Srinagar, Jun 29: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday said India was leading the world’s major democracies with a transparent electoral process in which every stage of the exercise is audited by the political parties and candidates.

“We discussed the components of the world’s most transparent electoral process –” preparation of the voter list, polling and counting. These are concurrently audited by all political parties and candidates,” Kumar, who is on a three-day visit to Kashmir, told reporters here.

Earlier in the day, Kumar addressed a gathering of booth-level officers (BLOs) in Budgam district, about 12 km from Srinagar.

He said India currently holds the chair of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an intergovernmental organisation that supports sustainable democracy worldwide.

“Seeing this process of Indian elections, in 2026 Bharat is currently leading all the large democratic countries of the world, and is also the chairperson of International IDEA,” he said.

The Chief Election Commissioner described BLOs as the pillars of democracy.

“Once again, through all of you, my greetings to all the voters of Jammu & Kashmir, and greetings to all BLOs, BLO supervisors, AEROs, EROs, and DEOs,” he added.

Srinagar, June 29: The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir on Monday filed a comprehensive 737-page chargesheet before a Special Court in Srinagar in connection with the 1990 abduction and killing of SKIMS staff nurse case. This marks a significant development in the investigation of a decades-old terror-related case pertains to the abduction and murder of Sarla Bhat, who was employed as a nurse at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, and was killed on April 18, 1990.

The chargesheet, as per the officials has been submitted before the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge, TADA/POTA and Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar. The investigation was transferred to the SIA by the Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, on March 18, 2024, following which the agency carried out a detailed probe.

Officials said the chargesheet is based on oral testimonies, documentary records, forensic and ballistic reports, medical evidence, electronic material and extensive field investigations collected and analysed during the course of the investigation.

The SIA stated that filing the chargesheet nearly 35 years after the incident marks an important step in pursuing justice in one of the Valley’s long-pending terror cases. The agency said the investigation demonstrates that serious terror-related offences continue to be investigated irrespective of the passage of time.

According to the investigation, Sarla Bhat was allegedly abducted near SKIMS on April 18, 1990, subjected to torture and later shot dead in the Omer Colony area of Malbagh, Srinagar. The agency said the case remained unresolved for decades due to the prevailing security situation and an atmosphere of fear that discouraged witnesses from coming forward.

Following the reopening of the case, investigators reconstructed the sequence of events with the help of protected witnesses, eyewitness accounts, forensic analysis, medical records and documentary evidence, the SIA said.

The chargesheet names former JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik along with Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Mohammad Yousuf Sofi alias Idrees and Ghulam Mohammad Taploo as accused in the case. According to the agency, three of the accused—Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Mohammad Yousuf Sofi alias Idrees and Ghulam Mohammad Taploo—have since died, while Mohammad Yasin Malik is currently in judicial custody in another case.

The SIA further stated that proclamation proceedings have been initiated against Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo, who is alleged to have fled to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the chargesheet, offences have been invoked under Sections 364, 341, 302 read with 34, 201 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), relevant provisions of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), 1987, and Sections 7 and 27 of the Indian Arms Act, 1959.

The investigation also states that allegations portraying Sarla Bhat as an informer were found to be baseless and were allegedly used as a pretext for her targeted killing. The agency has alleged that the murder formed part of a broader campaign intended to spread fear and facilitate the displacement of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community during the early years of militancy.

The SIA said the filing of the chargesheet reflects its continued commitment to investigating unresolved terror cases and bringing those allegedly involved before the judicial process. The agency maintained that no terror-related offence is beyond investigation and reaffirmed its resolve to pursue such cases in accordance with law.

Srinagar, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, seeking immediate intervention over the alleged unauthorised collection of charges from livestock transport vehicles belonging to Jammu and Kashmir while transiting through Punjab.

In a letter dated June 23, 2026, Omar raised concerns over what he described as the difficulties being faced by livestock traders and transporters from Jammu and Kashmir, citing representations made by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union.

According to the letter, livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu and Kashmir are allegedly being stopped by contractor groups operating in connection with cattle fairs and subjected to unauthorised fee collection despite carrying valid permits and all required documentation.

The Chief Minister said such interruptions were causing avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship to transporters while also adversely affecting animal welfare.

Omar informed Mann that the matter had also been examined by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs through an internal committee. The committee, he said, found that transporters were reportedly being compelled to make substantial payments per vehicle during transit without any apparent legal sanction.

The letter further noted that livestock movement is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and warned that the continued imposition of such charges was placing an additional burden on the livestock trade, with a consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two neighbouring states, Omar wrote that Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir share historic bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence. He said any such practices, if found to be occurring, were inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation and had caused concern among the trading community.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the tendering process relating to cattle fairs in Punjab is likely to be undertaken shortly. He said stakeholders had expressed apprehension that unless appropriate safeguards are put in place, the alleged practices may continue during the forthcoming contract period, leading to recurring hardship and financial losses for livestock traders.

Seeking Mann’s intervention, Omar requested that the matter be examined and necessary measures taken to ensure the smooth, secure and unhindered movement of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab.

“It may also be ensured that no unauthorised interference or collection of charges is permitted from transporters carrying valid documentation and complying with all statutory requirements,” the Chief Minister wrote.

Omar expressed hope for Punjab’s cooperation in resolving the issue, saying such intervention would safeguard the interests of livestock traders and strengthen the long-standing economic ties between the two regions.

Srinagar, Jun 29: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ‘pratham puja’ at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir, marking the ceremonial start of this year’s annual yatra.

With the yatra commencing on July 3, Sinha said the administration, the Amarnath shrine board, the Army, the police, the security forces, the local community, service providers, and volunteers are working in complete synergy.

“Har Har Mahadev! Truly blessed to perform the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage. Prayed to Baba Barfani for peace, prosperity, health and well-being of all,” Sinha said on his official X handle.

“Every stakeholder is devoted to ensuring a safe, hassle-free and memorable pilgrimage for all pilgrims. With significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities & invaluable support of the people of Jammu Kashmir, we are fully prepared to welcome the devotees for a spiritually fulfilling journey. May Baba Amarnath Ji bless us all,” he added.