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Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s Representative Counters ACB Allegations, Cries Smear Campaign

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Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Mirwaiz Manzil Nigeen, acting on behalf of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, pushes back against recent reports from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar. The ACB allegedly filed an FIR against Mirwaiz and his family over their residence in Nigeen, claiming potential confiscation of their property and eviction.

In a strongly worded statement, Mirwaiz Manzil Nigeen dismisses these allegations as unfounded and aimed at tarnishing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s reputation. No official notification has been received regarding these claims, adding to a pattern of baseless accusations against Mirwaiz, including past instances in 2018.

The statement clarifies that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq does not currently own property in Nigeen. The residence in question was constructed by his father, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, in 1973. Boundaries of the property have remained unchanged since then.

Despite reports of ACB’s actions, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq asserts no knowledge of any such matter, emphasizing the lack of communication from authorities. If genuine concerns exist, proper procedures should be followed, including informing Mirwaiz directly.

The statement underscores the integrity of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and his family, denying any involvement in immoral or illegal activities. They view these allegations as an attempt to discredit them and call for an end to baseless accusations, urging a fair process if legitimate issues arise.

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Authorities in Ganderbal Disengage Two Government Employees for Violating Model Code of Conduct

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Acting decisively against violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), authorities in Ganderbal have disengaged two government employees.

An official order stated that Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, son of Mohammad Sidiq Khan and a resident of Hari Ganiwan, who was working as a CPW in GHSS Hari Ganiwan, has been removed from service effective immediately as directed by the Nodal Officer MCC Ganderbal.

Similarly, another order indicated that Shabir Ahmad Rather, son of Mohammad Sidiq Rather and a resident of Kangan, working as a CPW in GHSS Kangan, has also been disengaged from service immediately for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

It is important to note that both employees were actively participating in election campaigns for a political party, which is a breach of the MCC guidelines.

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Jammu and Kashmir Police Attach Property of Terrorist Commander in Shopian

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On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Police announced the attachment of property belonging to a self-styled terrorist commander in South Kashmir’s Shopian district.According to a police spokesperson, the property of Abid Ramzan Sheikh, also known as Saifullah or Khalid, who is implicated in various terror-related activities in Shopian and nearby districts, has been attached. Sheikh is also known for encouraging young individuals to join terrorist groups.

As part of their ongoing efforts to dismantle the terror network, the police attached Sheikh’s property, which includes a piece of land and a partial residential house in Shopian. Under the supervision of SSP Shopian Ms. Tanushree-IPS and in collaboration with revenue authorities, the police seized 1 kanal and 10 marlas of land (Survey No. 1165) and part of a residential house in Chotipora, Shopian.

Sheikh is actively involved in numerous terror cases in both Shopian and adjacent districts. He is also known for motivating and radicalizing local youth to join terrorist ranks. Due to his persistent engagement in terrorism and negatively influencing the local youth, this action was deemed necessary.

The police emphasized their commitment to taking similar measures in the future against anti-national and subversive elements to eradicate terrorism and maintain peace and security in the region.

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Weather Forecast for Jammu and Kashmir: Hot and Dry Conditions Expected

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Weatherman forecast

On Wednesday, the weatherman forecast mainly dry and hot weather for Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days. A meteorological department official informed GNS that no significant weather activity is expected until May 28, with a “heat wave” anticipated over the plains of Jammu Division.

Meanwhile, night temperatures have continued to rise. Srinagar recorded a low of 14.2°C, up from 13.2°C the previous night, which is 2.5°C above the normal for this time of year in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Qazigund registered a minimum of 11.6°C, compared to 10.6°C the previous night, which is 1.3°C above the average for this gateway town of Kashmir.Pahalgam saw a low of 7.5°C, up from 6.2°C the previous night, aligning with the normal for this famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 11.4°C against 10.8°C, which is 1.3°C above normal.Kupwara town had a minimum of 10.7°C, slightly up from 10.5°C the previous night, and 0.3°C above the average for this location.

