Warns of ripple effect on all sectors
KS News Desk
Srinagar, March 8: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the newly presented budget by the Omar Abdullah-led government saying that budget has nothing substantial to offer for common masses.
Addressing media persons, State Secretary AIP Sheikh Ashiq termed the budget an anti-people and hollow budget, offering nothing substantial for the common masses, industries, commerce, traders or transporters.
Sheikh Ashiq warned that any move to increase petrol, diesel prices, or impose a five percent hike in taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) would be met with strong political resistance, as it will have a cascading effect on all sectors and burden every citizen.
Sheikh Ashiq highlighted that despite tall claims, the budget fails to address key concerns.
"There is no mention of welfare measures for industries and commerce. It is an empty budget," he said.
He said the promise of 200 free electricity units and 12 LPG cylinders has been completely ignored.
"Even the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, who are very few in number, will see limited benefit that too with the condition," he said.
Expressing disappointment over the government's apathy towards struggling industrialists, Ashiq said there was no word for those industrialists whose units have been sick for several years.
"The long-pending allocation of newly industrial estates, including Sempora, Pampore and Kulgam besides others, despite businesses paying hefty amounts for the last four years, remains unresolved," he said.
He said the much-touted 'Mission Youth,' which once touched great heights, finds no mention in the budget.
"This clearly shows the governments disinterest in the youth of J&K," he said.
The AIP leader also slammed the government for its silence on the regularisation of daily wagers, contractual employees, Anganwadi workers, Khidmat Centre and vocational trainers.
"These workers have been serving for years in extremely difficult conditions, yet the budget offers no hope for their future," he added.
Criticizing the so-called free travel for women, Sheikh Ashiq said the state transport fleet was already insufficient.
"E-buses run only in Jammu and Srinagar. What about the majority of rural areas. How does this government expect women in far-flung regions to benefit from this scheme. This is nothing but an urban-centric gimmick," he said.
He warned the government against any move to increase petrol, diesel prices or impose a five percent hike in taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
"We have pursued extensively to ensure a decrease in ATF taxes. It was the Lieutenant Governor of J&K who, on our request, slashed ATF tax in 2021. Now, the Omar-led government is set to increase it substantially. This is unacceptable," he said .
He said such moves will not only burden the people but will also trigger a hike in the prices of essential goods and services, affecting every household and business.
"AIP will fight tooth and nail against any such hikes," he said.
He pointed out another "glaring omission" in the budget saying there was no relief for the commercial and industrial sector besides residential sectors especially poor households in the electricity amnesty scheme.
"The government talks about relief but conveniently ignores businesses, traders and industries especially poor households struggling with high power tariffs. This budget offers no respite to them," he added.
Sheikh Ashiq also urged the Government of India to ensure justice for member Parliament north Kashmir, Engineer Rashid.
"Cases were withdrawn against many individuals, including a former student leader and a sitting MLA. We welcome and appreciate this move. However, the same approach should be applied to Engineer Rashid, who should also be released. We will continue our political and legal battle for his freedom," he said.
Sheikh Ashiq reaffirmed AIPs commitment to standing by the people against this anti-people budget.
"There is no reason for people to get excited about this budget. Instead of relief, they will suffer more due to increased taxes," he said.
He said AIP will oppose every move that adds to the burden of the common masses and fight politically to ensure their voices are heard.
