Speaking to reporters, Itoo said Nadda had indicated that the institute would offer 100 MBBS seats, instead of the earlier proposed 50, with the first batch expected to commence academic activities soon.

She said the commencement of OPD services at AIIMS Awantipora was equally important, as it would significantly improve patient care and provide relief to people in the region.

Itoo said the Union Health Minister had stressed the need to make the institute functional at the earliest during the review.

She added that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had visited the institute several times over the past two years, and she had also accompanied him during some of these visits to review its progress.

The Health Minister expressed hope that AIIMS Awantipora would become operational soon, strengthening healthcare facilities and improving access to medical services for patients in the region.

As per the latest weather forecast, November 6 to 9 is likely to remain generally dry across Jammu and Kashmir.

However, generally cloudy weather is expected on November 10 and 11, with a spell of light to moderate rain in plains and light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches at scattered to many places from the evening of November 10.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has advised farmers to continue harvesting and other agricultural activities till November 10 and ensure safe storage of harvested crops.

Travellers and transporters have also been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow the traffic advisory issued by the concerned authorities.

The case originated from a written complaint lodged by Mehraj-ud-Din Sheikh son of Abdul Rasheed Sheikh resident of Jeel Mohalla, Singhpora, who reported that during the intervening night of 30/31-10-2026, unknown thief/thieves had trespassed into his residential house and stolen some gold ornaments and cash. Acting on the complaint, Police Station Pattan registered a case and initiated an investigation.

During the course of investigation, Police Post Mirgund, through swift and effective investigative efforts, identified one suspect, namely Azad Ahmad Hajjam son of Mukhtar Ahmad Hajjam resident of Khushbahar Colony, Singhpora, as being involved in the commission of the offence.

During questioning, the accused disclosed the whereabouts of the stolen property, following which some gold ornaments and cash were recovered from the spot identified by him. The recovered property was seized as evidence, and the accused was arrested in connection with the case.

Police reiterates its firm commitment to protecting the life and property of citizens and taking decisive action against those involved in criminal activities.

As per GNS, the election took place during a meeting of the Electoral College of the party, where a single proposal was put forward for the post of president.

Senior party leader Abdul Rehman Veeri proposed the name of Mehbooba Mufti for the post of party president.

The proposal was seconded by senior leader Khursheed Alam, who urged all members to support it wholeheartedly.

The presiding officer then sought the opinion of the Electoral College members and asked if any other candidate wanted to contest for the post. As no other name came forward, the members unanimously approved Mehbooba Mufti’s name by raising their hands.

The members later signed the proposal papers one by one, completing the formal election process.

A large number of party leaders, workers and Electoral College members were present on the occasion.(GNS)

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a complaint was received from a man alleging that four persons had cheated him by posing as officers of the Cyber Crime Department.

He said the accused fraudulently took rupees 50,000 from the complainant.

The official said an FIR (No. 139/2026) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Police Station Batmaloo and further investigation is underway.—(KNO)

Ruhullah, who announced his resignation from the National Conference and from his Srinagar Lok Sabha seat at a public rally in Budgam on November 3, also dismissed BJP leader Ram Madhav’s remarks that his rally was held with the blessings of BJP supporters, saying he had no association with him.

“My confrontation with the National Conference was because the National Conference surrendered before the BJP, and I will not let this surrender be normalised,” Ruhullah told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS).

Asked about Madhav’s claim, the Srinagar MP said, “I don’t know Ram Madhav. May Allah protect me from dealing with such people.”

He asked the NC leadership to explain Madhav’s statement, suggesting they might be better placed to clarify it. “Ask them. Maybe they have called Ram Madhav themselves. They will know more because they must have spoken to him,” he said.

Asserting that no intervention by BJP leaders would persuade him to accept the prevailing political status quo in Jammu and Kashmir, Ruhullah said, No matter how many Ram Madhavs come to help them or save them, no matter how many BJP leaders come to their rescue, I will not let this status quo be normalised.

He said the BJP’s policies, its approach towards Jammu and Kashmir and its aggressive handling of the region would continue to face opposition. The BJP, its policies, its aggression and its degradation and handling of this state will not go unchallenged. It will be challenged, he said.

The row intensified after Madhav, during a visit to Jammu on November 3, said Ruhullah was holding the Budgam rally with the blessings of our people, while describing the NC as a visibly divided party. Madhav, however, maintained that the BJP had no involvement in the internal affairs of the ruling party.

The NC subsequently criticised Ruhullah over his resignation, accusing him of turning against the party after benefiting from its political platform.