Gulmarg experienced a significant rise with a minimum of 11.0°C compared to 8.2°C the previous night, which is 4.2°C above normal for this world-renowned skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu recorded a low of 27.1°C, up from 24.7°C the previous night, which is 2.7°C above the norm for the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Other recorded temperatures include Banihal at 13.2°C, Batote at 17.5°C, and Bhaderwah at 14.3°C.

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Geyser Explosion in Budgam District Kills One, Injures Two

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dead

In a tragic incident, a geyser explosion resulted in the death of a man and injuries to two of his family members, including his minor son, in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Wednesday morning, officials reported.

Sources informed the news agency Kashmir Scroll that three members of the same family were injured in the geyser blast in the Narkara area of Budgam. All injured were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where one family member succumbed to his burn injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Gani Dar of Bada Mohalla Narkara. The injured family members are Zahida Begum, wife of Manzoor Ahmad Dar, and his minor son Ali Mohammad.

A police officer told the news agency Kashmir Scroll that a case has been registered and further investigation has been initiated.

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Mehbooba Mufti Prioritizes Jail-Free Kashmir in Parliamentary Campaign, Says PDP Youth President Waheed Parra

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waheed

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth President Waheed Ur Rehman Parra announced on Tuesday that Mehbooba Mufti’s main focus for Parliament is achieving a “Jail-Free Kashmir and Case-Free Kashmiri.” Parra, intensifying his campaign for the Party President, spoke at several public meetings in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag District.

Parra, along with Youth General Secretary Najmu Saqib and other party members, conducted door-to-door campaigns and met with activists and supporters to convey Mehbooba Mufti’s vision and commitment to justice. During his speeches, Parra emphasized the importance of rallying support for Mufti in the upcoming parliamentary elections to ensure that marginalized voices are heard and respected.

“We are dedicated to supporting Mehbooba Mufti, whose agenda for Parliament includes a Jail-Free Kashmir and a Case-Free Kashmiri. Her vision demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the rights and freedoms of every Kashmiri,” Parra said.

Parra highlighted Mufti as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed, stressing her dedication to justice, peace, and prosperity for Kashmir. He called on the people of Bijbehara and beyond to support Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP to achieve a Kashmir free from fear and persecution, where the youth can dream without limits and the elders can live with dignity.

Addressing the public meeting, Parra urged, “Stand with Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP. Let’s turn our collective aspirations into reality. Together, we can ensure our voices are heard in Parliament and bring about the necessary change for a free and just Kashmir.”

Parra also emphasized Mehbooba Mufti’s solidarity with incarcerated youth, stressing the need to amplify their voices on a national platform. He assured that Mufti would draw the government’s attention to the genuine aspirations of the people and advocate for the amnesty of youth and students to allow them to live normal, dignified lives.

He further pledged that Mehbooba Mufti would fight for the release of political prisoners held across the country, working to bring them back to their homeland so their families could visit them regularly. He noted the significant financial burden on these families who travel long distances to meet their incarcerated relatives.

Highlighting past efforts, Parra mentioned that during her tenure as Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti announced amnesty for 4,500 first-time stone-pelting offenders. He reiterated that the PDP has always believed in dialogue and reconciliation, which have been effective in reducing youth alienation and bringing positive changes in Kashmir.

Parra concluded by asserting Mehbooba Mufti’s determination to advocate for justice and restore the fundamental rights of the youth in Parliament. “She is committed to ensuring that the voices of these imprisoned youths are heard in the highest legislative institution and their grievances are addressed,” Parra affirmed.

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Voters Threatened with Hell by Fatwa if They Don’t Vote for Specific Candidate: Mehbooba Mufti

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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti claimed on Tuesday that certain groups are trying to “intimidate” and coerce people into voting for specific candidates in the Lok Sabha elections.

