Srinagar, Oct 16: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Friday strongly condemned the abusive outburst of senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan against JKAS officer Beenish Wani during a Mission YUVA review meeting, demanding an impartial inquiry and strict action against the officer if the allegations are established. Inam Un Nabi said abusive language, threats of dismissal and misuse of official authority by a senior officer cannot be brushed aside as a routine workplace dispute. He said public office carries responsibility and accountability, not a licence to humiliate subordinates or intimidate colleagues. âNo officer, irrespective of rank or influence, is above accountability. If the allegations against Rajeev Ranjan are substantiated, appropriate action must follow. Administrative hierarchy cannot become a shield for misconduct and the dignity of a junior woman officer cannot be compromised,â Inam said. Inam also lambasted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for allowing a serious issue involving abuse of authority and humiliation of a woman officer to become entangled in a debate over the powers of the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor. âBeenish Wani needs justice, not sympathy or political statements. Instead of discussing the limitations of the Union Territory setup, the Chief Minister should directly approach the Lieutenant Governor and seek an impartial inquiry. The issue demands decisive leadership, not political deflection,â he said. Calling for an independent and transparent inquiry, Inam demanded that Beenish Wani be protected against any retaliation and that the competent authority take appropriate action based on the findings. He said the government must establish that seniority and bureaucratic influence cannot shield anyone from accountability.
Srinagar, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Friday strongly condemned a video of an IAS officer screaming at a woman KAS officer during a meeting, calling it "much more than workplace bullying." Lone praised the JKAS officer, Beenish, for her courage. "She stood her ground and upheld her dignity," he said. He said the incident should not come as a surprise, since such conduct has become normalised. "Workplace bullying by officers exists," he said, describing a "vicious circle" in which senior officers bully juniors, who in turn bully those beneath them, until the behaviour reaches its "most lethal form" among ordinary citizens. Lone said the real shock was that none of the male officers present in the room, or those attending the video meeting remotely, spoke up for their colleague. He demanded stern action in this case and a permanent institutional mechanism to discourage bullying and intimidation, with legal provisions making it a crime. He said the protection must extend to the public as well. "It should be a crime to shout at, intimidate or bully common masses," he said. Citing another example, Lone accused that a recently retired officer's pension and post-retirement benefits were put on hold by a senior IAS officer over an "utterly flimsy reason." "Nobody will speak up," he said.
Srinagar, Oct 16: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has called for strict action against a senior IAS officer over alleged misconduct with a woman Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer during an official review meeting. Reacting to the controversy, Mehbooba as per news agency JKNS wrote on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah must immediately take up the matter with the Government of India and demand strict action against the officer. âSuch erratic and disdainful conduct cannot be tolerated. CM @OmarAbdullah must immediately take up the matter with the Government of India and demand strict action against the officer who is already facing allegations of issuing illegal gun licences,â she said. The reaction comes after a video conferencing clip of verbal outburst by the senior IAS officer against the woman JKAS officer during an official meeting went viral on social media. A video of the alleged exchange has circulated on social media, triggering concerns over workplace dignity, professional conduct and accountability in the administration. The senior officer as seen in the video used objectionable language against the woman officer and threatened her with suspension and dismissal during the meeting. The controversy has renewed calls for accountability and adherence to professional standards in government offices, with demands that the incident be examined impartially and appropriate action be taken in accordance with applicable rules if the allegations are substantiated.
