NOK Desk - NEWS Of KASHMIR

3,982 Kanals of Custodian Land Under Illegal Occupation in Kashmir, J&K Govt Tells Assembly

February 13, 2026 by NOK Desk

The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that 3,982 kanals and 1.5 marlas of custodian land in the Kashmir division are under illegal occupation or litigation.

Replying to a question tabled by MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat, the Revenue Department, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the total notified evacuee (custodian) land in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions stands at 1,44,932 kanals and 6 marlas.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to the reply, in the Kashmir division, the total notified evacuee land is 55,960 kanals and 15.25 marlas, of which 3,982 kanals, 1.5 marlas, and 97 square feet are under illegal occupation or litigation.

Regarding the steps taken for eviction, the government stated that the Evacuee Property Department has initiated action under the provisions of the J&K Evacuee (Administration of Property) Act, 2006 and the rules framed thereunder for retrieval of such land.

“In the Kashmir division, during the last few years, a substantial chunk of evacuee property measuring 2,441 kanals, 1.5 marlas, and 97 sq ft has been retrieved through eviction of illegal occupants and cancellation of illegal leases/allotments,” the reply said.

The government added that some evacuee land remains under litigation and further action for retrieval will be taken strictly in accordance with the law.

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International

BNP Secures 212 Seats, Jamaat-e-Islami Wins Over 60 in Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections

February 13, 2026 by NOK Desk

Dhaka, Bangladesh — The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the clear winner in the country’s 13th parliamentary elections, securing a commanding 212 seats in the 299-member Jatiya Sangsad, according to preliminary results released by multiple media outlets and election observers. The figures indicate a decisive mandate for the BNP and its allies, positioning them to form the next government after years of political rivalry and contestation.

BNP’s Landslide Lead

Early counts show the BNP surpassing the majority threshold with a significant margin, winning roughly two-thirds of the seats declared so far. This marks a major political comeback for the party after a prolonged period out of power and reflects a strong resurgence in popular support across diverse regions of the country. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Party chairperson Tarique Rahman, the prominent political figure leading the party’s campaign, is set to assume national leadership. Rahman also registered victories in multiple constituencies, showcasing personal electoral strength and reinforcing his leadership role within the party.

Jamaat-e-Islami Emerges as Key Opposition

The Jamaat-e-Islami and allied candidates have secured over 60 seats, positioning the Islamist coalition as a significant force in the new parliament. Although they fall short of forming government, their performance ensures a robust opposition presence that could influence legislative priorities and national debates in the coming term.

Political analysts say Jamaat-e-Islami’s stronger than expected showing reflects shifting voter preferences and an appetite for broader ideological representation in legislative processes.

Voter Turnout & Election Environment

The elections, held under heightened security measures across the nation, saw strong voter turnout, with electoral participation significantly higher than in some past cycles. Observers noted orderly conduct at most polling stations, though there were sporadic reports of delays in ballot distribution in a few constituencies.

Security forces and election authorities said they were committed to maintaining peace and transparency throughout the polling and counting processes.

Regional and International Reactions

As preliminary results poured in, world leaders and regional partners began issuing statements. Several countries, including neighboring India, extended congratulations to the BNP leadership for its projected victory. These messages underscored expectations for deepening diplomatic ties and continued cooperation on shared economic and security interests.

International observers welcomed the apparent high turnout and overall smooth process but emphasized the importance of full results and final certification by the Election Commission to confirm the preliminary trends.

Political Significance and Future Challenges

This election marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, coming after years of intense rivalry between major parties and an evolving national discourse around governance, economic development, and democratic engagement. With the BNP now poised to govern, expectations are high for policy reforms, renewed focus on economic stability, and efforts to build consensus across the political spectrum.

The role of Jamaat-e-Islami as a substantial opposition bloc also adds a new dimension to parliamentary dynamics, potentially shaping debates on legislation and national priorities.

Awaiting Final Confirmation

While current tallies strongly favor the BNP, the Bangladesh Election Commission has yet to formally declare the final results. Officials are continuing the official counting process and are expected to validate all constituency outcomes in the coming days, bringing final clarity to the composition of the new parliament.