She accused one group of issuing religious fatwas (decrees) to threaten voters, while another group allegedly uses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to exert pressure.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Mufti stated, “During my meetings with various delegations in Rajouri, I’ve noticed a disturbing atmosphere. Some groups are issuing religious fatwas, warning people that failing to vote for a particular candidate will condemn them to hell.”

“Meanwhile, another faction is using the BJP’s name to blackmail people. We’ve heard that several officers are being threatened with transfers unless they vote for a certain candidate. However, even the BJP knows that the candidates they’re backing are unlikely to secure enough votes to avoid losing their deposits,” she continued.

Mufti, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is running for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat. Polling is set for May 25, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.

She also highlighted the severe issue of youth unemployment in the Union Territory. “There is a significant number of educated but unemployed youth. The unemployment rate stands at 35 percent. Despite the hype around the abrogation of Article 370, there has been no increase in recruitment,” she noted.

Interestingly, despite the PDP being part of the INDIA bloc, the National Conference has nominated Mian Altaf Ahmad to contest against Mufti for the same seat. This election is the first in Jammu and Kashmir since Article 370 was revoked on August 5, 2019.

Earlier on Sunday, Mufti appealed to the Kashmiri Pandit community to support her in the Lok Sabha elections, acknowledging the ‘trauma’ they endured during the mass exodus in the early 1990s insurgency.

She recalled her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s efforts to maintain harmony between the majority and minority communities in Jammu and Kashmir. “I understand your pain. I know the sorrow of those who miss Kashmir. The beginning of this pain was from our home. My father believed in preserving the relationship between the majority and minority communities, and he worked hard to achieve this when he became Chief Minister. I grew up among Kashmiri Pandits and know how crucial it is for us to live together,” she stated during a public meeting with the Kashmiri Pandit community.

“I understand the trauma Kashmiri Pandits face as they wish to return to their homeland. Mufti Sahab was deeply saddened by their plight,” she added.

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Palhallan Pattan Village: A Shift Towards Political Engagement for Youth Release from Jails

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After decades of abstaining from voting, residents of Palhallan Pattan village in Baramulla, North Kashmir, actively participated in the recent elections. They aimed to secure the release of youth in jails.

Moderate polling took place at Government Higher Secondary Palhallan, with many former boycotters turning up to cast their votes. Mubashir Ahmad Lone expressed the need to end the silence and advocate for the incarcerated youth’s rights.

Riyaz Ahmad Wani emphasized giving those in jail a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to the country. Despite past boycotts, voters recognized the importance of their votes in shaping their future.

Ghulam Rasool Khan, a first-time voter, highlighted the significance of these elections for their village’s progress and demanded development and employment opportunities.

In the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency, a historic 59 percent voter turnout was recorded, marking a significant milestone without any violence reported during polling.

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Body of Man Found in Jhelum River near Cement Bridge in Srinagar’s Noorbagh Area

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dead

This morning, officials reported the discovery of a man’s body in the Jhelum River near the cement bridge in Srinagar’s Noorbagh area. Local residents spotted the body and promptly notified the police.

Authorities have retrieved the body and plan to transfer it to a hospital for medico-legal procedures. Police have initiated an investigation, and the identity of the deceased is still unknown.

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Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes Use of Religion in Elections in Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency

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mehboba mufti

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday criticized the use of religion to solicit votes by a political party in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency. Without directly naming the National Conference, she emphasized that the ‘Peer-Mureedi’ relationship is sacred and should not be equated with a voting relationship.

Mufti claimed that fear was being instilled in the region, with threats of hell for those who didn’t vote for a specific candidate. “A party is issuing fatwas, saying if you don’t vote for a certain individual, you will burn in hell and face various misfortunes,” she stated during a press conference in Rajouri.

She further alleged that another party was leveraging BJP’s influence to intimidate and blackmail the populace.Mufti also accused the government machinery of being misused to pressure officers and employees, warning them of undesirable transfers if they did not comply with the directives.