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Iran begins dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war

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Iran begins dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war

Tehran, Jul 4: Hundreds of thousands of mourners began a days-long funeral Saturday for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, beating their chests in sorrow before the glass case containing his flag-draped coffin in Tehran and calling for revenge against Israel and the United States.
The funeral for Khamenei, who ruled Iran for decades before being killed at age 86 in a Feb. 28 airstrike in the opening moments of the Iran war, could provide a boost for the country’s theocracy and its new supreme leader, his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

That is particularly important as Iran tries to leverage its hold on the Strait of Hormuz in negotiations with the US over a permanent end to the war and as concern still lingers that Israel could attack yet again.
During the ceremony, Iran’s top negotiator issued a warning to France and the United Kingdom over their comments about potentially launching joint patrols in the waterway, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas once passed in peacetime.

Mourners wept at the sight of Khamenei’s coffin alongside those of his family members also killed in the airstrike, with some chanting: “Our word is one! Revenge! Revenge!” Some carried banners and flags, while billboards across the city bore Khamenei’s image. Crowds of men rhythmically beat their chests in mourning, a common practice at Shiite funerals.
“Imam Khamenei was our heart, our father, our everything,” mourner Masoumeh Mohammadi said. “I still can’t believe they martyred him. We will not rest until we avenge his death.”

An outdoor stage set up at the Grand Mosalla resembled the stage where Khamenei once gave his speeches at a Husseiniyah at his compound in downtown Tehran. A chair like the one he once sat in while giving his sermons, complete with a microphone on a stand and a small table next to it. Just above it hung an image of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who died in 1989.

Khomeini’s funeral saw chaotic scenes as millions thronged his mourning ceremony and trip to the cemetery. Khamenei’s death, only the second time Iran has lost a supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, came months earlier and gave authorities more time to prepare.
On Saturday, volunteers sprayed cooling water on crowds in the summertime heat as stands outside offered food and drink. Men and women congregated separately inside the Grand Mosque after being checked by metal detectors and body searches. Police armed with assault rifles stood guard on surrounding streets. Many stayed outside in the street, lounging under the shade of trees, because the city had shut down.
The caskets of his dead family members sat beneath Khamenei’s, which had his black turban atop it, identifying him as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The dead included the wife of Mojtaba Khamenei, whose possible appearance at the funeral remained unclear. He reportedly was wounded in the attack that killed his father.

“We attended the funeral to show that we are all committed to defending our country and religion,” said Ali Kazemi, who came from the northwestern city of Tabriz, some 530 kilometres (330 miles) away from Tehran.
Iran chose July 4, the 250th anniversary of the creation of the US, to begin the funeral. While authorities did not acknowledge the timing, crowds at the ceremony in Tehran chanted: “Death to America!” The refrain has been common in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the US Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. They also cried: “Death to Israel!”

“We knocked the hell out of Iran,” US President Donald Trump said in a speech at the same time in South Dakota in front of Mount Rushmore. “They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off for a funeral.”
The American president was not forgotten in Tehran. In the crowd in the Grand Mosque, several mourners held a large flag that read: “#KillTrump.”
As the ceremony went on, Iran’s chief negotiator Kazem Gharibabadi criticised a joint statement overnight from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, which suggested their militaries stood ready to patrol the Strait of Hormuz.
Control of the strait has been a major point of leverage for Iran, which has suggested it wants to charge vessels passing through it, upending decades of the world considering it an international waterway.

“The security of Hormuz lies with the coastal states — the crisis-makers will be held accountable for the consequences of their adventurism,” Gharibabadi wrote on X. “This is a serious warning.”
Khamenei’s body will be transported to cities in both Iran and neighbouring Iraq. Authorities have shut down streets, airspace and daily life for the mourning, which will end Thursday as he’s buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei’s place of birth.
Authorities offered no immediate attendance count for the event Saturday, which saw the crowds cycle in and out of the Grand Mosque and the surrounding streets. Other cities across Iran also held mourning ceremonies.

On Sunday, a prayer for the dead is planned at the Grand Mosque. On Monday, his body and those of his family will be taken through the streets of Tehran, which likely will draw large crowds.

“I am here to say goodbye to my beloved leader Ali Khamenei,” said a weeping Hananeh Mousavi, 27, who attended the funeral alongside her mother. “I never expected to see such a day. I wish I had died before this tragedy.”

