Srinagar, Jan 22: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the outcome of the Civil Services (Judicial) Mains Examination. In a post on X, Altaf Bukhari alleged regional imbalance, lack of transparency and possible communal considerations in the selection process. Bukhari said that only 13 candidates from the Kashmir Valley were shortlisted for the viva voce stage out of a total of 124 candidates, while the remaining 111 candidates belong to the Jammu division. He described the figures as “deeply disturbing” and said they raise legitimate questions about the fairness of the evaluation process. He said that candidates from the Valley who failed to qualify have alleged serious irregularities and lack of transparency in the declaration of results. “Given the stark regional imbalance reflected in the shortlist, these concerns cannot be brushed aside and must be subjected to a fair and impartial investigation,” Altaf Bukhari said. Referring to the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir, the JKAP chief said that the situation is particularly worrying at a time when mistrust prevails between the two regions. He recalled that during the 2024 Assembly elections, political discourse was polarised along religious lines, with the BJP allegedly communalising politics in Jammu and the National Conference responding in a similar manner in the Valley. “While both parties may have gained electorally from this polarisation, the real cost was paid by the secular fabric and social harmony of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. Bukhari alleged that such tendencies have continued beyond electoral politics and are now affecting institutions and merit-based processes. He cited the recent controversy surrounding the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, where, he claimed, the merit-based selection of MBBS students was communalised. He alleged that the revocation of permission for the MBBS course at SMVDIME, allegedly under political pressure, had harmed the larger public interest of Jammu and Kashmir and further deepened communal fault lines. Drawing a parallel, Bukhari said the outcome of the Civil Services (Judicial) Mains Examination also appears to be clouded by similar considerations, as reflected in the “disproportionate and highly skewed” shortlist. "At a time when mistrust prevails in both regions, the only responsible course is to keep the results in abeyance and initiate a transparent, independent inquiry," he said. Altaf Bukhari urged the J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure that the results of the Civil Services (Judicial) Mains Examination remain on hold "until a fair and thorough inquiry is conducted."

Srinagar, Jan 21: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Wednesday launched an attack on PDP President Mehbooba Mufti over her recent demand for separate administrative arrangements for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley. Inam Un Nabi said Mehbooba Mufti remained silent when she had the power to act. In a statement issued here, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said Mehbooba Mufti chose inaction in power and now she is raising slogans for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley. "Had she been sincere in demanding Divisional Commissioners for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, why didn’t she do it when she was the Chief Minister in the PDP-BJP government? She had power, authority and an alliance partner at the Centre, yet she chose silence and inaction," he said. He highlighted Er Rashid’s consistent stand and it was MP Baramulla Er Rashid who was pleading for two Hill Development Councils for Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal, as these areas require focused governance due to their difficult terrain, remoteness and decades of neglect. He added that Er Rashid not only raised the issue on public platforms but also pursued it institutionally. “Er Rashid brought a resolution in the J&K Assembly as well when he was an MLA, demanding two Hill Development Councils for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley,” he said. Inam Un Nabi said the discourse around Jammu often ignores the realities of these regions. “Those who talk about separate statehood Jammu should understand that Jammu includes Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, not just two and a half Jammu districts. Unfortunately, these regions have remained ignored on every front,” he said. Inam Un Nabi further alleged that leadership centred around Jammu district has historically sidelined these Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley areas. “Jammu district politicians have used Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley for political mileage, but failed to ensure fair development, genuine representation and equal opportunities for the people,” he added. AIP reiterated its demand for concrete and time-bound measures to address regional imbalance and ensure that Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley receive their rightful share in governance, resources and decision-making.

