News for 'Omar Abdullah'

Farooq Abdullah tests positive for COVID-19

Farooq Abdullah tests positive for COVID-19

Rediff.com30 Mar 2021

Omar urged everyone who came in contact with his father recently to get tested.

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the transfer and posting of 48 J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, potentially creating friction with the National Conference-led government in the Union Territory. The move, seen by many as an attempt by the LG to assert control over the bureaucracy, includes the transfer of 14 additional deputy commissioners and 26 sub-divisional magistrates. The timing of the order, coinciding with the elected government's wait for approval on business rules, raises concerns over power dynamics in the region.

Omar Faces Protest From His Own MP

Omar Faces Protest From His Own MP

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

National Conference Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, along with Peoples Democratic Party leaders Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, Sheikh Khursheed and others, led a peaceful protest on Monday, December 23, 2024, outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence in Srinagar.

J-K govt restores darbar move practice, cancels LG's order

J-K govt restores darbar move practice, cancels LG's order

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of Darbar Move offices in Srinagar on October 31, following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's announcement to restore the tradition. The Darbar Move, which involves shifting government offices between Srinagar and Jammu, was scrapped in 2021 but is now being reinstated.

Thousands Brave Rain for Jammu's Inaugural International Marathon

Thousands Brave Rain for Jammu's Inaugural International Marathon

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Thousands of runners participated in Jammu's first international marathon, braving incessant rain. The event featured multiple race categories, celebrity participation, and a significant prize pool, aiming to boost tourism and promote a healthy lifestyle.

I won't question EVMs or VVPATs because....: Supriya Sule

I won't question EVMs or VVPATs because....: Supriya Sule

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule acknowledges the role of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in her four Lok Sabha election victories, refraining from blaming them despite being part of an opposition coalition.

If you don't trust EVMs...: Omar slams ally Cong, echoes BJP's defence

If you don't trust EVMs...: Omar slams ally Cong, echoes BJP's defence

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized the Congress party's objections to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), echoing the BJP's stance that questioning the machines' integrity is only acceptable when losing elections. Abdullah argues that parties should not contest elections if they don't trust the voting process. His comments highlight the growing friction between the National Conference and the Congress, their recent alliance partners in Jammu and Kashmir.

Don't fiddle with people's mandate, says Omar as NC-Cong eye majority

Don't fiddle with people's mandate, says Omar as NC-Cong eye majority

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah Tuesday asserted that there should be no "fiddling" with the mandate of people in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Centre and the Raj Bhavan must not indulge in any "machinations".

Pahalgam Memorial Honours Terror Attack Victims

Pahalgam Memorial Honours Terror Attack Victims

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

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.

Farooq Abdullah to succeed Omar as NC chief

Farooq Abdullah to succeed Omar as NC chief

Rediff.com11 Jan 2009

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah is taking over as the president of the ruling National Conference this week.Dr Abdullah, who won the state assembly polls from two constituencies, will replace his son and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as the party's president.National Conference, which emerged as a single largest party in the state assembly elections, is ruling the state in coalition with the Congress.

'Enemies Of Peace Will Never Dictate Our Resolve'

'Enemies Of Peace Will Never Dictate Our Resolve'

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In an attempt to revive tourism in Kashmir after it was severely affected after the Pahalgam terror attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met prominent tour and travel operators from Maharashtra and Gujarat at a Pahalgam hotel on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Farooq Abdullah's message to Pakistan after Gulmarg attack

Farooq Abdullah's message to Pakistan after Gulmarg attack

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said attacks like the one in Gulmarg would continue to occur until India and Pakistan found a way to be friends and that would end Jammu and Kashmir's troubles.

Bring back J-K's part under China's occupation too, Omar tells BJP

Bring back J-K's part under China's occupation too, Omar tells BJP

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized BJP leaders for accusing the National Conference (NC) of insulting Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of the state. Abdullah challenged the BJP to provide evidence of such insults, while highlighting their own actions that he claims have undermined the Maharaja's legacy. He also called on the BJP-led government to retrieve the part of Jammu and Kashmir under Chinese occupation if they are serious about reclaiming the territory under Pakistan's control.