Greater Kashmir

SKUAST-K’s One Health Vision gains global recognition

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SKUAST-K’s One Health Vision gains global recognition

Srinagar, Jul 4: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has achieved another major milestone in its journey towards advancing the globally important One Health approach, with its student team securing the prestigious One Health Day Student Event Award 2025 organized by the internationally acclaimed One Health Commission.

The award was conferred on the university’s student network, SKUAOHUN (SKUAST-K One Health University Network), for successfully organizing a month-long hybrid outreach and awareness initiative titled One Health Program- 2025. The team competed against entries from 94 countries and was recognized for taking the One Health message beyond academic institutions and actively engaging communities through innovative educational and outreach activities.

The achievement marks a significant international endorsement of SKUAST-K’s efforts to institutionalize One Health — an integrated framework that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health and addresses emerging challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and climate-related health risks.

SKUAST-K is among the first institutions in India to establish a dedicated School of One Health and has, over the past two years, developed a comprehensive ecosystem for interdisciplinary education, research and policy engagement in the sector. The university has forged collaborations with leading medical and veterinary institutions and has recently developed several innovative technologies and initiatives under the One Health framework.

As part of its growing leadership in this area, SKUAST-K has also created vibrant student-led One Health platforms and community engagement programs to translate science into societal impact.

The international award includes an International Certificate of Excellence, a cash prize of USD 1,000, and complimentary registration for two student representatives to attend the 9th World One Health Congress, to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in September 2026.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated the student team, faculty members, and the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry for the achievement. He described the recognition as validation of SKUAST-K’s vision to become a globally relevant transdisciplinary institution that addresses emerging societal and scientific challenges through innovation and collaboration.

“With our philosophy of SKUAST-K for Quality of Life, we remain committed to creating solutions that improve the health of people, animals and ecosystems alike,” Prof. Ganai said.

Greater Kashmir

MHA declares 23 Indian, Pakistani nationals as ‘terrorists’

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MHA declares 23 Indian, Pakistani nationals as ‘terrorists’

New Delhi, Jul 4: The Ministry of Home Affairs, under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Saturday designated 23 individuals as ‘terrorists’.
The decision is a significant step under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s ‘zero tolerance policy’ against terrorism, 
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the PM Modi-led government was committed to dismantling every terror module to ensure the safety of India and its people.
In a post on X, Shah said, “Pursuing PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance against terror: the MHA today declared 23 dreaded terror functionaries affiliated with banned organisations as terrorists under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The designated terrorists are involved in anti-India activities, carrying out terror attacks, inciting terror, trafficking arms, infiltrating through the border, facilitating terrorist organisations, raising funds and recruiting terrorists. Out of the 23 terrorists announced today, 17 are Pakistani nationals, and 6 are Indian nationals. However, all of them at present operate terrorist activities from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.”

He said that formally designating these individuals as terrorists would not only help dismantle the terror ecosystem by curbing their financial networks, movements, recruitment capabilities, and terror-linked activities, but also send a strong message of deterrence against anti-national and terrorist acts. 
The Union Home Minister said it would.enhance the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies to initiate coordinated legal, investigative, and preventive actions at both national and international levels.
Following the amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) by the Central Government in 2019, a total of 57 individuals have so far been designated as ‘terrorists’ under Section 35 of the said Act and listed in its Fourth Schedule.

The Centre has now designated the 23 additional individuals as ‘terrorists’ as well, listing them in the Fourth Schedule.
They have been identified as Masood Ilyas Kashmiri alias Mufti Masood Ilyas, Masood Ilyas, Abu Mohammad, and Muhammad Masood Ilyas; Muhammad Musadiq alias Doctor, Abdul Mannan, Sajjad, Hamza, and Wahid Khan! Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan alias Abu Saad and Saad Jimmy; Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Jarrar; Abdullah Jihadi alias Shahnawaz and Al-Hijama; Firdous Ahmed Bhat; Ghulam Farid alias Gulshan Kumar and Farid; Haroon Rashid Ganai alias Shunu; Bilal Ahmed Mir alias Ahmed Bhai; Abid Qayoom Lone; Nazir Ahmed Gujjar alias Abu Manazil; Abdul Rauf alias Hafiz Abdul Rauf and Hafiz Abdur Rauf; Ashfaq Ahmed alias Ishfaq Ahmed; Hafiz Khalid Walid alias Hafiz Khalid Naik and Khalid Walid; Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki alias Maulana Imdad, Imdad Bhai, and Maulana Imdadullah; 
Maulana Saifullah Khalid alias Waliul, Muhammad Salim, and Wajid; Muhammad Yaqoob alias Abu Sumama, Samama Ilyas, and Waris Ali; Maulana Yusuf Taibi alias Muhammad Yusuf; Owais Farooz alias Owais Ahmed Mir and Owais Farooz Mir; Qari Yaqub Sheikh alias Qari Muhammad Yaqub Sheikh, Yaqub Sheikh,.Qari Sheikh Muhammad Yaqub, and Muhammad Yaqub; 