Srinagar, Oct 16:Â Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken serious note of the alleged verbal abuse of a woman Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer by a senior IAS officer and written to the Chief Secretary to ensure that she faces no retaliation, National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said on Friday. In a post on X, MLAÂ Zadibal as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said, âAccountability must prevail, and no one should be allowed to misuse their position to intimidate or victimise others.â The development comes amid mounting criticism over a purported video showing a senior IAS officer allegedly abusing the woman officer during an official review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has triggered demands for an impartial inquiry and accountability, with the JKAS fraternity and an employeesâ organisation calling for safeguards against any retaliatory action against the officer. Peopleâs Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the alleged conduct and demanded immediate action against the officer. âHow dare you use such derogatory and demeaning language? Take your god complex and dirty slurs elsewhere. We will not tolerate this in Kashmir,â she said in a post on X. Mufti alleged that since 2019, KAS officers and competent Kashmiri IAS officers had been deliberately sidelined, claiming that local officers in the administration and police were being undermined and made subservient to officers from outside the Union Territory. Addressing Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, she said the officer should be suspended immediately, arguing that the same standards should apply to senior officials as those applied to Kashmiri employees facing disciplinary action. Earlier, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also criticised the alleged behaviour, accusing the senior bureaucrat of threatening the woman officerâs career after she sought to finish speaking during the meeting. Ruhullah called on the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to ensure that the woman officer was not victimised for standing up for herself. The senior IAS officer, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, has reportedly suggested that the video could be âmorphed or AI-generatedâ. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently established. (KNS)
Srinagar, Oct 16: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Friday strongly condemned the abusive outburst of senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan against JKAS officer Beenish Wani during a Mission YUVA review meeting, demanding an impartial inquiry and strict action against the officer if the allegations are established. Inam Un Nabi said abusive language, threats of dismissal and misuse of official authority by a senior officer cannot be brushed aside as a routine workplace dispute. He said public office carries responsibility and accountability, not a licence to humiliate subordinates or intimidate colleagues. âNo officer, irrespective of rank or influence, is above accountability. If the allegations against Rajeev Ranjan are substantiated, appropriate action must follow. Administrative hierarchy cannot become a shield for misconduct and the dignity of a junior woman officer cannot be compromised,â Inam said. Inam also lambasted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for allowing a serious issue involving abuse of authority and humiliation of a woman officer to become entangled in a debate over the powers of the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor. âBeenish Wani needs justice, not sympathy or political statements. Instead of discussing the limitations of the Union Territory setup, the Chief Minister should directly approach the Lieutenant Governor and seek an impartial inquiry. The issue demands decisive leadership, not political deflection,â he said. Calling for an independent and transparent inquiry, Inam demanded that Beenish Wani be protected against any retaliation and that the competent authority take appropriate action based on the findings. He said the government must establish that seniority and bureaucratic influence cannot shield anyone from accountability.
Ganderbal, Oct 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government was preparing a project to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Sonamarg and introduce adventure and winter sports activities to attract visitors throughout the year. During his visit to Ganderbal, the Chief Minister said the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel had changed Sonamarg's tourism prospects by making the destination accessible during winter, creating opportunities for year-round tourism. âEarlier, Sonamarg would remain closed during winters and people could not reach there. There was little scope for developing winter tourism infrastructure. Now that the tunnel has been built and Sonamarg is accessible throughout the year, we are preparing a project for its development,â he said. CM Omar said the government was looking at introducing rafting during summer and skiing and skating during winter to make Sonamarg a major destination for adventure tourism. He said efforts would be made in coordination with local MLA Mehar Ali to develop new tourist attractions and improve facilities for visitors. Referring to the proposed development of Tragbal and Mohanmarg as tourist destinations, the Chief Minister said the projects had earlier received approval and funds had also been released. However, he said the projects could not move forward because of delays in obtaining necessary clearances and were subsequently cancelled. âSometimes we face difficulties in getting forest, environmental and wildlife clearances. But we will follow the required procedures and work towards developing new tourist destinations,â he said. The Chief Minister also spoke about development works in Ganderbal, saying projects worth nearly Rs 60 crore had been inaugurated or taken up, including a major bridge across the Jhelum costing around Rs 40 crore. He said work on the bridge was progressing and the government was targeting completion by December next year. Omar said road projects, a new school building and infrastructure at the fruit and vegetable market had also been taken up. He said traders at the fruit market had raised demands for expansion and construction of a grade separator, which would be discussed with the National Highways Authority of India. On concerns over deaths in the power canal in Ganderbal, Omar said the government would approach the Power Development Corporation to seek funds for fencing along the canal. He also acknowledged traffic congestion and other infrastructure problems in the district, saying development needs and environmental protection would have to be balanced. The Chief Minister said the government remained committed to addressing public concerns and carrying forward development projects across Ganderbal. (KNS)
