PDP Leader Waheed Ur Rehman Parra Slams J&K Government Over Cancellation of 1.27 Lakh Ration Cards

waheed

PDP leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, on Thursday questioned the Jammu and Kashmir government over the cancellation of 1.27 lakh ration cards

In a statement , he called the decision arbitrary and unjust. Parra said it had deprived lakhs of people of their basic right to food, especially those who had been receiving additional rations under the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES).

He said, “The government must answer on what grounds these ration cards have been cancelled. Were proper surveys conducted, or is this yet another attempt to strip vulnerable families of their basic entitlements? The silence of the government on this critical issue is unacceptable.”

The MLA asserted that lakhs of people had benefited from the additional ration under the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme, which was introduced to fight hunger and ensure that no family in Jammu & Kashmir went to bed hungry.

‘Sheikh-ul-Alam’s Teachings integrated into Multiple Subjects for Comprehensive Learning: JKBOSE Explains

JKBOSE Explains

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has clarified that the chapter on revered Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam has not been removed from the curriculum, instead reassigned to other subjects as part of a broader curriculum rationalization process.
In a statement to Rising Kashmir, JKBOSE official explained that the chapter on the revered Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam was not removed from the Class IX English textbook, rather have been incorporated into other subjects for a more comprehensive learning experience.
“His teachings and contributions will remain an integral part of the educational syllabus,” JKBOSE official said. These teachings, the official emphasised, “the move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to streamline the curriculum, reduce content overload for students, and foster creative learning,” the official said.
Sheikh-ul-Alam’s life and teachings, the official clarified, have not been omitted but have been reassigned to subjects like History, Urdu, and Kashmiri, allowing students to engage with his contributions in a more detailed and focused manner. For instance, his teachings are now part of Class IV Urdu (Chapter VII), Class V Kashmiri (Chapter II), and Class X History, where his role in the cultural awakening of Jammu and Kashmir is discussed in the context of Nationalism in India.
The official highlighted that in the revised History textbook, Sheikh-ul-Alam’s role is explored alongside other prominent figures such as Lal Ded, offering students a holistic view of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the JKBOSE official mentioned that the teachings of other key Sufi saints from Jammu and Kashmir, such as Shah-e-Hamdan (RA), Shah Asrar-ud-Din (RA), and Lal Ded, are also present in the curriculum. For instance, Shah-e-Hamdan is covered in the Class VII Kashmiri textbook, while Shah Asrar-ud-Din is featured in Class IX Kashmiri. This approach ensures a well-rounded understanding of the rich spiritual history of the region.
The decision to reassign Sheikh-ul-Alam’s teachings, the official explained, is part of the broader implementation of NEP 2020, which encourages reducing content load on students while maintaining focus on core educational goals. Additionally, the curriculum revision addresses discrepancies between JKBOSE textbooks and the revised NCERT textbooks, which have also undergone similar content reductions.
While some concerns had been raised following the initial announcement about the removal of the Sheikh-ul-Alam chapter from the English textbook, the official assured that the reassignment in other subjects ensures that his legacy remains an integral part of students’ learning experience. “No complaints have been received regarding the revised English textbook, possibly because his teachings are now part of other subjects, ensuring students are still exposed to his contributions,” the official said.
The JKBOSE is committed to offering a balanced, culturally relevant education, aligning with national standards while preserving the region’s rich heritage, the official concluded. The clarification comes amid a recent controversy over the removal of Sheikh-ul-Alam’s chapter from the English textbook, with several politicians and citizens voicing concerns on social media. Some feared that the omission might undermine the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the JKBOSE’s explanation aims to address these concerns by emphasizing the continued presence of Sheikh-ul-Alam’s teachings in other textbooks, in line with the broader educational objectives.

Masjid Located inside Government Silk Weaving Factory Rajbagh Gutted in Blaze Along with a Chinar Tree

Government Silk Weaving Factory Rajbagh

A masjid located in the premises of the Government Silk Weaving Factory Rajbagh , along with a Chinar tree, was damaged in a fire incident, officials said.

They said the masjid and Chinar tree were damaged, while the Government Silk Weaving Factory remained safe and unaffected by the fire.An official told that a masjid located within the premises of the Government Silk Weaving Factory in Rajbagh Srinagar was damaged after a blaze broke out.

He said the masjid was built by the employees and local people to offer prayers, while it suffered damage due to the fire, along with the Chinar tree.

