MHA seeks more time to decide on prosecution sanction in Arms Licences Scam

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October 13, 2025

MHA names designated immigration posts at airports, seaports, railports

Jammu, Oct 13: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, has sought additional time to take a final decision regarding the grant of prosecution sanction against IAS officers allegedly involved in the much-publicised Arms Licences Scam. The development came after the MHA filed a fresh affidavit before the Jammu Wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on.

In its affidavit submitted in Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 09/2012) titled Sheikh Mohammad Shafi and Another versus Union of India and Others, the MHA stated that, following a Division Bench order dated August 7, 2025, a meeting was convened on August 27, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Additional Secretary (UT). Officials from the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also attended the meeting to deliberate on the CBI’s proposal for sanctioning prosecution against IAS officers named in FIR.

The affidavit, filed through CGSC Eishan Dadhichi and settled by Senior Advocate Vishal Sharma, Deputy Solicitor General of India, reveals that after examining the submissions of both the J&K Government and the CBI, the MHA decided to seek additional clarifications from the two agencies to facilitate a final decision on sanction of prosecution.

Accordingly, letters were issued on September 1, 2025, to both the J&K Administration and the CBI. The J&K Government responded on September 26, 2025, providing its comments, while the CBI’s response is still awaited. The MHA has stated that once the CBI’s input is received, the proposal will be thoroughly examined and an appropriate decision will be taken.

During the recent hearing held through virtual mode before the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, DSGI Vishal Sharma informed the court that although a fresh affidavit has been filed on behalf of the MHA, it has not yet been placed on record due to certain procedural objections. The court, therefore, adjourned the matter to November 20, 2025, for further hearing.

Advocates S.S. Ahmed and Supriya Chouhan appeared for the petitioner, while Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin S. Qadri with assisting counsel Maha Majeed represented the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. [KNT]

Greater Kashmir

All our candidates will emerge victorious in Rajya Sabha polls: NC’s Mubarak Gul

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October 13, 2025

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All our candidates will emerge victorious in Rajya Sabha polls: NC's Mubarak Gul

Srinagar, Oct 13: National Conference senior leader and MLA Eidgah, Mubarak Gul on Monday exuded confidence that all the party candidates will emerge victorious in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Speaking with reporters, Mubarak Gul said that the strategy of the party can’t be revealed before media.

“Our three candidates have filed nomination papers, still there is time till 3 pm and the decision on the fourth seat for Rajya Sabha will be taken accordingly,” he said while replying to a query over deadlock with the alliance partner Congress over seat-sharing.

He said that the papers of all the three candidates have been accepted and the scrutiny process is set to take place tomorrow. “We expect all our candidates will emerge victorious,” he said—(KNO)

Greater Kashmir

Three BDOs suspended in Rajouri over poor performance

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October 13, 2025

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Three BDOs suspended in Rajouri over poor performance

Rajouri, Oct 13: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, on Monday suspended three Block Development Officers (BDOs) over poor performance and failure to implement the government’s flagship Aadi Karamyogi Abhiyan in their respective blocks.

An official statement said that the suspended officers include Khadam Shah, BDO Budhal Old/Rajnagar; Kuldeep Raj, BDO Kalakote; and Dutta Ram, BDO Doongi. The suspension orders were issued after a review of progress reports revealed unsatisfactory performance and non-compliance with directions related to the implementation of the developmental initiative.

“The action has been taken due to their failure to execute key components of the Aadi Karamyogi Abhiyan, which aims at strengthening governance at the grassroots level,” a senior official told KNT. He added that the decision underscores the administration’s resolve to ensure accountability and effective public service delivery across rural development departments.

The Deputy Commissioner has appointed the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Rajouri to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.

Officials said the district administration has also directed all other officers to adhere strictly to timelines and work standards under various government schemes. “Any lapse or negligence will attract similar disciplinary action,” the official added.

The Aadi Karamyogi Abhiyan is a government initiative designed to enhance administrative efficiency and transparency in rural development projects, focusing on better coordination between panchayats and implementing agencies. [KNT]

Greater Kashmir

After Congress refusal, National Conference likely to nominate Imran Dar for 4th seat

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October 13, 2025

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Centre should relook ‘draconian’ provisions of three bills: NC

Srinagar, Oct 13: With the Congress opting not to contest the ‘risky’ seat, the National Conference (NC) is likely to nominate its spokesperson, Imran Nabi Dar as its candidate.

Sources said that Dar is likely to be fielded for the contentious seat, where the ruling alliance holds 24 votes compared to the BJP’s 28.

A journalism graduate from Kashmir University in 2005, Dar is the son of slain NC leader and former MLA Ghulam Nabi Dar, who was killed in a grenade attack during an NC procession in South Kashmir in 2006. Five people, including Dar, lost their lives in the attack, while senior NC leader Sakina Ittoo escaped unhurt.

The 44-year-old Imran Nabi Dar contested his first assembly election in 2014, but did not participate in the 2024 polls, as the National Conference had extended support to CPI (M) in the Kulgam segment—(KNO)

Greater Kashmir