Srinagar, Sep 20: The 5th edition of the Green Valley Model United Nations (GVMUN) concluded at Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) after three days of intensive debate, diplomatic deliberations and discussions on pressing global issues. More than 200 delegates from schools across the Valley participated in the three-day event. The conference was jointly inaugurated by advisor to J&K CM Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar. The valedictory ceremony was attended by social activist Roma Wani as the chief guest and was accompanied by Chairman GVEI, Mohammad Yousuf Wani, Director GVEI Prof. (Dr) Fayaz Ahmad Nika, Principal GVEI, Reyaz Ahmad Kathjoo, faculty members, delegates, staff and students. The three-day conference featured six committees, with delegates taking on the roles of diplomats, policymakers and international representatives to deliberate on complex issues including the Gulf Crisis, international shipping and energy security, and global drug policies. The conference showcased not only public speaking and debating skills but also the ability to develop well-researched policy implications and practical diplomatic solutions, with award-winning papers reflecting diverse approaches to some of the most challenging international questions. Discussions on global drug policies moved beyond conventional debates on prohibition and enforcement, with one position paper advocating a dual-pillar approach combining universal public health, harm reduction and treatment with targeted intervention against transnational criminal networks. The other committees namely Historical Crisis Committee, UNWC, UNSC witnessed thought provoking debates. The Director GVEI Prof. (Dr) Fayaz Ahmad Nikka welcomed the guests and talked about the efforts of this institution in providing the best possible education to its students. The Chief Guest, Roma Wani personally visited the various houses during the last session and interacted with the delegates. She enquired from the delegates about how their interactions and debates can bring changes in the real world. "It is important to take some life lessons from these debates and discussions," she said. While addressing the delegates she said such conferences are very important in nurturing our future generation. "I appreciate the intellect, energy and grit of our students. Our future seems to be in secure hands.â She added. She further said that youth has a greater responsibility to discuss, debate and help in creating a drug free society. The highlight of the valedictory ceremony was the felicitation and prize distribution, where outstanding delegates were recognized for their performance across the various committees, with awards acknowledging excellence in research, diplomacy, articulation, negotiation and committee participation. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Principal GVEI Riyaz Ahmad Kathjoo who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, delegates, other dignitaries and also acknowledged the efforts of the GVMUN Core Team, Executive Board, organising committee, faculty coordinators and participating schools, whose collective efforts contributed to the successful conduct of the conference. The students also presented some cultural performances during the event.
Baramulla, Sep 20: A day-long Science outreach programme was organised by the IQAC and UGC & Research committee in collaboration with Science Department of Government Degree College (GDC) Sopore. As pe the handout issued here, the programme was organised under the supervision of Principal GDC Sopore Prof. (Dr.) Syed Muzaffar Ahmad. The event was organised for higher Secondary School Students of Sopore with the objective of strengthening scientific awareness, encouraging curiosity and inquiry among students, and providing participants with meaningful exposure to science through interaction, inspiration and departmental learning activities. The programme combined formal addresses, inspirational talks besides practical and academic departmental visits. It was followed by feedback and the distribution of participation certificates. Around 56 students from Government Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore participated in the event. The programme commenced with the introduction of the Science Outreach Programme by moderator Dr. Nowsheen Hameed, Assistant Professor Department of Biotechnology. Dr. Javeed Ahmad Sheikh Coordinator, IQAC delivered the Welcome Address and welcomed the participants and highlighted the objectives of the outreach programme. Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Syed Muzaffar Ahmad, delivered the Presidential Address in which he provided institutional context to the outreach initiative and emphasised the importance of scientific awareness, academic engagement and meaningful learning opportunities for students. He also encouraged the participants to make constructive use of the opportunities provided through the programme. Invited resource persons delivered inspirational talks and shared real-life experiences. This segment was designed to connect scientific learning with practical experiences and to motivate students to develop curiosity, perseverance and an interest in science. Interaction with resource persons provided participants with an opportunity to appreciate the role of scientific knowledge and learning beyond the classroom. The first resource person Zeeshan, a neuroscience researcher at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), shared his academic and research journey with the students. The second resource person, Dr. Adil Majeed Rather, DST INSPIRE Faculty, NIT Srinagar, shared his personal academic journey and experiences in research, inspiring students to pursue their aspirations with determination and perseverance. The third resource person, Dr. Rahila Nazir, a researcher with postdoctoral research experience at reputed institutions in India and the United States delivered an inspiring message to the students about the importance of ambition, perseverance and self-belief. The fourth resource person, Dr. Javeed Rasool, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Boston University, USA emphasised that academic marks alone do not determine success in life.
