MHA: Investigation Underway Into Accidental Nowgam Police Station Blast That Killed Nine

MHA

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday said that the cause of the blast inside the Nowgam Police Station was being investigated..Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a press briefing, Joint Secretary in the MHA, Prashant Lokhande, said that the cause of the incident was being investigated, and any other speculation into the cause of the blast was unnecessary.He said that nine persons had been killed and 32 others injured in a “massive”, unfortunate, accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station.

Lokhande said a huge cache of explosive substances and chemicals was recovered during a probe into a terror module and kept securely in an open area in the premises of Nowgam Police Station, located on the outskirts of Srinagar.

“As a part of the standard and prescribed procedure, the recovered explosives were forwarded to forensic and chemical examination,” he said. “Due to the voluminous nature of the recovery, the procedure was being continuously carried out for the last two days.”

The MHA Joint Secretary said that owing to the “unstable and sensitive” nature of the recovery, it was being handled very carefully under expert supervision.

“However, during the process, an accidental explosion took place at about 11:20 pm on the night of November 14. In this unfortunate accidental incident, nine people have lost their lives, whereas 27 police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians have received injuries,” he said. “The police station has suffered severe damage, while some other buildings were also affected.”

Lokhande said that the cause of the accident is being investigated. “However, any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary,” he said.

Shopian Police Arrest Six Long-Term Absconders Evading Capture Since 2009

absconders

Continuing its sustained efforts to bring absconding offenders to justice, Police in Shopian have apprehended six long-term absconders who had been evading their arrest since 2009.

A Police spokesperson said that After consistent and dedicated efforts, the police succeeded in arresting 06 individuals identified as Ab Quyoom Naik resident of Behrote Thanamandi, Gh Qadir Naik resident of Behrote Thanamandi, Mohd Lateef Naik resident of Behrote Rajouri, Gh Ahmad Naik resident of Behrote Rahouri A/P Poshana Rajouri, Bashir Ahmad Naik resident of Behrote Rajouri A/P Poshana Rajouri and Mohd Farooq Naik resident of Poshana Rajouri.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

These individuals were involved in case FIR No.203/2009,U/S 147, 454, 380, 427 RPC of Police Station Shopian and had been deliberately evading the due process of law since 2009. Their arrest marks a major success in Police’s ongoing drive to trace and apprehend long-term absconders, reaffirming its commitment to justice and accountability.

The arrested accused have been produced before the Hon’ble Court, Shopian, for further legal proceedings.

Police reiterates its firm commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law by acting decisively against those attempting to evade justice.

Red Fort Blast Probe: Accused Received ₹20 Lakh via Illegal Channels, Fertilizer Purchases Traced

Red Fort Blast Probe

Investigators looking into the Red Fort blast have found that the main accused received ₹20 lakh through illegal money channels. This money is believed to have been used to plan and prepare for the attack.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to sources, the accused, Umar Mohammad, also bought large amounts of fertilizers with cash from a market in Nuh, Haryana. Fertilizers can often be used to make explosives, so this has raised serious concerns for the investigation team.

The blast took place near the Red Fort when a Hyundai i20 car suddenly exploded, injuring several people and damaging nearby vehicles. The incident caused panic in the area, and police immediately began a detailed investigation.

Officials have also detained multiple hawala dealers—people who move money secretly without official banking channels—to understand how the ₹20 lakh was transferred. CCTV footage and vehicle records from the area are being closely checked to track all movements before the explosion.

The probe has also connected the case to a larger terror network involving several people across different states. More arrests and investigations are expected as authorities try to piece together the full plan behind the blast.


CM Omar Abdullah Expresses Shock, Orders Probe Into Tragic Budgam Accident

Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday expressed shock and grief over the tragic accident in Budgam, where multiple lives are feared lost.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a post on X, Office of CM wrote, “Chief Minister has expressed shock and grief over the tragic accident in Budgam, where multiple lives are feared lost. He has directed the administration to provide every possible assistance and ensure urgent medical care for the injured. The cause of the accident shall be thoroughly investigated.”

