Srinagar, Oct 25: In a major breakthrough against Pakistan-backed terror propaganda and recruitment networks operating through social media, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) today produced a charge sheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge designated under NIA Act, Srinagar in Case FIR No. 07/2023 U/S 153-A, 505, 506 IPC, 13, 18, 18-B, 39 UAPA of Police Station CIK Srinagar against terrorist associate Aadil Ahmad Khan son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan (@Gull Khan), resident of Drien Qazigund, Anantnag.

According to the statement issued by the agency, the case pertains to a terror recruitment module being clandestinely operated through social media platforms, with the objective of radicalizing and recruiting impressionable youth of Jammu and Kashmir into the ranks of proscribed terrorist organizations, particularly those sponsored and controlled from across the border in Pakistan.

Divulging details of the case, the statement reads that the investigation was initiated on the basis of credible information that unscrupulous individuals and entities based in Pakistan, in connivance with terrorist handlers of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other banned outfits, were using social media to lure Kashmiri youth and instigate them to wage war against the sovereignty and integrity of India.

During the investigation, three accused persons were earlier found involved and charge sheeted before the Hon’ble Court, identified as Waseem Ahmad Sheikh, S/o Gh. Mohammad Sheikh R/o Kandoora Budgam; Junaid Ahmad Mir, S/o Late Ab. Jabbar Mir, R/o Tikkipora Lolab; and Shabir Ahmad Gojri, S/o Ab. Salam, R/o Darbagh Harwan Srinagar

The statement also reads that further investigation uncovered the active role of accused Aadil Ahmad Khan, who had been operating a dedicated online recruitment network through Facebook and Twitter, disseminating secessionist, anti-national, and pro-terror content. His online activities were aimed at glorifying terrorism, promoting violent extremism, and motivating youth to join proscribed terrorist organizations.

The investigation established that Aadil Ahmad Khan was actively aiding and abetting terrorist propaganda by sharing and amplifying digital content aligned with the agenda of Pakistan-based terror groups and their offshoots/front organizations. His online radicalization efforts were coupled with ground-level facilitation of terror recruitment.

The case is registered and being investigated by CIK with a focus on identifying and dismantling the wider online terror ecosystem, including handlers, sympathizers, and digital facilitators operating from within and outside the Union Territory, the statement reads.

CIK officials stated that more arrests and disclosures are expected as the investigation progresses.

This action underscores the commitment of Counter Intelligence Kashmir and J&K Police to neutralize both physical and digital terror networks, and to safeguard the youth of the Valley from being exploited by Pakistan-sponsored propaganda machinery, statement added.

Srinagar, Oct 25: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming 2nd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon, being organized by the Tourism Department on November 2, 2025, in Srinagar.

The meeting besides Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism was attended by Secretary, Health; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; DIG, Traffic; MD, JKTDC; Director, Tourism, Kashmir; SSP, Traffic, Srinagar; Commissioner, SMC, and other senior officers of concerned departments.

The Chief Secretary described the marquee event as a valuable opportunity to promote tourism and sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the inaugural edition had received overwhelming response and set new benchmarks for sporting events in the region.

He observed that participation from runners across the nation and abroad would further reinforce Kashmir’s image as a premier destination for leisure, adventure and sports tourism.

Emphasizing seamless coordination among all departments, Dulloo directed the concerned to ensure foolproof arrangements for visiting athletes and participants, covering aspects such as transportation, accommodation, medical care, security, sanitation, and event management.

The Chief Secretary urged the Traffic Department to take all necessary measures to secure the marathon routes on the day of the event. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive traffic management plan, including appropriate diversions and issuance of advance travel advisories to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters.

He underscored the need to provide a memorable experience to all participants that reflects Kashmir’s hospitality and growing capability in hosting large-scale international events.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish ChanderVerma informed that several renowned national and international athletes are expected to participate in this year’s edition.

He further noted that the event would also act as a platform to showcase local art, craft, and culture, with dedicated stalls promoting Handicrafts and Handloom products from Jammu and Kashmir.

Director, Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob, presented a detailed overview of the operational plan, covering aspects of participant registration, route management, volunteer deployment, and publicity campaigns.

He elaborated that the marathon will feature two main race categories the Full Marathon (42 km) and Half Marathon (21 km) are open to both men and women like the first edition of this game here.