Jammu, Jan 21: Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) State President Vivek Bali on Wednesday criticized PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti over her remarks on 1953 incident. Bali was referring to the statement of Mehbooba Mufti wherein she said “Those Who Divided Regions Questioning Us" while drawing parallels with 1953 and referred to the arrest of Sheikh Abdullah following his alleged support for the Dixon Plan. In an statement issued here, Vivek Bali along with his political advisor Dilawar Singh questioned Mehbooba Mufti’s intentions and political narrative, stating that such remarks were misleading and aimed at reviving old controversies for political gain. He asked why, during the tenure of the PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, no concrete steps were taken to create separate districts in the Pir Panjal region or to appoint a dedicated Divisional Commissioner for the area. Bali said these demands were ignored when the PDP was in power, raising serious doubts about the sincerity of the party’s current claims. "We want a Jammu and Kashmir free from unnecessary interference. We believe in the unity of the region as it existed during the Maharaja’s time, and we do not support attempts to disturb that unity for narrow political interests,” Bali said. He accused Mehbooba Mufti of indulging in vote bank politics by repeatedly raising sensitive historical and regional issues instead of focusing on present-day development and public welfare. He added that the people of J&K do not support this kind of divisive politics and have repeatedly expressed their desire for unity, peace, and progress. “We do not want division. Any attempt to fragment Jammu and Kashmir on regional or political lines is against the wishes of the common people,” Bali said. Vivek Bali also made it clear that the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party strongly opposes any forces or narratives that seek to divide Jammu and Kashmir into separate states or regions. He said SBSP stands firmly for the unity, integrity, and harmonious development of Jammu and Kashmir, and will continue to raise its voice against politics that promote division, confusion, and instability for personal or electoral gains.

Jammu, Jan 20: Former chief minister and president People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked the National Conference to come out with a clear and unambiguous stand on the long-pending demand for divisional status for the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions, saying the issue was rooted in administrative necessity and not political rhetoric. Addressing a press conference here, Mufti said the demand was “absolutely genuine” given the difficult terrain, fragile environment, far-flung habitations, and lack of adequate access to basic services in both regions. “Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley face serious administrative neglect. Their topography, vulnerability to environmental hazards, and distance from decision-making centres make divisional status the need of the hour,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said that governance must reach people at their doorstep, especially in border and mountainous areas. Mufti accused both the National Conference and the BJP of being on the “same page” when it comes to criticising the PDP for raising the issue. "It is ironic that parties responsible for dividing regions for political convenience are questioning us for speaking up for the marginalised,” she said. Drawing a historical parallel and on making allegations against Mehbooba Mufti of supporting Dixons Plan she reminded NC president Farooq Abdullah, the PDP chief said that Sheikh Abdullah’s covert support for the Dixon Plan had led to his arrest in 1953. “Today, raising legitimate demands for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley is once again being portrayed as divisive,” she said. She alleged that the BJP had weakened the political and administrative interests of the Pir Panjal region, and by extension Chenab Valley, under the guise of delimitation. “These decisions were taken to serve narrow electoral interests, not the welfare of the people,” Mufti said. Emphasising Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a border region, she said areas like Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley face compounded challenges. “Environmental risks, strategic vulnerabilities, and lack of infrastructure demand focused administrative attention,” she added. Mufti said governments must prioritise rights and dignity after securing votes. “Instead of addressing genuine grievances, the PDP is being targeted simply for raising the voice of those who have remained unheard for decades,” she said. She asserted that seeking divisional status for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley was about fairness and governance. “This is not about politics. It is about administrative justice and equal opportunity,” Mufti said, adding that the PDP would continue to stand with the people of both regions.

Srinagar, Jan 19: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP)has welcomed former Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud’s statement that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam accused of instigating Delhi riots and languishing in jail since five years should have been released on bail. In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said, “Ex-chief justice of India’s statement is a ray of hope for hundreds of Kashmiris languishing in jails since years together who have been booked under UAPA and their trials are undergoing at very nominal pace." He said that former CJI’s statement must act as a catalyst to wake up the conscience of judiciary and other institutions and all Kashmiri political prisoners should be released. “There is no justification to keep Engineer Rasheed two-time MLA and now an elected MP still in jail, who is about to complete seven years in Tihar," he said. He said that engineer Rasheed has been victimized only for his political belief and the fact is, current government has failed to silence him for speaking for the rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir. His continuous detention is murder of justice and democracy “It is constitutional and moral duty of the judiciary to free Engineer Rasheed from the Tihar jail, especially when former chief justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud has confessed that even few years  in detention violates the rights of a person like Shahjehan Muhammad Umar Khalid," he said.