Rana Iftikhar alias Rana Waleed Atif, Rana Iftikhar Haider, Rana Iftikhar Ahmed, and Haider Khan; Wasim Noor Jat alias Qari Wasim and Muhammad Shahid Faisal alias Ustad, Muhandis, and Zakir.
According to the MHA, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri is a Pakistani national affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). 
“He is a close confidant of Maulana Masood Azhar and the key coordinator for infiltration into Kashmir. He is actively involved in recruiting youth into terrorist groups via social media and raising funds for terrorism. He orchestrated the attack on a police checkpoint near the PDP office in Sunjwan, Jammu, in April 2022,” the MHA said.

It said that Muhammad Musaddiq is a Pakistani national affiliated with JeM. 
“He serves as the launching commander for the Lasiyakot sector, facilitating infiltration across the border via tunnels. He has been involved in sending consignments of arms and ammunition to India using drones. Additionally, he was involved in conducting reconnaissance of strategic locations such as the RJB complex in Ayodhya, the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, and the IOCL refinery in Panipat,” the MHA said.
It said Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan is a Pakistani national affiliated with JeM. 
“He serves as the JeM ‘Amir’ (chief) and head of its military wing in PoK. He is one of the key conspirators behind the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Nagrota, Jammu. He runs camps in Muzaffarabad to provide jihadist and military training to terrorists,” the MHA said.
It said Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Jarrar is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). 
“He facilitated the infiltration of three Pakistani terrorists via the Samba-Kathua sector for the attack on the Nagrota Army camp. He participated in the Afghan war during 1995–96 and coordinates terrorist activities with the assistance of the ISI. He is a member of the JeM’s governing council (Shura),” the MHA said.

It said Abdullah Jihadi is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM. 
“He is a co-conspirator of Mufti Asgar Khan and facilitates the infiltration of terrorists into the North Kashmir region. He has attempted to incite hatred and disaffection against the Government of India. He used to manage several launching camps located in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts,” the MHA said.
It said Firdous Ahmad Bhat is an Indian national, currently based in Pakistan, associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba. 
“He serves as a ‘launching commander’ for the group, having crossed into Pakistan via the Wagah border in 2018 using valid travel documents. He facilitates safe passage for foreign terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC). Additionally, he is involved in supplying weapons to Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and radicalising the youth of South Kashmir to recruit them into terrorist activities,” the MHA said.
It said Ghulam Farid is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM. 

“He served in the Pakistan Army from 2001 to 2005. Subsequently, in September 2008, he entered India illegally via Bangladesh. He was arrested in Jammu in December 2008 and was later deported to Pakistan in July 2019,” the MHA said.
It said Haroon Rashid Ganai is an Indian national, currently residing in Pakistan, and is affiliated with LeT. 
“He travelled to Pakistan with valid documents in March 2018 and joined LeT there. He incites youths from the Kashmir Valley to join terrorist ranks and supplies arms and ammunition to OGWs for carrying out terrorist activities,” the MHA said.
It said Bilal Ahmed Mir is an Indian national, currently residing in Muzaffarabad, PoK, and is affiliated with LeT and The Resistance Front (TRF). 
“Operating from across the border in Pakistan and PoK, he conspires to incite and instigate local Kashmiri youth to engage in jihad. Furthermore, he is directly involved in managing the illicit supply chain of arms, ammunition, and logistics into Kashmir,” the MHA said.
It said Abid Qayoom Lone is an Indian national,.currently residing in PoK, and is affiliated with LeT. 
“He travelled to Pakistan via the Attari check post in February 2020 and did not return. He is involved in planning attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir and raising funds for LeT. He smuggles narcotics on a large scale from Pakistan into India through an organised syndicate operating along the LoC, with the proceeds used to finance terrorist activities, the MHA said.

