KS News Desk
Langate, Nov 25: Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday strongly urged the Union Government to begin a direct dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and, following this dialogue, restore statehood as already promised.
He said bridging Dil ki doori (distance of hearts) is utmost important for a lasting peace and stability in J&K. He also urged the elected UT government to increase the domicile residency requirement from 15 years to 35 years and to revisit the reservation policy to make it balanced and judicious.
Altaf Bukhari condemned the ongoing arrests and voiced serious concern over recent incidents of harassment of Kashmiris in several places outside J&K.
He made these remarks while addressing a workers gathering in Kralagund area of the Langate Constituency, where the party launched public outreach campaign on Tuesday.
In his speech, Apni Party President said, We met and interacted with our senior workers here. The purpose of this meeting was to plan our strategy and reaffirm our agenda and policies, which have been proven right because they are rooted in truth and integrity. Even today, the manifesto we presented during last years Assembly elections remains relevant. Other parties made false promises and used misleading slogans, but we spoke about real issues and real problems. We promised that if we were given the mandate, we would address these issues effectively.
He further said, The real problems are the arrests of our youth, delays in the verification process required for jobs and passports, and people being called to police stations simply because they held a different ideology in the 1990s. These are the genuine issues affecting our people. We had promised that if we came to power, we would announce a general amnesty for the detainees. We would have ensured a dignified life for our youth and brought an end to the arrest spree. But unfortunately we were not voted to power.
He continued, We are the first political party that actually managed to secure something for the people of Jammu and Kashmir from New Delhian official order that our land and jobs would remain reserved for the people of this region. For the past 75 years other parties only giving things away to New Delhi.
Apni Party President explained it further, After August 5, 2019, anyone from outside J&K could have bought land here or applied for jobs. But it was the Apni Party that went to Delhi and ensured that a 15-year residency requirement was fixed for domicile eligibility. That was our achievement, and we never boasted about it. We did not even speak much about it, perhaps because soon after this happening, Covid pandemic outbreak. This is reason most people do not have any idea how J&K people succeeded to retain their special rights over land and jobs here despite the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. The fact is that credit for this achievement goes to Apni Party that stood firmly at that time before the Government of India.
Five years have already passed since then, and now is the right time to extend the residency requirement for domicile. This power lies with the UT Government. I urge my workers to inform people about why increasing the residency period is important. Let people understand that demands like free electricity and other such issues are minor. They must press the government on the more important issuestrengthening the domicile law, He said.
He urged his party workers to reach out to the people and make them aware of what the Apni Party stands for and what it aims to achieve for them.
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Urging the Centre to start a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Altaf Bukhari said, whether the government chooses to talk to Pakistan or not is entirely its own decision. But we firmly demand that a dialogue must begin immediately with the peopleespecially the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Following this dialogue, statehood should be restored, as the Centre has already promised.
He said that all political parties in J&K must unite to push for a dialogue between the people and the Central Government, so that the path is cleared for the restoration of statehood and other important rights.
The Apni Party President said that time has proven that those who ran a vicious defamation campaign against the Apni Party are actually the ones working hand in glove with the BJP. History shows that the leaders of these parties gained power and even became Chief Ministers and Union ministers with BJPs support. They are the real proxies and B-teams of the BJP.
He said, We cannot be linked to that BJP. However, the Prime Minister is the leader of the entire country, and so is the Home Minister. Anyone who wants to work for the people of Jammu and Kashmir must cooperate with these national leaders. We cannot solve our problems without the active support of the Government of India.
On reservation issue, Altaf Bukhari further explained, Look at how unemployment is harming the future of our youngsters. Many of them are falling prey to the prevailing drug menace. Our youth deserve employment opportunities so they can lead normal and peaceful lives.
If the elected government fails to deliver even on these important matters, it is a shame for the government,Bukhari added.
On this occasion, Altaf Bukhari also spoke about the local issues faced by the people. He said, I firmly believe that the proposed Government Medical College (GMC) must be built at its approved site in Gund Chogal, Handwara. Any attempt to shift this project will be strongly opposed by the Apni Party. A huge sum of Rs 45 crore in public funds has already been spent, so the college must be completed at the approved location without any further delay.
