Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe Into Kupwara Custodial Torture, Awards ₹50 Lakh to Police Constable

Supreme Court

In an important ruling against custodial violence this morning, the Supreme Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged torture of a police constable back in 2023 at a Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara.

The accused officials involved in the alleged custodial violence must be arrested within a month, said a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, drawing up a one-month deadline for the federal agency to complete its probe.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also been ordered to pay a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to Khursheed Ahmad Chohan, who had sought legal remedy against custodial torture, for the violation of his fundamental rights.

The court has asked the CBI to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the custodial violence allegedly occurred at the Kupwara JIC during February 23-26, 2023.

The latest ruling reinforces the constitutional safeguards against custodial violence that constitutes violations of fundamental rights. It sets aside a high court ruling that had refused to quash charges under Section 309 (suicide attempt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Mr Chohan.

The constable had alleged that he was illegally detained for several days at JIC Kupwara in February 2023, during which he faced inhuman treatment that even included mutilation of his private parts.

Quashing the FIR against Mr Chohan, Justice Mehta wrote in his judgment that continuing criminal proceedings against him under Section 309 (IPC) would be a travesty of justice. The court also ordered the CBI to look into the “systematic issues” at the JIC Kupwara, highlighting the need to assess the causes that led to the custodial abuse.

Omar Abdullah Demands Accountability for Pahalgam Attack That Killed 26, Cites Intelligence Failure

Accountability for Pahalgam Attack

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that someone has to be held responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, following religious profiling.

“Who is responsible for this failure? If it is an intelligence failure, then who is responsible for this? It is not possible that 26 people lost their lives and there is no response from our side. Now that we know that there has been a failure in security and intelligence, someone has to be held responsible,” CM Omar told reporters while calling for fixing accountability for the deadly attack.

On July 10, LG Manoj Sinha said that Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing a transformation that, according to many, is unprecedented even in the past fifty years and is a precedent to the fact that “terrorism will not sustain here.”

He said, “A significant and profound transformation has taken place in Kashmir. I have completed five years, but people say that even in the last fifty years, such a change has never occurred. On April 22, when innocent civilians were targeted in Pahalgam, the way Kashmir rose against the barbarism, against terrorism, against Pakistan, I believe such a moment has never occurred in history. This clearly shows us that terrorism will not be able to sustain itself here.”

On April 22, terrorists attacked a group of tourists in the scenic town of Pahalgam in south Kashmir.

India launched Operation Sindoor early on May 7 and hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India repelled subsequent Pakistani military aggression and pounded its airbases.

India and Pakistan agreed to a cessation of hostilities following a call made by Pakistan’s DGMO to his Indian counterpart. (ANI)

MMU Holds Important Meeting in Srinagar, Reaffirms Unity and Red Lines on Sahaba (RA) and Ahl al-Bayt

Red Lines on Sahaba

An important meeting of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) the representative umbrella body of major Sunni and Shia religious organisations in Jammu & Kashmir was held in Srinagar to address the recent provocative and deeply irresponsible statements made by Mr Imran Raza Ansari, the strong public response it evoked, and its social media fallout .

The meeting was attended by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi, Molana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi ,Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Molana Showkat Keng, Mufti Mohammad Yaqoob Baba and Maulana Rahmatullah Qassimi who joined in later.

The MMU unanimously reaffirmed that the sanctity and honour of the revered Companions of the Prophet ﷺ (Sahaba) and the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s noble family) is a foundational belief of faith shared by all Muslims. These noble personalities are the pillars of our faith, and no disrespect, provocation, or disparagement towards them will be tolerated from any quarter.

While acknowledging theological diversity within the Ummah, the MMU emphasised that such differences must never be used as a pretext for division or disrespect. The unity of Muslims in Kashmir built on centuries of coexistence, mutual respect and shared religious heritage is a religious and moral obligation. Any attempt to disrupt this unity will be met with firm resistance.