It said Nazir Ahmed Gujjar is an Indian national, currently residing in Islamabad, Pakistan, is affiliated with LeT. 
“He crossed the LoC into PoK in 2006. He recruited local youths to revive terrorist activities in the Doda and Kishtwar regions. He has been a key operator in sending consignments of arms and ammunition into Indian territory via drones across the Samba and R S Pura sectors,” the MHA said.
It said Abdul Rauf is a Pakistani national associated with LeT, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), and Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF). 
“He has been a senior leader of Lashkar since 1999 and operates under the direct command of the terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He works to mobilize funds and public support for Lashkar at an international level under the guise of charitable organisations such as the FIF and Al-Madina Welfare Trust. The United States has designated him a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’ (SDGT),” the MHA said.
It said Ashfaq Ahmed is a Pakistani national associated with JeM. 
“He joined JeM in 2000 and is in charge of ‘Shuaba Hadith’ and the Al-Rehmat Trust (JeM’s charity wing) in Bahawalpur. He received jihadi training in PoK. He was identified as one of the subscribers of the Pakistani mobile numbers used during the January 2016 attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station,” the MHA said.
It said Hafiz Khalid Waleed is a Pakistani national associated with LeT and JuD. 
“He is the son-in-law of LeT chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and has been a member of the organisation’s Central Advisory Committee since 2003. He was the key mastermind behind the June 2016 Pampore attack, in which eight Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. He was designated as a global terrorist by the US Department of the Treasury in August 2012,” the MHA said.
It said Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM. “He serves as the Ameer (chief) of Jaish’s prisoners’ wing Shoba-e-Aseeran and heads the organisation’s legal affairs. He is a very close associate of Maulana Masood Azhar and his deputy, Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. He was involved in real-time coordination with the terrorists who attacked the Pathankot airbase in January 2016,” the MHA said.
It said Maulana Saifullah Khalid is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with LeT and the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML). 
“He serves as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League and previously held the position of President of the Milli Muslim League (MML). He has headed several wings of Lashkar and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, such as the propaganda department and the control and reform wing. In April 2018, the United States designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT),” the MHA said.
It said Muhammad Yaqoob is a Pakistani national affiliated with LeT. 

“He currently operates as an LeT operational commander based in Islamabad (Chatta Bakhtawar). He coordinates financial and logistical support for other LeT cadres active in the Kashmir Valley to carry out terrorist activities in India. A case has been registered against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the CI Kashmir Police Station in Srinagar,” the MHA said.
It said Maulana Yusuf Taibi is a Pakistani national associated with LeT and JuD. 
“He is a key leader within LeT and JuD, currently affiliated with the organisation’s control and reform, Dawat-o-Islah, wing. He previously headed the ‘Jamia Al-Dirasat Al-Islamia Trust’ (JADIAT), a Karachi-based entity linked to LeT and JuD. Currently, he is associated with the ‘Al-Qadsia Islamic Center’ in Lahore and delivers Friday religious sermons at the Sargodha Markaz in Punjab,” the MHA said.
It said Owais Farooz is an Indian national associated with LeT.

“He travelled to Pakistan via the Wagah border on a valid Indian passport in April 2018 and joined the terrorist ranks of the LeT. In January 2023, his brother, Farzan Feroz, was arrested by the Srinagar Police with 450 grams of heroin (valued at approximately Rs 9.95 lakh) and an LeT letterhead. The NIA Court, Pulwama, has issued a proclamation order against him under Section 82 of the CrPC,” the MHA said.
It said Qari Yaqub Sheikh is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with the PMML and JuD. 
“He is a central leader of JuD and a member of its central ‘Dawati team’ (proselytisation team). He contested the 2018 Pakistani general election as a candidate for the Milli Muslim League (MML). He has played a prominent role in missions to raise funds for Lashkar and JuD in Saudi Arabia. In August 2012, the United States designated him as a global terrorist,” the MHA said.
It said Rana Iftikhar is a Pakistani national associated with LeT and JuD. 
“He is a close associate of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed and serves as the key manager of finances for the organisation’s Kashmir operations. He heads ‘Shoba-e-Aseeran,’ the wing responsible for the welfare of the families of terrorists who have been killed or are imprisoned in Indian jails. He was arrested in 1993 after being wounded during an encounter in the Mendhar sector of Jammu & Kashmir and remained incarcerated in an Indian prison until 2004,” the MHA said.

