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Jammu Kashmir NEWZ, The Bund, Lal Chowk, Srinagar (2026)

07/10/2026

INDIA Bloc Announces J&K-Wide ‘Save Democracy, Save Vote, Save Country’ Campaign

Dr. Audil Farooq Mir Vows To Take ‘Save Democracy’ Campaign to Every Corner of J&K

Srinagar, Oct 07: Congress DCC President Srinagar Dr. Audil Farooq on Wednesday announced a coordinated Jammu and Kashmir-wide campaign by INDIA bloc constituents under the slogan “Save Democracy, Save Vote, Save Country,” accusing the BJP-led government and the Election Commission of undermining democratic institutions and electoral rights.

Addressing a joint press conference in Srinagar, Dr. Audil Farooq said Congress, National Conference, PDP and CPI representatives had resolved to take the campaign to every district, block and locality across Jammu and Kashmir. He said the initiative would include public programmes, marches and delegations to Election Commission, Deputy Commissioner and block-level offices to register opposition to what the parties described as “vote theft” and threats to constitutional democracy.

Dr. Audil Farooq said the INDIA bloc’s campaign follows a coordinated decision taken by its national leadership amid the ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The campaign, he said, would continue across Jammu and Kashmir with the objective of defending constitutional values, protecting voting rights and demanding greater institutional accountability.

He alleged that successive concerns over EVMs had been followed by controversy surrounding the SIR exercise, which opposition parties contend could exclude eligible voters from electoral rolls, particularly affecting young and first-time voters.

Dr. Audil Farooq also criticised the legal framework governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, arguing that the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection mechanism had weakened institutional safeguards.

Calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, he said the INDIA bloc would intensify its campaign through protests, marches and delegations at district and block levels until its demands concerning electoral integrity and democratic accountability were addressed.

He accused the BJP-led government of exerting undue influence over constitutional institutions, allegations that remain contested by the ruling establishment and the Election Commission.

Dr. Audil Farooq said the joint campaign would bring together Congress, National Conference, PDP and CPI workers and leaders across Jammu and Kashmir, taking the message of “Save Democracy, Save Vote, Save Country” from district headquarters to blocks and localities.

He said the INDIA bloc would follow the programme decided by its national leadership and continue raising its voice on what it described as threats to democratic institutions, electoral rights and the constitutional framework of the country.

02/10/2026

Mahatma Gandhi Saw Kashmir as a "Ray of Hope" Amid Communal Fires: Begum Khalida Shah Recalls 1947-Meet

ANC leadership Pays Rich Tributes on Gandhi Jayanti

Srinagar, Oct 01: Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference Leadership paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Gandhi Jayanti, recalling his landmark visit to Kashmir in August 1947 and his enduring message of peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and non-violence.

Party leaders noted that the visit took place at an extraordinarily turbulent moment, as communal violence swept across much of the subcontinent and Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah languished in prison. Gandhi's only visit to Kashmir, from August 1 to 3, 1947, included a meeting with Sheikh Abdullah's family at their ancestral home in Soura.

ANC President Begum Khalida Shah, who was 14 years old at the time, shared her memories of the occasion while paying homage to the Mahatma. She recalled Gandhi's arrival at the Soura residence, where he expressed solidarity with the family over Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's incarceration and assured them that the persecution of a true satyagrahi would not go in vain.

Describing the context of the visit, Begum Khalida Shah said Gandhi regarded Kashmir as a "ray of hope" while communal fires raged across India and Pakistan. She noted that Gandhi was deeply impressed by the absence of attacks on Kashmiri Pandits in Srinagar and elsewhere, as well as by the efforts of Sher-e-Kashmir's National Conference volunteers to safeguard their homes. These, she said, strengthened his faith in Kashmir's tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood.

The ANC leadership described the visit as a significant chapter in the region's history, particularly for the message of coexistence and inter-community solidarity that Gandhi associated with the Valley.

Paying homage to the Mahatma, party leaders recalled his commitment to peace, truth, non-violence and respect for all faiths and urged that the spirit of harmony he witnessed in Kashmir continue to be remembered and upheld.

02/10/2026

JKPCC Pays Tributes to Mahatma Gandhi & Lal Bahadur Shastri; Holds “Vote Bachao–Desh Bachao” Protest in Srinagar

Srinagar, October 2, 2026: The Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) today commemorated the birth anniversaries of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri at Congress Bhawan, 5-M.A. Road, Srinagar.