Ruhullah, elected to the Lok Sabha from Srinagar in the 2024 general elections on an NC ticket, had been associated with the party for nearly 24 years. He had accused the NC leadership, particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, of abandoning key electoral commitments, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

He has indicated that his future political course would focus on building a broader movement for the restoration of the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)

The Lieutenant Governor set a six-month deadline for Universities in Jammu Kashmir to roll out the “Design Your Degree” program

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 04: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of Jammu Kashmir Higher Education Council (JKHEC), at Lok Bhavan.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah; Minister for School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Jal Shakti Department, Ms. Shamim Firdous; Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council, Prof. Dinesh Singh; Acting Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Shri Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Shri Govind Jaiswal; Commissioner Secretary; Higher Education Department, Shri Ram Niwas Sharma; Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai; VC Kashmir University, Prof. Nilofer Khan; VC, IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo; VC SMVDU, Prof. Pragati Kumar; VC SKUAST Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai; VC SKUAST Jammu, Prof. BN Tripathi; VC Central University of Kashmir, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath; VC Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain; VC BGSBU, Prof. Jawaid Iqbal; VC Cluster University Jammu, Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar; VC Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin; Director IIT Jammu, Prof Manoj Singh Gaur; Director IIM Jammu, Prof. B.S. Sahay; Director NIT Srinagar, Prof Anurag Misra; Prof Kavi Arya from IIT Bombay; Director, Cluster Innovation Centre Delhi University, Ms Shobha Bagai, and other members.

The Council met under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor to chart a forward-looking roadmap for higher education. Discussions focussed on advancing academic excellence, fostering a culture of research and innovation, and strategically aligning institutions to meet future challenges and leverage emerging opportunities.

The key agendas included sharing of academic credit and resources and recasting UG and PG programmes in the light of Design Your Degree and National Education Policy 2020. The meeting further discussed the modalities to set up a Task Force for integrating AI (Machine Learning, Deep Learning) and Data science into UG and PG programmes.

To drive academic reform, the Lieutenant Governor set a six-month deadline for universities in Jammu Kashmir to roll out the “Design Your Degree” program. Emphasising a spirit of collaboration, he urged institutions to share academic credits, research laboratories, and resources.

“Transforming higher education in Jammu Kashmir into a comprehensive, holistic, and visionary system is a shared responsibility. The time has now come to translate Higher Education Council initiatives into tangible achievements, while ensuring that every student benefits from outcome-oriented asset utilization,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Stressing the need for stronger intra-university collaboration, the Lieutenant Governor noted that successful implementation relies on deep-rooted institutional reform and a solid long-term strategy.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the integration of artificial intelligence and modern technology into learning programmes, stressing the need to pioneer frontier technologies. He also highlighted that these programs must incorporate local languages and cultures.

Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, JKHEC called for policy directives to align undergraduate and postgraduate curricula with the ‘Design Your Degree’ framework.

Vice Chancellors and members of the Council shared their inputs for advancing the DYD program and NEP 2020 interventions.

The Council also reviewed the progress of ongoing Higher Education initiatives, Engineering Kitchens and Entrepreneurship programmes, and Budgetary outlay and Reform of the Fund Allocation Mechanism.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Khanda Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Wanpora, Khanda, Sanzipora, Magraypora, Kuzwaira, Gowharpora, Kultreh, Barigound, Bharampora, Wadipora and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 am to 12 pm on 7 November 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 kV Awantipora-Sangam (Sangam-1st) line will be observed due to which power supply to Mehand, Khiram, Sirhama, Nowshera, Marhama, Sangam, Halmullag and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 am to 03 pm on 5 November 2026.

Furthermore, shutdown of 33 kV Bemina-Fatehkadal line and 33 kV Bemina-Barbarshah line will be observed due to which power supply to K.K Moulla, Nowpora, Bohrikadal, BB Shah, Babademb, Bishembarnagar, Gousia Hospital, Naisarak, Barbarshah, Exchange, Basant Bagh, Car Parking, Maisuma Bazar and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 am to 03 pm on 5 & 11 November 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Wanganpora-Kawdara Mughal Masjid line will be observed due to which power supply to Zadibal, Mughal Masjid, Kawdara, Rajouri Kadal, Jamia Masjid, Firdous Colony, Bacchi Darwaza and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 am to 03 pm on 05 & 09 November 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 kV Kulgam DH Pora line will be observed due to which power supply to DH Pora, KB Pora, Nillow, Arreh, Begam and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 am to 03 pm on 11 & 16 November 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Kulgam Yaripora line will be observed due to which power supply to Yaripora, Behibagh, Tarigam, Sampora and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 am to 03 pm on 10 & 14 November 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Kulgam Devsar line will be observed due to which power supply to Devsar, Sopat, Akhal, Hablish and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 am to 03 pm on 16 & 18 November 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 kV Wanpoh Qaimoh line will be observed due to which power supply to Qaimoh, Khudwani, Redwani and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 am to 03 pm on 5 & 7 November 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Wanpoh Qazigund line will be observed due to which power supply to Mirbazar, Vessu, Nipora, Qazigund Town, Railway Station and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 am to 03 pm on 9 & 11 November 2026.