It said Wasim Noor Jat alias Qari Wasim is a Pakistani national associated JeM. 
“He is a JeM ‘launching commander’ responsible for operations in the Kotli area. During 2021–22, he was involved in activities related to dropping weapons and ammunition into Indian territory via drones. He was previously arrested by security forces in October 2008 and was incarcerated at Kot Bhalwal Central Jail, Jammu, from 2012 to 2015; following his release, he was deported to Pakistan,” the MHA said.
It said Muhammad Shahid Faisal holds Pakistani nationality, who is originally Indian and is currently active in Rawalpindi) and is affiliated with LeT, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS. 

“He is the key mastermind and handler behind the 2012 Bengaluru LeT conspiracy case and the 2013 Nanded LeT case, which involved plots for the targeted killings of right-wing politicians and journalists. He fled to Pakistan in 2013 with the assistance of terrorist Farhatullah Ghori. Investigations reveal his involvement as an online handler in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case (2024), the Mangaluru cooker blast, and the Al-Hind ISIS module case. He recruits youth through anti-national and jihadist videos shared on social media and YouTube and Telegram channels like ‘Sawat-al-Haq,'” the MHA said.

Greater Kashmir

Education Minister orders inquiry

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Education Minister orders inquiry

Kulgam, Jul 4: Minister for Education, Health, and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Saturday ordered a time-bound inquiry into the controversy surrounding books published under Samagra Shiksha, asserting that those responsible for the objectionable content “will not be spared.”

Describing the issue as “intolerable and unacceptable,” Itoo said she has already directed the Secretary, School Education Department, to initiate a probe into the matter.

“The issue is ‘intolerable and unacceptable,'” the minister said, adding that the government has ordered a “time-bound inquiry” to establish responsibility for the controversial content.

Itoo said that those found guilty would face strict action.

“The inquiry has been initiated, and the culprits will be dealt with as per law,” Itoo said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the education system.

The minister reiterated that “those responsible for the controversial content in books published under Samagra Shiksha will not be spared,” emphasising that accountability would be fixed once the inquiry is completed.

The controversy over the content of the Samagra Shiksha books has triggered widespread criticism, prompting the government to order an official investigation into how the material found its way into educational publications.

Greater Kashmir

KPDCL announces power shutdown

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KPDCL announces power shutdown

Srinagar, July 4: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Saturday announced power shutdown in several parts of Kashmir division in coming days.

In a statement issued, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL informed that the Shutdown of 33 KV Potushai Gurez line will be observed due to which power supply to Wanpora, Dawar, NHPC, Tragbal, Peerbaba, Kanzalwan, Razdantop and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 07 & 09 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Bugoo Tapline of Nowpora line will be observed due to which power supply to Bugoo, Gulabad, Hyder Colony, ADC Sopore’s office and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 09 July 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Tujjar Tapline of Amargarh-Bandipora line will be observed due to which power supply to Tujjar, Harwan, Shrine and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 07, 11 & 18 July 2026.

Further, shutdown of 33 KV Panzipora and Shair Colony line will be observed due to which power supply to Panzipora, Tarzoo, Hygam, Haritar, Shair Colony, Maharajpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 14 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Wanpoh-Ashajipora/ Malaknag Double Circuit line will be observed due to which power supply to Ashajipora, Dialgam, Rohu, Mirbazar, Schichen, Brinty, Malaknag, Reshi Bazar, Janglatmandi, Shirpora, BB Nowgam, Thajiwara, Brakpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 06 & 09 July 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Wanganpora Safal Kadal line will be observed due to which power supply to Noorbagh, Safakadal, Eidgah, Rathpora, Saidapora, Baghwanpora, Ganderpora, De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre will be affected from 08 AM to 12 Noon on 06 July 2026.

Greater Kashmir

JK Congress chief writes to CM, demands strict action over alleged manhandling of MLA

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JK Congress chief writes to CM, demands strict action over alleged manhandling of MLA

Jammu, Jul 4: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding a thorough probe over the alleged assault on party MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat by some National Conference workers.

He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and expressed hope that the chief minister would intervene promptly to restore confidence among alliance partners and uphold the principles of “alliance dharma”.

