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LG vs CM in J&K: Row deepens over extensions, re-appointments

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): A confrontation has emerged between J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the reappointment and extension of key government officials, raising questions about the delicate balance of power in the Union Territory.

The conflict began after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on December 3, ordered a halt to the reappointment and extension of government officials, aiming to bring administrative changes. However, just ten days later, LG Sinha used his authority under the J&K Reorganization Act to overrule this decision, approving:

A two-year extension for Prof. Nazir Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST).

A three-year reappointment for Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, effective from April 2024.

The LG’s move has been interpreted by experts and political analysts as a direct challenge to the authority of the elected government in J&K. This incident underscores the ongoing power struggle in the region’s governance structure since the abrogation of Article 370 and the transition to Union Territory status in 2019.

Sources close to CM Abdullah revealed that he has traveled to Delhi, accompanied by senior leaders, to voice his discontent with the reappointments to the Union Home Ministry. Party insiders have labeled the LG’s decision as an overreach and an attempt to bypass the CM’s authority.

Constitutional experts and political observers have weighed in on the situation:

A constitutional expert, said: “This incident highlights the unresolved tension between the autonomy of an elected government and the expansive powers of the LG. It questions the principle of democratic accountability in J&K.”

A political analyst, wishing not to be named said that the LG’s actions might set a precedent for future unilateral decisions, further undermining the authority of the elected government.

“The disagreement could disrupt the fragile governance framework in J&K, which already operates under a complex power-sharing arrangement,” he said.

Many analysts believe that how the Ministry of Home Affairs addresses the CM’s concerns will be pivotal in determining the administrative future of the Union Territory.

This standoff is seen as reflective of the broader struggle in reconciling central control with local governance, an issue that has persisted since the 2019 constitutional changes-(News Vibes of India)

Uyghur Muslims upset over Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping for his inauguration

Uighur genocide
Uyghur Muslims protesting against atrocities by China. (File Pic)

Washington, Dec 14 (NVI) The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) of Uyghur Muslims has strongly condemned the invitation extended by Donald Trump to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his inauguration as the next President of the US in January, saying the move was an “affront to the American values”.

Urging that the invitation be withdrawn, it said the Chinese President does not deserve to be part of any celebrations but needs to be held accountable for the “genocidal” crimes committed by his regime.

“Inviting Xi Jinping to the inauguration of American democracy—a system he actively seeks to destroy—is an affront to America’s values and a betrayal of the oppressed who suffer under China’s tyranny, as well as the American people who have endured the consequences of China’s unrestricted attacks against the United States,” the ETGE said in a statement.

Telling Trump that “history will judge this moment with unwavering clarity”, it said inviting Xi Jinping “is not just a misstep — it mirrors Neville Chamberlain’s disastrous appeasement of Adolf Hitler, a decision that emboldened a genocidal tyrant and unleashed one of the darkest chapters in human history.”

Insisting that the “genocidal Chinese dictator” Xi Jinping is “no different from Hitler”, it said he “does not belong at the celebration of freedom and democracy” but “in the dock of an international tribunal, answering for his genocide and crimes against humanity.”

The ETGE recalled that it had “commended the initial Trump administration for its historic recognition and condemnation of China’s ongoing Uyghur Genocide in Occupied EastTurkistan” but this invitation undermines that principled stance and threatens to tarnish America’s moral authority and credibility on the global stage.”

Making an impassioned plea to Trump, the ETGE said, “We call on you to rescind this invitation immediately. Honor your administration’s legacy of upholding American values and holding China accountable for its crimes.”

It urged Trump to “stand firm with the oppressed people of East Turkistan and demonstrate to the world that America will never honor genocidal dictators or compromise its principles.”

Since 2014, millions of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic peoples in Occupied East Turkistan have been subjected to mass internment, torture, enslavement through forced labor, sterilization, and cultural and physical annihilation, it added.

“Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the Chinese regime has escalated its campaign of colonization and genocide in East Turkistan into the worst atrocity since the Holocaust,” the ETGE said.

“Simultaneously, Xi’s regime wages unrestricted warfare against the United States through economic and military espionage, cyberattacks, and propaganda campaigns.

“It has devastated America by trafficking fentanyl into American communities—killing hundreds of thousands—and unleashed the China virus (coronavirus), which has taken the lives of over one million Americans,” it said. (NVI)

Message from Atul Subhash suicide: Divorce laws need to be softened, men need fair treatment

By Seema Sindhu

The suicide by Atul Subhash has raised blunt questions on the laws once made to protect women in marriage.

He was only 34 and was driven to suicide allegedly due to the harassment on account of nine matrimonial cases filed by his wife against him. According to reports, he attended 120 hearings in Jaunpur from Bangaluru in last two years. He could have lost his job.