He added that the Government Silk Weaving Factory was safe in the fire incident, and the fire was confined, preventing it from spreading to the area. “The fire call was received at 06:29 PM, and soon F&ES headquarters and Gowkadal command of Srinagar were alerted and made their way to Rajbagh. Upon arrival at the scene, one wooden structure, along with the Chinar tree, was found to be on fire,” said the official—(KNO)

Fire Breaks Out in Rajbagh Near Government Silk Weaving Factory

Fire Erupts in Bohlagpora

A massive blaze broke out on Thursday evening involving a wooden structure close to the Government Silk Weaving factory, located in Rajbagh area of Srinagar, officials said.

They said a blaze broke out from the wooden structure close to the Silk factory, and the Fire and Emergency department was on the spot, dousing the flames.An official told that a massive blaze had engulfed a wooden structure and Chinar tree, close to the Government Silk Weaving factory in Rajbagh, Srinagar.

He said the teams from the police and Fire and Emergency department are on job to douse the flames.Meanwhile, the efforts are going on to douse the flames—(KNO)

Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Attends High-level Meeting with HM Amit Shah, Discusses Security issues

CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah on Thursday held a high-level meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah focussing on key security issues, particularly related to Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister expressed hope that statehood will be restored, emphasizing that the current responsibility of law and order and security lies with the Lieutenant Governor.

“The meeting with the Home Minister was regarding the situation in J&K, restoration of statehood, …There were talks over statehood to J&K and there is hope that it will be restored. At present, the responsibility of law and order and security is of the LG. I have told the Home Minister that terror and militancy can be dealt with only by including the people of J&K by taking into confidence the elected representatives.,” he said.

Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, National Investigation Agency Director General Sadanand Date, and BSF Chief Daljeet Singh Chawdhary were among the other officers to attend the meeting. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat also attended the meeting.

Earlier on Thursday, Five terrorists were neutralised by the security forces while two soldiers sustained injuries in an encounter in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a post on X, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said, “Five terrorists neutralised by the security forces in the ongoing operation in Kader, Kulgam. During the firefight, two soldiers have suffered injuries and have been evacuated for medical care.”

An encounter broke out in the Kadder area of Kulgam district.Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said that the terrorists opened a “heavy volume” of fire when challenged by the security forces.

On December 3, a terrorist identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat was killed in an ongoing operation with security forces in Srinagar district. Police said Bhat was involved in civilians killing at Gagangir, Ganderbal and several other terror attacks, in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

Longest Surviving Top Hizb Commander Farooq Nali Along with 4 Militants killed in Kadder Kulgam Encounter 

Kadder area

In a major breakthrough for security forces, Top Hizb Commander Farooq Nali was killed along with other four terrorists in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday.

A top police officer said that Farooq Nali was most wanted militant and was one of the longest surviving militant in Valley has been killed in a gunfight with police and security forces.

Farooq Nali was involved in many terror related incidents. He was behind many attacks on civilians as well on security forces, the officer said.His death is a big achievement for police and security forces, the officer added.Earlier, during firefight, five militants were killed as well two army soldiers were injured.(GNS)

SIA files Chargesheet Against Former President High Court Bar Association Kashmir Mian Abdul Qayoom in Babar Qadri Murder Case

Babar Qadri Murder

SIA Kashmir on Thursday filed a supplementary chargesheet against senior lawyer and former president High Court Bar Association Kashmir Mian Abdul Qayoom in Babar Qadri murder case.

In a statement issued here, SIA said that a case FIR No.62/2020 U/S 302 IPC 7/27 I A Act 13/16/18/20/39 UAPA was registered and investigation was taken up by an SIT framed by IGP Kashmir to be headed by SP Hazratbal.

“The SIT conducted the investigation and presented the chargesheet against six accused persons on 06.05.2021 before the Special NIA Court, Srinagar. Thereafter, further investigation in the case U/S 173 (8) CrPC was started by SDPO Zadibal. However, on 20.07.2023, PHQ J&K transferred the further investigation of the case to SIA J&K following which a SIT was formed, which was specifically tasked to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the killing,” reads the statement.

It reads that the SIT took over the investigation and on the basis of sufficient oral, documentary and technical evidence arrested Mian Qayoom on 25.06.2024 as the principal conspirator behind the deceased’s killing.

“It was revealed during the in-depth investigation conducted by SIA SIT that Mian Qayoom, who had an inimical relation with the deceased, got Babar Qadri eliminated through terrorists of TRF and their handlers in Pakistan by hatching a criminal conspiracy,” it reads.

It added that though Babar Qadri was very active on social and electronic media which he also used to criticize Mian Qayoom, he had a premonition on the fateful day itself. “Interestingly he went live on Facebook on 24.09.2020 afternoon, and while denouncing Mian Qayoom for his polices, also expressed his fears of being eliminated at the hands of Mian Qayoom and his coterie. Ironically, few hours later he was killed in cold blood at his own residence,” it reads.

