KS News Desk
Srinagar, Mar 9: President Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Sunday emphasised that Kashmiri Pandits are an inseparable part of Kashmir's social and cultural identity, stressing the need for comprehensive efforts to ensure their dignified return to their homeland.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem Yaseen said that the people of Kashmir have always been ready to welcome their Kashmiri Pandit brethren, irrespective of the circumstances under which they left the Valley.
He described the Kashmiri Pandit community as an essential pillar of Kashmiri society, whose absence is deeply felt, particularly during festivals such as Ramadan, Eid, and other cultural celebrations.
Recalling his tenure as Revenue Minister, PDF President said that both former Chief Ministers Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad strongly advocated for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. During that period, we initiated several measures to facilitate their return, including the construction of transit accommodations and introducing schemes aimed at their rehabilitation, he said.
Hakeem Yaseen acknowledged that these efforts, though well-intentioned, were temporary and lacked a sustainable, long-term approach.
The initiatives taken in the past were like short-term remedies. What is needed now is a permanent solution that ensures their dignified return to their original homes, he stressed.
He emphasized the cultural and social vacuum left by the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.
"The people of Kashmir are incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits; their presence is vital like a garden without flowers. Their absence is deeply felt in our social gatherings, cultural events, and festivals," he said.
The senior PDF leader lamented that despite multiple attempts, no government has been successful in ensuring the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
He stressed that while the government must take responsibility, there is also a need for proactive efforts from within the Kashmiri Pandit community itself. Kashmiri Pandits must play a vital role in reclaiming their rightful place in their ancestral land, he said.
Hakeem Yaseen expressed concern over certain elements deliberately obstructing the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
Just as some elements in the Valley misled youth by advocating poll boycotts and jeopardizing their future, there are also forces within the Kashmiri Pandit community exploiting their concerns for personal and political gains, he said.
The PDF President also pointed out that when Kashmiri Pandits visit their Muslim friends in the Valley, they face no security concerns, indicating that their fears are often manipulated for vested interests. The bond between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims has always been one of mutual respect and brotherhood, he said.
Hakeem Yaseen urged the government to adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond temporary measures and focuses on creating an environment conducive to the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
He called for economic incentives, improved security arrangements, and community-driven initiatives to facilitate their seamless reintegration into Kashmiri society.
We must ensure that Kashmiri Pandits return not as guests but as rightful inhabitants of their land, with dignity, security, and respect, he added.
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, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday dismissed reports of resignations by ministers and alleged lobbying ahead of a possible Cabinet expansion. Talking to reporters in Jammu Choudhary said that no minister had stepped down and decisions on ministerial appointments rested with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah. He rejected the speculation over differences within the ruling National Conference and accused sections of the media of spreading misinformation about an impending Cabinet reshuffle and claimed that such reports were creating unnecessary confusion among people. “No minister has resigned. I am standing at the feet of Mata and saying this. None of us has submitted a resignation. These are completely false reports,” he told reporters during a visit to a temple in Jammu. His statement comes amid speculation over a possible expansion and reshuffle of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers while the reports suggest that party legislators were lobbying for ministerial berths. Choudhary rejected the suggestion that aspirants were lobbying for positions, saying the party leadership was capable of assessing the suitability of legislators for ministerial responsibilities. “When the Omar Abdullah government was formed, nobody lobbied for ministerial positions. It is a misconception that one can secure a ministry through lobbying. Omar (Sahib) and Dr Farooq Abdullah (Sahib) know who is capable of what,” he said. The Deputy Chief Minister said that not every legislator could be accommodated in the Council of Ministers and that such decisions were a normal part of government formation. “Some become ministers and others do not. This has always been the case. Whenever the leadership decides, it will induct whoever it considers suitable,” he said. Asked whether the proposed expansion could trigger friction within the National Conference, Choudhary ruled out any possibility of a split and said that party legislators continued to repose confidence in the leadership. “The party has faith in Omar Sahib and Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib. Whoever they decide to make a minister will become a minister,” he said. He cited his own political journey saying that ministerial appointments were not necessarily the result of personal ambitions or political lobbying. “I had never imagined that I would become an MLA, and today I am the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. This is because of the blessings of the people and the trust reposed in me by my leadership,” he said. Choudhary also criticised sections of the media for circulating what he described as fabricated reports about ministerial resignations and internal differences in the government. “Some media outlets spread false news merely to increase