Srinagar, Feb 5: J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone on Thursday delivered a scathing and wide ranging critique of the Lieutenant Governor’s address, the historical political choices of the National Conference and the deep rooted inequities embedded in the current reservation framework, while forcefully advocating transparency, fairness and equal opportunity for the youth of Kashmir.
Lone opened by dismissing the Governor’s address as an “unemotional, bureaucratic document” that appears designed to appease the Lieutenant Governor rather than reflect the lived realities and suffering of the people.
“It feels as though we are being asked to believe in a fairy tale world where everyone lived happily ever after. There is no reference to the abrogation of Article 370, Article 35A, the loss of statehood or the mass detentions that followed,” he remarked.
Questioning the silencing of dissent within the Assembly, Lone asked, “Is expressing pain a luxury for the people of Jammu and Kashmir? If we are not permitted to speak here, then why do we speak on the stairs outside? The people have sent us to this House, not to the stairs.”
The PC President drew attention to the stark contrast with Pondicherry, which has passed statehood resolutions fifteen times, while Jammu and Kashmir has not passed even one.
“You do not even allow us to raise the issue,” he said.
He questioned the selective application of constitutional morality.
“Was the abrogation of Article 370 legal? We were all locked up. One individual was chosen to sign on behalf of the people of J&K. Why are legal principles invoked only when it suits this Assembly?”
Highlighting grave employment disparities, Lone stated that Kashmiris constitute nearly sixty percent of the population of Jammu and Kashmir yet account for only twenty five to thirty percent of government employment. Despite performing strongly in open merit, their representation falls to roughly thirty percent once reservations are applied.
He cautioned that the Cabinet Sub Committee’s proposed ten percent increase in open merit would yield a mere two percent actual benefit due to internal redistribution.
"There is a deficit of nearly thirty five percent when measured against population share,” he said.
In a deeply emotional intervention, Lone said, “This Kashmiri is jailed, slapped with PSA, denied police verification and now you wish to deny him employment as well. Where is he expected to go? There are lakhs of households staring at chronic unemployment.”
While underscoring the importance of unity between Jammu and Kashmir, Lone questioned the unequal burden placed on Kashmiri youth.
“Why should only Kashmiri youth pay the price of this unity? Why should the cost not be shared equally or better still why should there be a cost at all? Why cannot opportunity be open and equal?”
He described the prevailing approach as “a systematic process of exclusion and disempowerment,” reflecting a deeper hostility towards the region.
Referring to celebrations over the derecognition of a college, Lone observed, “In an age defined by Artificial Intelligence, we have warriors who distributed sweets when an educational institution was derecognized. Thirty years from now, when our children revisit this moment and see legislators celebrating the closure of a college, there will be nationwide demand for such warriors.”
Clarifying his position, Lone said that not a single drop of blood in my body harbours ill will towards the people of Jammu.
"But they must look upon Kashmiris as their own children.”
He condemned the persistent branding of Kashmiris as anti national and said that wherever Kashmiris go, they are confronted with a narrative that questions their loyalty.
"Yet when terrorism must be confronted, Kashmiri Muslims stand at the forefront. Look at the records of the J&K Police. Ninety percent of those who have laid down their lives are Kashmiri Muslims. And still they are otherized.”
Issuing his strongest warning, Lone cautioned that the reservation issue in the years ahead could become the most consequential flashpoint for Jammu and Kashmir, with ramifications potentially exceeding those of 1987.
He revisited the 1987 elections in detail, citing FIRs lodged against Yasin Malik and others for alleged electoral offences.
“He picked up the gun only after that. Until then, he had not taken up arms. Today, he awaits his fate, whether it is the death penalty or otherwise.”
Lone also referred to Shabir Shah, who never took up arms yet was booked under petty charges such as pickpocketing to delegitimise dissent.
“Thousands were imprisoned under PSA. Thousands of young people continue to live in limbo, uncertain whether they will be convicted, hanged or sentenced to life imprisonment. This is among the most perilous legacies a nation can leave behind,” Lone warned.
Lone systematically dismantled the National Conference’s claim of being targeted by the Centre, recalling its long history of alliances with central governments, from 1975 when it assumed power with Central backing, through the disputed 1987 elections, to 1999 when Omar Abdullah served as Foreign Minister in a BJP led government and the 2008 alliance with Congress.