Questions MP’s decision, says party’s strength does not depend on any individual; Shaheen terms developments unfortunate, says Ruhullah’s exit will not weaken NC

Srinagar, Nov 04: National Conference (NC) MLA Salman Ali Sagar on Wednesday said the BJP had succeeded in its “Operation Lotus” by pushing Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi out of the party, while asserting that the development would not weaken the NC.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Banihal MLA Sajad Shaheen at the party headquarters, Nawai Subah, Salam Sagar said Ruhullah had every democratic right to question the party leadership and express disagreement, but should have raised his grievances through the party’s internal forums.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Sagar said the National Conference is a democratic organisation where every member had the right to speak, raise questions and take independent decisions.

However, he said the language used by Ruhullah against the party leadership was unfortunate.

“I feel the BJP has succeeded in its Operation Lotus, particularly in pushing Aga Ruhullah Sahib out of the National Conference,” he said.

Sagar said the BJP had been attempting to weaken the National Conference for a long time and claimed that the latest developments had served the party’s political interests in Kashmir.

He said the BJP’s political gains in Jammu and the developments surrounding Ruhullah’s decision needed to be viewed in a wider political context, adding that the situation had helped the BJP advance its political agenda in the Valley.

Questioning Ruhullah’s engagement with the party, Sagar said the MP had not regularly visited the party headquarters or attended meetings. He said Ruhullah should have taken the initiative to engage with MLAs and other party stakeholders before taking such a major decision.

He said that differences could have been resolved through dialogue and questioned whether Ruhullah had adequately reached out to the party legislator’s before making his decision.

Rejecting suggestions that the developments reflected any weakness within the NC, Sagar said the party’s strength rested on its collective leadership and the mandate given by the people, rather than any individual.

He said people had brought the National Conference to power to prevent the political disempowerment of a community and not because of any one leader.

Referring to the party’s stand on Articles 370 and 35A, Sagar maintained that the NC’s core political position remained unchanged and should not be linked to differences involving an individual leader.

He said the claims of political popularity and public support would ultimately be tested in future elections, adding that no individual could claim to be the sole representative of the people.

Sagar also referred to the party’s historical legacy, saying the sacrifices of martyrs should not be used for political purposes. He questioned the efforts made by Ruhullah to remember and honour the martyrs, including those associated with July 13.

He further said that the developments could be the result of an ego clash, adding that the coming days would reveal more about the circumstances that led to the differences.

Meanwhile, Sajad Shaheen termed the developments unfortunate, saying every individual had the democratic right to take independent decisions. He expressed concern over the manner in which the episode had unfolded.

Both leaders said the National Conference remained strong and that the party’s political future and strength could not be determined by the decision of any one individual—(KNO)

Individually, these developments may represent different political circumstances. Collectively, however, they reflect a deeper reality: political authority is increasingly being tested by questions of credibility, ideological consistency, internal democracy and the ability of leadership to respond to public expectations.

The November 2 PDP convention at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, Srinagar, organised to mark the party’s Foundation Day, was undoubtedly one of the most visible political gatherings in recent days. The impressive participation of workers and supporters from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated that the party continues to retain an active organisational presence despite having remained outside the corridors of power for several years.

For the Peoples Democratic Party, the convention was more than an organisational exercise. It was an opportunity to reaffirm its political relevance and reconnect with the foundational vision of its founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The principles of dignity, reconciliation, dialogue and protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity remain central to the party’s political narrative.

Addressing the gathering, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti raised issues concerning the growing trust deficit between the Centre and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the treatment of local youth, termination of government employees and concerns affecting tribal communities. Her emphasis on meaningful dialogue also reflected the party’s longstanding argument that lasting peace cannot be achieved through coercion or administrative measures alone.

The significance of the gathering, however, should not be measured merely by the size of the audience. Political organisations are often tested most severely when they are out of power. Sustaining cadre morale, preserving organisational unity and maintaining a credible political voice during difficult circumstances are equally important. The convention demonstrated that the PDP has not disappeared from the political landscape and continues to possess a constituency that deserves serious attention.

Perhaps the most consequential development in this emerging political situation is the decision of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to formally sever his association with the National Conference and tender his resignation from the Lok Sabha. On November 3, he announced his departure from the party and submitted his parliamentary resignation to Speaker Om Birla, bringing an end to his long political association with the National Conference.

His decision is particularly significant because it comes after months of public disagreement with the party leadership over issues concerning Article 370, constitutional rights, reservation policy, the release of prisoners and what he considers the failure to honour important electoral commitments.

Ruhullah was among the prominent political faces of the National Conference during the 2024 Assembly elections. His political standing and electoral influence, particularly in central Kashmir, make his departure considerably more significant than an ordinary instance of internal disagreement.

