Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to split the National Conference. He alleged that the BJP is using financial incentives and promises of ministerial berths and statehood to lure his MLAs, with one MLA reportedly offered up to Rs 30 crore. Abdullah asserted that his party's legislators would not compromise their integrity.
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has served a legal notice to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding a retraction and public apology for his allegations that the BJP attempted to bribe National Conference legislators to destabilise his government. The BJP has called the claims "false, baseless and defamatory" and warned of civil and criminal proceedings, including a Rs 100 crore defamation suit, if their demands are not met within seven days.
The Supreme Court has agreed to dissolve the marriage of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife Payal Abdullah. The decision came after both parties submitted an application under Article 142 of the Constitution, indicating a settlement and mutual agreement to end their marriage, overturning previous lower court rulings that had denied the divorce.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah surprised attendees at the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament in Srinagar by spontaneously singing the iconic Lata Mangeshkar song "Lag ja gale". His impromptu performance drew significant applause. Later, Abdullah addressed the audience, commending golfers and urging youth to work hard and avoid alcohol to achieve sporting excellence. He also mentioned government support for improving the Royal Springs Golf Course.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a fabricated social media post attributed to former US President Donald Trump, captioned 'If only!', to highlight his demand for the restoration of J&K's statehood, drawing significant criticism online.
BJP spokesman Sajid Yousuf Shah claimed he was asked to leave a hotel in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar due to his "Kashmiri identity." Shah expressed sadness over the incident, highlighting persistent stereotypes despite efforts to strengthen bonds between Jammu & Kashmir and India. The National Conference criticised the BJP, stating the incident reflects the "politics of hatred" propagated by the party.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a charge sheet against six Kashmiri separatist leaders, including Shabir Ahmad Shah, for allegedly instigating large-scale mob violence against police personnel during the funeral procession of a slain terrorist in Srinagar nearly three decades ago.
Incessant overnight rainfall has triggered severe flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, resulting in at least eight fatalities and six people missing, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cut short his Delhi visit to personally monitor the situation.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led his party MLAs and supporting independents to an off-site meeting, reportedly at Dachigam National Park, amidst claims by the Leader of Opposition that several ruling party MLAs were on the verge of defecting.
A labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed and another injured in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident involved assailants targeting non-local workers, highlighting a recurring pattern of violence in the region.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.
Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat issued a stern warning to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti for 'pumping narcotics' into India, vowing to dismantle his network.
The National Conference, which is emerging as the single largest party in a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, has made a clean sweep of the eight constituencies in Srinagar. Considered to be stronghold of the separatists, the city recorded 20 per cent polling in the final phase of elections held on December 24.
The State Investigation Agency of the Jammu and Kashmir Police raided the office of the Kashmir Times in Jammu for allegedly promoting activities against the country and recovered ammunition.
A source at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has expressed significant concerns regarding players competing in the Indian Premier League while injured, attributing this to franchise and financial pressures, which subsequently complicates their rehabilitation and return to international cricket.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has urged India's youth to dedicate themselves entirely to national interest, rising above personal gains to capitalise on the current 'window of opportunity' for building a stronger nation. He emphasised that true freedom is not merely doing what one wants, but involves commitment and sacrifice for the country's progress.
Union minister J P Nadda on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of playing politics over the NEET paper leak and urged the Opposition to allow an "intensive" discussion on the issue in Parliament to find a "permanent solution" to the problem, instead of indulging in a blame game.
Subedar Hokato Sema lost his leg in a mine blast on the Line of Control. Today he is a champion para shot-putter and among the most decorated para soldier-athletes.
Political parties and residents in Jammu and Kashmir celebrate the Union territory's Ranji team's first-ever title win, praising the team's resilience and unity.
A 15-year-old girl was found dead in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a police investigation and murder allegations from her family.
A suspected operative of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was arrested in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district, and investigators believe he could be part of an ISI-backed network tasked with collecting intelligence on VIPs including BJP leaders, recruiting operatives and laying the groundwork for possible terror activities in the state.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah refused to cut a ribbon with tricolour stripes at an event, opting instead to untie it and hand it back to organisers, sparking widespread praise and debate.
Mantoo said the decision to meet the Abdullahs was taken at an emergent meeting of senior functionaries and district presidents of the Jammu Province two days ago, soon after restrictions on the movement of Jammu-based National Conference leaders were lifted.
Visuals of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah scaling the gate of the Naqshband Sahib graveyard and jostling with securitymen deployed there have gone viral.
A 25-year-old man is missing after allegedly being assaulted in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, sparking outrage and prompting a police investigation.
The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the low conviction rates under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), noting that over 90 per cent of trials result in acquittals. The observations were made while granting bail to an accused in a narco-terrorism case.
Leaders from several opposition parties within the INDIA bloc convened in New Delhi, stressing the critical need for unity to safeguard democratic values and address pressing issues like people's livelihoods, despite recent internal differences and electoral setbacks.
A 25-year-old man is missing after allegedly being assaulted by a group in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, sparking outrage and a search operation.
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumously, to personnel of the armed forces displaying raw courage, unparalleled bravery and total disregard for personal safety in the line of duty.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the importance of executing the country's 10-year roadmap to become a global sporting powerhouse during the Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar. The event saw participation from state sports ministers and eminent sports personalities, focusing on active implementation and grassroots development.
The President's rule imposed in undivided Jammu and Kashmir was revoked on Thursday following the state's bifurcation into Union Territories, but the central rule will continue for an indefinite period through the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
Veteran politician Farooq Abdullah survived an assassination attempt during a marriage function in Jammu. Security concerns have been raised following the incident.
A memorial has been erected in Pahalgam to honour the victims of a terror attack last year. Security has been increased across Kashmir ahead of the anniversary.
Fresh findings suggest pesticide compounds and elevated cadmium levels may be linked to the deaths of 17 people in a remote village in Rajouri district.
The chief opposition in the state, the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party has breached the stronghold of National Conference in prestigious Srinagar Parliamentary constituency by gaining a lead in five seats with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah trailing in Sonawar seat.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has voiced his concern over the escalating violence in West Asia, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives.
Mehbooba was addressing a joint press conference with Omar Abdullah and Hurriyat Conference Chief Mirwaiz Umer Farooq on the sidelines of the Hindustan Times Summit.
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma has alleged that the drug menace in the region is sustained by political and police patronage, calling for accountability and stronger enforcement.
