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Elements Of ‘Dying’ Terror Ecosystem Spreading Misinformation Will Face Strict Action: LG Sinha

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Elements Of ‘Dying’ Terror Ecosystem Spreading Misinformation Will Face Strict Action: LG Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said certain elements of the dying terror ecosystem are attempting to spread misinformation or negative narratives against the country and warned of strict action against them under the country’s established legal framework.

Sinha said terrorists, separatists and their patrons are no longer given government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir, and instead, they are being identified and given the harshest punishment for their deeds.

“There are certain elements from the dying terror ecosystem who are attempting to spread misinformation or negative narratives against the country. We will take stringent action against such elements according to the country’s established legal framework,” the LG said.

He made these remarks while handing over appointment letters to 41 next of kin of victims of terrorism in the Jammu Division. Appointment letters were also given to 22 beneficiaries in age relaxation cases and 19 wards of police martyrs under compassionate appointment rules and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme.

“Abrogation of Article 370 brought a dynamic change in Jammu and Kashmir. Now, terrorists, separatists and their patrons are not given government jobs but are being identified and given the harshest punishment for their deeds,” he said.

The LG further said, “We have not bought peace, but established peace. The days of misgovernance are over. Now, terrorists, separatists and their patrons are not given government jobs but are being identified and given the harshest punishment for their misdeeds.” Those who are fanning separatism and threatening national unity will face action according to the law, he further said.

He also appealed to all sections of society to contribute to the ‘Mahayagya’ of development in Jammu and Kashmir with selfless action.

Earlier, on July 28, the lieutenant governor handed over appointment letters to 94 next of kin of terror victims from the Jammu division. The move brings relief to 135 terror victim families from the division who were denied justice for decades.

JKDFA’s Power-Packed Annual Conference: New Team Takes Charge in Presence of 300+ Farmers

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JKDFA’s Power-Packed Annual Conference: New Team Takes Charge in Presence of 300+ Farmers

Jammu: The annual meet-and-greet conference of the Jammu & Kashmir Dairy Farmers Association (JKDFA) concluded with great enthusiasm, witnessing the participation of more than 300 farmers. The highlight of the event was the newly appointed team taking charge—UT President Sandeep Singh Chhib, General Secretary Joginder Singh, Kashmir President Javid Ahmad Rather, and Jammu President Balbir Kumar. The presence of distinguished guests including Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Director, Animal Husbandry), Mr. Zahid (CAHO), Narendra Singh Bhau, Rashpal Ji, and Vishal Jolly under one roof added immense prestige to the ceremony.

During the program, Dr. Sanjay Gupta introduced the new IDDS scheme in detail, stating that this initiative will rapidly lead the UT’s dairy sector toward a “high-tech and modern model.”

A free medicine camp organized by Alarsin Pharma Mumbai remained a major attraction for farmers throughout the event.

DC Jammu Distributes Kits to J&K Softball Athletes at MA Stadium

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DC Jammu Distributes Kits to J&K Softball Athletes at MA Stadium

Deputy Commissioner Dr Rakesh Minhas on Tuesday attended the kit distribution ceremony for Jammu & Kashmir Softball athletes at MA Stadium, Jammu, where he participated as the chief guest.

The event was organised by the J&K Sports Council.

Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul and Pushvinder Singh, Chairman, Legal Commission, were present as special guest and guest of honour, respectively.

Sports Council Reinforcing Infrastructure, Transparency: Nuzhat Gul

Addressing athletes and officials, Nuzhat Gul highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Sports Council to:

  • promote sports across the Union Territory,
  • develop and upgrade facilities to international standards, and
  • ensure transparency in assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

DC Encourages Athletes to Stay Focused

DC Dr Minhas praised the hard work, discipline, and dedication of the athletes and urged them to maintain focus to excel at the national level.

Kits Distributed; Team to Leave on Dec 11

High-quality, colourful sports kits were distributed among:

  • athletes,
  • coaches,
  • team managers, and
  • technical staff.

A high-tea was hosted following the ceremony.