The function and floral tribute ceremony was presided over by senior Congress leader and former legislator Shri Bashir Ahmad Magray, In-Charge JKPCC Headquarters, Srinagar, while the proceedings were initiated by Dr. Audil Farooq Mir (Lasjan), President, District Congress Committee Srinagar.

Congress leaders and workers paid floral tributes to both national leaders and recalled their immense contributions to India’s freedom struggle, nation-building, democratic values, secularism and public service. The leaders recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of truth, non-violence and moral courage, and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri’s legacy of simplicity, integrity and selfless service embodied in his historic call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”

The leaders said that Gandhi’s message assumes renewed significance at a time when questions concerning the independence of democratic institutions and the protection of constitutional values are at the centre of national political debate. They emphasised that paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi cannot remain merely ceremonial; his legacy also represents the democratic tradition of peacefully questioning authority and standing firmly for constitutional principles.

“Vote Bachao–Desh Bachao” Protest

Following the commemorative programme, Congress leaders and workers attempted to take out a peaceful “Vote Bachao–Desh Bachao” protest march from the JKPCC Headquarters towards Lal Chowk, raising the Congress Party’s concerns over electoral processes and the functioning of the Election Commission of India.

The protest was led by Dr. Audil Farooq Mir (Lasjan), President DCC Srinagar, along with senior Congress leaders, District and Block functionaries, Youth Congress, Mahila Congress, Seva Dal and party workers.

As the protesters attempted to proceed peacefully towards Lal Chowk, security personnel deployed outside the Congress Headquarters stopped the march from proceeding further. Congress leaders and workers thereafter continued their peaceful demonstration outside the Party Headquarters, raising slogans concerning electoral transparency, institutional accountability, protection of democracy and the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The protesters were demanding.

Resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Suspension of the SIR

Restoration of the 13 Crore 30 Lakh names removed from the electoral rolls

Resignation of PM Modi

The protesters reiterated the Congress Party’s publicly stated allegations concerning the electoral process and its criticism of the functioning of the Election Commission, while demanding accountability and transparency from constitutional institutions. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of electoral manipulation made by Congress leaders.

Congress leaders maintained that democratic institutions derive their strength from public confidence and that questions concerning electoral transparency must be addressed through openness and institutional accountability. They reiterated that the Congress Party would continue to raise these issues through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means.

Among others who participated in the programme were senior Congress leaders Shri Raman Mattoo, former Minister; Shri Abdul Rahim Rather (Ex-MLA); Shri Abdul Gani Khan; Shri Nisar Ahmad Mandoo; Dr. Waleed Tariq Karra; Shri Waseem Ahmad Shalla; Shri M. Shareef Beigh; and Shri Waseem Raja, Shri Yasir Mandoo besides Block Presidents, Youth Congress leaders and workers, Mahila Congress members, Seva Dal, party functionaries and a large number of Congress workers.

30/09/2026

|| Apniparty Senior Leader Muntazir Mohiuddin addressess press conference at party headquarters Srinagar.

28/09/2026

‘Vote Chori’ Protest Rocks Srinagar as Audil Farooq Mir Leads, Pawan Khera Joins Congress Charge

Congress Rank And File Vow To Intensify ‘Vote Chori’ Protest

Srinagar, Sep 28: The District Congress Committee (DCC) Srinagar, led by District President Dr. Audil Farooq Mir (Lasjan), along with senior Congress leaders, Youth Congress and Mahila Congress workers, staged a strong protest at the J&K Congress Headquarters in Srinagar, raising allegations of “Vote Chori” and demanding greater electoral transparency and accountability.

The protest was joined by Pawan Khera, Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of the All India Congress Committee’s Media and Publicity Department. A large number of party workers and leaders participated in the demonstration.

The protest unfolded amid heavy police deployment, barricading and concertina wires around the Congress headquarters. Protesters burned effigies of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Police personnel intervened to extinguish and remove the burning effigies as protesters continued raising slogans and pressing their demands.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Audil Farooq Mir said the Congress had been raising concerns over what it described as electoral “theft” for the past 35 years and claimed that recent developments had reinforced the party’s allegations.

Referring to allegations surrounding the Election Commission under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Dr. Audil said what he described as disclosures from Kumar’s own office had further intensified the party’s concerns.

“We demand that all decisions taken under Gyanesh Kumar’s leadership so far be investigated, scrutinised and, wherever warranted, reversed,” Dr. Audil said, while demanding Kumar’s immediate resignation.

Dr. Audil also called for the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that the Election Commission was acting at their behest. “We demand the resignation of all three,” he said.

He said the Srinagar protest was part of a wider Congress mobilisation being held at the district level across the country, asserting that the party would continue to intensify its campaign.