KPDCL Announces Scheduled Power Shutdowns Across Multiple Areas in Srinagar and Anantnag

KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, shutdown of 33 KV SH Pora line and 33 KV Kawadara-Mughal Masjid line will be observed due to which SH Pora, Shreen Bagh, MR Gunj, Kawadara and Mughal Masjid receiving stations shall remain off while power supply to Jamalatta, Nawabazar, Zaina Kadal, Firdous Colony, Zaldagar, Nowhatta, Nawa Kadal, MR Gunj, Zadibal, Kaksarai and adjoining areas will be affected from 11:00 AM to 03.00 PM on 17 & 20 November, 2025.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Khiram Tap line will be observed due to which power supply to Sirhama, Khiram, Mahind and adjoining areas will be affected from 09.30 AM to 03.30 PM on 18, 20 & 22 November, 2025.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Saller Tap line will be observed due to which power supply to Sallar, Kullar, Kathsoo and adjoining areas will be affected from from 09.30 AM to 03.30 PM on 16 November, 2025.

“My Husband Had No Close Ties With Umar Nabi”: Dr Nisar’s Wife Defends Him Amid JeM Module Probe

Doctor Nisar-ul-Hassan

Dr Nisar ul Hassan, a former Assistant Professor at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital and later a Professor of General Medicine at Al Falah University, is once again under the scanner as national security agencies investigate an alleged “white-collar” Jaish-e-Mohammed module. His name has resurfaced as investigators examine possible links between him and his former junior colleague, Dr Mohammad Umar Nabi.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Amid growing speculation, Dr Nisar’s wife, Dr Suraiya, has strongly defended him, insisting that her husband had no close relationship with Dr Nabi and shared only a strained professional association.


Early Career and Long Controversial History

Originally from Achabal village in Sopore, an area once troubled by militancy, Dr Nisar completed his MBBS from Government Medical College, Srinagar, in 1991 and later earned an MD in General Medicine from SKIMS in 2001.

Over the years, his outspoken political views often placed him under scrutiny. At one point, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor publicly described him as a “ticking time bomb” due to concerns over his ideological leanings.


Frequent Clashes With Authorities

During his government service at SMHS Hospital, Dr Nisar served as President of the Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK). His tenure included several controversies:

  • In May 2013, he led a strike during the spurious drugs scandal, an issue that drew support from separatist groups.
  • In May 2014, he was suspended by the Omar Abdullah government over alleged seditious remarks and calls to boycott official duties.
  • Despite being monitored, no formal charges were pursued until he was reinstated in August 2018 during Governor’s Rule.
  • In 2023, references to earlier statements resurfaced, resulting in his dismissal under Article 311(2)(c) for “anti-national credentials.”

Focus on Link With Dr Umar Nabi

Investigators are now looking into whether Dr Nisar had any connection to Dr Mohammad Umar Nabi, a former junior doctor who worked under him for over a year at Al Falah University.

Officials are reviewing their professional relationship, examining whether any contact between the two extended beyond routine academic supervision.


Family Speaks Out: “Their Relationship Was Strained”

Dr Nisar’s wife, Dr Suraiya, has openly rejected speculation of close ties between her husband and Dr Nabi.
She told India Today that:

  • Their relationship was not friendly and remained strictly professional.
  • Dr Nisar was unhappy with Dr Nabi’s repeated absences, lack of attendance, and limited participation with patients and students.
  • These issues led to Dr Nabi being shifted to another ward.
  • She also stressed that Dr Nisar has not absconded but is “formally detained” by national agencies for questioning, along with several students and staff members from Al Falah University.

Ongoing Inquiry

Security agencies continue to question faculty members, review academic records, and analyse professional links within Al Falah University. For now, investigators have not publicly confirmed any direct involvement of Dr Nisar, and the inquiry remains ongoing.

As the probe widens, his family hopes that the current questioning will help clarify his role and separate professional disagreements from speculative allegations.


J&K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Condemns Nowgam Blast, Urges Unity to End 35 Years of Terrorism

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary

 Jammu and Kashmir Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a massive accidental explosion near Srinagar and said Pakistan-sponsored terrorism must end now, as the region has suffered immensely from the menace over the last 35 years.

He said all the political parties should come together to stand up against terrorism so that the people in Jammu and Kashmir can live a peaceful life.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Today, Jammu and Kashmir woke up to the unfortunate news of a blast at a police station, resulting in loss of precious human lives. The blast was so fierce that its bang was heard in different parts of Srinagar. This is another chapter in the violence that has caused death and destruction in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 35 years,” the deputy chief minister told reporters here.

A massive explosion occured on Friday night when authorities were extracting samples from a large cache of explosives, which were confiscated in the “white collar terror module” case and stored at the premises of Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Nine people were killed and 32 others injured in the blast.

