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.”
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.
Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 15.48 lakh traffic violation cases in 2025, with authorities collecting more than Rs 34.17 crore as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal. According to the official data, 15,48,525 challans were issued across the Union Territory in 2025, while the penalty amount recovered stood at Rs 34,17,36,740. The figures further show that in 2024, a total of 15,44,105 violations were registered with a penalty collection of around Rs 43.40 crore, while in 2023, 12,38,584 challans were issued and Rs 34.56 crore was collected. For the current year, till February 8, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 1,63,531 traffic violation cases, with revenue collection of about Rs 2.11 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 are aimed at ensuring better compliance and deterrence. It also said that traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of States and Union Territories. The government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for electronic monitoring and is promoting technology-driven enforcement through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the VAHAN database. Awareness campaigns under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are also being carried out to improve road safety.
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has directed all universities and dental colleges across the country to strictly ensure a minimum of 80 percent biometric attendance for Post Graduate students before allowing them to appear in examinations. The decision has been taken to curb absenteeism among postgraduate dental students. According to a circular issued by the Dental Council of India-a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the decision has been taken after multiple complaints were received from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding non-attendance of PG students. "The matter was examined by the Grievance Sub-Committee of the DCI in its meeting held on November 24, 2025," the circular reads. It reads that after detailed discussion and deliberation, the committee recommended that all universities and dental colleges must ensure compliance with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI Master of Dental Surgery Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates at least 80 per cent attendance. "The recommendation of the Grievance Sub-Committee has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Dental Council of India through circulation and has now been formally communicated for information and necessary action," the circular reads. As per the circular, all the universities and dental colleges have been directed to ensure minimum 80 per cent biometric attendance of all PG students before permitting them to appear in examinations. The order, issued by Deputy Secretary Dental Council of India Mukesh Kumar, is expected to be implemented with immediate effect across the country.
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.
Srinagar, March 6: Around 17 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have qualified the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2025, the result for which was declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday. The commission recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and various central services. Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate, has topped the civil services examination 2025, while Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull have got the second and third ranks respectively. According to the official list released by the UPSC the 17 candidates from J&K who have figured in the final merit list include Suvan Sharma (Rank 148), Sugandha Gupta (207), Towseef Ganie (Rank 254), Ritika (Rank 456), Sooyash Shivam (Rank 572), Muneeb Parrah (Rank 581), Ghulam Din (Rank 683), Dwarka Gaadhi (Rank 721), Akash (Rank 747), Koh E Safa (Rank 763), Yasaar (Rank 811), Abhishek (Rank 820), Pankaj (Rank 856), Mohammad Ajaz (Rank 869), Azhar (Rank 886), Sarfraz (Rank 936), and Irfan (Rank 957). The results were declared after conducting the written examination in August 2025 followed by the personality tests (interviews) conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. As per the result notification issue by the UPSC, a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment against 1087 vacancies reported by the government for the examination cycle. These include 180 vacancies in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group A and 195 in Group B services. Of the total recommended candidates, 317 are from the general category, 104 from the economically weaker sections, 306 from other backward classes, 158 from scheduled castes and 73 from scheduled tribes. A consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates has also been published in accordance with the rules. The claims of recommended candidates regarding reservation categories will be subject to verification by the concerned authorities. The UPSC has stated that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional, while the result of the two candidates has been kept withheld. The CSE is conducted annually in three stages- preliminary, Mains and interview by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The civil services (preliminary) examination 2025 was conducted on May 25 of 2025. A total of 937876 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,76,793 actually appeared in the test. A total of 14,161 candidates qualified for appearance in the written (Main) examination which was held in August, 2025. Of these, 2736 candidates had qualified for the personality test (interview) of the examination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the candidates who qualified the UPSC exam. "Congratulations to all those who have successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025. Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Wishing them the very best as they embark on a journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people," PM Modi wrote on his official X handle. "To those who may not have secured the desired outcome in the Civil Services Examination, I understand that such moments can be difficult. However, this is only one step in a larger journey. Many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which you can contribute to our nation. My best wishes for the road ahead," his post on X reads. UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar announced the declaration of the result and congratulated the candidates who qualified the exam. "Congrats to all successful candidates as you begin a career of service to the nation. For those who did not make it-the learning from this journey will guide you in the paths ahead," UPSC Chairman wrote in a post on X. Among the 17 candidates from J&K who qualified UPSC exam inlcude a visually impaired candidate Irfan Ahmad Lone, a resident of Manzpora in the Naidkhai area of Bandipora.
Jammu/Srinagar, Aug 14: Security was intensified across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a day ahead of Independence Day celebrations, with police and security forces mounting extensive checks, patrols and surveillance across border districts, highways and other vulnerable locations. Vehicles were subjected to checking at multiple points while security personnel maintained heightened vigil around major roads, sensitive installations and venues where Independence Day functions are scheduled. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have also been deployed at strategic locations. Security has been reinforced along the Jammu-Srinagar and Jammu-Pathankot national highways, while border roads and other vital approaches are under close surveillance through CCTV and other monitoring mechanisms. A multi-tier security grid comprising the Army, BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police has been established along the Line of Control and International Border. In Jammu, the main Independence Day function will be held at Maulana Azad Stadium, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will unfurl the national flag and take the salute. In Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will preside over the main function at Bakshi Stadium. Police and paramilitary personnel have been positioned at strategic points, with access control, frisking and vehicle checks intensified around the venues. Security agencies are maintaining surveillance over approaches to the celebration sites and other sensitive locations. Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, along with Deputy Inspectors General, has chaired a series of security review meetings across the Jammu region during the past week. Officers were directed to ensure foolproof security around celebration venues and adequate deployment of forces at all flag-hoisting locations. The heightened security comes as the region witnesses a surge in patriotic activities, including Tiranga Yatras, Har Ghar Tiranga campaigns and Independence Day programmes. The Tricolour has been prominently displayed atop houses and public buildings across towns and villages.