their TRPs. They create misunderstandings among people. Such channels should be boycotted,” he said. Responding to the BJP's claim that the National Conference could face a split following the Cabinet expansion, Choudhary asked the opposition party to focus on its own affairs rather than speculate about the stability of the ruling party. “Tell the BJP to first take care of Delhi and put its own house in order. They should stop looking into the affairs of others,” he said. The Deputy Chief Minister also referred to controversies involving the Election Commission, arguing that the BJP should address questions concerning institutions and developments elsewhere before commenting on the National Conference. “While talking about others, they should ensure that the ground does not slip from beneath their own feet,” he said. Earlier, Choudhary offered prayers at the temple on the occasion of Navratri and extended greetings to people, expressing hope for peace, unity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. He said he had visited the shrine with his two sons and prayed for the welfare of the people and the strengthening of brotherhood across the country. The Deputy Chief Minister, however, did not indicate any timeline for the proposed Cabinet expansion, maintaining that the decision would be taken by the party leadership. (KNS)
Srinagar, Jul 12: The Core Committee of the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met Sunday under the chairmanship of Party President Mehbooba Mufti to deliberate on the prevailing political situation in Jammu & Kashmir and discuss the pressing issues confronting the people. The meeting held an extensive review of the deepening political, economic and social challenges facing the people of Jammu & Kashmir and resolved that the party would continue to vigorously raise these issues at every democratic forum while steadfastly advocating for the rights, dignity and aspirations of the people. Keeping in view the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and the extensive traffic regulations and movement restrictions in force on the highways during the pilgrimage period, the Core Committee unanimously resolved that the Party’s Foundation Day on 28th July 2026 will be observed through district-level conventions across Jammu & Kashmir instead of a single central gathering. The decision was taken to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra while enabling party workers and supporters across the Union Territory to participate in the Foundation Day programmes. The convention for Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam and Bandipora will be held at Srinagar and will be led by Party President Ms. Mehbooba Mufti. The Anantnag convention will be led by senior party leader and former Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri, Kulgam by former Deputy Speaker and party VP Mohammad Sartaj Madni, Pulwama by former Member of Parliament and Party Chief Spokesperson Dr. Mehboob Beg, Baramulla by former Minister and General Secretary (Organisation) Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, Kupwara by former Minister and General Secretary Adv. Abdul Haq Khan, and Shopian by former Minister and senior party leader Naeem Akhtar. The Core Committee expressed serious concern over what it described as the continuing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevailing in Jammu & Kashmir. Members said that the persistent culture of raids, repeated searches and coercive measures has cast a shadow over normal civic life, creating a widespread sense of harassment and insecurity among ordinary citizens. The leadership observed that a democratic society cannot flourish where people continue to live under an environment of constant apprehension. The meeting also held an in-depth discussion on the unending trauma being faced by hundreds of families whose loved ones continue to languish in jails for prolonged periods, often without timely conclusion of trials. It was observed with concern that in several cases, even after courts grant bail, fresh cases are registered, resulting in continued incarceration. Such practices, the Committee said, deepen public alienation and raise serious questions about the credibility of institutions that people expected would safeguard their constitutional and legal rights. Expressing grave concern over the growing unemployment crisis, the Core Committee said that an entire generation of educated youth is being pushed towards despair due to the absence of a credible employment policy and meaningful economic opportunities. Despite repeated promises, the leadership noted that there has been little by way of concrete measures to generate sustainable jobs or revive the local economy. The PDP reiterated that addressing unemployment must become an immediate priority, as prolonged neglect threatens both the social fabric and the future of Jammu & Kashmir’s youth. The Committee also strongly condemned the restrictions imposed on observing 13th July, Martyrs’ Day, describing them as deeply unfortunate and inconsistent with democratic values. It observed that while the entire nation rightly commemorates those who fought against autocratic and colonial rule, the people of Jammu & Kashmir are repeatedly prevented from paying homage to the martyrs of 13 July 1931, who laid down their lives in the struggle against autocratic governance, years before similar movements gained momentum in many other parts of the country. The leadership stated that history cannot be erased through prohibitory orders, barricades or restrictions. The memory of the martyrs lives in the hearts and minds of the people and cannot be extinguished by preventing peaceful tributes. The Core Committee announced that PDP leadership and workers will proceed to offer tributes to the martyrs and urged the administration not to impose restrictions on peaceful commemorative programmes. The party maintained that respecting historical memory and allowing peaceful remembrance are essential attributes of any confident democracy. Reaffirming its commitment to democratic and peaceful politics, the Core Committee resolved that the PDP will continue to stand with the people of Jammu & Kashmir and intensify its efforts to highlight their concerns while defending their constitutional, political and democratic rights.