HC grants bail to jailed MP Engineer Rashid to visit ailing father

HC grants bail to jailed MP Engineer Rashid to visit ailing father

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has granted one-week interim bail to jailed Lok Sabha member Sheikh Abdul Rashid to visit his ailing father, under strict conditions including police escort and restrictions on visitors.

Pahalgam attack: Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting of security officials

Pahalgam attack: Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting of security officials

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to review the security situation in Kashmir following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including tourists. Shah chaired a high-level meeting of security officials, including those from the Army, CRPF, and police. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, is the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike.

Fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan sparks outrage; Omar seeks report

Fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan sparks outrage; Omar seeks report

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered a probe after a fashion show in the ski resort of Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramzan sparked widespread criticism. The event, which featured semi-nude models, was widely condemned by religious leaders and activists who accused the organizers of disregarding local sensitivities and disrespecting religious values. The Chief Minister has promised to take appropriate action once the report is submitted within 24 hours. The incident has sparked a debate about the balance between tourism promotion and the preservation of cultural and religious values in the region.

Chelangat, Kibet Target Ugandan Double At TCS World 10K

Chelangat, Kibet Target Ugandan Double At TCS World 10K

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Defending champion Sarah Chelangat and Harbert Kibet aim for Ugandan victories in the TCS World 10K, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. Chelangat is fit and seeks to improve her time, while Kibet's impressive form makes him a favourite. Challengers include Brenda Jepchirchir and Fantaye Belayneh in the women's race, and Rodrigue Kwizera and Gemechu Dida in the men's race.

'Cong must earn': Omar on INDIA bloc leadership debate

'Cong must earn': Omar on INDIA bloc leadership debate

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed concerns about the Congress party's leadership role within the INDIA bloc, raising questions about their ability to justify their position. Abdullah highlighted a sense of disquiet among some allies, who feel the Congress isn't doing enough to earn its leadership position. While praising Sonia Gandhi's leadership, he also criticized the alliance's lack of consistent engagement and called for more structured communication to address potential disagreements. Abdullah's comments suggest underlying tensions within the opposition alliance, particularly regarding the Congress's electoral performance and seat distribution strategies.

New Agniveers Walk With Heads Held High

New Agniveers Walk With Heads Held High

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

On June 5, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment Centre in Srinagar held the Passing Out Parade of its fifth batch of Agniveers.

The Abdullahs have always sacrificed power: Omar

The Abdullahs have always sacrificed power: Omar

Rediff.com20 Sep 2010

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently ruled out the possibility of his resignation and expressed hope that the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers would be withdrawn from the entire state.

Abrogation Article 370 @ 6 Years: Delhi Plays Cat-and-Mouse Game

Abrogation Article 370 @ 6 Years: Delhi Plays Cat-and-Mouse Game

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

New Delhi looks to be testing Omar's endurance with unconcealed glee, never feeling shy to bite whenever a moment comes its way. After all, ruling the country's only Muslim-majority UT/state has been the BJP's burning desire, points out Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

21 dead, 29 injured as bus rolls into gorge in J-K's Udhampur

21 dead, 29 injured as bus rolls into gorge in J-K's Udhampur

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A passenger bus accident in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the death of fifteen people and injuries to twenty others. The accident occurred near Kagort village in the Ram Nagar area.

Jammu erupts over Urdu-only rule for recruitment exam; BJP warns govt

Jammu erupts over Urdu-only rule for recruitment exam; BJP warns govt

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The BJP legislative party staged a protest demanding the revocation of a government order mandating Urdu as a compulsory language for the Naib Tehsildar recruitment examination in Jammu and Kashmir, calling the order discriminatory and detrimental to the interests of Jammu's youth.

