Srinagar, July 28: CPI(M) has strongly condemned the bloodshed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK) and said the party shares the grief of its people.

CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami, said no words can justify the violence. “We share the grief of the people of PaK at this moment of loss and repression.”

Security forces opened fire on the Joint Awami Action Committee’s (JAAC) long march towards Muzaffarabad near Rawalakot on Monday, killing at least three people and injuring scores, amid an internet blackout, power cuts and restricted hospital access. Rights groups say the wider protest movement has claimed dozens of lives since June.

Tarigami demanded an immediate end to the use of force against unarmed protesters, the release of all detainees, unhindered access to food and medical care, and an independent inquiry into the killings.

He appealed to democratic and human rights forces across the region and internationally to stand in solidarity with the people of PaK.

Srinagar, July 28: Reacting to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s recent remarks on the use of force in Kashmir, senior politician Bilal Gani Lone on MondayReacting to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s recent remarks on the use of force in Kashmir, senior politician Bilal Gani Lone on Monday described the controversy surrounding her statement as an unnecessary distraction, alleging it was being used to divert attention from issues of accountability, governance and growing public concerns. described the controversy surrounding her statement as an unnecessary distraction, alleging it was being used to divert attention from issues of accountability, governance and growing public concerns.

“It was merely a slip of the tongue—an innocent human error that anyone can make. It certainly doesn’t warrant making a mountain out of a molehill,” Lone said.

He said it had become a worrying trend in Kashmir’s political landscape for leaders to attack and undermine one another at a time when the region was passing through a critical phase.

“It is deeply unfortunate that our political discourse has descended into mudslinging, rabble-rousing and cheap rhetoric. This is certainly not the way to find meaningful solutions to the pressing challenges we face,” he said.

Lone said everyone has a past and has made mistakes, whether big or small, but those should not become grounds for perpetual vilification.

“We cannot keep dwelling on each other’s past without first reflecting on our own. We are all sailing in the same boat,” he said.

Referring to the aftermath of the Anantnag terror attack, Lone said that instead of pressing the Union government to review the reported arrest and detention of hundreds of youths, the elected government and its BJP allies in Jammu and Kashmir had chosen to turn a “non-issue” into the centrepiece of political debate.

He also welcomed Mufti’s clarification, saying it was encouraging that she had acknowledged her mistake and that the matter should now be laid to rest. (KNS)

Srinagar, Jul 28: Two Indian Army soldiers were injured on Tuesday in a mine blast near the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said here.

The soldiers were injured in the blast at a forward post at Kamalkote in the Uri sector of Baramulla district, they added.

The injured soldiers were given first aid locally and later airlifted to 92 Base Hospital of the Army here.

The cause of the explosion is being ascertained, officials mentioned.

Srinagar, July 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said those who claimed for five days that PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s controversial video was AI-generated should also express regret, saying she herself had now clarified that the remarks were made by her.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Omar, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said there was a clear difference between expressing regret and apologising and Mehbooba had not sought an apology.

He said the bigger question was about those who spent the last five days claiming the controversial video was AI-generated. “What about those who tried to suppress the issue for five days by spreading lies? Today, Mehbooba Ji herself has exposed those claims by saying the video was not AI,” he said.

The Chief Minister also questioned the stand taken by a PDP MLA who had repeatedly termed the video AI-generated.

“Her own party president has exposed that claim. He kept saying for five days that it was AI-generated, but today Mehbooba Ji herself has said it was not AI. Those people should also express regret. Even if they don’t apologise, they should at least express regret,” Omar said.

Responding to PDP’s proposed protest and demand for restoration of Article 370, Omar said his government would announce its next course of action at an appropriate time.

The Chief Minister also said the party was responsible for the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir because of its alliance with the BJP.

“We have reached this situation because of them. Had they not brought the BJP into government, we would not be here today. If they have realised their mistake and want to correct it, that is a good thing,” he said.

Srinagar, July 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed deep concern over the road accident at Gund, Kangan in Ganderbal district, in which several Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims returning to Srinagar after paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine sustained injuries.

The Chief Minister directed the Health & Medical Education Department to ensure the best possible medical care for all the injured pilgrims and deputed Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura to personally oversee their treatment.

Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, the Health Minister visited SKIMS, where she met the injured pilgrims and enquired about their well-being. She also interacted with the attending doctors and hospital authorities to assess the nature of injuries and the treatment being provided.

The Minister directed the hospital administration to ensure the best possible medical care for all the injured pilgrims and instructed that no effort be spared in their treatment and recovery.

The Chief Minister wished the injured pilgrims a speedy recovery and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to extending every possible assistance to them and their families during this difficult time.

Earlier this morning, a bus carrying Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims returning from the holy cave shrine skidded off the road near the Ganiwan/Hariganiwan stretch in the Gund area of Kangan, Ganderbal district, after the driver reportedly lost control while negotiating a curve. Thirty-nine pilgrims sustained injuries in the accident. A swift rescue operation was soon launched, shifting the injured initially to Sub-District Hospital, Kangan, before they were referred to SKIMS, Soura for specialised treatment.

Srinagar, July 28: At least 11 security forces personnel, including an officer, were injured in separate road accidents in Shopian and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday.

A bunker vehicle carrying CRPF and police personnel skidded off the main road at Wachi in Shopian district late on Monday night, the officials said.

Seven CRPF personnel, including an inspector, sustained injuries in the accident, they said, adding that a policeman was also among the injured.

In another accident, three ITBP personnel were injured when a civilian pick-up van rammed into their temporary bunker in Pahalgam in Anantnag district after losing control, the officials said, adding the driver was also injured. Authorities have ruled out any foul play.