The MMU welcomed the principled stance of senior Shia scholars, including Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi, Molvi Masroor Abbas Ansari, and Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi Al-Moosvi, who made it clear that the statements made by Mr Imran Raza Ansari are entirely his personal views and do not reflect the the teachings and ethos of Shia school of thought. Such remarks are strictly forbidden by leading Shia Maraji, including Mohtaram Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Mohtaram Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

To address the matter responsibly and prevent the repeat of such attempts in future , it was decided that a panel will be constituted under the chairmanship of Mufti Azam Jammu & Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam. This panel will summon Mr Imran Raza Ansari to seek a clarification on his statements regarding the Sahaba (RA). It will also summon Individuals who also indulged in using inappropriate language regarding the Ahl al-Bayt on social media and other platforms. The panel will comprise of Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, and Mufti Mohammad Yaqoob Baba.

MMU also urged all Imams, Khateebs, and preachers across sects to be very responsible while delivering sermons and desist from using the pulpit to attack or criticise other schools of thought, and to actively promote unity, mutual respect, and the shared values of Islam. Each group or maslak is free to follow its beliefs and practices within its own traditions, but without criticism or condemnation of others

It reiterated that individuals or group found violating these principles will face boycotts, as preserving the unity and dignity of the Muslim community is a sacred and non-negotiable duty.

A broader session of all MMU constituent organisations will be convened in the coming days to reinforce these decisions and ensure their implementation across the religious landscape of the Valley.

In conclusion, the MMU called upon all scholars, preachers, and the wider Muslim community of Kashmir to act with wisdom, restraint, and responsibility. The honour of the Sahaba and the Ahl al-Bayt is a red line. The unity of the Ummah is a trust we must all uphold.

BJP MLAs Protest Urdu Language Requirement in Naib Tehsildar Recruitment, Call Move Discriminatory

BJP protests

All BJP MLAs staged a strong protest outside the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, opposing the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to make Urdu a mandatory subject in the recruitment process for the post of Naib Tehsildar. The protest was led by the Leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly and J&K BJP General Secretary, Sh. Sunil Sharma.

The BJP MLAs condemned the move as discriminatory and unjust, calling it a deliberate attempt by the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government to ignore the aspirations of the youth of Jammu and other non-Urdu-speaking regions.

Speaking to the media,  Sunil Sharma said that this policy amounts to grave injustice against deserving candidates who are otherwise qualified but are being excluded based on language preference.

“This is not just about language. This is about rights, opportunities, and equal treatment. Urdu is one of the official languages of Jammu & Kashmir, but it is not the only one. Why should proficiency in Urdu be made mandatory when there are several other official languages recognized by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir?” asked Sharma.

The BJP MLAs asserted that they had already exhausted all peaceful and democratic means to oppose the decision. “We submitted memorandums, led delegations, and even met with the Lieutenant Governor. Though the LG acknowledged our concern, he stated that the recruitment matter falls under the purview of the state government,” said BJP MLAs.

MLAs highlighted that the Chief Minister had previously assured BJP representatives that the issue would be looked into, but no action followed. “This betrayal of public trust has left us with no option but to protest,” they said.

MLAs also criticized the Chief Minister for allegedly playing the victim card while failing to perform his basic duties. “Instead of solving the problems of the people, he is more concerned about enjoying the privileges of office. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a fair and transparent recruitment process, not political manipulation,” they said.

The BJP MLAs warned that if the government continues to turn a deaf ear to the people’s demands, the protest will escalate. “Today’s protest is a symbolic message. We are prepared to take the agitation to the next level if the NC government does not immediately revoke the Urdu language requirement in the Naib Tehsildar recruitment,” Sharma concluded.

Omar Abdullah Revives SKICC & JKTDC Boards, Orders Big Reforms to Boost Tourism and Crack Down on Revenue Leakages

Omar Abdullah Revives SKICC

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired the Board meetings of Sher-i- Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) after the Boards were reconstituted recently with Chief Minister as chairman of both the Boards.

CM chaired back-to back board meetings here at SKICC Srinagar.

He presided over the 19th board meeting of SKICC which was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Tourism, DG Planning, Director Tourism, MD JKTDC and Director SKICC.

Chief Minister emphasized the need for SKICC to emerge as a prominent place for conferences and other events so that the SKICC is utilized to its optimal level and it is able to earn sufficient revenue to bear its own expenses. He called upon the SKICC management to employ strategic marketing tools to acquaint corporates and private organizations about this facility which has the potential to be hub of activities all the year round.