The J&K Softball team will depart from Jammu on December 11 under the banner of the J&K Sports Council.

Tharoor Declines ‘Veer Savarkar Award’, Says Name Announced Without Consent; Congress Leaders Also Oppose Acceptance

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Tharoor Declines ‘Veer Savarkar Award’, Says Name Announced Without Consent; Congress Leaders Also Oppose Acceptance

Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday firmly declined to accept the “Veer Savarkar International Impact Award 2025,” stating he had neither agreed to receive the honour nor attend the ceremony. Tharoor said it was “irresponsible” on the part of the organisers to announce his name without his consent.

“I heard about it yesterday only. I am not going. I am not here,” Tharoor told reporters in Delhi when asked whether he would attend the award function.

In a detailed post on X, Tharoor reiterated that “the question of attending the event or accepting the award does not arise” as he had received no clarification from the organisers about the nature of the award or the organisation behind it.

He said he came to know about his name being included when he visited Kerala on Tuesday to cast his vote in the local body polls.

Congress Leaders Oppose Acceptance of Award in Savarkar’s Name

Earlier in the day, senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan publicly urged Tharoor and all Congress workers not to accept any honour named after VD Savarkar, whom he alleged “bowed before the British.”

Muraleedharan expressed confidence that Tharoor would not accept the award, saying it would otherwise “insult and embarrass” the Congress party.

Organisers Claim Tharoor Was Informed Earlier

Following Tharoor’s statement, Aji Krishnan, secretary of HRDS India, which instituted the award, contested Tharoor’s version. Speaking to a TV channel, Krishnan claimed the MP had been informed “well in advance.”

He said HRDS representatives, along with the chairman of the award jury, had met Tharoor at his residence and had shared with him the list of other recipients.

“He has not informed us that he will not come. Perhaps he is scared as the Congress has made it an issue,” Krishnan alleged.

State Govt Responds

Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev said it was entirely Tharoor’s prerogative whether to accept or decline the award.

Tharoor was selected as one of the recipients of the inaugural Veer Savarkar International Impact Award 2025, instituted by HRDS India and scheduled to be presented in New Delhi on Wednesday.

US Under Secretary Allison Hooker, FS Vikram Misri Discuss Ways to Translate Modi–Trump Vision into ‘Concrete Progress’ Amid Strained Ties

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US Under Secretary Allison Hooker, FS Vikram Misri Discuss Ways to Translate Modi–Trump Vision into ‘Concrete Progress’ Amid Strained Ties

In an effort to revive strained bilateral relations, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker held talks with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday, with both sides focusing on translating the “vision” laid out by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their February meeting into “concrete progress.”

Hooker is on a five-day visit to India to advance strategic and economic cooperation at a time when ties between New Delhi and Washington have come under stress.

Tariff Hikes, Criticism Sour Bilateral Climate

Relations deteriorated after President Trump in August doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including an additional 25% duty linked to India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil.

The situation worsened due to consistent criticism of New Delhi by Trump administration officials.

Hooker’s visit comes as both countries attempt to repair diplomatic frictions.

Focus on Defence, Technology, Energy, Space, Supply Chains

According to the US Embassy, the Under Secretary conveyed Washington’s intention to deepen cooperation in:

  • Defence
  • Energy
  • Technology
  • Space
  • Trusted supply chains

The embassy said the meeting aimed to “translate President Trump and Prime Minister Modi’s vision from their February meeting into progress that enhances US security, jobs, and competitiveness, while supporting India’s long-term goals.”

February Summit: Ambitious Goals Set

During PM Modi’s February visit to Washington, both leaders agreed on:

  • India purchasing more American oil, gas, and defence platforms, including F-35 fighter jets
  • Negotiating a mega trade deal
  • Setting a target of USD 500 billion in annual trade by 2030

US Pressure Over Russian Oil Purchases

The US continues to press India to reduce imports of Russian crude, arguing it fuels Moscow’s war effort against Ukraine.

India increased Russian oil purchases after Western nations imposed sanctions following the February 2022 invasion.