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International

Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman as BNP Secures Historic Victory in Bangladesh Elections

February 13, 2026 by NOK Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Tarique Rahman after the projected results showed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leading to a victory in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections.

PM Modi said the win reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.” Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He added that India will continue to support a democratic and progressive Bangladesh and looks forward to strengthening bilateral ties.
“India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” Prime Minister Modi wrote.

Earlier in the day, BNP said that it is set to form the government as vote counting is underway for the 13th parliamentary elections in the country.
In a post on X, the BNP Media cell said, “The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats.”

Local media reports indicate that the BNP is set to secure a historic win in the elections.
According to the Daily Star, vote counting has been completed in 249 constituencies, with just 50 remaining.

Of the 299 seats, the Daily Star reported that BNP and allies have secured 181 seats, while Jamaat and allies have 61 seats.

These preliminary figures suggest a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
The BNP’s chairman, Tarique Rahman, has requested that the celebration of this victory be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, Khaleda Zia, before the election.

Therefore, they have called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after the Friday congregational prayer.

Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, as per the Daily Star.

Bangladesh ushered in its most pivotal polls as it seeks to enter into a new chapter from the classic ‘Battle of Begums’ era on Thursday.This election feels heavy after the demise of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ban on her nemesis, Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League. (ANI)

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Developing Story

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Opposes MHA Order on Full Vande Mataram Recitation, Seeks Immediate Withdrawal

February 12, 2026 by NOK Desk

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Thursday demanded the withdrawal of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification mandating the playing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events.

In a press statement, the Board’s General Secretary, Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision, calling it unconstitutional, against religious freedom and secular values, contrary to the Supreme Court judgment, and directly conflicting with the religious beliefs of Muslims.

He stated that the decision is therefore completely unacceptable to Muslims. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Maulana noted that, following Rabindranath Tagore’s advice and deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it had been agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used.

He said that a secular government cannot forcibly impose the beliefs or teachings of one religion upon followers of other religions. He added that the song was written in the context of Bengal and contains references to the worship and veneration of Durga and other deities.

“Whatever the political considerations behind implementing this decision ahead of the West Bengal elections, Muslims cannot accept it, as it directly conflicts with their faith. A Muslim worships only One God, Allah, without partners, and Islam does not permit any form of associating partners with God.”

The General Secretary further stated that Indian courts have also held that the other verses are inconsistent with secular values and have restricted their recitation.

Therefore, the Board demanded that the Central Government immediately withdraw the notification, warning to challenge MHA’s decision in court.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released detailed guidelines for the national song Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, stating that when both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed at an event, all six stanzas of the official version of Vande Mataram must be presented first.

“The duration for which the song shall be played or sung shall be 3 minutes and 10 seconds,” the order states.

The MHA instructions on ‘Vande Mataram’ coincide with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the creation of the song.

Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani criticised the Union government’s directive to play all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events, calling it a “blatant attack on freedom of religion”. (ANI)

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Developing Story / Sports

Gulmarg to Host Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Snow Events from February 23–26

February 12, 2026 by NOK Desk

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya announced the dates for the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, which will be held from February 23 to 26 in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. This will be the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.

The first leg of KIWG 2026, featuring ice sports, was successfully held in Ladakh from January 20 to 26, while Gulmarg will host the snow sports competitions. The Indian Army will defend its overall championship title in Jammu & Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The Gulmarg leg is coming at the back of the Winter Olympics, and this is the perfect time to host the Khelo India Winter Games. We had a very successful first phase in Leh (Ladakh) and surely, we will see the same excitement in Jammu & Kashmir as athletes will once again battle with nature and challenging conditions,” said Mandaviya as per a SAI Media press release

“Every season of the Khelo India Winter Games has seen exciting performances and rising competition. In Leh, the addition of figure skating enhanced the competitive intensity, and in Gulmarg, we are expecting some impressive timings on the Kongdoori slopes,” he added.

Until the introduction of the Khelo India Winter Games, winter sports in India had very limited visibility, awareness, or structured competition. Ice and snow disciplines largely remained niche pursuits with negligible public engagement and sporadic athlete participation at the international level.