Bhat, the Congress MLA from Bandipora, had alleged that a National Conference MLA’s brother and supporters attempted to assault him during an official meeting on Friday.

According to the MLA, Jalal Akbar Lone, brother of Sonawari MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, and his aides disrupted the meeting held to review development works and use of funds in Bandipora, resorted to hooliganism, vandalised the hall and threatened officials.

Terming the incident as “unfortunate”, the JK Congress chief condemned the alleged manhandling of the party MLA by NC workers and said “it is a serious departure from democratic norms and against the very spirit of ‘alliance dharma’”.

Karra said while political differences are a natural part of democracy, there can never be any justification for intimidation or physical confrontation with anyone.

“The fact that such an incident involved constituents of the ruling alliance makes it even more unfortunate and raises serious concerns about mutual respect among alliance partners,” he said.

In his letter to Chief Minister Abdullah, the Congress leader sought his personal intervention and an impartial probe to ensure strict action against those responsible.

Karra said the elected representatives in the Union Territory are already functioning under a challenging “dual-control” administrative mechanism, making it all the more necessary for all democratic forces to work together in safeguarding the dignity of elected institutions.

He expressed hope that the chief minister’s timely intervention would help restore confidence among alliance partners and uphold the principles of Alliance Dharma.

“Any recurrence of such incidents, or any attempt to justify them, would only weaken the trust and goodwill that are indispensable for the smooth functioning of the coalition and the larger democratic mandate entrusted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he cautioned.

Greater Kashmir

PoK youth repatriated to Pakistan at Kaman Post in Uri

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PoK youth repatriated to Pakistan at Kaman Post in Uri

Srinagar, July 4: A 22-year-old youth from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who had intruded into Indian territory in Uri was repatriated to Pakistan on Saturday.

Officials told GNS that Zeshan Ahmad Mir, resident of Painkadi village in PoK, was detained by the Indian Army in the Hajipeer sector of Uri on May 30 evening. He was subsequently handed over to police for questioning.  

After necessary formalities were completed, authorities established contact with their Pakistani counterparts and the youth was handed over at the Kaman Post border crossing in Uri of Baramulla district, officials said.

Greater Kashmir

Lieutenant Governor reviews management of Amarnath Yatra, appeals pilgrims to travel only after obtaining valid registration

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Lieutenant Governor reviews management of Amarnath Yatra, appeals pilgrims to travel only after obtaining valid registration

Srinagar, July 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the overall management and ground situation of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

The meeting was attended by  Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Pankaj Thakur, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB); Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; senior officers of the Civil Administration, Police, Security Forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and other concerned departments.

The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the movement of pilgrims, traffic management, security arrangements, accommodation, registration status, and other logistical aspects to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra.

During the meeting, it was observed that an unusually large number of pilgrims have been arriving without valid registration, which is causing long waiting time for pilgrims to conduct Yatra.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the Yatra is being conducted in accordance with the prescribed ceiling of pilgrim movement on the Yatra tracks, in pursuance of Hon’ble Supreme Court’s orders. Therefore, adherence to the registration schedule is imperative for ensuring the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims.

It was reiterated that only pilgrims possessing valid registration for the designated date shall be permitted to proceed on the Tracks leading to the Holy Cave Shrine.

The Lieutenant Governor appealed to the intending unregistered pilgrims to defer their travel for next few days in order to avoid any inconvenience upon reaching Jammu Kashmir.

The administration has, therefore, asked all intending pilgrims to complete the mandatory registration process and obtain a valid Yatra Registration Permit for their allotted date before commencing their journey to Jammu Kashmir. Pilgrims are requested not to travel without confirmed registration, as they shall not be permitted to proceed on the Yatra.

The Lieutenant Governor further reviewed the security and logistic arrangements for the Yatra. He directed all departments and security agencies to keep working in close coordination and to maintain continuous liaison with all stakeholders, including Langar organizations, service providers and other NGOs for a safe, seamless, spiritually enriching and fulfilling Yatra.

Greater Kashmir

Security Wing of J&K Police recover lost bag containing cash, jewellery and iPhone, return it to Amarnath Yatri at Baltal

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Security Wing of J&K Police recover lost bag containing cash, jewellery and iPhone, return it to Amarnath Yatri at Baltal

Srinagar, Jul 04: Personnel of the Security Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered a lost bag containing cash, jewellery, an Apple iPhone and important documents and returned it to an Amarnath pilgrim after a swift search operation at the Baltal base camp.