Russia’s share in India’s oil imports rose dramatically from 1.7% in 2019–20 to 35.1% in 2024–25, making Moscow India’s largest supplier.

In recent weeks, however, India’s intake of Russian crude has declined, following US sanctions on two major Russian oil companies.

US Appreciates India’s Partnership

The US Embassy said Hooker appreciated the Foreign Secretary’s “continued partnership” and stressed the importance of US–India cooperation in boosting American innovation while supporting India’s rise as a global technology leader.

India and the US are currently engaged in negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement.

Ex-JKLF Chief Javed Ahmed Mir, Former ISL Leader Shakeel Bakshi Arrested in 29-Year-Old Case

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Ex-JKLF Chief Javed Ahmed Mir, Former ISL Leader Shakeel Bakshi Arrested in 29-Year-Old Case

Police on Tuesday arrested Javed Ahmad Mir, former chief of the banned Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi, founder of the Islamic Students League, in connection with a nearly three-decade-old militancy-related case.

According to officials, Mir—also known as Javed Nalka, resident of Zaina Kadal—was arrested by Shergarhi Police for his alleged involvement in FIR No. 192/1996, registered on 17 July 1996 under Sections 341, 148, 336, 332 RPC, 7/27 Arms Act, and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He has been detained at Police Station Shergarhi for further legal proceedings.

Before shifting to separatist politics, Mir served as the commander-in-chief of JKLF during the early 1990s.

Shakeel Bakshi Also Detained

Police also arrested Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi from Bemina. Bakshi founded the Islamic Students League and later joined JKLF before parting ways with the group.

Case Linked to 1996 Naaz Crossing Clashes

Police said Mir and Bakshi, along with others, led a large procession in July 1996 while carrying the body of slain militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh. The procession allegedly turned violent at Naaz Crossing, where the mob:

  • clashed with police,
  • engaged in stone pelting and rioting,
  • raised anti-India slogans, and
  • caused damage to public property.

The then SHO of Shergarhi had attempted to stop the crowd but was met with aggression.

According to the FIR, those accused of provoking the mob include:

  • Syed Ali Shah Geelani (deceased)
  • Abdul Gani Lone (deceased)
  • Mohammad Yaqoob Wakeel (deceased)
  • Shabir Shah (in Tihar Jail)
  • Nayeem Ahmad Khan (in Tihar Jail)
  • Javed Ahmad Mir
  • Shakeel Bakshi

Case Revived After 29 Years

With the arrest of Mir and Bakshi, police sources said the long-pending case—lying dormant for nearly 29 years—is expected to gain momentum as legal procedures move toward conclusion.

LG Manoj Sinha Lays Foundation Stone for 449 New Homes for Calamity-Hit Families in Kathua, Samba

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LG Manoj Sinha Lays Foundation Stone for 449 New Homes for Calamity-Hit Families in Kathua, Samba

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited the districts of Kathua and Samba, where he laid the foundation stone for the construction of 449 new houses for families whose homes were destroyed during recent natural calamities.

According to officials, 344 houses completely damaged in Kathua will be rebuilt at a cost of ₹34 crore, while 105 houses affected by flash floods in Samba will be reconstructed at a cost of ₹10.50 crore.

NGO to Finance Modern Three-Bedroom Homes

The construction of the three-bedroom pre-fabricated “Smart Houses” will be financed by the NGO High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), which will also ensure that homeowners receive modern facilities and amenities.

Addressing the gathering, the LG praised HRDS India for its humanitarian support, saying:

“Unity is strength. Collective action can surmount challenges which appear unconquerable. Welfare of the people of J&K is our top priority and we are committed to fulfilling their aspirations.”

First Phase: 1,500 Climate-Resilient Smart Homes

The first phase of the initiative includes the construction of 1,500 modern, climate-resilient houses, equipped with:

  • Three bedrooms
  • Boundary walls
  • Cowsheds
  • Technologically advanced, disaster-resistant designs

All homes are expected to be completed within six months of the foundation-laying.