The incident has yet again sparked the debate on misuse of matrimonial laws like Domestic Violence, Cruelty, Dowry Prohibition, Maintenance and Child Custody.

Atul’s is not a stand alone case. There are many men who are living on edge due to false matrimonial cases. Some lose their jobs too consequently. It’s because of such cases that genuine cases of cruelty against wife lose its sting.

In May 2024, the Supreme Court expressed its concern that despite the gross misuse of cruelty – section 498A IPC – the govt has reproduced the section verbatim in section 85 & 86 in Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita without providing any safeguard to the husband.

It is not denied that these cases are filed without any cause. The point being made here is that the reason is not dowry harassment and nor cruelty or violence in such cases. It may be something else – ego clashes, vendetta, relationship outside marriage, incompatibility etc.

Many times these cases are filed by the wife as a preemptive step to divorce by the husband with an aim to pressurize him to agree to unreasonable alimony and maintenance or to delay divorce proceedings or to “teach him a lesson”.

In India, until it is divorce by mutual consent, it’s almost impossible to get divorce – if it’s the husband who is seeking it.

There’s presumption in courts that it’s the husbands who are delinquents. That’s wrong. Times have changed.

In villages and small towns, boys are not even getting girls to marry owing to unemployment and aspirational mismatchs. There are instances where girls have rejected matchs because they earn more than the boys.

The govt needs to understand that when these laws were made, the situation was very different than now. Then women were not equally educated and employed as are now. They needed the protection these laws give. Now these laws have to be made gender neutral and the BJP govt just missed the opportunity in bringing BNS.

The govt and courts need to be reminded that laws ought to be organic and need to be in accordance with times. It is understandable if a not-so-educated women from a poor or rural background comes to court with a dowry harassment case, but is it not the duty of a court to question an educated and employed woman coming to court alleging exchange of dowry at the time of marriage that why did she not raise her voice then? If educated independent women don’t who will? Laws and govt can’t change everything by themselves. Citizens owe some duty too.

Further, it’s unfair to impose child maintenance solely on the husband where the wife is also working. Shouldn’t it be borne equally by the both parents?

The government and the judiciary need to loosen their tight control on marriage if they want to save the Institution of Marriage.

Going forward, divorce rates will increase. It is inevitable as the times have changed and so have the aspirations. We need to understand divorce may be painful but a toxic marriage is oppressive. It helps none. Misuse of these laws is just one part of the problem.

The larger problem is state’s tight control on divorce. Divorce provision needs to be relaxed and made speedier. We must empathise with people with alternate experiences in life. By nature man is a reasonable race and none likes to rock the boat without compelling reasons, barring a tiny cases of wanton people.

Moreover we need to get out of this psyche of “when are you settling down”? Marriage is companionship, it’s not settling down. The women should seek settling down in career, and companionship in marriage.

(The writer is a Delhi-based lawyer.)

Seven notorious drug peddlers booked under PIT NDPS Act in Kulgam, Pulwama districts

Representational Image

NVI Correspondent

Kulgam/Awantipora, December 14 (NVI): In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir Police today detained seven notorious drug peddlers from Kulgam and Awantipora, Pulwama districts under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, 1988.

The detentions were carried out after formal orders were issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

Three individuals from Kulgam, involved in the illegal drug trade, have been detained and lodged in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu. They include:Nisar Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Salam Mir, resident of Mohdpora Kulgam.

Manzoor Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Samad Mir, resident of Tengbal Kulgam.

Hilal Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Rashid Mir, resident of Bungam Okey.

Similarly, four notorious drug peddlers from Awantipora have been detained and shifted to District Jail Jammu and Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

They are:Aadil Ahmad Bhat, alias Taigoo, son of Abdul Majeed Bhat, resident of Tulbagh Pampore,
Gulzar Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Hassan Dar, resident of Panzgam Awantipora, Yawar Yousuf Sofi, son of Mohammad Yousuf Sofi, resident of Kadlabal Pampore and Feroze Ahmad Chopan, son of Mushtaq Ahmad, resident of Larow Jagir Tral.

The detained individuals were found to be actively involved in supplying drugs to the youth and promoting the drug trade in the region. Multiple cases were registered against them. Under Section 3 of the PIT NDPS Act, 1988, a person engaged in illicit trafficking of narcotics can be detained for up to one year, extendable if necessary, as a preventive measure.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have reiterated their commitment to intensifying the fight against drug trafficking and have sought public cooperation in curbing the menace of drug abuse to safeguard the region’s youth(News Vibes of India)

PDP pledges renewed struggle for J&K’s dignity, Special Status restoration

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti today resolved to intensify its democratic struggle for peace and dignity in Jammu and Kashmir while advocating for the restoration of the region’s special status, which was revoked on August 5, 2019.