The Khelo India Winter Games have fundamentally transformed India’s winter sports ecosystem by creating a national competitive platform for both ice sports and snow sports, significantly expanding participation, performance standards, and public awareness. What was once a marginal sporting segment is now steadily evolving into a structured talent pipeline.

This transformation is already reflecting in international outcomes. Indian winter athletes are beginning to register podium finishes and competitive performances abroad, signalling the emergence of a new generation of talent.

Notably, Indian figure skater Tara Prasad has delivered medal-winning performances at international competitions, while the Indian women’s ice hockey team won a historic bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup, marking India’s first-ever podium finish in an international ice hockey championship. The team also recorded landmark victories during the tournament, underlining the rapid progress being made in ice sports at the global level.

These achievements highlight how Khelo India Winter Games are laying the foundational bedrock for sustained international participation, moving India beyond an earlier phase where participation in the Winter Olympics was often limited to one or no athletes. With regular domestic competition, exposure to high-pressure environments, and increasing depth across disciplines, this trajectory is expected to strengthen further in the coming years.

The timing of the Gulmarg leg of KIWG 2026 is also strategically significant, as it follows soon after the conclusion of the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026, where India is represented by alpine skier Arif Khan and cross-country skier Stanzin Lundup, helping to carry forward global momentum, enthusiasm, and competitive energy into the domestic winter sports calendar, and ensuring continuity in athlete motivation, public interest, and national focus on winter sports development.

Gulmarg will feature four medal disciplines, namely Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding, with around 400 athletes expected to compete, and Alpine Skiing drawing the highest participation.

At the conclusion of the KIWG 2025 season, the Indian Army topped the team standings with 18 medals, while Himachal Pradesh finished second, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. At the end of the KIWG 2026 Ladakh leg, Haryana led the medal tally with four gold medals, all won by its figure and ice skaters, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

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News

33 J&K Students Suspended at Mewar University Over Unapproved Nursing Course Protest

February 12, 2026 by NOK Desk

More than 30 students from Jammu and Kashmir have been suspended by Mewar University in Rajasthan after they protested against the university’s failure to secure required approvals for its B.Sc Nursing course.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, 33 students were suspended following a peaceful protest on campus. The students were demanding recognition for the nursing programme from the Rajasthan Nursing Council and the Indian Nursing Council. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Association said that more than 50 Kashmiri students are currently enrolled in the B.Sc Nursing course. However, the programme has not received mandatory approval from the statutory bodies. Without recognition, students fear their degrees may not be valid for registration or future employment.

Students claim that the university had repeatedly assured them that approvals would be secured. Last year, the Registrar reportedly gave a written commitment promising recognition. However, no progress has been made so far.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Students Association, said that instead of solving the issue, the university administration suspended the protesting students.

He said suspending students for a peaceful protest raises serious concerns and appears to silence their voices. He also described running a professional course without statutory approval as a major regulatory failure.

The Association has now requested Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in the matter. It has also appealed to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to take immediate action.

The Students Association has demanded that either the necessary approvals be secured quickly or the affected students be shifted to a recognised institution without any academic loss.

The situation has created anxiety among students and their families, as their academic future remains uncertain.

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News

J&K Govt Says Digital Media Regulation Not Under Information Dept

February 12, 2026 by NOK Desk

The Jammu and Kashmir Government said on Thursday that controlling websites, digital platforms, and online news channels is not the responsibility of the Information Department.

The government shared this information while replying to a written question asked by MLA R.S. Pathania in the Assembly.

It said that the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has created a special Media Monitoring Cell. This team checks fake or misleading news in real time. When fake news is found, the department issues clarifications or rebuttals through official press releases and its social media accounts. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The government informed the House that from 1 April 2025 to 31 January 2026, the DIPR issued 28 rebuttals against fake news and misinformation. Out of these, 20 were released through press statements and 8 were shared on official social media handles.

However, the government clearly said that regulating websites, digital platforms, online news channels, and Fact Check Units (FCUs) does not come under the Information Department.

It also said that all government departments have appointed Nodal Officers. These officers monitor fake news related to their departments and upload details on a special portal for a coordinated response.

The government clarified that the Information Department does not have the authority to impose fines on individuals or organisations spreading fake news.

It further stated that the department does not recognise or approve any private Fact Checking Unit and does not verify or grade them.