The routes will traverse Srinagar’s most iconic and picturesque locations, including Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Chinar-lined boulevards, offering runners an inspiring blend of athletic challenge and scenic beauty.

The meeting was apprised that the Full Marathon (42 km) will take participants through a captivating circuit showcasing the natural and cultural splendor of Srinagar, while the Half Marathon (21 km) will provide runners an equally enriching experience that combines endurance with the Valley’s breathtaking vistas.

Adding to the event’s grandeur, the Kashmir Marathon 2025 features an impressive prize pool, with substantial rewards for winners in both Full and Half Marathon categories.

For the Full Marathon, the overall category prizes include Rs25,00,000 for 1st place, Rs20,00,000 for 2nd, Rs18,00,000 for 3rd, Rs15,00,000 for 4th, and Rs12,00,000 for 5th place. In the respective age-group categories (18–35 years, 36–50 years, and 50+ veterans), cash prizes of Rs1,00,000, Rs75,000, and Rs50,000 will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively.

For the Half Marathon, the overall category winners will recetionRs15,00,000, Rs12,00,000,eRs 9,00,000, Rs6,00,000, and Rs3,00,000 respectively for the top five positions, while age-group winners will receiveRs75,000, Rs50,000, and Rs25,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively for both men and women participants.

With its generous rewards, stunning routes, and vibrant community participation, the Kashmir Marathon 2025 is poised to emerge as a flagship sporting event showcasing the region’s spirit, hospitality, and tourism potential.

Expressing optimism about the event, the Chief Secretary remarked that the Kashmir Marathon would not only promote fitness and sportsmanship among youth but also serve as a major tourism promotion event, attracting visitors from across the world to experience the Valley’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Srinagar, Oct 25: National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached them and offered a deal for the fourth seat in Rajya Sabha elections.

Speaking with reporters at Nawa-e-Subha, Farooq Abdullah said that there was no question of gifting 7 votes to the BJP.

“If that is the case then how was our candidate able to get 21 votes,” he said, adding that the party rejected BJP’s offer and decided to contest on the fourth seat as well.

He thanked all parties including the Congress, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), AIP and independents for supporting NC candidates in the Rajya Sabha elections.

Three NC candidates won Rajya Sabha elections while BJP secured one seat unexpectedly by defeating the NC candidate.—(KNO)

Bandipora, Oct 25: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javid Ahmed Rana, on Saturday said that all talk of development in the Union Territory “exists only on paper,” asserting that no funds have been withheld for Jal Shakti schemes, but there is “simply no money available.”

“People were deceived without being asked. The state was broken into pieces and made into a Union Territory, something unprecedented in the world’s history,” Rana said while addressing a public gathering in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, accompanied by MLA Gurez, Nazir Gurezi, Congresd MLA from Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat and Sonawari constituency MLA, Hilal Akbar Lone.

He said that despite tall claims made since Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganisation, progress on the ground remains negligible.

“If there has been any development in Kashmir in the past five or six years, it is only on paper,” he said, adding that the Jal Shakti Department, which handles water supply schemes, is struggling due to fund shortages.

During their speeches, Gurezi and Lone, requested the funds for contractors and stalled Jal Shakti, which in undergoing probe, be released for ease of public, especially in tribal areas.

“It is said that we have stopped payments, but the truth is, we don’t have money at all,” the minister said, clarifying that funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) come from the Government of India and delays have affected project completion.

Rana, however, commended the department’s officials and contractors for keeping work going despite the crisis.

“I congratulate the Jal Shakti Department and the contractors who have shown immense courage and dedication to keep the system running without payments,” he said.

“When I took over, the contractor liability was ₹400 crore. Today, it stands at ₹1,100 crore,” Rana said, adding that around 3,200 schemes are operational and 1,700 have been completed under the mission across Jammu and Kashmir despite financial hurdles.

The minister said he recently met the Union Minister in Delhi and sought immediate release of funds to clear pending dues and complete the remaining 10–15 per cent of unfinished works.

“Wherever certification under Har Ghar Jal is received, we will ensure all pending payments are cleared,” Rana said, adding that he has also requested the Chief Secretary to provide the UT’s share to help complete the remaining schemes.