“We will double and triple this voice and will not rest until we secure their resignations,” Dr. Audil said.

The Congress leadership reiterated its demands for electoral transparency and accountability, while calling for safeguards to protect what it described as the independence, credibility and integrity of the Election Commission.

26/09/2026

Vilgam Students Get First-Hand Industrial Exposure at Rangreth, Teachers Stress Need for Skills-Based Learning

“Industrial Exposure Can Inspire Students to Become Entrepreneurs”: Principal Manzoor Ahmad

Srinagar, Sep 26: Students of Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Vilgam, Kupwara, were given first-hand exposure to the industrial sector during a vocational educational visit to the Industrial Estate at Rangreth, Srinagar, as part of the vocational education initiative of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department.

The visit was organised under the Retail vocational subject introduced at the school following the government’s decision in 2018–19 to expand vocational education across Higher Secondary and High Schools. The school currently offers Retail and Tourism as vocational subjects, with students beginning structured skill-based learning from Class 9.

During the visit, students toured several industrial units facilitated by SIDCO, observing the manufacturing process and gaining an understanding of how products move from production to the marketplace.

Interactive sessions with entrepreneurs further exposed the students to the realities of running businesses and the possibilities of pursuing entrepreneurship as a career.

A teacher accompanying the students described the visit as a “very fruitful” vocational experience, emphasising that students need to move beyond the confines of classrooms and gain an early understanding of practical skills, workplace realities and entrepreneurship.

She also drew attention to the growing gap between academic qualifications and employability, observing that Kashmir has graduates and PhD holders who continue to face unemployment while many young people remain primarily focused on securing government jobs.

“Every child needs to learn skills that are relevant to today’s world,” she said, stressing that the limited number of formal opportunities must be matched by a stronger emphasis on practical capabilities and self-employment.

The teacher further argued that parents and educators have a collective responsibility to introduce children to skills from an early age, saying Kashmir needs to revive its “work culture” by encouraging young people to explore enterprise, vocational skills and avenues beyond conventional employment.

The industrial visit thus served not merely as an academic excursion but as an attempt to bridge the distance between education and the world of work, giving students an opportunity to see production, enterprise and entrepreneurship in practice.

26/09/2026

A Meaningful Dialogue on India–Oman Economic Cooperation

Had the privilege of meeting H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Yahya Al-Hadabi, Member of Parliament and Vice President of the Economic and Financial Committee, Parliament of Oman, Sultanate of Oman, in Srinagar, Kashmir, this evening.

Our discussions focused on strengthening the engagements of the Indo-Oman Chamber, reflecting on our previous dialogues at the Central Government level, and exploring new avenues of cooperation between India and the Sultanate of Oman.

We also discussed the role of Chamber membership as a platform for building meaningful institutional, economic and business-to-business linkages, and explored areas where India and Oman can further collaborate in trade, investment, entrepreneurship, technology, tourism and other mutually beneficial sectors.

It was a wonderful and constructive meeting, marked by mutual respect, shared perspectives and a positive vision for deeper India–Oman engagement.

India 🤝 Oman
Dialogue • Partnership • Trade • Investment • Shared Prosperity

Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Yahya Al-Hadabi
Member of Parliament & Vice President
Economic and Financial Committee
Parliament of Oman
Sultanate of Oman

Group Head, Al-Sulaimi Group Holding
Executive Head, OIPC
Technical Director
CEO, Oman Refineries & Petrochemicals Co. LLC

26/09/2026

"Aspirations Cannot Be Effaced": Muzaffar Shah Endorses Reference to Autonomy Document in Assembly Resolution

Reiterates Demand for Restoration of Article 370, Questions BJP's "Double Standards" Over Ladakh's Article 371 Assurance

Srinagar, September 25: J&K Awami National Conference Senior Vice President Muzaffar Shah on Friday welcomed the incorporation of a reference to the Autonomy Document of 2000 within the resolution adopted by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, characterising it as a recognition that the "aspirational memory" of the region's people cannot be effaced by what he termed the "arbitrarily imposed decision of 2019" that de-operationalised Article 370.

Shah asserted that the assurances extended to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of accession in 1947, though long deferred, remain inviolable.

"What has been solemnly promised to us shall have to be honoured, as history stands testament to it," he remarked, adding that the demand for the reinstatement of Article 370 "cannot be consigned to oblivion, not any longer."

The ANC Senior Vice President further commended political parties across the spectrum in Jammu and Kashmir who, "setting aside their differences," lent their support to the resolution. He observed that this spirit of unity echoed the foundational ethos of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), which, he lamented, "regrettably could not endure owing to internal differences."