HRDS India will also provide:

  • Free life insurance for 15 years
  • Annual free health check-ups for all family members
  • Maintenance of the houses for five years

The LG directed district officials to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left out.

Assistance Distributed; New Indoor Stadium Inaugurated

Financial assistance of ₹8.22 crore in Kathua and ₹1.38 crore in Samba was disbursed to affected families.

During his tour of Kathua, Sinha also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Indoor Sports Stadium, developed through a partnership between the district administration and corporate houses. The complex includes outdoor basketball and volleyball courts for enhanced youth engagement.

“Post-2019 Development Has Transformed Kathua and Samba”

Sinha highlighted the rapid development in both districts, stating that major improvements have been made across infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment, and social justice sectors.

He appealed to citizens and stakeholders to ensure the momentum of development continues, adding that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, “a new history of inclusive growth is being scripted in J&K.”

Dignitaries Present

The ceremony was attended by:

  • Swami Atma Nambi, President, HRDS India
  • Col Mahan Singh (Retd), Chairman, DDC Kathua
  • Keshav Dutt Sharma, Chairman, DDC Samba
  • Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary
  • Nalin Prabhat, DGP
  • Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu
  • Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range
  • Ayushi Sudan, DC Samba
  • Rajesh Sharma, DC Kathua
  • Senior police and civil officers, public representatives, and citizens

Congress Cites Historian Sugata Bose to Counter PM Modi on ‘Vande Mataram’ Debate; Says Remarks “Expose” PM

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Congress Cites Historian Sugata Bose to Counter PM Modi on ‘Vande Mataram’ Debate; Says Remarks “Expose” PM

The Congress on Tuesday invoked historian Sugata Bose’s remarks to counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusations against Jawaharlal Nehru over “Vande Mataram”, saying the historian’s comments “further expose” the PM’s claims.

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh shared on X a video clip of Bose — a Harvard Professor and grandson of Sarat Chandra Bose — in which he narrates how Rabindranath Tagore advised the Congress in 1937 to sing only the first part of “Vande Mataram” at national events.

Tagore’s Advice Led to Congress Decision in 1937

In the clip, Sugata Bose describes the close working relationship between Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru at the 1937 AICC meeting in Calcutta.

According to Bose:

“Both of them consulted Rabindranath Tagore on the very sensitive subject of the song Vande Mataram. It was on Rabindranath’s advice that the Congress decided that from now on only the first part of the song — which beautifully evokes India’s splendour — would be sung at national meetings.”

He said Tagore made this suggestion to avoid communal tensions and ensure unity in the nationalist movement.

Bose further stated that 1937 marked an important coming together of different ideological strands within the Congress, and that Mahatma Gandhi later decided that Subhas Chandra Bose would succeed Nehru as Congress president in 1938.

“This Conversation Further Exposes the PM”: Ramesh

Sharing the clip, Ramesh wrote:

“Sugata Bose… one of India’s finest historians… This conversation further exposes the PM.”

Ramesh also emphasised Bose’s credentials as Director of the Netaji Research Bureau, a former Lok Sabha MP, and author of major works on Subhas Chandra Bose.

Modi vs Congress on ‘Vande Mataram’

Ramesh’s remarks came a day after Prime Minister Modi accused Nehru of betraying ‘Vande Mataram’, alleging that he bowed to Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s opposition, resulting in the song being fragmented and setting India on the path of “appeasement politics”.

The Lok Sabha held a day-long special debate to mark 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, during which tempers flared between treasury and opposition benches.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Sharply Worded Response

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered the party’s reply, accusing Modi of:

  • selectively quoting Nehru,
  • committing a “big sin” by creating a controversy around “Vande Mataram”, and
  • rewriting history for electoral gain, especially with West Bengal elections due next year.

She urged the government to “understand the real chronology” behind the song’s use and insisted that Congress had acted with the intention of protecting national unity.

The BJP, meanwhile, doubled down on its criticism, accusing the Congress of appeasement politics, while opposition parties charged the government with politicising history for electoral benefit.

