SRINAGAR, Oct 18: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday asserted he will not ally with the BJP to hasten the restoration of statehood to the Union territory, saying his party has no intention of repeating the “mistakes” committed by others in the past.

The chief minister said if the restoration of statehood is dependent on the BJP coming to power in J-K, then the national party should be honest in saying so.
“If that is the deal that is to be struck with the people, then the BJP should be honest, because the BJP in its manifesto and its promises to Parliament and to the Supreme Court never said that the statehood is dependent on the BJP coming to power in J-K.
“If that is the case, then I think the BJP should be honest, they should tell us that so long as there is a non-BJP government in J-K, you will not get statehood. Then we will decide what we want to do,” he said.
However, Abdullah added that “tying up with the BJP or an alliance with the BJP is out of the question”.
“No,” Abdullah said at a press conference when asked whether his party would ally with the BJP for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said J-K is “still suffering the after-effects” of the PDP-BJP alliance in 2015.
“We have already seen how much that has destroyed J-K. An unnecessary alliance between the PDP and the BJP was born in 2015. We are still suffering the after-effects of that. I have no intention of repeating mistakes that other people have made,” the CM added.

Jammu, Oct 18 : Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma has extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras.

In his message as per mediaDIG Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range Shiv Kumar Sharma Extends Warm Greetings on the Occasion of Dhanteras
, DIG Sharma prayed for peace, prosperity, and happiness in the lives of the citizens. He said that Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

He further appealed to the public to celebrate the festival with a spirit of harmony and brotherhood while ensuring safety and adherence to environmental norms.

SRINAGAR: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday filed a prosecution complaint against a former Chief Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department and four others in a case linked to the misappropriation of government funds.

In a post on X, Enforcement Directorate Srinagar stated that it has filed a prosecution complaint before the Special Court (PMLA), Srinagar, against Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, the then Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Kashmir, and four others.

Other persons include Rajnish Bal, Mohammad Amin Wani, Nisar Ahmad Bhat, and Imran Baba, Partner in M/s Baba Enterprises.

The complaint has been filed under PMLA, 2002, in the case of misappropriation of government funds. “The court has issued pre-cognisance notice to the accused persons,” it said.

Jammu, Oct 17 — Ms. Devyani Devender Rana, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from 77–Nagrota Assembly Constituency, will address a public rally at the Ground of Excise and Taxation Training Institute, Old Toll Post, Nagrota, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, shortly after filing her nomination papers.

The event is expected to witness enthusiastic participation from party workers, supporters, and local residents. Ms. Rana is likely to outline her vision and priorities for the Nagrota constituency, emphasizing development, empowerment, and inclusive governance.

Members of the media are cordially invited to cover the event.

For the convenience of journalists, pick and drop vehicles have been arranged and will depart from Press Club Jammu at 11:00 AM sharp.

Srinagar, October 17 :The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir on Friday said that it has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 23/2019 related to a major land fraud case.

In a handout to GNS, the CBK said that the chargesheet, submitted before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, against eight accused individuals, including four revenue officials, three retired and one serving , involved in the fraudulent occupation and manipulation of land records by misusing their official positions.

The case originated from a complaint alleging that Nadeem Ahmad Mayer and Shafiq Ahmad Mayer, residents of Iqbal Colony, Shalteng Srinagar, illegally encroached upon 52 Kanals of land at Ehel Danihama by fabricating revenue records. Fake & forged mutation No’s. 13, 16,17, 18 & 30, 31,34 were executed under the guise of an oral gift (Hiba Zabani) from the complainant’s uncle, despite no lawful or familial basis.

Investigation revealed multiple irregularities including the absence of the official mutation record (Parti Sarkar), missing treasury voucher numbers and dates, and unauthorized mutation by only one co-owner, disregarding the rights of the other. Additionally, 40 Kanals of State land were also found illegally occupied.

The fraud was allegedly committed in active connivance with revenue officials, who played a key role in manipulating records and circumventing legal procedures.