"This was the very unity envisioned by the PAGD, yet the opportunity has not passed us by," Shah remarked. "A consensus on these issues, and the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, remains attainable provided our intentions are sincere and in consonance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

Turning his attention to the BJP, Shah censured party leaders who have contested the demand for the restoration of J&K's special status even as the same party moves to extend safeguards under Article 371 to Ladakh.

"Why this duplicity?" he questioned. "Jammu and Kashmir merits the very same special consideration that Ladakh, itself a constituent of the erstwhile state of J&K, is being assured by that same BJP. If the aspirations of some four lakh people warrant the Centre's deference, why does it remain resolute in disregarding the people of Jammu and Kashmir?"

24/09/2026

Abrar Qureshi Arrested In Molestation-Theft Case After Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail; Co-Accused Laila Allegedly Absconding

Court Finds Offence Committed Pursuant To Pre-Planned Conspiracy; Observes ‘Custodial Interrogation Qualitatively More Effective’

Srinagar, September 24: An Additional Sessions Court in Srinagar on Thursday dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of Abrar Qureshi, son of Mohammad Hashim Qureshi, in connection with FIR No. 84/2026 registered at Police Station Nishat, paving the way for his arrest.

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Farooq Ahmad Bhat vacated the interim protection previously extended to Abrar, holding that custodial interrogation was necessary for a fair and effective investigation.

As per sources, Abrar Qureshi has been arrested and the process of Custodial Interrogation is going to take place as per the court order.

Meanwhile, co-accused Laila Qureshi has allegedly switched off her mobile phone and remains unreachable, with police reportedly intensifying efforts to trace her whereabouts.

The FIR, registered on a complaint by Ms. Gousai Nabi, wife of Junaid Ahmad Qureshi, alleges that Abrar Qureshi, his sister Laila Qureshi and Tariq Ahmad Mir forcibly dragged her out of her house, molested her, damaged CCTV cameras installed on the premises and removed her belongings. The case has been registered under Sections 74, 324(2), 305, 331(4), 351(1), 221 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The court noted that despite a previous bail order, Abrar neither appeared before the Investigating Officer nor furnished the requisite bail bonds and had left the territorial jurisdiction of the court without prior permission, according to the Investigating Officer's submission before the court.

The judge observed that the investigation pointed towards a pre-planned conspiracy rather than a spontaneous incident and held that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover the sequence of events, recover material evidence and ascertain whether additional persons were involved.

The court further observed that granting anticipatory bail at this stage could impede the investigation, noting that custodial interrogation is "qualitatively more effective than questioning a protected accused."

Relying on the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench ruling in Sushila Aggarwal vs. State (NCT of Delhi) and its judgment in Pratibha Manchanda vs. State of Haryana, the court emphasized the need to balance individual liberty with the requirement of an unhindered criminal investigation.

The court directed Police Station Nishat to proceed with the investigation strictly in accordance with law and ordered that any interim protection operating in favour of the petitioners stand vacated forthwith.

22/09/2026

South Asia Remembers Sher-e-kashmir, Why Shouldn't His Own Land's Calendar?: Muzaffar Shah

Acknowledges Maharaja's place in shared history, Calls for end to cherry-picking of J&K's past

Srinagar, Sep 22: J&K Awami National Conference Senior Vice President Muzaffar Shah on Tuesday asserted that declaring a public holiday in honour of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah is not merely a political demand but an act of civilisational justice.

"Asking for a holiday in honour of Sher-e-Kashmir is imperative and justified," Shah stated unequivocally. "His legacy is celebrated across South Asia, far beyond the Jammu & Kashmir region."

Shah's remarks carry particular weight given his family's deep-rooted connection to Kashmir's political history, as the son of former Chief Minister G.M. Shah and grandson of Sheikh Abdullah himself, making this not just a political endorsement, but a personal affirmation of an enduring legacy.

The issue of reinstating December 5, Sheikh Abdullah's birth anniversary, as an official public holiday has remained a flashpoint since the LG administration dropped it from the holiday calendar following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Despite the elected government submitting proposals for its restoration and today's demand raised by a certain NC legislature, the holiday has remained elusive.

Yet what distinguishes Shah's statement is its rare and refreshing balance. In the same breath, he acknowledged that "historical aspects of Maharaja's rule cannot be undermined also."

"We must recognise and respect our shared history," he said which is a call that transcends partisan sentiment and invites all communities of J&K to look honestly at the full arc of their past, without erasure and without bitterness.

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