Due to the growing impact of social and digital media, the government has proposed new rules in the Draft New Media Policy 2026. This draft policy aims to create a proper system to regulate new media, social media, and print media. The draft is currently being discussed among different departments before final approval.

Regarding cyber security, the government said strong and multi-layered measures have been taken with help from the Information Technology Department.

Security audits have been made compulsory for websites and web applications hosted in the State Data Centre and NIC Mini Data Centre. Unused or unnecessary websites have been removed or disconnected.

Cyber security is being reviewed every month in meetings chaired by the Chief Secretary. An Information Security Steering Committee has also been formed under the IT Secretary. Internal Security Officers and Technical Experts have been appointed in departments and districts.

All departments have prepared Cyber Crisis Management Plans. Regular cyber drills, awareness programmes, and mandatory training courses on the iGOT platform are being conducted across the Union Territory.

The government also launched the e-Security Assessment and Management (eSAM) portal to improve monitoring and management of cyber assets.

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Kashmir / News

KPDCL Announces Scheduled Power Shutdowns in Pampore and Multiple Areas on February 12–13, 2026

February 11, 2026 by NOK Desk

Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the Shutdown of 33 KV Pampore- B.K Pora line will be observed due to which power supply to BK Pora, Khanda, Checkpora,
Chatergam, Kenihama, Summerbugh, Wagoora, Aribagh, Checkpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 AM to 02 PM on 12 February 2026. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Similarly, shutdown of 132 kV ICT-Ckt-II at 200 MVA, 132/33 KV Grid Station Pampore will be observed due to which power supply to Rawalpora, Sanatnagar, Chanapora, Hyderpora, Humhama, Baghat, Barzullah, Rambagh, Natipora, B&J Bagh-i-mehtab, Rangreth, JAKLI, BEACON, Wanbal, Batagund, Aripal, Lurgam, Noorgam, Lalgam, Tral, Tral i Bala, Cheewa, Panzgam, LIS-I,II,III, K.Koot, Marhama, Khiram, Khellan, Konibal, Kadlabal, Shar Shali, IE Wuyan, IE Khrew, Cement Plants, Pahru, BK Pora, Nowgam Railway Stn. Summerbugh, Khanda, Ladhoo and adjoining areas will be affected from 03 PM to 05 PM on 13 February 2026.

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Politics

Saba Bhat Takes Charge as FANS Srinagar Convenor

February 11, 2026 by NOK Desk

The Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS) (राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा जागरण मंच) has appointed Saba Bhat as the Convenor of its Srinagar Chapter (Jammu & Kashmir).

An official spokesperson said that Saba Bhat will spearhead the organisation’s initiatives in the Valley, focusing on promoting awareness about national security, civic responsibility and citizen participation at the grassroots level. The appointment, the spokesperson added, reflects the Forum’s confidence in her leadership and her engagement with community and public affairs.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

FANS extended its best wishes to Bhat and expressed hope that her tenure would strengthen the organisation’s outreach and activities in Jammu & Kashmir.

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Developing Story

16-Year-Old Naranag Tourist Hut Stuck at 70% – Land Dispute Halts Dream Project Since 2010

February 11, 2026 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Minister Incharge of the Tourism Department, today informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the construction work of the Tourist Hut at Naranag, initiated in 2010, remains incomplete due to land-related disputes and site complications.
Replying to question raised by MLA Mian Mehar Ali during the Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session, the Chief Minister stated that around 70 percent of the construction work had been completed before the project was halted.
He explained that the work was stopped following objections raised by a local resident, who demanded compensation or employment in lieu of the land, resulting in obstruction and suspension of further construction.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that the matter was subsequently taken up with the Revenue authorities. A report furnished by the Tehsildar Kangan clarified that the hut is located on forest land beyond the boundary line of the estate of Wangath. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He added that the issue has now been taken up with the Divisional Forest Officer, Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal, to obtain the relevant land records of the site situated at Doshardi Morh, Naranag, and that the matter continues to be pursued.
He further noted that in view of the unresolved dispute and pending site-related issues, no additional funds have been projected under any scheme so far. The Chief Minister assured the House that the exact details would be retrieved and shared once available.

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