Offering condolences to the bereaved families and praying for speedy recovery of the injured, Choudhary said Jammu and Kashmir has suffered immensely over the last three decades because of terrorism.

“In addition to the loss of lives, Jammu and Kashmir saw massive destruction and displacement of its people, including Kashmiri pandits. The Maharaja’s state was downgraded into a Union Territory, its special status under Article 370 gone, and the popular government also lost its power,” Choudhary said.

He said the political leaders often talk about destroying Pakistan and taking back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

“Whether someone takes it back or not, there is a need to understand the pain of Jammu and Kashmir. We have to see what its problems are and how they can be addressed, to benefit the people who have suffered from terrorism,” the deputy chief minister said.

In an apparent reference to the recent unearthing of a “white collar terror module” and the arrest of a group of doctors, Choudhary said that no parent would like their child to join terrorism or turn a drug addict, especially when they have utilised all their resources to ensure his admission in a professional institution.

“The son has made a mistake, but blasting his house meant punishing his parents and siblings. This is not justice,” Choudhary said, adding, “If the children are not following their parents’ dreams, the matter needs to be looked into.”

He said that instead of engaging in blame games, political leaders should rise above party interests and come together to work out a strategy to help end terrorism.

“We want the Nowgam blast to be the last, so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can live a peaceful life and fulfil their dreams,” he said

Kejriwal Slams Centre After Deadly Nowgam Blast, Says Repeated Explosions Raise Serious Questions on National Security

Arvind Kejriwal

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday expressed deep grief over the late-night explosion at a police station in Srinagar, calling the incident “extremely tragic and worrying.” Several police personnel were reported killed, while others sustained injuries in the blast, which triggered fresh concerns over internal security.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a post shared on X, Kejriwal said, “The news of the bomb blast at a police station in Srinagar late at night is extremely saddening and alarming. Several brave police personnel have been martyred, and many are injured. May the Almighty give strength to the families of the martyrs to bear this unbearable sorrow and grant a speedy recovery to the injured. My condolences are with the families of the victims.”

He said the country was still recovering from the shock of the recent blast in Delhi when another explosion shook the nation. “The echo of the Delhi blast had not even subsided, and once again the country has been shaken by an explosion,” he said.Raising pointed questions over the handling of security, Kejriwal criticised the Centre and its agencies, seeking accountability from the Union Home Ministry. “It is important to ask the government what exactly is happening in the country? What are the government, security agencies, intelligence systems, and the Home Minister doing?” he asked.

He alleged that such incidents pointed to serious lapses in preparedness and coordination. “How and why has such a big compromise with national security been allowed to happen?” he said, demanding that the Centre present a clear explanation to the public.

Kejriwal added that maintaining internal security was a fundamental duty of the government and that repeated incidents of violence eroded public confidence. “The country wants answers,” he said.

Meanwhile, at least nine people have died and several others were injured after a deadly blast occurred near the premises of Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night, police said.

Security has been tightened across sensitive zones, and additional teams have been deployed as precautionary measures.

Soon after the explosion, Inspector General (IG) of the CRPF Pawan Kumar Sharma rushed to the site to oversee relief operations and assess the security measures.

Notably, the threads of the November 10 Delhi blast are linked to objectionable posters in the Nowgam area of Srinagar, for which an FIR was registered on October 19, sources have said, noting security forces took decisive action to bust an inter-state Jaish-e-Mohammed module linked to the terror plot.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and cooperate with security forces as rescue and inquiry operations continue

PDP Breaks NC’s Long Reign as Aga Muntazir Wins Budgam Seat in Historic Central Kashmir Upset

PDP Breaks NC’s Long Reign

In a historic electoral shift, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday captured the Budgam assembly seat for the first time, ending the National Conference (NC)’s uninterrupted dominance over the constituency for decades.

PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi defeated NC’s Aga Syed Mehmood Al-Mosavi by a margin of 4478 votes, marking a significant political breakthrough in central Kashmir.According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Aga Muntazir secured a total of 21,576 votes, including 21,565 EVM votes and 11 postal ballots, accounting for 34.19 percent of the total votes.

His nearest rival, NC’s Aga Syed Mehmood, received 17,098 votes, or 27.1 percent.Independent candidate Jibran Dar emerged as a distant third with 7152 votes, while BJP’s Aga Syed Mohsin Mosvi polled 2,619 votes.