Those chargesheeted include Nadeem Ahmad Mayer S/o Shafiq Ahmad Mayer R/o Iqbal Colony, Shalteng Srinagar, Irfan Ahmad Mayer S/o Shafiq Ahmad Mayer R/o Iqbal Colony Shalteng Srinagar , Ab. Hamid Kathu S/o Ali Mohammad Kathu R/o Astanpora Tailbal Srinagar (the then Pathwari now retired), Ghulam Jeelani Rather S/o Late Ab. Salam Rather R/o Dara Harwan Srinagar (the then Patwari), Ali Mohammad Dar (the then Patwari now retired), Nazir Ahmad Palla S/o Ghulam Ahmad Palla R/o Chandpora Harwan, and Bilal Ahmad Dar S/o Ab. Gani Dar R/o Mufti Bagh Harwan, A/P New Theed Srinagar).

The accused have been booked under Sections 420, 447-A, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of the RPC, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Crime Branch Kashmir remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring accountability. Further legal proceedings are in progress, reads the statement.

Jammu, Oct 16- The Hon’ble High Court today postponed the hearing in the PIL regarding nomination of five MLAs to Nov 21st on the request of the counsel for the Petitioner,which was not opposed by other side.

As the PIL came up before special Division Bench Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Rajesh Sekhri, the Senior counsel for Petitioner Shri SM Chaudhary apprised the court about the adjournment motion due to non availability of Senior Counsel ,on account of pre – occupation of senior Supreme Court lawyer Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi today and requested that they are ready to argue tomorrow or for shorter date . However the court didn’t agree to his plea and posted the same for hearing on Nov 21.

The counsel for Petitioner also apprised the court about reports that respondents are planning to go for nominations .Upon this court observed that they have not done in one year, so they shall not do so.
DSGI Vishal Sharma appeared for respondents, Ch Zulkernain Chaudhary for intervenors S Ravinder Singh .

Petitioner Ravinder Kumar Sharma, Ex – MLC was also present in the court during proceedings.

Srinagar, Oct 17 : Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Wednesday announced his departure for Kalmykia, Russia, to lead a delegation entrusted with bringing back the holy relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exposition.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Office of the J&K Lieutenant Governor, as per Kashmir News Corner — KNC, wrote, “Leaving for Kalmykia, Russia, where I will lead the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exposition. I sincerely thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for this sacred opportunity. ‘Om Namo Buddhaya’.”

The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

The sacred relics are to be enshrined at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, the main Buddhist monastery in Elista, popularly known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.”

Omar Abdullah Reaffirms Demand for Statehood Restoration, Highlights Governance Achievements

SHILPA SHARMA
Jammu, October 16: As the Jammu and Kashmir government completed its first year in office, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed a press conference in Jammu, emphasizing that true accountability will be judged only after the full five-year term, not within a single year.

Highlighting key achievements, Omar Abdullah announced that CPWs (Contingent Paid Workers) in the Education Department have been regularized, calling it a major step toward ensuring job security and dignity for long-serving employees.

Reiterating his long-standing demand, the Chief Minister once again urged the Central Government to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood status at the earliest, saying it remains essential for empowering the people and ensuring administrative autonomy.

On political alliances, Omar Abdullah made an appeal to Sajad Gani Lone to vote in favor of the National Conference (NC) in the upcoming elections. “Not voting or voting against the NC,” he said, “would directly mean supporting the BJP.”

He also indicated flexibility towards seat adjustments, stating that the Nagrota seat could be given to the Congress candidate in the spirit of opposition unity.

Reflecting on governance, Omar said, “Our government is for five years; accountability cannot be measured in just one. The people’s satisfaction with our performance will be visible after four years.”

Addressing disaster relief efforts, the Chief Minister said that compensation for flood-affected families has been provided as per central guidelines, while also appealing to the Union Government for additional funds to rebuild infrastructure damaged in the floods.

In a key administrative decision, Omar Abdullah confirmed that he has signed the file for the revival of the Darbar Move, which will be restored soon.

The press conference marked a mix of reflection, reaffirmation, and political messaging, with Omar Abdullah seeking to project stability, continuity, and commitment to the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir’s people.