“You have spent two to two and a half decades in partnership with central parties. In 1975, power was handed to you on a platter and today you seek to absolve yourselves? From Prime Minister to Chief Minister, who accepted the arrangement? Who legitimised it?” he asked.
Referring to Farooq Abdullah’s visit to the United Nations, Lone questioned its intent.
"Did he go to defend Kashmiris or to suggest that only the guilty are killed while the innocent are spared? I leave that to your conscience. It was certainly not a visit undertaken for the people of Kashmir.”
He further questioned who supported the Prevention of Terrorism Act in Parliament, pointing out that ninety percent of POTA cases originated in Kashmir. “Who introduced PSA? Who voted for these laws?”
Speaking on the abuse of police verification, Lone said, “I was denied a passport on the grounds that my father was labelled a separatist. It was your CID chief who authored that report. This practice perhaps began in 1996 as a form of collective punishment. If one relative is suspected, the entire family is penalised. FIRs remain pending across generations. Today’s government merely exploits a system designed in the past. My father’s name was also included. The message is clear: remain silent and do not question.”
The PC President also criticised glaring inconsistencies in official communication.
“Our Chief Minister claims he has no grievances with the Prime Minister. Three days later, ministers state that no funds have been released for the Jal Jeevan Mission for three years. The people deserve to know who is speaking the truth. Why is there one narrative for Delhi and another for the people of Jammu and Kashmir?”
Lone called for an end to what he described as a politics of duplicity.
“Maintaining cordiality with the Centre while fostering resentment at home has devastated the lives of the people of J&K. This must end. Speak the same truth there as you speak here.”
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Calls for strong academic ecosystem Srinagar, March 6: President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 17 candidates from J&K and Ladakh who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination. He termed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the region and a powerful inspiration for the youth. He said that success of these candidates reflect the immense talent, determination, and intellectual potential present among the students of the region. Nazrul Islam Baba emphasised that educational institutions must work collectively to create a robust academic ecosystem that encourages students to aspire for and excel in national-level competitive examinations like the IAS. He stressed that schools should nurture curiosity, discipline, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities from the early stages of education. “Such remarkable achievements demonstrate that our youth possess the capability to compete at the highest national platforms," he said. He said a supportive academic environment, mentorship, and access to quality resources need to be kept available so that more students from J&K and Ladakh can prepare for and succeed in prestigious examinations. PSAJK President further highlighted the need to develop benchmark institutions and academic support systems in the region that can guide and mentor students aspiring for civil services and other competitive examinations. "Creating a culture of excellence and competition within educational institutions will help channelize the talent of the youth towards nation-building roles," he said. He urged educators, parents, and policymakers to work in synergy to foster an environment where students feel motivated to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society. “Every success story from our region becomes a beacon of hope for thousands of young minds. These achievers have shown that with perseverance, dedication, and proper guidance, no dream is beyond reach. Their journey should inspire our students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence,” he added. PSAJK expressed hope that this achievement will ignite a new wave of aspiration among students across schools in J&K and Ladakh, motivating them to prepare for the country’s most competitive examinations and play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
Srinagar, May 7: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday expressed hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice if the controversy surrounding alleged malpractices in the West Bengal polls reaches the apex court of the country. Talking to reporters after a meeting of the party's provincial committee, Abdullah said everyone is raising questions over the poll results. "Mamata (Banerjee) is raising questions, Akhilesh (Yadav) is raising questions, everyone is raising questions (on the poll results). I hope they will take this to the Supreme Court and that the Supreme Court will deliver justice on it," the NC chief said. To a question over the unity in the opposition's India bloc, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "India bloc is always operative, it will continue to operate." On the party's meeting, he said several issues, including how to strengthen the party, were discussed. Meanwhile, NC's chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said the meeting of the provincial committee of the party takes place every month and discusses party affairs. "Discussions took place over party affairs, developmental works and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir," Sadiq told reporters. Asked if the cabinet expansion was discussed in the meeting, he said it was not the proper forum as cabinet expansion is the prerogative of the chief minister. "The CM will take a call on it when he deems fit. The meeting discussed party affairs, what MLAs think and what the situation is," Sadiq added.
