The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday carried out searches at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the “white collar” terror module busted in November last year, officials said.

An NIA team reached the GMC campus and conducted detailed searches as part of the ongoing probe. Officials said the action is linked to the recovery of a rifle from the locker of a doctor during earlier investigations in November.

Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather is among the nine persons arrested in the case involving the suspected terror module. The investigation had earlier led to the recovery of a large quantity of explosives from Faridabad in the National Capital Region (NCR), pointing to a wider network, officials added.

Meanwhile, security forces also launched a search operation in the Koil Karewa area of Pulwama district following specific intelligence inputs about the possible presence of terrorists in the area.

Officials said the operation was continuing, and so far no arrests or recoveries have been reported.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presented the Union Territory’s Budget for 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly, stating that the financial plan is designed to lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth, social harmony and long-term economic prosperity.

Presenting the Budget, Abdullah said the government is committed to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a modern, progressive and economically vibrant region through investment promotion, innovation and participatory governance.

“With deep humility and unwavering resolve, I rise today to present my second Budget as Finance Minister. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the financial future of our land,” he told the House.

Describing the Budget as a forward-looking development roadmap, the Chief Minister said it goes beyond financial allocations and reflects a broader vision for the Union Territory’s future.

“This Budget is not merely a ledger of figures, it is a fiscal compass charting our path towards a brighter horizon. It lays strong foundations for enduring economic growth, social harmony and sustainable prosperity,” Abdullah said.

He emphasised that the government’s approach combines fiscal responsibility with inclusive development, with a focus on strengthening institutions, accelerating growth and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.

Doda: Dr. Tahir Rufayee, National Chairman of the National Foundation For Journalism And Media, today visited Government Medical College Doda to review healthcare services and interact with patients.

During the visit, Dr. Rufayee met patients and their attendants, listened to their concerns, and assessed the quality of medical care being provided. He emphasized the need for compassionate treatment, transparency, and efficient service delivery in public health institutions.

He also held a detailed meeting with the college administration, which was attended by I/C Principal Dr.Babar R Zargar, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Irfan Tasaduq Kelam, and other senior doctors and officials.

The meeting focused on strengthening medical infrastructure, improving patient facilities, enhancing staff coordination, and ensuring better healthcare delivery for the people of the district.

Dr. Rufayee appreciated the dedication and hard work of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff and assured his full support for initiatives aimed at improving public healthcare services. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for quality, accessible, and affordable medical care for all.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday urged the Centre to announce a clear timeline for restoring statehood to the Union Territory, saying the continued uncertainty has weakened public trust in governance.

Participating in the motion of thanks on the Lieutenant Governor’s address in the Legislative Assembly, Karra said the core political demand of the people — restoration of statehood — remains unaddressed. He noted that while the issue found mention in the previous address, it was absent this time.

“The LG spoke of participatory governance and public trust, but how can such trust exist when the people’s core demand — restoration of statehood — remains unresolved,” Karra said. He added that the present Assembly came into existence only after the intervention of the Supreme Court ensured the restoration of the democratic process.

Referring to statements by the Centre that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time,” the Congress leader asked the government to define a timeframe. “What is the right time? What is its measure and standard? How long will the people of Jammu and Kashmir have to wait?” he said.

Karra said senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, have raised the demand for immediate restoration of statehood in Parliament and through formal communication with the Prime Minister.

In an apparent swipe at the BJP, he said that while most people want full statehood restored to a united Jammu and Kashmir, some voices are advocating separate statehood for Jammu. He cautioned that such proposals could deepen regional mistrust and weaken collective strength.

The Congress leader also said the LG’s address did not adequately address humanitarian concerns relating to the rehabilitation of migrant Kashmiri Pandits and refugees from 1947, 1965 and 1971.

He called for a comprehensive and dignified rehabilitation plan for Kashmiri Pandits, stating that symbolic or purely economic measures would not be sufficient. He proposed the formation of an all-party committee of MLAs to initiate structured dialogue with the Kashmiri Pandit community and prepare a practical roadmap for their safe return.

On West Pakistani refugees, Karra said the one-time assistance package of Rs 30 lakh per family approved during the previous UPA government should be fully implemented, noting that only Rs 5 lakh per family has been disbursed so far. He also demanded the creation of a dedicated welfare board to address their pending land, settlement and livelihood issues.