CM expressed concerned over under-utilization of SKICC and asked Tourism department to build a distinct MICE brand identity for the SKICC so as to utilize this facility. “It is essential to target corporates, event planners, and government agencies to ensure higher bookings for SKICC and minimize unutilized days. This would help SKICC to augment its revenue”, CM said during the meeting.

CM also called upon making recoveries of outstanding dues pending with departments, private entities and individuals.

CM also called for assigning clear roles to the staff and better supervision to get best out of the available human resource.
This was the first Board meeting of SKICC after the Board was recently reconstituted with Chief Minister as chairman of the Board.

The last board meeting of the SKICC Board had been held in November 2020.
The agenda delved on action taken on decisions of previous board meetings, audit reports, reconciliation of accounts with AG’s office, status of segregation of utilities between SKICC and Centaur Hotel which has been outsourced to Leela Palace & JSW Realty by the UT Administration last year, HR matters and absorption of Centaur Hotel staff in other organizations of Tourism department.

In another meeting, Chief Minister chaired 95th Board of Directors meeting of the J&K Tourism Development Corporation and stressed on the need to increase the visibility of JKTDC assets so that tourists and people in general seek accommodation in JKTDC hotels and guest houses earnestly. He called upon improving the services and facilities in JKTDC properties to enhance the experience of guests so that they prefer to take JKTDC accommodation every time they visit J&K.

CM expressed concern over misuse of JKTDC properties and revenue leakages. “Every single JKTDC asset be installed with an independent smart meter,“ CM asserted, underlining the need to improve monitoring of JKTDC huts and hotels and to check misuse of assets.

He called upon improving the overnight-stay potential of huts in remote tourist areas. CM gave directions to make maximum number of rooms including premium ones available for better marketability through Online Travel Aggregators so that JKTDC hotels and huts are used to optimum capacity. He called for developing JKTDC App for efficient marketing and better accessibility to its services.

CM called for audit of assets to evaluate the lacunae and how to improve deficiencies. The JKTDC management was directed to adopt best practices being followed in the private sector to improve its functioning.

Among various agenda points discussed in JKTDC board meeting, the onboarding of Online Travel Aggregators for marketing and sale of hotel rooms and accommodations, reimbursement of outstanding dues from other departments, revision of rentals of JKTDC accommodation allotted to various departments & organizations, financial statements, unpaid dues of retired officials and action taken on previous board decisions figured prominently.

JKTDC Board meeting was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secy to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Tourism, Industries, DG Planning, Director of Tourism & Managing Director JKTDC.

IBPS PO Recruitment 2025: Apply for 5,208 Vacancies at ibps.in by July 21

IBPS PO Recruitment 2025

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially opened the online application process for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) in 11 participating public sector banks across India. A total of 5,208 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment drive.

Key Details:

  • Application Window: July 1 to July 21, 2025
  • Official Website: ibps.in

Important Dates:

  • Notification Released: July 1, 2025
  • Last Date to Apply: July 21, 2025
  • Fee Payment Deadline: July 21, 2025
  • Correction Window: As per schedule to be announced on the portal

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government.
  • Age Limit:
    • Minimum: 20 years
    • Maximum: 30 years
      (Age relaxation applies as per government norms)

Selection Process:

  1. Preliminary Written Examination
  2. Mains Written Examination
  3. Interview
  4. Document Verification
  5. Medical Examination
  6. Final Merit List

Salary Structure:

The basic pay scale is as follows:
₹48,480 – 2,000(7) – 62,480 – 2,340(2) – 67,160 – 2,680(7) – 85,920
(Increments are provided as per the structure mentioned above)

Application Fee:

  • General/OBC/EWS: ₹850 (including GST)
  • SC/ST/PWD: ₹175 (including GST)

How to Apply:

  1. Visit the official IBPS website at ibps.in
  2. Click on the link for “IBPS PO Recruitment 2025”
  3. Register with your details and proceed to fill out the application form
  4. Upload the required documents
  5. Pay the application fee online
  6. Submit the application and download a copy for future reference

Note:

Candidates are advised to thoroughly read the official notification and ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before applying.