In his resignation communication, Ruhullah accused the party leadership of abandoning the political struggle that he believed was necessary following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. His central argument was that the National Conference had sought public support on the promise of defending the political and constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir but had subsequently shifted its priorities towards the exercise of governmental power.

Whether one agrees with his political assessment or not, his departure has brought an uncomfortable but important question to the forefront: what happens when electoral promises collide with the realities of governance?

An electoral mandate is not simply an authorisation to occupy public office; it carries moral and political responsibilities towards those who extend that mandate. When an elected representative chooses to relinquish his party affiliation and parliamentary position rather than continue with an approach he considers inconsistent with the promises made to voters, the development deserves serious political examination.

Ruhullah’s decision also raises questions about the future of political opposition in Jammu and Kashmir. His indication that he intends to bring together committed young people and build a new political movement could potentially open another space in the region’s political landscape. Whether this initiative develops into a structured political platform or remains a movement of dissent will depend on its organisational direction, ideological clarity and ability to connect with people beyond his immediate support base.

His resignation may also compel other political formations to revisit their positions on constitutional rights, political commitments and public accountability. It would be premature to predict the emergence of an entirely new political force, but it would equally be unwise to underestimate the implications of such a significant political departure.

Meanwhile, the National Conference is confronting another challenge within its own organisational structure. The recent Cabinet expansion by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, instead of fully satisfying political expectations, appears to have exposed underlying differences within the ruling party.

Cabinet formation is invariably a difficult exercise involving political accommodation, regional considerations and individual aspirations. However, reports of dissatisfaction among approximately 18 to 20 legislators, along with demands for changes in the party organisation, indicate that the discontent may extend beyond disappointment over ministerial berths.

Questions of internal democracy, consultation, regional representation and the functioning of the party leadership have reportedly contributed to the unease. Senior legislators who believe their experience and political contribution have not received due recognition may increasingly seek a greater say in organisational affairs.

It would be premature to interpret this discontent as an immediate threat to the government’s survival. Nevertheless, a ruling party cannot afford to ignore sustained dissatisfaction within its own ranks. Legislative strength may secure a government’s position, but organisational confidence and political cohesion are essential for effective governance.

The simultaneous emergence of these developments presents an interesting political contrast. While the PDP is attempting to consolidate its organisational strength outside government, the National Conference is managing the competing expectations that accompany the exercise of power. At the same time, Ruhullah’s departure has transformed what was previously an internal disagreement into a major political development with potentially wider consequences.

It also places the National Conference leadership in a difficult political position. The party must now address not only dissatisfaction among its legislators but also questions raised by a prominent leader who was once among its strongest campaigners. The political challenge is no longer confined to managing internal differences; it also involves defending the credibility of the commitments on which the party sought and secured public support.

Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a sensitive political period. Restoration of statehood, constitutional safeguards, employment opportunities, reservation policy, political dignity and meaningful representation remain among the principal concerns of its people. These aspirations cannot be addressed merely through Cabinet reshuffles, political appointments or organisational adjustments. They demand sincerity, sustained engagement and leadership capable of communicating honestly with the public.

The emerging situation also reinforces an important democratic distinction: political stability does not necessarily mean political satisfaction. A government may enjoy a comfortable legislative majority and still face dissatisfaction within its own organisation and among sections of the electorate. Similarly, a party outside power can remain politically relevant if it maintains its ideological clarity, organisational discipline and connection with the people.

For the PDP, the challenge now is to translate the enthusiasm witnessed on November 2 into sustained grassroots mobilisation and a constructive political alternative. The impressive gathering has created an opportunity, but converting public enthusiasm into lasting political confidence will require consistent engagement, organisational discipline and a clear political direction.

For the National Conference, the immediate challenge is to address internal grievances, respond to questions surrounding its electoral commitments and restore confidence among sections of its own political constituency. For Ruhullah, the real test begins after his resignation. Political dissent can attract public attention, but transforming that dissent into a credible and sustainable political alternative requires organisation, leadership, clarity of purpose and a wider public agenda.

Ultimately, Jammu and Kashmir may be witnessing the early signs of a new political realignment. The departure of a prominent National Conference leader, growing unease within the ruling party and the PDP’s renewed organisational assertion have together created a political situation that deserves close attention.

Whether these developments lead to a substantial reshaping of political equations or remain temporary episodes will depend on how the respective leaderships respond in the coming weeks and months.

One thing, however, is increasingly evident: political positions, electoral victories and ministerial portfolios cannot indefinitely substitute for public trust. In a democracy, the real strength of a political party lies not merely in the power it exercises, but in the promises it honours, the dissent it accommodates and the people it continues to represent.

Mohd Rafique Rather

Educationist, author, teacher-turned-politician and television debater.

Can be reached at: mrafiqr65@gmail.com