Srinagar, Sep 30: In a major development in Srinagar, prominent hotelier Sahil Reshie joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). J&K BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, welcomed him into the party fold.

This joining was held in presence of J&K BJP General Secretary Anwar Khan, Secretaries Arif Raja and Mudasir Wani, Officer Bearers Adv Sajid Yousuf Shah, Bilal Parray, Er Sahil Bashir Bhat and District President Srinagar Sheikh Salman and Senior leader & Vice Joining Organiser DDC Irfan Manhas.

While welcoming the new entrant, Ashok Koul said that the BJP is committed to empowering every section of society in Jammu and Kashmir. The joining of such prominent personalities reflects the trust people have developed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and in the BJP’s vision for a peaceful and developed Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ has inspired people across Jammu and Kashmir.

The developmental journey under his leadership is motivating individuals from all walks of life to join the BJP and contribute to nation-building, he added.

Sahil Reshie expressed his desire to serve the nation and society as dedicated cadre of BJP and to work to strengthen the BJP at the grassroots level in Kashmir.

Earlier, Ashok Koul, also addressed a programme of party workers, prominent locals, and business community representatives at Handwara in Kupwara district.

Ashok Koul, while addressing this programme, said that the BJP-led government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured that taxation reforms directly benefit the common citizen. He emphasized that the amendments in GST rates and rules have been designed to reduce the burden on consumers, simplify the system for business holders, and promote transparency.

Ashok Koul said that the GST is not merely a tax reform, rather it is a step towards strengthening the economy by bringing every stakeholder on one platform. He stressed that the recent changes introduced by the Modi government are focused on consumer welfare, ensuring that essential goods and services become more affordable, while also providing relief and ease of business to traders.

Koul said that in the recent GST reform, by lowering GST slabs to 5% on several goods and rationalizing rates in transport and allied sectors, the reforms aim is to reduce costs for consumers, ease compliance for traders, and enhance competitiveness for Indian businesses.

He further added that the opposition parties have always misled people regarding GST, but the reality is that it has brought uniformity, eliminated cascading taxes, and provided a fair structure that benefits both buyers and sellers.

Kulgam, Sept 30: Security forces on Tuesday claimed to have unearthed an old hideout used by militants in the dense forest belt of Laisoo Gudder in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The operation, carried out jointly by the Army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles, 18 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force, and Special Operations Group of Kulgam Police, marked a fresh sweep in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the region.

Police sources said that specific intelligence inputs had suggested the possible presence of a cache or remnants of militant infrastructure in the forested area falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Devsar. Acting upon the lead, a search operation was launched early in the morning with multiple teams cordoning off the thick woods that stretch across Laisoo Gudder.

After several hours of combing operations, the joint teams came across traces of an abandoned structure concealed under layers of foliage and rocks. On closer examination, the site was identified as an old hideout, likely used by militants in earlier years. Security officials confirmed that the structure bore clear signs of having served as a makeshift shelter, though no fresh recoveries of arms or ammunition were immediately reported from the spot.

A senior police officer in Kulgam said the discovery was significant despite the absence of weapons. “Every hideout that we identify and dismantle reduces the tactical advantage for militants in these areas. This particular shelter had been abandoned for some time, but its very existence is a reminder that the forests were once exploited for militant movement and concealment. Our teams will ensure that no such facility remains usable,” the officer remarked.

The official added that forensic and technical teams had also visited the location to examine any leftover material, with efforts underway to establish when the hideout was last used and by whom. Security forces believe that even defunct shelters can sometimes provide clues about networks, routes, and logistical methods employed by militants. [KNT]

Bandipora, Sept 30: Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Sat Sharma on Tuesday accused the Opposition of fuelling the recent unrest in Ladakh, insisting that the people of the Himalayan region have always yearned for peace.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a BJP exhibition, Sharma directly blamed Opposition parties, particularly the National Conference, for political mismanagement and public dissatisfaction. “The violence in Ladakh is not reflective of the people’s aspirations. Ladakhis have always wanted peace. It is the Opposition that is responsible for this situation,” Sharma said.

He lashed out at the National Conference government for what he termed “playing hide and seek” with the administration by frequently transferring officials instead of addressing governance challenges. “Frequent reshuffles cannot solve people’s problems. The government must prioritise development and service delivery rather than shuffling bureaucrats,” Sharma remarked.

Sharma was participating in a BJP exhibition where party leaders showcased the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over the past decade.

“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have seen significant progress in connectivity, infrastructure, and access to welfare schemes. This is evidence of the government’s commitment to inclusive development,” Sharma told reporters.

Responding to questions about the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Sharma reiterated that the assurance had already been given by the Prime Minister and would be fulfilled in due course. “The Prime Minister has already made it clear that statehood will be restored at the right time. The BJP is fully committed to delivering on this promise,” he said.

He also pointed to infrastructure as a central priority for the BJP, saying that the long-pending demand for the Bandipora–Srinagar national highway project would be taken up on priority. “Connectivity is the backbone of development. The Bandipora–Srinagar highway demand is genuine, and the BJP will ensure that it gets the attention it deserves,” Sharma noted. [KNT]