During its general council meeting in Srinagar, the party reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the “Kashmir issue” through constitutional and democratic methods. “We resolve to reinvigorate our struggle for peace with dignity, focusing on the restoration of the special status that our people enjoyed under the Constitution of India,” the PDP stated in its resolution.

The party also voiced deep concerns over the “rising climate of hatred against Muslims in India” and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take decisive steps to combat violence, misinformation, and the targeting of minorities. It called for fostering an inclusive India that celebrates diversity and protects individual rights.

On political prisoners, the PDP demanded an immediate review of their status, urging the release of those held on “weak or non-existent charges” and advocating for the transfer of detainees to facilities within Jammu and Kashmir.

Reflecting on its performance in the recent assembly elections, the PDP acknowledged falling short of expectations but expressed confidence in its representatives to champion the aspirations of the people. The party also pressed the Union government to address the “disempowerment and humiliation” caused by the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370.

The PDP further criticized the National Conference-led government, claiming it has failed to meet public expectations. It urged the administration to tackle critical issues such as unemployment, electricity shortages, the drug crisis, prisoner releases, and the unchecked exploitation of natural resources damaging the environment.

Reiterating its foundational values, the PDP pledged to persist in its fight for a peaceful, dignified, and empowered Jammu and Kashmir, while addressing the grievances of its people through all democratic means. (News Vibes of India)

Mehbooba Mufti slams NC’s silence, vows PDP will lead the fight for Statehood, Special Status

File Photo: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today criticized the National Conference (NC) for its inaction on key issues, despite holding a significant number of seats, and asserted that the PDP would take the lead in fighting for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, statehood, and the release of political prisoners.

Speaking at the PDP’s general council meeting in Srinagar, Mufti expressed concern over the lack of discourse on these matters. “If 50 members of the National Conference in the Assembly cannot speak about the restoration of statehood, special status, or the rights of political prisoners, the PDP will take up the responsibility and fight on behalf of the people,” she said.

Her statement comes at a time when many political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are focusing on developmental issues, steering clear of topics like Article 370 and political detentions. Mehbooba reiterated the PDP’s unwavering commitment to addressing these challenges through democratic and constitutional means.

Highlighting the plight of political prisoners, many of whom have been detained since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, she stated, “These individuals represent the voice of the people, silenced for standing up for their rights. Their release is crucial to building trust and fostering peace.”

Mufti also criticized other political parties for their lack of will in addressing the region’s unique challenges. She reaffirmed the PDP’s determination to fight for the reinstatement of Article 370 and full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, calling these issues fundamental to restoring the dignity and rights of the people.

Her address also covered broader concerns, including unemployment, environmental degradation, and the growing drug crisis. She urged the government to prioritize policies that address the pressing needs of the region’s population over political expediency.

Concluding her speech, Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the PDP’s role as the voice of the people. “Others may choose silence, but the PDP will continue its fight for justice, peace, and the dignity of Jammu and Kashmir. We will always remain steadfast in defending the rights and aspirations of our people,” she said(News Vibes of India)

Amit Shah to Chair Security Review meeting in Delhi on Dec 19, Focus to be on J&K

Amit Shah calls urgent meeting to review spike in covid cases in Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah (file photo)

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14(NVI) : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to chair a high-level security meeting related to security affairs on December 19, in New Delhi.

Sources this meeting will focus on reviewing and strategizing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the government’s consistent efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. The session is being convened almost five months after a similar review meeting on June 16, underscoring the central government’s emphasis on maintaining a robust security framework in the Union Territory.

Key officials expected to attend the meeting include Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, the Director Generals of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and senior officers from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies. Their collective insights and recommendations will shape the strategies to combat terrorism and address evolving security challenges.

This meeting is of critical importance in light of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. Previous meetings have emphasized measures such as implementing an “area domination plan” and a “zero terror plan,” both of which focus on proactively neutralizing threats in the Kashmir Valley and replicating these successes in the Jammu region. Shah has repeatedly stressed the need for seamless coordination among security forces, rapid response mechanisms, and effective identification and management of vulnerable areas.

In earlier meetings, the Home Minister had directed security agencies to work in “mission mode” to strengthen the anti-terrorism framework, including cracking down on cross-border infiltration and dismantling local networks that aid militant activities. These measures are aligned with the central government’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and its goal of rooting out such activities from the region.

The December 19 meeting is expected to explore innovative approaches for tackling terrorism and ensuring long-term peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. It also serves as a reminder of the government’s intent to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the region’s security challenges, particularly in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape and the ongoing threats posed by cross-border terrorism.(News Vibes of India)

CIK cracks down on terror links, raids in Anantnag Jail, several villages in Kulgam

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of J&K Police today carried out a series of raids targeting District Jail Mattan in Anantnag district and two villages in Kulgam district of South Kashmir as part of a terror-related investigation.