Srinagar, Jan 13: The former chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said the "arbitrary terminations" in J&K have been dangerously normalised. "This isn’t just about the employee. Behind every termination is a family pushed into darkness a form of collective punishment with entire households condemned overnight by draconian Government of India (GOI) policies that mock the rule of law & discard due process," she said. "This normalisation of injustice must stop," her post on X reads. Her statement was in reaction to the termination of five government employees by the J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG). Earlier on Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the dismissal of five government employees for their alleged links with proscribed militant organisations. Officials said the action was taken after investigations and intelligence inputs established their active association with terrorist outfits, misuse of official positions and continued involvement in terror-related activities, posing a serious threat to national security. Among those dismissed included Mohammad Yousf Kumar, a driver with the Health and Medical Education Department and a resident of Ganderbal, Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Class-IV worker of the Forest Department from Anantnag, Tariq Ahmad Rah, a laboratory technician posted at SDH Bijbehara, Mohammad Ishfaq, a teacher from Bhaderwah in Doda district and Bashir Ahmad Mir, an Assistant Lineman in the Public Health Engineering Department from Gurez in Bandipora district.

Srinagar, Jan 13: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Tuesday accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of deliberately diverting public attention from core issues and indulging in what he termed as “double speaking” on major developmental commitments in Jammu and Kashmir. Inam Un Nabi said Omar Abdullah should remember that it was MP Er Rashid who staged a 72-hour hunger strike in front of the Civil Secretariat demanding IIT and IIM for Kashmir, without ever opposing the rights of Jammu. “Er Rashid has always believed J&K is like two eyes, one Kashmir and the other Jammu. He demanded institutions for Kashmir while respecting Jammu’s aspirations equally,” he said. Reacting strongly to Shri Lal Sharma’s discrimination remarks, Inam Un Nabi raised the issue of delimitation, asking Shri Lal Sharma to answer what Kashmir received when Jammu was given additional representation. “If delimitation gave six seats to Jammu, what did Kashmir get in return? People deserve honest answers, not selective narratives,” Inam said. Taking strong exception to Omar Abdullah’s contradictory statements, Inam Un Nabi said the Chief Minister announced in the Assembly that a National Law University (NLU) would be established in Budgam, but later told people in Jammu that the location for the NLU is yet to be decided. “This is a clear case of double talk. Either the CM is misleading the Assembly or misleading the public. Both are unacceptable,” he asserted. Inam further said the NLU debate is being pushed as a diversion from the SMVDMIE issue, where the institution was allegedly derecognized in a manner that appears aimed at blocking admissions of a particular community students, calling it a serious and shameful matter that cannot be brushed aside through political messaging.

Srinagar, Jan 11: Senior AIP leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed on Sunday castigated Omar Abdullah led government regarding Estates Department’s proposal to construct residential flats on sericulture land at Rambagh, Srinagar. MLA Langate termed it a direct assault on a vital livelihood sector. "On one hand the government is investing substantial public funds for the revival and promotion of sericulture, while on the other hand the Estates Department is attempting to divert precious sericulture land along with vital infrastructure to construct luxury flats aimed at appeasing bureaucratic and political interests," MLA Langate said. He said such decisions undermine both policy intent and public trust. He said that sericulture land at Rambagh was a valuable public asset meant for productive, employment-generating purposes and should not be converted into concrete structures. “This land belongs to the people and to a sector that sustains livelihoods. Using it for luxury flats is unacceptable,” he said. He launched a scathing attack on the government and said the Estates Department was acting with political patronage to please politicians and bureaucrats. He said the department has completely failed to evolve a transparent and fair mechanism for allotment of government accommodation and instead resorts to land grabs under the garb of official housing. He warned that AIP will not allow any move that compromises sericulture infrastructure and public land. He urged the government to immediately scrap the proposal and stop sacrificing livelihoods and public assets for elite comfort, asserting that such governance reflects insensitivity and misplaced priorities.