Jammu, Mar 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress protested against the LPG price hike here on Sunday, saying this "anti-poor" decision by the government will add to the financial burden on the common man. Led by PCC president Tariq Hamid Karra and working president Raman Bhalla, the protesters also criticised the Indo-US trade deal, alleging that it will adversely impact the country's economy, according to a party spokesperson. The protesters gathered in Model Town, Digiana, near here, raised slogans against the ruling BJP and criticised what they described as the government's "surrender" in the Indo-US trade negotiations. The price of domestic cooking gas LPG was hiked on Saturday by a steep Rs 60 per cylinder, the second increase in less than a year, as the spike in global energy rates following the West Asia crisis weighed on the world's third largest energy consumer. Non-subsidised LPG -- the one that common households use in kitchens -- will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. The protesters said the continued rise in the prices of essential commodities, particularly cooking gas, has added to the financial burden on ordinary households. Addressing the protesters, Karra termed the LPG price hike "cruel". Many rural households still do not have access to piped gas supply and rely entirely on LPG cylinders. This will force them to plan their monthly budgets more carefully, he said. He demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike. The Congress leader described the Indo-US trade deal as a "major blow" to the country's economic interests. Instead of safeguarding the nation's economic and strategic priorities, the Centre "bowed to pressure" from the United States, he charged. He also expressed concern over the possible implications of the trade deal on India's agriculture and dairy sectors, and claimed that orchardists and dairy farmers in Jammu and Kashmir will be severely affected if safeguards are not put in place. "Our apple growers, walnut producers and small dairy farmers could face serious challenges if cheap imports enter the market without minimum support guarantees," Karra said. He demanded that the government present a white paper on the trade deal in Parliament. PCC working president Bhalla also strongly condemned the "unprecedented" hike in LPG prices and said poor and middle-class families will be badly affected by this decision of the Union government. He called for an LPG relief package for families belonging to the BPL (below poverty line) category, along with a special subsidy buffer for Jammu and Kashmir, citing the higher transportation and logistics costs in hilly regions. (PTI)
Srinagar, Jan 15: After the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) declared the result of the class 10th and 12th annual (regular) examinations, the whole focus shifted to the achievers, particularly the toppers. Amidst the appreciation and celebrations for the successful candidates, a stark reality has emerged in society that none of the stakeholders talk about those students who could not pass the examination. This emerging trend has become dangerous for the young students particularly the average performers or those who do not pass the exam in their first attempt. Amid this, a government school teacher has put forth a clear message for the parents of those children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams. Aasima Jan, a government school teacher from Baramulla district said that expectations of the parents should not make the students victim of depression. She believes that the parents must stand by their children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams or qualified it with average grades. After the announcement of the results, some students qualified the exams with good marks in class 10th and 12th exams while qualified with average grades while some could not qualify the exams. "Those parents whose children either took less marks or could not qualify for the exam, must be a little upset with their children. As a parent, it is natural to feel disappointed when your child does not come up to your expectations," Aasima Jan said. She however said that the high expectations of parents should not make the child a victim of depression. "Class 10th exam is just a first step in the educational journey of these children. This is not the end of life. Life will provide more opportunities, with more chances and more ways to excel," Aasima Jan said. She said the parents must support their child at this time deal with this setback. "If parents support their child at this time, their kids will bounce back more stronger in future. Parents must tell their children that failures are not opposite to success but are actually part of success," she said. She said there were many people who did not qualify normal exams but proved their worth in life after facing setbacks. "Parents must put in their efforts. Embrace their child, support them instead of letting them down," she said. As the JKBOSE declared the result of class 10th and 12th class examination, the stakeholders and society at large pour praise and attention on the top performers while there was a deafening silence surrounding those who do not pass the examination. The move raised a serious concern, particularly about the way children are being brought up. It raised big question that: âAre we preparing our students to be strong enough to cope with the failure?â
Srinagar, Oct 15:Â Bandipora Deputy Commissioner Indu Chhib on Thursday said a probe has been ordered against a doctor in connection with the death of a pregnant woman from the remote Gurez valley, and assured strict action against those found responsible. Addressing a press conference, Indu Chhib said the administration has ordered an inquiry against the doctor. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found responsible, she told reporters. She said compensation had been provided to the bereaved family through the Red Cross. The woman died while being shifted to the District Hospital in Bandipora early Wednesday, while her baby was stillborn. Her family has alleged that snowfall and restrictions on night-time movement delayed her emergency referral. The incident has triggered anger in the remote Gurez valley, with locals demanding accountability over the alleged delay in medical evacuation.
