Srinagar, Oct 26: The losing candidate of National Conference in Rajya Sabha polls, Imran Nabi Dar, on Sunday said some MLAs, who publicly promised to support the “secular forces” against the BJP, have backstabbed his party in the elections.

He claimed that while the NC knew the MLAs who helped the BJP win the fourth seat, they will be exposed at the right time.

“Unfortunately and shamefully, those who promised to support the secular forces from J&K chose to backstab us and the mandate that the people had given them. They stand exposed today. Their true nature and allegiance is for all to see,” Dar said in a post on X.

“Much is being talked and written about how we lost the seat. We tried, and tried our best, but failed to see the Trojan Horse,” he added.

Dar expressed hope that BJP’s winning candidate will rise above party politics and work for people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I hope against hope that the BJP MP Sat Sharma, who was elected to RS by connivance and behind door deals, leaves behind his blotched past, his hatred for Muslims and support to criminals, and his party’s communal ideology behind and puts in some efforts for the people of J-K,” he said.

Dar thanked NC president Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other party leaders for putting him up as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat.

“Congratulations to my party colleagues Choudary Ramzaan Sb, Sajjad Kichloo Sb, @oberoi_shammi ji on being elected as RS members. I am sure they will be the voice of voiceless people of J&K in RS,” he said. “I am thankful to all @JKNC_ MLA’s, Alliance partners who voted in my favour.”

Srinagar, Oct 26: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament from Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi on Sunday said that no meaningful political or administrative progress has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the new government.

“There have been no positive steps on political issues in J&K since this government took charge,” Larvi said, while speaking at the 4th Halla Bolle Conclave at Radisson Collection, Srinagar, hinting at his support for fellow party leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s criticism over the NC government’s failure in upholding its 2024 poll promises.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should introspect and focus on governance rather than rhetoric. “It will be wrong if I say Omar Sahib is on the right track—that would be deceiving him. He must see what rights and limits he has and how he can better serve the people who elected him,” Larvi said.

The NC MP said Kashmir’s political leadership has become consumed by debates over who aligns with or opposes the BJP, while people’s concerns remain ignored. “The Chief Minister should be the one talking about the people’s welfare,” he said.

Criticising the government for failing to start recruitment drives, Larvi said thousands of educated youth in J&K are growing hopeless. “Many have postgraduate and PhD degrees, but there has been no recruitment yet. The process should have started from day one with advertisements issued to recruitment agencies,” he said, adding that it is the duty of elected representatives to raise public issues and fight for their rights.

Reacting to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks on smart meter installation, Larvi said, “It would be better for Omar Sahib to speak thoughtfully and with understanding.”

On the Deputy Chief Minister’s comments targeting Aga Ruhullah, Larvi remarked, “Everyone knows who Aga Ruhullah is. Anyone speaking against him will not harm his credibility.”—(KNO)

Srinagar, Oct 26: The body of a 47-year-old man who had jumped into the River Jhelum on October 20 was retrieved on Sunday from the river near Veer Chatabal area of Srinagar, officials said.

The Officials said that the deceased has been identified as Rafiq Ahmed Ahanger, son of Mohd Jamal, a resident of Dalal Mohalla, Zaina Kadal.

After completion of medico-legal formalities, the body was shifted to SMHS Hospital for radiological examination, officials added.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further proceedings. —(KNC)

Bandipora, Oct 26: A suspected object was found at Chimpazpora, Ajas near Ziyarat in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Sunday morning, officials said.

According to reports, the Srinagar–Bandipora road has been blocked as a precautionary measure following the recovery of the suspicious object. “Police and security forces are on the job,” an official said, adding that a bomb disposal squad has been called to the spot.

Further details are awaited.—(KNC)

Baramulla, Oct 26: Army recovered two old shells during a search operation in the forest area of Dogripora in Rafiabad, north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Officials said the shells were later destroyed safely by the Bomb Disposal Squad.

According to defense sources, troops of the 32 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) detected two suspicious metallic objects while conducting a routine search in the Dogripora forest area. The site was immediately cordoned off, and the bomb disposal team was summoned to examine and neutralize the explosives.

After proper technical assessment and adherence to safety protocols, both shells were destroyed in a controlled explosion by the BDS squad. “The operation was conducted smoothly without any damage or injury. The recovered shells appeared to be old and rusted.” [KNT]

Shopian, Oct 25: In an inspiring example of innovation and dedication, a progressive farmer from South Kashmir’s Shopian district has successfully cultivated both indoor and outdoor saffron, breaking traditional barriers and setting a new benchmark for sustainable farming practices in the region.

Haroon Rashid, 57, a resident of Vehil village in Shopian, has transformed his passion for farming into a model of agricultural innovation. From growing vegetables and fruits on the rooftop of his house to cultivating the world’s most precious spice indoors, Haroon’s efforts are earning him recognition as a trendsetter among local growers.

Haroon said he began experimenting with rooftop farming a few years ago. “Initially, I started growing different kinds of vegetables, fruits and even medicinal plants on the slab of my two-storey house. The results were encouraging,” he said.

“I have been now growing saffron both indoor and outdoor from last several last few years and with each passing year, the quality of crop and results are getting better,” he said

He credited the horticulture and agriculture departments for their consistent guidance and technical support. “Whenever I faced any challenge, officials from these departments were always ready to help. Their motivation kept me going,” he added.

He learned about indoor saffron farming a few years ago from experts at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Balpora, Shopian and the India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) Dusoo, Pampore. With their guidance, he decided to give it a try and the results exceeded expectations and he is further progressing with each year.

Haroon took a step further later and began cultivating outdoor saffron using hydroponic techniques, a method that allows plants to grow without soil by using nutrient-rich water. “Both indoor and outdoor saffron have shown excellent results. This year, the yield and quality have improved even more compared to last year as every year gives you new experience,” he said.

“Outdoor saffron, though grown on a smaller scale, has started flowering this year, while the indoor crop is already in full bloom. We are getting better yields with each passing season,” Haroon added.

He believes indoor saffron cultivation could revolutionize the sector, especially in the wake of changing climatic conditions that have been affecting traditional saffron fields. “Indoor saffron eliminates all weather-related risks. Even people without land can now grow saffron in their homes. It’s a big opportunity for young entrepreneurs and small farmers,” he said.

Haroon’s success story, he says, is built on hard work, guidance and innovation. “Where there is a will, there is a way. Farmers should take full advantage of government schemes, seek advice from experts, and adopt new technologies. This is how we can become self-reliant and successful,” he emphasized.

Agriculture officials also see immense potential in Haroon’s approach. “Climate change has started impacting traditional saffron cultivation. Earlier, saffron didn’t need irrigation, but now it does. Under such circumstances, indoor saffron can play a vital role in maintaining production and meeting market demand,” said an official from the agriculture department.

With every passing year, Haroon’s indoor and outdoor saffron fields are yielding better results—demonstrating that innovation, when combined with determination and proper guidance, can truly redefine Kashmir’s farming landscape—(KNO)