"AIP has made it clear that it will not allow the government to burden the people with unfair policies. The fight against fuel tax hikes and economic injustice has just begun," he said.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Arshid Ahmad Malikmalik121arshid@gmail.comThe serene valley of Pahalgam known for its breathtaking landscapes,was shaken to its core by a brutal and inhuman attack that claimed innocent lives and left the nation in shock.On 22 April 2025 afternoon,a group of terrorists in Pahalgam,J&K leaving 26 tourists dead and many more injured.The attack was widely condemned by people across the country with many leaders and citizens expressing their outrage and grief.Even just after the attack the people from every nook and corner of Kashmir mourned and strongly condemned this brutal and inhuman act and we saw candlelight protests from different places of Kashmir in solidarity with the victim families who lost their loved ones in this Coward Act.Besides, we saw some heartwarming stories of Kashmiris helping tourists during this horrific attack.Some Kashmiri Youth took the initiative to help tourists, providing them with medical care and transportation to safe areas.Their actions showed that even in times of crisis,there are individuals who prioritize humanity over adversity.Likewise, Aadil Hussain Shah a pony rider and a sole breadwinner in his home lost his life while attempting to protect tourists by tackling gun men.Another example of bravery was demonstrated by a Kashmiri shawl vendor, Sajad Ahmad Bhat who risked his life to help injured tourists.He carried some to safety on his back and provided water to those in need.Moreover,taxi drivers and hotel owners offered free rides and services to tourists, guiding them to safety.These acts highlights Kashmiri community's commitment to humanity, hospitality and unity even in the face of adversity.These acts of kindness serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the misconception that Kashmiris support to condone violence.Instead, they highlight the community's resilience, empathy and dedication to peace.In the aftermath of this excruciating attack, certain media outlets of our nation,often referred to as "Godi Media" left no stone unturned to sensationalize the stories to grab the attention.They often spread misinformation and promote biased narratives leading to polarization and erosion of trust in the media.In the wake of this attack "Godi Media" claimed that the terrorists selectively targeted Hindus after checking their names.However,the list of victims revealed that 15 out of 26 killed were Muslims, debunking this false narrative.By spreading this unverified claims,these TV Channels aimed to fuel communal tensions and polarization, which could lead to further violence and hatred.This behaviour aligns with a disturbing trend where sections of the media amplify divisive narratives to serve political agendas.Although the tourists who were here and witnessed this attack themselves praised local Kashmiris for their heroic approach in helping them to save their lives.Moreover, the tourists in different parts of the valley are claiming that they are safe and secure.They wanted to convey the message to other parts of India that there is nothing like that which godi media is trying to show through different news channels.They are just spreading misinformation leading to communal violence in the nation.On the next day of this attack,one of the TV Channel of godi media, ABP news anchor Chitra Tripathi faced protests at Ghantaghar Lal chowk after locals said that she was trying to spread fake news about the attack.The protestors including tourism groups,lawyers and civil society members criticized the media particularly for its emphasis on communal issues rather than holding the government accountable.The protests saw slogans condemning terrorism and advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity.The protestors also expressed frustration over the media's selective reporting and the censorship of local voices.From common people to the leaders of the Government in Kashmir, everyone slammed "Godi Media" and hold their anchors responsible for communal disharmony in the nation.With their biased and inflammatory coverage, Kashmiris living across India especially students have been heckled,harrased and faced threats by far-right Hindu groups or even their classmates.From Uttarakhand, Punjab, to Uttar Pradesh, landlords are pushing Kashmiri tenants out; and shopkeepers are refusing to trade with them.Several Kashmiri students are sleeping at airports as they try to make their way home.However,It's essential to hold such media outlets accountable for their actions and promote responsible journalism that prioritizes fact-checking, balance, and accuracy.By doing so, we can work towards creating a more informed and compassionate society where communal harmony and peace are valued.The author has done masters in Political Science from University of Kashmir and is currently a Socio-Political Activist and Chairperson of Liberal Youth Club Soibugh.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
Sonmarg, Jun 18: President Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said that the Yatra should be seen not only as a religious journey but as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of trust, understanding, and shared belonging between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Addressing locals in Sonamarg, Mufti said that Kashmir has always been known for its tradition of hospitality, compassion, and respect for guests. “The people of Kashmir, especially those living in areas like Sonmarg and Pahalgam, have always welcomed visitors with warmth and dignity. This spirit of Kashmiriyat is our greatest strength and our biggest message to the world,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said the Yatra provides an important opportunity for people from different parts of India to experience the real Kashmir, a Kashmir of ordinary people, rich traditions, kindness, and humanity. “The Yatra is a bridge that connects hearts. It