Ganderbal, Oct 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government was preparing a project to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Sonamarg and introduce adventure and winter sports activities to attract visitors throughout the year. During his visit to Ganderbal, the Chief Minister said the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel had changed Sonamarg's tourism prospects by making the destination accessible during winter, creating opportunities for year-round tourism. âEarlier, Sonamarg would remain closed during winters and people could not reach there. There was little scope for developing winter tourism infrastructure. Now that the tunnel has been built and Sonamarg is accessible throughout the year, we are preparing a project for its development,â he said. CM Omar said the government was looking at introducing rafting during summer and skiing and skating during winter to make Sonamarg a major destination for adventure tourism. He said efforts would be made in coordination with local MLA Mehar Ali to develop new tourist attractions and improve facilities for visitors. Referring to the proposed development of Tragbal and Mohanmarg as tourist destinations, the Chief Minister said the projects had earlier received approval and funds had also been released. However, he said the projects could not move forward because of delays in obtaining necessary clearances and were subsequently cancelled. âSometimes we face difficulties in getting forest, environmental and wildlife clearances. But we will follow the required procedures and work towards developing new tourist destinations,â he said. The Chief Minister also spoke about development works in Ganderbal, saying projects worth nearly Rs 60 crore had been inaugurated or taken up, including a major bridge across the Jhelum costing around Rs 40 crore. He said work on the bridge was progressing and the government was targeting completion by December next year. Omar said road projects, a new school building and infrastructure at the fruit and vegetable market had also been taken up. He said traders at the fruit market had raised demands for expansion and construction of a grade separator, which would be discussed with the National Highways Authority of India. On concerns over deaths in the power canal in Ganderbal, Omar said the government would approach the Power Development Corporation to seek funds for fencing along the canal. He also acknowledged traffic congestion and other infrastructure problems in the district, saying development needs and environmental protection would have to be balanced. The Chief Minister said the government remained committed to addressing public concerns and carrying forward development projects across Ganderbal. (KNS)
Srinagar, Oct 15 : Congress legislator and MLA from Bandipora constituency Nizamuddin Bhat on Thursday demanded criminal proceedings against officers who callously sit on the files of patients, saying such delay and negligence risk precious lives. In a post on X, MLA Nizamuddin Bhat flagged the plight of employees suffering from cancer, questioning whether any policy exists on their transfers and postings. "Any or no policy on Transfers/postings of employees suffering from Cancer!! They are made to harry till many lose the battle. How sad," reads the post on X. His remarks came a day after a pregnant woman from the remote Gurez area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district died while being shifted to the District Hospital in Bandipora early Wednesday, while her baby was stillborn. Her family alleged that snowfall and restrictions on night-time movement delayed her emergency referral.
Baramulla, Oct 14:Â In a sustained drive against drug-related activities, Baramulla Police arrested three persons and recovered approximately 16 grams of a heroin-like substance during patrolling and checking at Gulnar Park, Azadgunj, Baramulla. Police in an official handout said that during the checking, three individuals attempted to flee on noticing the police party but were apprehended by alert police personnel. They have been identified as Faizan Majeed Teli @ Gunga, son of Abdul Majeed Teli, resident of Banglow Bagh, Old Town, Baramulla, Aqib Ahmad Gojree son of Ghulam Mohammad Gojree resident of Gulnar Park, Baramulla and Sahil Bashir Karnayi son of Bashir Ahmad Karnayi, resident of Gousia Colony, Azadgunj, Baramulla. "During personal searches, 06 grams of heroin-like substance were recovered from Faizan Majeed Teli, 05 grams from Aqib Ahmad Gojree and 05 grams from Sahil Bashir Karnayi. Additionally, 03 syringes and 07 lighters were recovered from the spot," the handout reads. The handout reads that an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses were called to the spot, and all requisite legal formalities were completed. "Accordingly, FIR No. 167/2026 under Sections 8/21â29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Baramulla, and further investigation has been initiated," it reads. Subsequently, all three accused have been taken to the hospital for medical examination. "The tests for narcotic substance use returned positive for two accused, while the test result of the third is awaited. All three have been arrested in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure and are presently in police custody," the handout reads. Baramulla Police have reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse and urges the public to cooperate with the police in identifying and reporting drug-related activities.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