New Delhi, May 6 : The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday described the North Tech Symposium as a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defence sector, emphasising that the initiative brings together users, industry, and academia under a common platform. In a video message, Lt. Sharma stated that the symposium is being held in the historic city of Prayagraj, situated at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Themed ‘Defence Triveni Confluence’, the event aims to integrate ideas, innovation, and operational experience into the armed forces’ capabilities, he said. For the first time, two frontline commands of the Indian Army have united on one stage to share operational experience, the Army Commander said. He identified the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPDA) as co-participants. Lt Gen Sharma said the symposium will see armed forces, industries, start-ups, innovators, and academic institutions collaborate to find solutions to critical operational challenges. Describing the present as a turning point in a fast-changing battlefield, he observed that innovation not only aids ideas but also shapes them. The Defence Minister’s announcement of the ‘Year of Reforms’ and subsequent joint efforts have reduced the gap between ideas and innovation, Lt Gen Sharma added. He said the initiative is inspired by the principles of ‘Jai’ — Jointness, Independence, and Innovation — which is crucial for modernising combat capability. The symposium provides industry partners a platform to showcase technical capabilities and understand end-user requirements in depth, the Army Commander said, adding that this would enable the Indian defence industry to produce customised weaponry. He emphasised that the event will deliver practical technological solutions for soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. Based on operational challenges faced by the Army, focus teams will ensure clear problem statements, immediate feedback, and practical solutions, Lt Gen Sharma said. He said that the cooperative model brings together end-users, innovation partners, industry, start-ups, and academia, with technical seminars, equipment displays, and army innovations adding value to the event. Lt Gen Sharma also highlighted an unprecedented level of coordination among the armed forces, industry, academia, and government institutions. He expressed gratitude to all participants, government agencies, SIDM, and UPDA, stating that their cooperation had made the project a real success.
Initiative yielding direct result on ground, says GOC Dagger division Baramulla, April 8: The General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the 19 Infantry Division Major General Manoj Joshi on Wednesday stressed the need to channelise potential of youth towards constructive opportunities. He was speaking during the concluding ceremony of the two-day job fair hosted by Chinar YUVA Centre, Baramulla. The event was organised to connect job seekers with leading employers across sectors including IT, Hospitality, Automobile, Insurance, Retail and Allied fields. Joshi highlighted the growing scale and impact of such initiatives aimed at employment generation and youth engagement in Kashmir. "Around 1150 vacancies are currently being facilitated, the number is expected to rise to 4,500 and eventually touch 5,000 next year," he said. He said these initiatives, carried out jointly with the administration, are yielding direct results on the ground. "The programme is driven by a broader vision of peace and development in which several organisations and foundations from across the country are contributing to the initiative," he said. He referred to collaborations who are working at grassroots level to guide and motivate youth. "The facilities such as the Chinar Youth Centre have been operational for several years and are playing a key role in skilling young people. Around 3,500 youth are currently engaged through such initiatives," he added. He said the objective of the annual job fair was to steer youth away from negative influences by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities. "In the past, many youngsters were once caught in cycles of unrest, but the focus now is on putting opportunity in their hands to secure a better future," he said. He said a gradual shift in mindset among Kashmiri youth was visible on ground saying that the earlier focus remained largely confined to government jobs within local areas. “Now youth are exploring opportunities beyond traditional boundaries and are increasingly willing to join private sector jobs,” he said. He further urged youth not to limit their aspirations and said they must contribute positively to nation-building. "India’s growing youth population will play a decisive role in making the country a leading global economy by 2050. Your decisions will determine the future of the country. Choose growth and progress over conflict,” he said. He further encouraged he participation in private sector employment saying the government jobs cannot accommodate everyone which paves the way for embracing diverse career opportunities. "Army has been organising such outreach programmes for the past five years and job fairs were conducted over the last two years. The initiative will continue in future to create sustained employment avenues for youth in the region," he said. Notably, employers participating in the event included Flipkart, Swiggy, Blinkit, LG, Ather, Amazon, Raymond, Phone Pe, Hotel Sarovar Portico, Hotel Khyber, Myntra, Honda, Bajaj and SBI Life. The event featured online interviews by ten companies along with physical interviews, followed by short-listing and selection of candidates. In addition, representatives of the District Employment and Counselling Centre provided career counselling on industry trends and skill-building through Mission Yuva scheme.