According to police, the incident occurred on July 3 at around 8 pm when heavy congestion was witnessed at the X-ray screening point in Baltal due to a large influx of pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Amid the rush, Ravi Pangwani and his wife, residents of Chhattisgarh, reported that one of their bags had gone missing. The couple informed security personnel that the bag contained an Apple iPhone, cash, jewellery and important documents and requested immediate assistance, saying they would remain at the site until it was traced.

Taking the matter seriously, the Security Wing of the J&K Police launched a search operation and sought assistance from the CCTV monitoring team. Footage from surveillance cameras helped identify a person carrying the missing bag away from the frisking point.

Police said local tent operators identified the individual as Ghulam Rasool, who runs a tent at the Baltal base camp. Security personnel traced him within about 30 minutes and recovered the bag from his tent, where a group of eight pilgrims led by Arun Pladha from Madhya Pradesh was staying.

During the inquiry, it emerged that Rasool had inadvertently picked up the bag along with the luggage of the pilgrims staying in his tent. The missing bag had been placed with the other pilgrims’ belongings and there was no indication of any deliberate attempt to misappropriate it.

The recovered bag was returned to the couple after they verified that all the cash, jewellery, mobile phone and documents were intact.

The couple expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, particularly the Security Wing personnel, for their prompt response and professionalism in recovering their belongings, police said.

Greater Kashmir

BJP’s Sunil Sharma demands ban on book ‘promoting’ separatist narrative in J&K schools

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BJP’s Sunil Sharma demands ban on book ‘promoting’ separatist narrative in J&K schools

Sunil Sharma, Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and a senior BJP leader, on Saturday demanded an immediate ban on a book allegedly distributed in schools and libraries in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming it describes India as an “occupying power” and promotes a separatist narrative.

Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma said the BJP was seeking a ban on the book, Personalities and Legends of J&K, and called for a criminal investigation into its publication, distribution and approval.

“The most disturbing and serious aspect of this book is that it describes India as an occupying power by using the term ‘IOK’ (Indian Occupied Kashmir). At one place, it even uses the term ‘IHK’ (India-Held Kashmir),” Sharma alleged.

“Just imagine—the book is printed using the money of Indian taxpayers and distributed to schoolchildren for study. The same India is described as an oppressive state. This is completely unacceptable,” he said.

Calling the content “seditious”, Sharma said, “This is not merely a matter of criticism. This is seditious in nature. Appropriate provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita should be invoked immediately, and an investigation should be initiated.”

The BJP leader alleged that the book formed part of a larger attempt to revive separatist sentiment in the region.

“This is part of a narrative, part of a discourse, that has been operating in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 36 years,” he said, referring to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, selective killings and what he described as attempts to mobilise youth “against the country, its Constitution, and its sovereignty, unity and integrity.”

He accused the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference of providing “intellectual protection” to such narratives.

“Through what we call ‘academic jihad’, these forces are once again trying to poison the minds of young people and children, pushing them back towards separatism and terrorism,” Sharma alleged. “Such parties want to plunge Jammu and Kashmir into bloodshed again to advance their political interests.”
Sharma demanded that the book be withdrawn immediately from educational institutions.
“From this platform, the Bharatiya Janata Party demands that this book be banned with immediate effect,” he said.

He also claimed that during the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, 25 books containing material allegedly “against India’s sovereignty, Constitution, unity and integrity” had already been prohibited after being flagged by the BJP.

“Therefore, following the same pattern, this book… which has been distributed in libraries, should also be banned with immediate effect,” he said.

Seeking accountability beyond officials directly involved with the publication, Sharma called for a high-level probe.

“The inquiry should not be confined to lower-level officials. It should extend to those occupying the highest positions in the government, including ministers and even the Chief Minister, because this is not a minor issue,” he said.

Questioning the role of the Education Department, Sharma alleged that at a time when the youth of Jammu and Kashmir were aspiring to contribute to the country’s development, “the government, the Education Department and the Education Minister are distributing anti-national books” that seek to revive “the discourse of separatism and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.”

He concluded by urging all constitutional and investigative agencies to “ban this book immediately, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that those found responsible are punished.”

Greater Kashmir

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