For complete details and regular updates, visit the IBPS official website.

LG Manoj Sinha Highlights J&K’s Agri Transformation at SKUAST Convocation; Women Shine in Agricultural Excellence

SKUAST Convocation

Emphasising the Government of India’s commitment to developing Jammu & Kashmir as a horticultural epicenter, and aligning with the broader national vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Viksit Jammu Kashmir,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today underscored the dynamic transformation of the region’s agricultural landscape. His remarks were made during the 6th Convocation Ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), held in Srinagar.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was the Chief Guest at the event, which marked a significant milestone for the graduating class. The convocation highlighted key themes such as gender inclusivity, agricultural innovation, and J&K’s growing role as a hub for sustainable farming.

In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor praised SKUAST for its pivotal role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural and allied sectors. He recognized the university’s contributions toward creating a competitive workforce and advancing research in agriculture.

A standout feature of the ceremony was the recognition of women students, who have made significant strides in Agricultural Science & Technology. The Lieutenant Governor celebrated their achievements, noting that women had earned the majority of the gold medals and Certificates of Merit. “Our daughters are breaking barriers and leading the way in agricultural sciences,” he remarked, reflecting on the achievements of female students at SKUAST.

In a compelling address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) as a pioneering initiative in Jammu & Kashmir’s agricultural reform. He laid out the key goals of the government’s agricultural vision, including the transformation of the region into a commercial agricultural economy, the creation of a thriving agri-business ecosystem, and the improvement of farmers’ incomes.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi, agriculture has become a cornerstone of India’s economy, and this transformation is clearly evident in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving agricultural sector,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor also urged the graduating students to apply their education and innovative ideas to drive progress in agri-tech, food technology, and other cutting-edge areas. “Your contributions will shape the future of India’s agricultural landscape,” he stressed, emphasizing that education is a powerful tool for societal change.

Commending the university’s growth, Sinha noted SKUAST’s modern infrastructure and the introduction of new research centers focusing on artificial intelligence, gene editing, regenerative medicine, and other pioneering fields. These advancements, he added, are vital for J&K’s ambition of becoming a knowledge economy.

During the ceremony, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation stone for a new girls’ hostel at SKUAST Kashmir, further enhancing the university’s infrastructure and support for female students pursuing higher education in agriculture.

The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chouhdary, J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, along with other government officials, faculty, students, and their families.

Baramulla Imposes BNSS-163 Restrictions to Prevent Muharram Clashes in Singhpora

BNSS-163 Restrictions

To maintain public order and prevent any potential disturbance during Muharram, the District Magistrate of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa Friday imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in several parts of Tehsil Singhpora.

The restrictions cover villages including Mirgund, Mirchimar, and adjoining areas of Sub Division Pattan.

The decision follows a detailed report by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, which flagged serious concerns over the traditional Muharram 9 procession, scheduled for Saturday, July 5.

The event, traditionally organized by the Mirchimar Mohalla Committee reportedly linked in the past to the now-banned Ittihadul Muslimeen has drawn objections from various quarters, including members of the Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association.

According to the order issued on Friday, opposing groups have raised disputes over the legitimacy of the procession and ownership rights of the Imam Bargah, leading to rising tensions in the locality. Previous confrontations between the factions and recent incidents of violence including FIRs registered at police stations in Pattan and Shalteng have further heightened the administration’s concerns.

The SSP’s report also referred to the Union Home Ministry’s March 2025 decision declaring Ittihadul Muslimeen an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The ban was enforced due to the group’s alleged involvement in activities deemed a threat to national security. In light of this, any public event or gathering involving the association or its affiliates is legally prohibited.

Given the sensitivity of the situation and the need to ensure communal harmony, the District Magistrate has enforced restrictions from 8:30 PM on July 4 to 9:30 PM on July 5.

It further reads that during this period, any public gathering of four or more persons is banned in the notified areas. Processions are strictly prohibited, and only police, armed forces, or designated magistrates are permitted to carry firearms or objects that could be used as weapons in public.