Srinagar, Jan 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government for its failure to appoint a chairman for JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE) in the last one year. BJP termed it as an administrative failure due to which JKBOSE was functioning without a permanent Chairman since January 2025. In a statement issued here, BJP said that despite the passage of nearly one year, the government has failed to appoint a regular Chairman for JKBOSE, raising serious concerns about governance and the future of students. The party questioned the Omar government over the prolonged delay, asking why no permanent appointment has been made in an entire year and who would be held accountable if students’ careers are adversely affected due to administrative uncertainty. BJP further alleged that the delay was deliberate, claiming that instead of appointing a competent and deserving candidate, the government was allegedly attempting to accommodate its close associates. “This is not merely a delay but a clear reflection of the Omar government’s flawed priorities and political interference in crucial educational institutions,” the party said. The party statement said that such practices were detrimental to the academic interests of lakhs of students. The BJP demanded immediate appointment of a permanent JKBOSE Chairman on merit, warning that continued inaction would further expose what it termed as the government’s “misgovernance and political favoritism."

Washington, Jan 8: President Donald Trump has said that Venezuela has agreed to purchase only American-made products using proceeds from a new US-brokered oil deal, describing the arrangement as a major shift in the Caracas economic orientation and a boost for American manufacturers, farmers, and exporters. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had been informed that Venezuela would use the revenue it receives from the oil agreement to buy US goods across a wide range of sectors. “I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing only American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal,” Trump wrote. He said the purchases will include “American Agricultural Products, and American Made Medicines, Medical Devices, and Equipment,” as well as technology and hardware to improve Venezuela’s electricity grid and energy facilities. Trump described it as a strategic realignment, saying Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States as its principal partner after years of economic ties with US rivals. “In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner,” Trump said. “A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States.” The announcement follows the Trump administration’s decision to take control of Venezuelan oil sales under a new framework that places exports and revenues under US oversight. Administration officials have said the oil will be sold at market prices, with proceeds directed through US-controlled mechanisms. Trump presented the purchasing commitment as a direct benefit to the US economy, particularly American farmers, manufacturers and medical suppliers. Venezuela’s electric grid has suffered repeated failures in recent years, while shortages of medicines and medical equipment have been widely documented. Trump said US-made equipment would be used to “improve Venezuela’s Electric Grid and Energy Facilities.” Under Mudoro’s regime, Venezuela relied heavily on imports from China, Russia and Iran, often using discounted oil shipments as payment. The new arrangement reverses that trend. By tying oil revenue to US purchases, the Trump Administration has linked Venezuela’s access to global energy markets with demand for American goods. (IANS)

Says, government making efforts despite limited powersRehan Qayoom MirSrinagar, Dec 5: National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Friday said that while the party is working to strengthen its organization at all levels, some voices from within are unfortunately speaking against it. He said that everything people have today is because of the party s historic role and sacrifices.Addressing a gathering in Naseem Bagh, during Sheikh Abdullah s 120th Birth Anniversary, Dr Farooq said the party is making changes to strengthen the organisation."But unfortunately, some of our own people are speaking against the party," he said.He said everything they have today is because of the party.He also defended the government s efforts, saying it was unrealistic to expect major achievements within a year when most powers rest with the Lieutenant Governor. What can a government achieve in just one year when most powers lie with the LG? Even so, the government is making every effort to serve the people, he said.Dr. Farooq further said that the time had come to introduce young and educated faces , especially women, in active politics as the Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections draw closer. The youth must take charge now. Our educated boys and girls need to step forward and serve their people. Only by empowering the next generation can we secure the future, he added.The NC President also reiterated that unity and discipline within the party were essential to uphold Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah s vision of empowerment and equality. (KNO)

No invitation, no information on party meet: MPs officeKS News Desk Ganderbal, Nov 27: On the day when the National Conference is holding its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Srinagar, its estranged Srinagar MP, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, is visiting Ganderbal to meet farmers.The MP is expected to interact with farmers today afternoon at Bunpora, Tulmulla, in the Ganderbal assembly segment, which is represented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.He is also expected to visit the family of a Kangan youth who died in the Red Fort blast in New Delhi.Ruhullah has been at odds with the National Conference over a gamut of issues including rationalization of reservation.The office of the MP said that he has neither been invited nor is he aware of any such meeting.The session is expected to discuss, among other matters, the partys defeat in the Budgam by-poll.The MP had stayed away from campaigning for the party in the Budgam assembly segment -a move many believe contributed to NCs loss there. (KNO)