The residents informed the Apni Party President about certain issues and problems that people in the Langate constituency are facing. They said that the Degree College he had approved as Education Minister in the erstwhile state has still not been built because land has not yet been allotted for it.
They also raised issues of a severe water crisis, poor infrastructure, and the shortage of lady doctors in local health centres.Altaf Bukhari assured them that he would take up these matters with the authorities concerned.
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, 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.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Baramulla, Apr 1: Political leader Touseef Raina on Wednesday asked Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig to apologise for his remarks about women he made during a speech in the Legislative Assembly. Raina termed the remarks “regrettable” and “hurtful to public sentiment.” In a video message, Touseef Raina took strong exception to Baig’s reference to Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, wherein he described Lone’s stance as having a “womenistic attitude,” which he linked to “crying over everything.” Raina said a public representative having such ideology reflects a “demeaning mindset” towards women which was unacceptable in public discourse, especially within a legislative forum. “It is a matter of great shame and regret that an elected representative has used such words saying that women are prone to crying. These remarks have deeply hurt the sentiments of women,” he said. Raina emphasised the role and contribution of women in society saying that these days women stand as equal partners in all spheres of life. “Women are a source of inspiration. There is no place for gender inequality in today’s world. Our mothers and sisters contribute immensely whether at home or in workplaces and deserve respect, not ridicule,” he added. Referring to Islamic teachings, Raina reminded MLA about the high status accorded to women, stating that a person’s character is reflected in how he treats women, particularly within his family. He further questioned Baig’s commitment to women’s rights, saying such remarks raise concerns about the seriousness of leader who seek votes on promises of empowerment but resort to “insensitive language” in Assembly debates. He expressed his personal anguish over the issue and said he was felt “deeply hurt” by the comments made by MLA Baramulla. "MLA Baramulla should tender an unconditional apology to women. Such statements, even if made in haste, cannot be justified. An apology is necessary to address the hurt caused to women across society,” he said.
Srinagar, Mar 26: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Thursday conducted raids at multiple locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation into a transnational terror module, officials said. An official said that searches are being carried out at 10 locations across three districts, including six in Ganderbal, three in Shopian and one in Srinagar. He said the investigation pertains to a terror module being directed by Shabir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmir-native Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative currently based in Bangladesh. Lone, a resident of Kangan area in Ganderbal district, is operating from outside the country, they said. “The case has links to a transnational network, with the module receiving directions from LeT handlers based in Bangladesh and Pakistan,” the official said. The searches are being conducted on the basis of search warrants issued by a competent court in connection with a fresh terror investigation case recently registered at Police Station CIK, he said. Further details are awaited. (KNO).
Langate, March 18: In a significant gesture aimed at promoting communal harmony and strengthening ties with the local population, the Indian Army’s Langate Army Camp organised a grand Iftar gathering in Langate area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Tuesday. The event witnessed the participation of senior officers from the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, members of the civil administration, media fraternity, political representatives, and prominent citizens from the area. The gathering brought together people from different walks of life, reflecting a shared commitment towards peace and unity. The Iftar commenced with collective prayers, where participants prayed for peace, prosperity, and well-being of the nation and its people. The occasion, held during the holy month of Ramadan, symbolized the spirit of compassion, brotherhood, and mutual respect. Speaking on the occasion, attendees appreciated the initiative by the Army, stating that such interactions play a vital role in bridging gaps and fostering trust between security forces and civilians. They emphasized the need for continued engagement to build a peaceful and cooperative environment in the region. The evening was marked by a warm and cordial atmosphere as guests shared traditional Ramadan delicacies and engaged in meaningful interactions. The event also highlighted the rich cultural ethos of the region, where communal harmony and coexistence remain deeply rooted values. The Indian Army, through such outreach programs, continues to make efforts towards strengthening its bond with the local populace, promoting goodwill, and encouraging a collective approach towards peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
