remove the misconceptions about it in the western world with senior leader Hosabale reaching out to intellectuals and academics in the US and the UK last month to convey the aims and objectives of the organisation in its centenary year.
Hosabale, the RSS general secretary, toured different cities across the US, addressing conferences at the Stanford University in San Francisco and Hudson Institute here and meeting a cross-section of the Indian diaspora.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had dubbed the RSS as “Rashtriya Surrender Sangh” and alleged that its leader Ram Madhav has revealed the outfit’s true nature of “farzi (fake) nationalism” here and “pure servility” in the US.
He was referring to a video of Madhav from an event in the US, where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said that India agreed to stop buying oil from Iran and Russia and also agreed to higher tariffs imposed by the US.
Madhav, however, later apologised, saying what he said was “factually incorrect” as India did not agree to stop importing oil from Russia and had “vigorously protested” the 50 per cent tariff imposition by the Trump administration. (Agencies)
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