Several other independent and party candidates secured smaller tallies, including Nazir Ahmad Khan (AIP) with 3089 votes, Muntazir Mohiuddin with 3030, Muhammad Sameer Bhat with 2534, Mukhtar Ahmad Dar of Apni Party with 1710, Muhammad Maqbool Bhat with 1225, and Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat with 904 votes.

AAP’s Deeba Khan received 459 votes, independent Aditi Sharma 283, Manzoor Ahmad Ganie of Rashtriya Lok Dal 223, Muhammad Shafi Shah of Sampoorna Bharat Kranti Party 213, Parvej Ahmad Mir of the Republican Party of India 212, and Shabir Ahmad Ganie of the National Loktantrik Party 171 votes.

Farooq Ahmad of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (Bhim) secured 57 votes.None of the Above (NOTA) option received 544 votes.

In total, 63,099 votes were polled in the by-election, including 61 postal ballots.The bypoll was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the Budgam seat, choosing to retain his family stronghold of Ganderbal, which he also won in last year’s assembly elections.

Budgam has historically been a formidable NC stronghold, deeply influenced by the Aga family’s long-standing political presence.The NC had retained the seat for decades, most recently in 2024 when Omar Abdullah defeated Muntazir Mehdi by more than 18,000 votes.

Before that, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi held the constituency across three consecutive terms from 2002 to 2014, and NC’s Syed Ghulam Hussain Geelani won the seat in 1996.

This year’s campaign saw a noticeable shift on the ground, with senior NC leader and MP Aga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi staying away from active campaigning.

Political observers say his absence weakened the NC’s traditional support base and contributed significantly to the division of its core vote, ultimately benefiting the PDP.

Reacting to his victory, Aga Syed Muntazir said the result reflected Budgam’s dissatisfaction with the ruling NC.

He said the verdict was a protest against unfulfilled developmental and political promises. “Budgam has sent a clear message that it will not tolerate neglect. This victory is the result of fifty years of hard work, and the people have voted for real representation and accountability,” he said.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti said the outcome was a victory of the people, adding that voters had recognised how the NC had repeatedly failed to honour its commitments.She said the people chose a party that would work earnestly for their welfare and upliftment.

For the PDP, the win carries substantial organisational significance.The party, which previously had three MLAs, will now have four in the J&K Legislative Assembly, strengthening its voice within the House.The breakthrough in Budgam is being interpreted as a sign of changing political winds in central Kashmir.

With a strong mandate and renewed confidence, the PDP is expected to build on this momentum as it prepares for the next phase of political challenges.

Sheeban Ashai Slams Delay of 1,400 Promotions in J&K Higher Education Department

Sheeban Ashai

Expressing strong disapproval towards long pending 1400 delinquent promotions in Higher Education Department.

According to a statement, People’s Party Chief Sheeban Ashai censured deliberate attempt to stall career progression of assistant professors. He said, “It is woebegone how teaching community who are the cornerstone of any nation are being subjected to such blatant injustice. Over 1400 Assistant Professors await overdue promotions in J&K colleges, faculty members who were appointed in the years 2016, 2017 are yet to be accorded their first career placement to a higher grade; a promotion due to them nearly five years ago.

According to established norms a PHD qualified assistant professor is eligible for his/her first placement from Grade Pay 6,000 to 7,000 within four years of appointment. For faculty members recruited between 2016-17 batch this placement was due between 2020 & 2021. However only about 200 faculty members have been granted placement leaving behind 1400 others in limbo.

Such a delay has created a snowballing effect on faculty careers. Next placement from Grade Pay 7,000 to 8,000, which many professors are now eligible for, cannot be processed until the first one is formally approved.

Administrative indolence, bureaucratic insouciance has stalled career progression of affected professors. Where in the world is such administrative apathy normalised, questioned JK People’s Party Supremo? He termed it as an attempt to deliberately demotivate professors of higher education department by usurping them of their rightful due. Why can’t we honour merit & hard work; there seems to enough money for Helicopter rides, golf tournament’s, Paris trips—junkets of ministers.

Why does state exchequer only gets burdened when rightful share has to be vouchsafed to hard working citizens? Ashai enjoined the top brass of Higher Education department to celeritous finalise pending placement cases, ensure fair career progression for aggrieved faculty members.(KNS)