Baramulla, July 30: BJP National General Secretary and Jammu & Kashmir Incharge Tarun Chugh today launched a fierce attack on the National Conference from Baramulla, holding them accountable for both broken promises and dangerous rhetoric.

Speaking at a BJP workers’ meeting, Chugh tore into the NC leadership, Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, reminding them of the grand promises made before elections that were conveniently forgotten. “Where are the one lakh jobs they promised? What happened to filling all government vacancies within 180 days? Where are the six free LPG cylinders and the 200 units of free electricity? These weren’t just promises, they were a fraud on the youth and poor of J&K,” Chugh said, drawing loud applause from karyakartas.

Calling the NC manifesto a cruel joke, Chugh said the party has failed to deliver even the basics, and is now trying to divert attention by crying “cultural invasion” over tourism. “Instead of answering for their failures, they’ve now found a new excuse—labeling Indian tourists as invaders. This is not just laughable, it is sinister,” he added.

Reacting strongly to NC MP Aga Rahulla’s remarks describing tourism as a “cultural invasion,” Chugh said such statements echo Pakistan-sponsored propaganda. “When NC leaders brand Indian tourists as cultural invaders, they insult the warmth, hospitality, and inclusive identity of Kashmiris,” Chugh stated.

He said tourism brings livelihoods, hope, and connectivity to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, and only those clinging to outdated politics of hate would oppose it. “This regressive mindset shows NC’s desperation. They cannot digest the fact that Kashmir is healing and prospering under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” he said.

Taking on NC’s historical baggage, Chugh pointed to the series of rigged elections in Jammu & Kashmir which eroded public trust, deepened alienation, and laid the groundwork for decades of bloodshed. “The NC repeatedly manipulated democratic institutions and silenced real voices. Their politics directly enabled Pakistan and terror networks to exploit Kashmir’s wounds,” Chugh said.

He also slammed the party for its deafening silence after the successful and peaceful conduct of the Holy Muharram procession in Srinagar after more than three decades. “This was a moment of deep cultural and religious pride for the people of the Valley. But the NC, as usual, couldn’t stomach a positive change under the Modi government. Their silence is proof that political gains matter more to them than people’s faith and traditions,” he said.

Chugh didn’t spare NC leaders for refusing to acknowledge the historic voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections either. “The people of Kashmir rejected separatist threats and stood firm with democracy. NC has no moral right to sit in Parliament while disrespecting the very system that elected them,” he asserted.

Referring to the Pahalgam tragedy, Chugh said that at a time when unity and compassion are needed, the NC is playing a communal and divisive game. “They couldn’t even stand with the victims. Instead, they chose to amplify narratives that help Pakistan and radical elements. This is not opposition politics. This is betrayal.”

Rejecting the term “cultural invasion” as vicious and baseless, Chugh said that the people of Kashmir have moved on from the politics of fear and blackmail. “NC’s days of emotional blackmail and dynastic entitlement are over. Kashmiris want jobs, peace, and dignity—not slogans from 1975,” he said.

Praising the people of Jammu & Kashmir for their resilience, Chugh concluded, “Their spontaneous response after the Pahalgam massacre, their defiance of separatist calls, and their love for the Constitution show one thing clearly—Kashmir has changed. And NC simply cannot handle it.”

Bandipora, July 30: A young woman died after suffering an electric shock at her residence in Ajas area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday.

Officials told news agency JKNS that the deceased has been identified as Jahara Begum, wife of Tariq Ahmad Rather, a resident of Ajas.

The cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation started, officials said.

Srinagar, July 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a three-member team to coordinate with the Punjab Government for ensuring the smooth movement of livestock and preventing overcharging of transit trucks belonging to J&K livestock traders.

According to an order issued by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), the team will visit Punjab to hold dialogues with concerned officers of the Punjab Government for an amicable resolution of issues faced by J&K livestock traders.

The team includes Mr. Manoj Prabhaker, Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K, Mr. Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat, Deputy Director, FCS&CA, Kashmir, and Mr. Sham Lal Abrol, Deputy Director, FCS&CA, Jammu.

The order states that the team shall submit a detailed report to the Administrative Department regarding the outcome of their visit for further action.

The decision follows a representation made by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, whose delegation, accompanied by affected transporters, met with the Chief Minister’s Advisor, Nasir Sogami, to raise alarm over these issues. The delegation, led by the Association’s National Convenor, Nasir Khuehami, alleged that Kashmiri truckers are being routinely stopped and blackmailed under the pretext of animal welfare regulations, and targeted with fabricated FIRs. They also accused local contractors, allegedly operating with the tacit support of certain officials of extorting money and leaving truckers stranded for hours under harsh conditions. (JKNS)

Srinagar, July 30: In a significant move, J&K’s Home Department has amended the Union Territory’s Prison Manual- 2022 to address the needs of prisoners with disabilities.

As per a notification, J&K administration has amended the Prison Manual to improve the treatment and care of prisoners with disabilities.

These amendments have been incorporated in the prison manual after J&K LG directed UT’s Home department to do so.

According to the notification, prisoners with disabilities should not be discriminated on the grounds of disability and are entitled to equality, dignity, and respect.

“No prisoner shall be discriminated on grounds of disability. All prisoners with disability shall be entitled to equality, dignity and respect for their integrity on an equal basis with others,” reads the notification.

It also provides that all prison infrastructure should be made accessible to prisoners with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility Standards and Guidelines notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“Prisoners with disabilities should be provided with appropriate healthcare services, including psychiatric and psychological services, as well as access to rehabilitation programs and therapies,” it states.

As per amendments in the Prison Manual, all incoming prisoners shall be screened for disabilities at the time of admission.

“Relevant prison records should reflect their specific needs to ensure suitable accommodations and assistance,” the notification adds.

It further states that prison staff should undergo regular training to sensitize them to the needs of prisoners with disabilities and to handle them appropriately. (KNO)

Srinagar, July 30: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains open for traffic despite continuous heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, officials told Greater Kashmir.

They said, “Jammu-Srinagar National Highway open for traffic despite rains across Ramban district since morning”

However, the Khari–Mahoo road in Sub-Division Banihal of Ramban district has been blocked near the Siran railway bridge due to mudslides.

Meanwhile, the government this morning ordered the closure of all government and private schools for today due to rains and bad weather in the district as a precautionary measure.