Furthermore, the use of loudspeakers or any sound amplification devices for announcements or speeches whether stationary or mobile is restricted unless prior approval is granted by the District Magistrate.

The administration has appealed to the public to fully cooperate and abide by the restrictions in the interest of peace and public safety. The order emphasizes that the measures are preventive in nature and intended to ensure a peaceful Muharram observance in the region.

Watch Video: Press ConFrence Of JDF Leaders , Rejects G.M Bhat & Abdullah Wanis Video Statements

Press ConFrence Of JDF

Decisions Are Made by Shoora, Not Individuals | Press Conference by Panel Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir

J&K Traffic Police Issues July 2 Advisory for Amarnath Yatra, NH-44 Movement and Alternate Routes

Advisory for Amarnath Yatra

Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police on Tuesday has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for July 2, 2025, in view of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and prevailing road conditions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).

Officials reported slow vehicular movement between June 30 and July 1 due to the breakdown of three heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) and restricted single-lane traffic at Nashri-Dalwas and Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretches.

ID Mandatory Post Cut-off Timings

Commuters from Reasi, Katra, Udhampur, Patnitop, Doda, and Ramban have been asked to carry valid photo identification to facilitate smooth movement after the cut-off timing from Jammu and Udhampur.

Daytime Travel Recommended

Passengers and light motor vehicle (LMV) operators have been advised to travel during daylight hours on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, particularly due to risks of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.

Guidelines for Goods and Perishable Carriers

Goods carriers transporting perishable items or livestock are advised to adhere to traffic advisories issued by the Traffic Police. Due to narrow lanes and poor road conditions in certain stretches, vehicles should be properly loaded, roadworthy, and fueled sufficiently for the journey.

Fruit growers and load carriers moving produce from the Valley to Jammu must ensure that vehicles are parked and loaded before 9:00 AM at designated points between NAVYUG Tunnel and Levdoora.

Dhar Road Access for Specific HMVs

Only HMVs with 6 or 10 tyres will be permitted to use the Dhar road route.

Traffic Plan for July 2

Subject to favorable weather and road conditions, SANJY convoys, LMVs, private cars, and passenger vehicles will be allowed from both directions on NH-44—Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa. However, movement of HMVs will continue on alternate days, and will be cleared only after coordination between Traffic Control Units (TCU) in Jammu, Srinagar, and Ramban.

Cut-off Timings for LMVs/Passenger Vehicles (July 2):

Nagrota (Jammu) to Srinagar: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Jakheni (Udhampur) to Srinagar: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Qazigund to Jammu: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM

No vehicle will be allowed before or after the specified cut-off timings.

Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs)

HMVs will be allowed from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar based on real-time traffic and weather conditions. No HMV will be allowed to move after 7:00 PM. Coordination will be ensured between TCU Udhampur and TCU Ramban.

To ensure smooth transit of essential goods, the UT administration has directed all fuel tankers, LPG carriers, FCI vehicles, and empty trucks up to 10 tyres to return to Jammu via the Mughal Road, not NH-44.

Updates on Alternate Routes:

Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road (NH-244):

Subject to clearance from NHIDCL and good weather, LMVs and High Powered Small Vehicles (HPSVs) will be permitted from both directions between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM (Parana to Anantnag) and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Daksum to Kishtwar). No HMV, except designated HPSVs, will be permitted as per recent SDM orders.

Mughal Road:

With clearance from GREF, LMVs and private vehicles will be allowed in both directions on the Mughal Road. Local livestock-carrying HMVs (up to 6 tyres) will be permitted from Poonch to Shopian between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM as per the District Magistrate’s order.

Public Advisory:

The general public is advised to confirm road status before travel by contacting the following Traffic Control Units:

Jammu: 0191-2459048 / 2740550 / 9419147732 / 103

Srinagar: 0194-2450022 / 2485396 / 18001807091 / 103

Ramban: 9419993745 / 18001807043

Udhampur: 8491928625

PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100

PCR Kargil: 9541902330 / 9541902331

Travelers are urged to remain cautious, follow advisory instructions, and avoid unnecessary halts, especially in landslide or shooting stone-prone areas.