Srinagar, Aug 6: Strengthening its commitment to financial security across the nation, SBI Life Insurance will enable families across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to take a step closer towards securing their financial future. SBI Life Insurance, one of India’s leading life insurers, today announced a strategic corporate agency tie-up with J&K Bank (Jammu & Kashmir Bank), a Scheduled Commercial Bank and one of the oldest private sector banks in India. "Now, customers can walk into any of J&K Bank's 1,000-plus branches across the region and access SBI Life's full range of life insurance solutions, from protection and savings plans to retirement and child plans, tailored to suit their evolving financial needs and life stage," an official handout reads. For many households in the region, this means trusted financial protection is now available at the same branch they already bank with. The corporate agency agreement was signed by Budhaditya Banerjee Regional Manager- Institutional Alliances, Chandigarh Region and Masood Ahmad Lankar, DGM Cross Selling, J&K Bank in the presence of Santosh Chacko, President – Business Strategy, SBI Life Insurance, Anita Nehru , GM DAC & Cross Selling, J&K Bank. At a time when financial security and long-term planning are becoming increasingly critical for households across India, this alliance combines SBI Life's expertise with J&K Bank's deep roots and relationships across the region, to make life insurance simpler to understand, easier to access, and more relevant to everyday financial planning, helping families plan with greater confidence for whatever lies ahead. The partnership advances financial inclusion in line with the IRDAI’s vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047', extending long-term financial security to communities that have historically had limited access to it. Speaking on the partnership, Amit Jhingran, MD & CEO, SBI Life Insurance, said, “At SBI Life, our purpose is rooted in helping individuals and families build financial resilience and approach the future with greater confidence." He said their partnership with J&K Bank reflects a shared commitment to deepening insurance awareness and strengthening the culture of financial protection for households across the nation. "Life insurance plays a critical role in ensuring financial continuity and safeguarding family aspirations," he said. He added this collaboration will further reinforce its importance in everyday financial planning. "We are proud to support the national vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ and contribute meaningfully to building a financially secure society," he said. Commenting on the collaboration, MD & CEO, J&K Bank Amitava Chatterjee said, "Guided by our philosophy of 'socially empowering banking', we remain committed to catalyzing economic and social transformation across the communities we serve. The addition of SBI Life to our portfolio of insurance partners enhances our ability to offer customers a wider range of competitive, need-based life insurance solutions, enabling them to choose products best suited to their unique financial needs. He further added that by bringing together the strengths of two trusted institutions, this collaboration further reinforces our customer-centric approach and enhances our ability to deliver greater value through the Bank's extensive network across the country. "It also builds upon the enduring trust that J&K Bank has nurtured over decades, beginning in its core geographies of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and extending across its operational footprint nationwide," he added. Commenting on the tie-up, Santosh Chacko, President – Business Strategy, SBI Life Insurance, said insurance is fundamentally about building financial dignity and ensuring that families remain protected through life’s uncertainties. "Through this partnership, we want life insurance to be seen not merely as a product, but as an essential pillar of responsible financial well-being, which aligns with our philosophy of ‘Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye’, where securing one’s future goes hand in hand with protecting the aspirations of loved ones," he said. Through this association, SBI Life Insurance and J&K Bank aim to enhance insurance penetration across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, promote financial literacy and awareness, and help more households across the region feel prepared and protected for the future.
Srinagar, Jul 19: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference on Sunday expressed deep grief and anguish over the loss of precious lives and widespread devastation caused by recent cloudbursts and flash floods across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, describing the calamity as a matter of grave concern requiring immediate and sustained administrative attention. In a statement issued here, a party spokesperson said the JKPC extends heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragedy, and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the disaster. "This is an hour of immense grief for our people, especially for the communities of Rajouri and Poonch, who have borne the brunt of this calamity. The devastation wrought by the cloudbursts and flash floods has shattered homes and hopes alike and it is our collective responsibility to stand by the affected families in this hour of need," the spokesperson said. The party urged the administration to intensify rescue and relief operations on a war footing in Rajouri and Poonch, with particular emphasis on reaching remote, hilly and inaccessible villages where communication and connectivity have been severely disrupted. It further urged authorities to ensure the timely and safe evacuation of residents in vulnerable and flood-prone localities of these two districts, so as to avert any further loss of life. The spokesperson said essential assistance, including food, clean drinking water, shelter, medical aid and other basic necessities, must be provided without delay to all affected families in Rajouri and Poonch. Emphasising the need for a fair and transparent process going forward, JKPC demanded that the government carry out an impartial and comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to houses, crops, livestock and other property in Rajouri, Poonch and adjoining areas.
