Srinagar, Aug 15 — Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said he had received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the tragic cloudburst that struck Kishtwar’s Chositi area.

In a post on his social media handle, Omar Abdullah wrote, “Just received a call from Hon PM @narendramodi Sb. I briefed him about the situation in Kishtwar & the steps being taken by the administration. My government & the people hit by this tragic cloudburst are grateful for his support & all the assistance provided by the Union Government.”

The devastating cloudburst, which occurred late Thursday night, triggered flash floods, causing extensive damage to houses, roads, and farmland in the remote area. Several lives are feared lost, and many residents have been injured or displaced.

Rescue and relief operations are underway with teams from the SDRF, Army, police, and local volunteers working in coordination. Authorities have declared an emergency in the affected region, suspended the Machail Yatra as a precaution, and rushed medical teams along with essential supplies to the spot.

Union and UT authorities have assured coordinated efforts to provide immediate relief to affected families and restore normalcy at the earliest.

Questions delay in restoring statehood after SC observation

Srinagar, Aug 15 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced that the Jammu and Kashmir government will embark on an intensive eight-week signature campaign aimed at pressing for the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory. The move follows the Supreme Court’s latest observation on the matter, which has reignited political debate across the region.
Addressing the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Abdullah said his government would collect signatures from every district and corner of J&K, with the goal of submitting the compiled petitions to District Collectors and the Union government within the deadline set by the apex court.
He openly questioned whether the decision to restore statehood would be determined through India’s democratic institutions or be influenced by acts of terror and external pressures. Referring to the recent Pahalgam attack, he said, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir strongly condemned that incident. It is deeply unfair to use such tragedies as an excuse to deny our constitutional rights.”
The chief minister recalled his earlier tenure, pointing to the gradual erosion of J&K’s autonomy and decision-making powers. “We had our own identity, flag, constitution, and special status. Now, even statehood has been taken away. Cabinet decisions that should have been implemented were stalled or shelved without explanation. I never imagined such a day would come,” Abdullah remarked.
Despite these grievances, he described the restoration of an elected government in J&K as a significant achievement. “Better late than never — democracy has returned. The active role played by our citizens in the last elections made this possible. It is a moment we should all be proud of,” he said.
Omar Abdullah became the first elected chief minister in eight years to preside over the UT’s main Independence Day celebrations. The last chief minister to do so was Mehbooba Mufti in 2017. In the years that followed, the PDP-BJP coalition collapsed, Governor’s rule was imposed, and the region was reorganised into two Union Territories after the reading down of Article 370 in August 2019.
From 2018 to 2024, the Independence Day flag hoisting in Srinagar was carried out by Governors and later Lieutenant Governors. Friday’s event marked a symbolic return of the ceremony to an elected leader.
The chief minister unfurled the tricolour, took the salute at the ceremonial parade, and inspected contingents from the J&K Police, Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, and school children. He praised the resilience of the public in navigating years of political and administrative uncertainty.
In a gesture of solidarity, Abdullah cancelled the cultural programme usually associated with the celebrations as a mark of respect for victims of the devastating Kishtwar flash floods that claimed several lives on Thursday.
He concluded by reiterating his government’s commitment to restoring statehood, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding the democratic aspirations of the people. “We will not rest until our voice is heard in every hall of power,” Abdullah declared.

After six years Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti attend I-Day function at Baskhi Stadium in Srinagar. This function will be presided by CM Omar Abdullah.

Independence Day 2025: Addressing a gathering at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says, “More than six years have passed since the people of Jammu and Kashmir last heard their representative address them from here. When I last spoke from this platform, I was the Chief Minister of a state. We had our own identity in the country, a constitution, a flag, and statehood. Today, none of those remain. Even restoring democracy took time, but better late than never. Today, the people finally have their own government once again… We had a bit of hope that on the 15th of August, there would be a major announcement for J&K. I was even told that papers were being prepared (for statehood). We waited, but nothing happened.”

Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir: A massive cloud burst struck the Chositi area in Kishtwar, raising concerns of substantial casualties. Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that the administration has swung into immediate action following urgent communication from the local MLA, Sunil Kumar Sharma, and other authorities.

Rescue teams have already been dispatched to the site to carry out damage assessment and provide necessary rescue and medical assistance. Dr. Singh assured that his office is receiving regular updates and all possible support will be extended to the affected area.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents in the affected region.

Srinagar, Aug 14  : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Partition of India was a tragic chapter that caused immense suffering, displacing millions and inflicting deep wounds on the nation’s pride.

In a post on X, UHM Shah wrote in Hindi, “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is a day to remember the pain of those who suffered due to the Partition of the country and to express our condolences. On this day, the Congress divided the nation into pieces, hurting the pride of Mother India,” it reads.

“The Partition led to violence, exploitation, and atrocities, and millions of people were displaced. I pay my heartfelt tribute to all those people. The country will never be able to forget this history and pain of Partition,” it reads.

Post further reads, “I offer my tribute to those who lost their lives in this horrific tragedy of Partition,” reads the post.

Srinagar: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday conducted a hearing on petitions seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. During the proceedings, the bench emphasized that no directions have been issued to the central government at this stage.

The Solicitor General highlighted that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains “unusual and complex,” underlining the delicate balance required while addressing the matter. The court also noted the gravity of the Pulwama terrorist attack, stating that such incidents cannot be ignored while deliberating on the region’s status and governance.

Chief Justice of India remarked, “It is crucial to take the ground realities into account while examining the petitions.” He stressed that the security situation and overall administrative challenges must form part of the court’s consideration.

The Supreme Court has directed the central government to file a detailed response within eight weeks. Justice T. S. Thakur observed that “a major change has occurred, and nothing should be done hastily,” signaling the need for careful deliberation before any decision is made regarding the region’s political status.

The bench further stressed that reviewing the security and law-and-order situation in Jammu and Kashmir is essential to understanding the broader implications of restoring statehood. The court reiterated the importance of balancing constitutional provisions, security concerns, and the aspirations of the people of the region.

Legal experts say the Supreme Court’s request for a detailed response from the central government indicates a measured approach, with no immediate directions to alter the administrative structure. Observers noted that this step reflects the judiciary’s recognition of Jammu and Kashmir’s sensitive situation post-August 2019 and the need to consider multiple factors before deciding on statehood restoration.

The next hearing has been scheduled after the eight-week period, during which the government is expected to submit a comprehensive report on ground realities, security arrangements, and administrative considerations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hearing on restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood
No instructions given to the government
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is strange. Solicitor General
Pahalgam terrorist attack cannot be ignored. Chief Justice of India
You have to keep in mind the ground realities as well. CJI
Supreme Court seeks response from the central government within 8 weeks
A big change has taken place, no time to wait. Tushar Mehta
It is necessary to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. CJI