According to a senior official, the raids were conducted following the discovery of “technical signatures” indicating suspicious activities inside the jail premises. CIK teams searched multiple blocks and barracks of District Jail Mattan, (Anantnag district) focusing on uncovering leads related to the ongoing case.

Simultaneously, CIK teams conducted searches in Sonigam and Chawalgam villages in Kulgam. The operations were carried out under search warrants issued by a competent court, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation.

“These searches are a critical part of an ongoing investigation into a terror case. Technical evidence suggests connections that required immediate action,” the official said.

Authorities remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the evidence uncovered or individuals under scrutiny.(News Vibes of India)

J&K,Ladakh under severe cold wave, Srinagar freezes at -4.6°C, Leh records -13°C

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): A relentless cold wave has tightened its grip over Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with falling temperatures disrupting daily life.

Sub-zero temperatures have turned much of the Valley into a frozen expanse, with residents battling frost and icy conditions as winter’s chill deepens.

The Kashmir is bearing the brunt of the severe cold. Sonamarg recorded the lowest temperature at a bone-chilling -9.6°C, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg followed closely at -8.4°C and -7.6°C, respectively.

Even Srinagar, the summer capital, saw mercury dipping to -4.6°C, marking one of the season’s coldest nights. The freezing conditions have left water supply lines frozen and roads treacherous, forcing residents to take extra precautions. Other districts, including Pulwama (-7.9°C), Anantnag (-7.7°C), and Larnoo (-7.8°C), have also been gripped by intense cold.

Known for its relatively milder winters, the Jammu region is also feeling the chill. Jammu city recorded a low of 3.6°C, while Samba and Udhampur experienced near-freezing temperatures at 0.4°C and 0.7°C, respectively. The hill towns of Bhaderwah and Banihal recorded -0.6°C and 4.9°C, adding to the icy conditions.

However, Ramban stood out with an unusually warm 14.0°C, providing some relief from the cold wave. In contrast, districts like Reasi (2.7°C) and Kathua (4.4°C) remained cold, highlighting the region’s diverse climatic conditions.

The Ladakh region witnessed some of the harshest temperatures, with Kargil recording an icy -14.3°C—the lowest in the region. Leh followed closely at -13.0°C, while Drass, known as one of the coldest inhabited places in the world, likely experienced even colder conditions, though official data was unavailable.

The freezing temperatures have severely impacted daily life, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh. Frozen water pipes, icy roads and power outages have become common, forcing residents to rely on traditional heating methods. In Jammu’s plains, the cold has driven up demand for heating equipment, woolens and blankets, while frost poses challenges for farmers, affecting crops and livestock.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that the current cold wave is likely to persist, with no wet spell expected until at least December 20. (News Vibes of India)

Ridiculous rumours in POJK

Muzaffarabad (POJK), Dec 14 (NVI) Some parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir were abuzz with a ridiculous rumour that about 25-30 personnel of Indian Army crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in Hajira area on Friday (yesterday) and harassed some local women here.

The rumour kept spreading even after the POJK Police rubbished the claim and said action would be taken against those responsible for circulating the “disinformation”.

A leader of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), which wants Pakistan to vacate POJK, hinted that the rumour-mongering could be ploy of the Pakistani agencies as the “movement for azadi” is gaining momentum.

“These people resort to such tactics whenever the movement for azadi gains momentum,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Hajira) asserted that there was no truth in the claims made by some locals that they saw the Indian Army personnel and dubbed these versions as “disinformation”.

In a video message, he said the police had spoken to those who made the claims but there was no evidence supporting their statements.

He said there was some design behind spreading the rumour and warned of action against those behind it.

The rumour spread after a man claimed that he saw some women running from their homes at the time of Friday prayers, saying that Indian Army men had entered their houses.

He claimed he saw some 25-30 men in the uniform of Indian Army and fired at them from his personal weapon as they “ran back”.

He even claimed that two of the Indian Army men were injured due to his firing and they were evacuated by others across the LoC.

The man went to the extent of claiming that he informed Pakistan army men close by and asked them to fire at the Indian soldiers but they refused, saying they didn’t have the “orders” to do so.

Several local leaders, including those of National Equality Party of JK and Gilgit-Baltistan, refused to accept the theory that the Indian troops crossed LoC during ceasefire and were fired upon and injured by locals while the Pakistan Army did nothing.

Some dismissed it as a figment of imagination while some others said it could be a ploy of Pakistani agencies to incite locals to stage protests against India.

Insisting that the claims were not believable, they asked for video evidence.

“In the current times, every one has a mobile phone with camera. Did nobody make any video? Is there any video? Please present one,” said one leader. (NVI)

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