should bring locals and visitors closer, remove misunderstandings, and replace prejudice with understanding. Every devotee who visits Kashmir should return with memories of our hospitality, our culture, and the warmth of our people,” she said. She emphasized that faith should become a source of compassion and connection rather than division. “Hindus and Muslims, locals and outsiders, Kashmir and the rest of India, we all share a common human bond. The true strength of any society lies in respecting each other’s faith, identity, and dignity,” she added. While welcoming visitors, Mehbooba Mufti also highlighted the concerns of local communities who support and host the Yatra. She said that the people of Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and other Yatra-related areas must remain at the centre of tourism and development planning. “The people who open their homes, provide services, and contribute to making the Yatra successful deserve recognition and meaningful participation. Their voices must be heard,” she said. She stressed the need for sustainable development that benefits local communities, including improved infrastructure, better connectivity, support for small businesses, opportunities for youth, and protection of the fragile Himalayan environment. Mehbooba Mufti noted that local residents, pony owners, traders, transporters, guides, hoteliers, vendors, and workers raised several longstanding concerns regarding basic facilities and infrastructure in the Yatra areas. She said the pony track in Sonmarg is in poor condition and requires urgent development and maintenance to ensure the safety and convenience of both pilgrims and service providers. She also supported the demand for proper sheds and resting facilities for horses, as well as designated sheds for local vendors who provide essential services during the Yatra season. She urged the authorities to grant necessary permissions and create adequate infrastructure so that local communities can carry out their livelihoods with dignity and without unnecessary hardships. She said local traders, transporters, guides, pony owners, hoteliers, and workers are an important part of Kashmir’s tourism ecosystem and their livelihoods must be protected. “Development should not come at the cost of our environment or the interests of local people. Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and our mountains are our shared heritage, and we must preserve them for future generations,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said the success of the Yatra should not only be measured by the number of pilgrims who arrive but by the goodwill, friendships, and understanding that remain after they leave. “Our answer to prejudice should be hospitality, our answer to mistrust should be compassion, and our message should be the true spirit of Kashmir — peace, inclusion, and humanity. At the same time, the concerns of local communities must be addressed through practical measures that improve livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the people who sustain it,” she said.
Umer Maqbool Srinagar, May 31: In a significant political development, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called a meeting of National Conference (NC) legislators on Wednesday to deliberate on what he has referred to as ‘matters of collective importance’ and ‘issues concerning public welfare.’ New agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reported that the Chief Minister has personally invited all party MLAs to attend the meeting. According to sources, Omar Abdullah has written to the legislators that the meeting will deliberate on matters of collective importance and public welfare. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Chief Minister’s Gupkar residence on June 3 at 10:00 AM. The meeting assumes significance as Omar Abdullah had earlier hinted at making a major political statement after Eid. Speaking at a function in Tangmarg on May 6, the Chief Minister said he wanted to “burst like a cloudburst” but added that he would speak openly at a public gathering after Eid. While the specific agenda of the meeting is not known, the mention of “matters of collective importance” in the invitation suggests that broader issues such as J&K's statehood could be discussed. CM Omar Abdullah had also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on May 11 and discussed issues related to the restoration of statehood, transaction of business rules, rationalisation of reservation, and other key matters connected to public welfare, well-being, and governance.
Srinagar, May 17: Former JK chief minister and President Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti Sunday sought release of prisoners ahead of Eid ul Adha saying it will be the first Confidence Building Measure (CBM). Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, Mehbooba Mufti said Delhi will have to listen to the voice of Kashmiris. She stressed that the solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution. “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity," she said. Mufti said Pakistan must also respond positively to India’s outreach efforts. Referring to the Prime Minister’s past attempts to engage with Pakistan, she said efforts were made to open dialogue and improve ties, but “the response from the other side was not appropriate.” She appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that development alone was not enough. “Development is good, but talks can make you a statesman for peace in the region and South Asia. Peace in Kashmir can show the way forward,” she said. She further said the atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and that the youth deserve dignity and hope. “Hate must end,” she said, adding that the message of peace spoken about by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through confidence-building measures. Calling for the release of detainees ahead of Eid, Mufti said freeing prisoners would be the first real confidence-building measure and would send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir.
