Srinagar, Jan 10: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para on Saturday said the hate crimes against minorities whether in Bangladesh, Pakistan or India were unacceptable and the biggest blot on humanity.

The PDP leader said Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and co-existence has been India’s strength, and it should survive in the sub-continent, especially in our country “and we should build on that”.

Whether the politics of hate is in India, Bangladesh or Pakistan, it is wrong, he said.

“The hate crimes against minorities, which are increasing in the sub-continent, are unacceptable. We strongly condemn it,” Para, the MLA from south Kashmir’s Pulwama, told reporters here when asked about the killing of a Hindu farmer in Pakistan.

“India was a model state for the rest of the world that how Hindus and Muslims have co-existed in this country for years, it was a model state for even the west. So, somewhere India should a message to Bangladesh or other neighbouring countries like Afghanistan or Pakistan.

“These countries should get a lesson from here on how to deal and handle the minorities and how the atmosphere of harmony and co-existence should prevail. The hate crimes in Bangladesh, Pakistan or our country are the biggest blot on humanity,” he added.

To a question about the closure of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in the Reasi district of J-K, Para said it was unfortunate that admissions of meritorious students were cancelled because some BJP leaders protested.

“This is for the first time in the country we are seeing that admissions are being cancelled in the name of Muslims, or for having association with a specific religion. If this continues, where will it end?” he asked.

Asserting that there were 24 crore Muslims in India, the Pulwama MLA asked would the same approach be adopted with them and the admissions and jobs of their children as well.

“This politics of hatred is a big question mark for the BJP and also for the Government of India that how do they want the co-existence of India to be taken in the future and if people will not co-exist together, study or work together, then how will they run the country,” he said.

He said the action was a “danger” to Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and co-existence.

“I think the government needs to think, apply its mind, reconsider its decision and the admissions of all Muslim students should be restored. The affiliation of the college should be restored. This is the most unfortunate and wrong decision that has been taken by the BJP government in the current times,” he added.

On the upcoming budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the MLA said his party would raise several important issues about budget, unemployment, reservation, and the issue of daily wagers.

“We will also talk about land regularisation issue which we had raised in the last session as well. We will try our level best to raise all these issues and basic issues like water supply, roads, electricity, about smart metering. We will talk vociferously about all these issues in the assembly session,” he said.

In response to a question about Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcoming the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and having said that it greatly harmed JK, Para said all decisions that support peace in the Union Territory and between India and Pakistan should be taken.

Srinagar, Jan 10: National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Peoples Democratic Party are speaking the same language on the ongoing controversy surrounding Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and its medical college.

Addressing reporters, Sadiq said the careers of students have been badly hit due to the actions of the BJP, while accusing the PDP leadership of indulging in politics over a sensitive educational issue. He said it was unfortunate that a party like the BJP is, according to him, hell bent on destroying the future of students.

He claimed that this was the first time in history that a political party went to Delhi to seek the closure of a medical college, terming the move as deeply damaging for students and their families. He alleged that the PDP was also playing politics on the issue instead of standing firmly with students.

Sadiq further alleged that the BJP emerged as a political force in Jammu and Kashmir due to the policies and actions of the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti. He said people should not forget this political history while assessing current developments.

He asserted that the people of Jammu are against the closure of the college and said it is only fringe elements that are ruling the roost and trying to create a misleading narrative. He said every parent wants a bright future for their children and nobody, according to him, supports shutting down an educational institution.

The NC leader said those responsible for pushing such decisions would eventually repent and urged the people of Jammu to vote intelligently. Referring to political developments after 2019, he said those events have already taken place and cautioned against divisive rhetoric.

He also criticised remarks made by some leaders advocating division, stating that such statements only harm social harmony and divert attention from real issues like education and employment. [KNT]

Budgam, Jan 10: Budgam Police on Saturday arrested an accused involved in an ATM fraud case in the Magam area, officials said.

Police Station Magam received a written complaint from Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, son of Ali Mohammad Bhat, a local of Parraypora, Magam, alleging that an unknown person fraudulently obtained his ATM card on the pretext of helping him withdraw cash. The complainant stated that the accused deceitfully exchanged his ATM card at the J&K Bank ATM, Main Branch Magam, and later withdrew money using the swapped card.

Following the complaint, FIR No. 01/2026 under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered at Police Station Magam. Officials said a special police team was immediately constituted to investigate the matter.

Through sustained efforts and technical analysis, the police team successfully apprehended the accused from Baramulla district. The accused has been identified as Abdul Nayeem Khan, son of Jalal-ud-Din Khan, a resident of Drangbal, Baramulla.

Police officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the accused was involved in similar fraud cases elsewhere. Budgam Police reiterated their resolve to act firmly against financial crimes and urged people to remain vigilant while using ATM services and to report any suspicious activity immediately. [KNT]

Bandipora, Jan 10: Authorities on Saturday restored vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road following snowfall that had rendered the stretch slippery and unsafe for travel.

Officials said traffic has been permitted only in one direction, from Bandipora to Gurez, keeping in view the prevailing road and weather conditions. They said commuters must strictly adhere to the cut-off timing issued by the Traffic Control Police.

As per the advisory, the cut-off time from Tragbal has been fixed at 2 pm, after which no vehicle will be allowed to proceed towards Gurez. The decision has been taken to ensure the safety of travellers amid the risk posed by slippery stretches and possible fresh snowfall.

Officials cautioned motorists to drive slowly, maintain lane discipline and avoid unnecessary travel. They also advised commuters to remain in touch with traffic authorities for updates, as road conditions may change depending on weather developments.

Traffic and road maintenance teams remain on alert, and further movement on the route will be regulated based on ground conditions and weather forecasts. [KNT]