As per the statement, the SIA today presented a 340-page supplementary chargesheet against Mian Qayoom for offences U/S 302/120-B/109 IPC 13/18/18-B/38/39 UAPA. “Further investigation in the case U/S 173 (8) shall continue.”

It reads that the initial chargesheet in the case had been filed before the Special NIA Court Srinagar, however, in December 2023 the High Court had transferred the trial to Jammu taking a serious view of the interference in judicial process by Mian Qayoom as well as threat and intimidation to the deceased’s family. “Mian Qayoom is since then lodged in District Jail Amphalla, Jammu,” it said.

NIA Conducts Searches in Bihar, Nagaland, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir in Weapons Trafficking Case

NIA raids in JK

The (National Investigation Agency) NIA conducts searches at multiple locations in four states in connection with an inter-state weapons trafficking case, the agency said.

According to officials, the searches were conducted at the premises of 15 accused/suspects at 17 locations in the states of Bihar (12 locations), Nagaland (3 locations), Haryana (1 location) and Jammu and Kashmir (1 location).

The 11 suspects whose premises were searched were linked with previously arrested and chargesheeted four accused in the weapons trafficking case, said the NIA.

Today’s searches led to the recovery of a .315 rifle, 11 rounds, 3 empty cartridges, digital devices including mobile phones, memory cards, pen drives etc., along with raw materials and equipment/tools suspected to be used in the manufacture of firearms. A car and total cash amounting to Rs. 13,94,840 were also seized, besides other incriminating documents, it added.

The case relates to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and other prohibited weapons that are being smuggled from Nagaland and other North Eastern states. Bihar was being used as a transit route for further smuggling to other states, and also as a destination for the smuggled prohibited weapons.

Investigations in the case have so far revealed that the accused were engaged in arms smuggling activities over the past several years.The NIA is continuing with its probe into the matter, the agency added. (ANI)

Govt Criticised Over Removal of Chapter on Revered Sufi Saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din (RA) From Class 9 Textbook

Sheikh Noor-ud-din

The Jammu and Kashmir government has come under fire from politicians following the Board of School Education’s (BOSE) decision to exclude a chapter on revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din (RA) from the Class 9 curriculum.

However, a top official of the BOSE has defended the move, saying the topic is already covered in other textbooks.Former Srinagar mayor, Junaid Azim Mattu took to X to express his concern over the move.

“A new accomplishment by the new NC Government. The Chapter of Prose by Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali (RA) removed from the J&K Board English Textbook for Class 9th. And these people will fight for our Tashakhus,” Junaid Azim Mattu wrote on his X handle.

Former deputy Mayor of SMC, Sheikh Imran said the removal of chapter on Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali (RA) from the Class 9 ‘Tulip Series’ 2023 textbook was a direct assault on Kashmir’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

“This brazen erasure under the JKNC government demands immediate accountability, and the Chief Minister must respond. Omar Abdullah Sahib, how many more betrayals are the people of Kashmir expected to endure? We are exhausted and haunted by these repeated acts of disregard. Your tenure—however brief it may be—remains etched as a dark chapter of hopelessness and disillusionment,” Sheikh Imran wrote on his X handle.

“Is the Education Department with you or not? Or are they still deciding mid-step-because, Omar Abdullah Sahib, your backtracking skills could probably win gold at the – Reverse Olympics,” he asked.

A top official in the School Education Department (SED) told Greater Kashmir that any changes made in the textbook are approved by the Director Academics.

“The board has a team of subject experts for every subject and they suggest changes in terms of addition or deletion of any chapter in any textbook. The suggestions are submitted to Director Academics for approval,” the official told Greater Kashmir.

Director Academics, JKBOSE, Dr. Sudhir Singh who is the concerned authority over the issue said the same topic was covered in other textbooks.“This topic is covered in other books viz English Literature, SST Kashmiri, Urdu,” the director Academics JKBOSE told Greater Kashmir.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Expresses Grief over Kathua Fire tragedy,Assures Best Treatment For injured

Omar Abdullah Calls for Statehood

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of six lives in a devastating fire incident in Kathua district.In his condolence message, the Chief Minister described the incident as deeply painful,particularly as it claimed the lives of six people and injuring another four.

“It is heartbreaking to learn about this tragedy where six precious lives were lost. I pray for eternal peace to the departed souls and for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for strength and forbearance to help them endure this difficult time.The fire, which broke out early Wednesday morning in a rented accommodation, led to the death of six individuals, including two minors, due to suffocation.

The victims were rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Kathua, where they were declared ‘brought dead.’Four others injured in the incident are currently undergoing treatment.

The Chief Minister assured that the best possible medical care is being provided to the injured.“I have directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the injured receive best possible treatment for a smooth recovery,” he said.