Farooq Abdullah hospitalised after testing positive for COVID

Farooq Abdullah hospitalised after testing positive for COVID

Rediff.com3 Apr 2021

Abdullah had tested positive for coronavirus on March 30 after which he was admitted to a hospital as a precautionary measure.

Nabi's Five-For Puts J&K on Brink of Historic Ranji Glory

Nabi's Five-For Puts J&K on Brink of Historic Ranji Glory

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Jammu & Kashmir extend their commanding lead to 477 runs, now 186/4 after 57 overs.

HC directs Omar to pay Rs 1.5 lakh monthly to estranged wife

HC directs Omar to pay Rs 1.5 lakh monthly to estranged wife

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

It also directed him to pay Rs 60,000 each for the education of his two sons every month.

Brush With Death

Brush With Death

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

India Remembers Pahalgam Terror Attack, Pledges Zero Tolerance

India Remembers Pahalgam Terror Attack, Pledges Zero Tolerance

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

India observed the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, with leaders paying homage to the victims and asserting the country's commitment to fighting terrorism.

Omar chooses 'giant killer' former BJP leader as his deputy

Omar chooses 'giant killer' former BJP leader as his deputy

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday chose party leader Surender Choudhary from Nowshera in Jammu as his deputy, saying he did so to give a voice to people of the region and make his government inclusive.

J-K plans 9 new tourist spots; sites shut after Pahalgam to reopen by May

J-K plans 9 new tourist spots; sites shut after Pahalgam to reopen by May

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government announces plans to introduce nine new tourist destinations and reopen sites closed after the Pahalgam terror attack, aiming to revive and expand the region's tourism sector.

NC-Cong taste victory in J-K, Omar to return as CM after 10 yrs

NC-Cong taste victory in J-K, Omar to return as CM after 10 yrs

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is poised to form the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, having secured a victory in the assembly elections by securing 49 out of 90 seats on which polls were held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 five years ago.

People found their voice after passage of Art 370 resolution: Omar

People found their voice after passage of Art 370 resolution: Omar

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Notwithstanding protests by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, he said the first session of the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is "short in duration but historic in terms of agenda".

7 killed after multiple avalanches hit Srinagar-Leh NH

7 killed after multiple avalanches hit Srinagar-Leh NH

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Multiple avalanches on the Srinagar-Leh national highway at Zojila Pass have resulted in the deaths of seven people, including a child and two women, with rescue operations ongoing.

Richest CMs: 931 Cr Naidu, 332 Cr Khandu

Richest CMs: 931 Cr Naidu, 332 Cr Khandu

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The CMs with lowest assets are West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with assets worth over Rs 15.38 lakh, Omar Abdullah, CM of Jammu and Kashmir, with assets worth over Rs 55.24 lakh, and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who has assets worth Rs 1.18 crore.

Not only in Ramzan, but...: Omar on Gulmarg fashion show

Not only in Ramzan, but...: Omar on Gulmarg fashion show

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Amid controversy over the Gulmarg fashion show held during the month of Ramzan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government would have never given permission for such an event in any month of the year.

Modi inaugurates Z-Morh tunnel in J-K

Modi inaugurates Z-Morh tunnel in J-K

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Modi also met the construction workers who worked meticulously amid harsh conditions to complete the tunnel.

Mysterious illness: J-K village declared 'containment zone'

Mysterious illness: J-K village declared 'containment zone'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

In view of the 'unidentified illness' in Rajouri's Badhal village, the village has been declared a containment zone, and the affected families' homes sealed; a few patients brought to Government Medical College (GMC) in Rajouri on Thursday.

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Chief minister-designate Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to present letters of support from coalition partners, shortly after the Congress officially extended its backing to the party.

J-K is incomplete without PoK: Rajnath

J-K is incomplete without PoK: Rajnath

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts to reduce the distance between the hearts of people in Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. Singh asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally, emphasizing a commitment to bridge the gap between the regions. He criticized Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for his remarks against India and reiterated the importance of PoK as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.