Sonmarg, Jun 18: President Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said that the Yatra should be seen not only as a religious journey but as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of trust, understanding, and shared belonging between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Addressing locals in Sonamarg, Mufti said that Kashmir has always been known for its tradition of hospitality, compassion, and respect for guests. “The people of Kashmir, especially those living in areas like Sonmarg and Pahalgam, have always welcomed visitors with warmth and dignity. This spirit of Kashmiriyat is our greatest strength and our biggest message to the world,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said the Yatra provides an important opportunity for people from different parts of India to experience the real Kashmir, a Kashmir of ordinary people, rich traditions, kindness, and humanity. “The Yatra is a bridge that connects hearts. It should bring locals and visitors closer, remove misunderstandings, and replace prejudice with understanding. Every devotee who visits Kashmir should return with memories of our hospitality, our culture, and the warmth of our people,” she said. She emphasized that faith should become a source of compassion and connection rather than division. “Hindus and Muslims, locals and outsiders, Kashmir and the rest of India, we all share a common human bond. The true strength of any society lies in respecting each other’s faith, identity, and dignity,” she added. While welcoming visitors, Mehbooba Mufti also highlighted the concerns of local communities who support and host the Yatra. She said that the people of Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and other Yatra-related areas must remain at the centre of tourism and development planning. “The people who open their homes, provide services, and contribute to making the Yatra successful deserve recognition and meaningful participation. Their voices must be heard,” she said. She stressed the need for sustainable development that benefits local communities, including improved infrastructure, better connectivity, support for small businesses, opportunities for youth, and protection of the fragile Himalayan environment. Mehbooba Mufti noted that local residents, pony owners, traders, transporters, guides, hoteliers, vendors, and workers raised several longstanding concerns regarding basic facilities and infrastructure in the Yatra areas. She said the pony track in Sonmarg is in poor condition and requires urgent development and maintenance to ensure the safety and convenience of both pilgrims and service providers. She also supported the demand for proper sheds and resting facilities for horses, as well as designated sheds for local vendors who provide essential services during the Yatra season. She urged the authorities to grant necessary permissions and create adequate infrastructure so that local communities can carry out their livelihoods with dignity and without unnecessary hardships. She said local traders, transporters, guides, pony owners, hoteliers, and workers are an important part of Kashmir’s tourism ecosystem and their livelihoods must be protected. “Development should not come at the cost of our environment or the interests of local people. Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and our mountains are our shared heritage, and we must preserve them for future generations,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said the success of the Yatra should not only be measured by the number of pilgrims who arrive but by the goodwill, friendships, and understanding that remain after they leave. “Our answer to prejudice should be hospitality, our answer to mistrust should be compassion, and our message should be the true spirit of Kashmir — peace, inclusion, and humanity. At the same time, the concerns of local communities must be addressed through practical measures that improve livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the people who sustain it,” she said.