LG Manoj Sinha Interacts with Armed Forces Veterans, Contributes to Flag Day Fund

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LG Manoj Sinha Interacts with Armed Forces Veterans, Contributes to Flag Day Fund

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday interacted with Armed Forces veterans at Lok Bhawan and expressed profound gratitude to serving personnel, ex-servicemen and families of martyrs, stating that the nation remains eternally indebted to their sacrifices.

Paying homage to the bravehearts, the LG said the welfare of soldiers and their families is a collective responsibility of every citizen. He made a generous contribution to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, observed annually on December 7.

“Nation Must Support Those Who Safeguard Our Integrity”: LG Sinha

Highlighting the importance of the observance, Sinha said Armed Forces Flag Day reminds citizens of their duty to support the men and women who guard the nation’s borders.

He appealed to people across Jammu & Kashmir to contribute to the fund, which is used for the welfare of serving personnel, their families, ex-servicemen, and dependents.

Veterans and Officials Present

The event was attended by

  • Brig. Pankaj Chib (Retd), Director, Sainik Welfare Department
  • Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home
  • Veterans and Sainik Welfare Department officials including
  • Col B.S. Sambyal (Retd)
  • Col Manjit Singh Bhau (Retd)
  • Wg Cdr Tirath Singh (Retd)
  • Capt (IN) Kapil Sharma (Retd)
  • Tanvir Singh, Pawan Anand, Jagbir Singh, Subash Chander, Anshu Dogra

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and dignity of soldiers, veterans and their families.

Process to Induct Eight JKPS Officers into IPS at Advanced Stage; ACB Clears 24 Officers

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Process to Induct Eight JKPS Officers into IPS at Advanced Stage; ACB Clears 24 Officers

The long-pending process to induct eight Jammu and Kashmir Police Services (JKPS) officers into the Indian Police Service (IPS) has entered an advanced stage, with authorities securing Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) clearance for 24 officers, excluding those who either withheld consent or failed to meet eligibility norms.

Official sources told Excelsior that the Public Service Commission (PSC) will be approached for a meeting “once all formalities are completed.”

Some Senior JKPS Officers Decline IPS Induction

Sources revealed that several JKPS officers, already promoted as Directors or to posts equivalent to IGPs and DIGs under the new promotion policy, have refused induction, arguing that they already enjoy higher ranks and scales within the Union Territory.

One officer who initially gave consent later withdrew it, while another officer was denied ACB clearance due to pending inquiries.

Induction May Be Limited to 1999 Batch

Although ACB clearance covered officers from the 1999, 2000, and 2001 batches, sources suggested the induction process may ultimately be confined to the 1999 batch owing to the limited number of IPS vacancies.

Vacancies Determined for 2021–2024

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) earlier determined eight IPS vacancies for promotion from JKPS:

  • 5 vacancies for Select List 2021
  • 2 vacancies for 2023
  • 1 vacancy for 2024
  • No vacancy for 2022

Additionally, five unfilled vacancies from Select Lists of 2015–2020 were carried forward and re-determined for 2021.

These adjustments were necessary because, against 32 sanctioned vacancies, only 27 IPS appointments were notified for Jammu & Kashmir on September 29, 2023.

Three more vacancies arose in 2023–24 due to retirements.

Batch Allotment and Quota Structure

Once inducted, JKPS officers may receive batch allotments starting from 2015 onwards, depending on the vacancy year.

Currently, IPS posts are filled in a 67:33 ratio:

  • 67% for direct IPS recruits
  • 33% for State Police Services (including JKPS officers)

The UPA government had earlier revised the ratio to 50:50, but the BJP government in 2014 restored the 67:33 formula in line with other States and UTs.

44 JKPS Officers Inducted in Last Three Years

After over a decade-long gap from 2011 to 2021—due to legal hurdles and administrative delays—no JKPS officer was inducted into IPS.

However, in the past three years, 44 officers have been successfully inducted.

Still, many JKPS officers continue to serve as SSPs for extended periods and cannot be promoted as DIGs unless inducted into IPS, as per service rules.

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