In his message, the Chief Minister said the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW) offer a timeless beacon of peace, compassion, equality, tolerance and brotherhood for humanity. He called upon people to imbibe these values in their daily lives and work towards building a more harmonious, inclusive and compassionate society.

“Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) reminds us of the timeless message of the Prophet (SAW), rooted in kindness, tolerance and service to humanity. Let us dedicate ourselves to following this noble path and promote unity, brotherhood and mutual respect across all sections of society,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, expressing hope that the auspicious occasion would further strengthen communal harmony, mutual understanding and a shared spirit of service across the region.

Says, ‘those who hiked power tariffs earlier have no right to question us’: Hits back at opposition; CM defends 6.83% J&K tariff hike, says 200-unit free-power promise remains intact

Tangmarg, Aug 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday launched a sharp counterattack on opposition parties over the recent electricity tariff hike in Jammu and Kashmir, reminding them of earlier increases during their tenure and asserting that his government had opted for the lowest possible revision.

Addressing a public rally in Tangmarg, as per media CM Omar said those criticising the present hike should first account for the tariff increases effected when they were in power.

“Four years ago, electricity rates were increased by 15 per cent. When the PDP government was in power, the tariff was also increased by around 13.5 to 14 per cent. At that time, did you not feel that injustice was being done to the people?” the Chief Minister said.

His remarks come amid a growing political row over the average 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Jammu and Kashmir. The revised rates will come into effect from September 1, 2026, and remain applicable for the 2026-27 tariff period.

The tariff decision has drawn criticism from several opposition parties. The PDP and Jammu & Kashmir Apni Party held separate protests in Srinagar on August 24, demanding rollback of the hike and accusing the National Conference-led government of adding to the burden on consumers.

BJP leaders have also criticised the decision, particularly in the context of the National Conference’s electoral promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to eligible households.

Responding to the criticism, Omar said his government had never promised that electricity tariffs would remain unchanged.

“When did we say that the rates of electricity will not increase? We said that we will provide 200 units to the poorest people for free,” he said.

He maintained that the free-power commitment and the tariff revision were separate issues, adding that the government intends to provide the promised free electricity through solar panels.

The Chief Minister also defended the quantum of the latest increase, saying it came after a gap of four years and amid rising inflation, higher input costs and the increasing quantity of electricity being supplied to consumers.

“We have only increased the price by around 6 per cent. We are not celebrating by increasing the rate of electricity. This was our helplessness,” Omar said.

According to the tariff order, JPDCL and KPDCL had proposed a 5 per cent increase, while the regulator approved an average 6.83 per cent revision after assessing their revenue requirements. The government has also committed Rs 2,420.78 crore in financial support, helping keep the increase substantially below the level that would otherwise have been required to bridge the revenue gap.

Omar said reducing power-sector losses would be key to preventing further tariff increases in the future.

“As our losses in electricity decrease, we will not have to increase the rate of electricity,” he said.

He further assured people that his effort would be to ensure that there was no further increase in electricity tariffs during the remaining tenure of his government.

The Chief Minister also said his government would continue working on issues including clean drinking water, school infrastructure, healthcare, road maintenance and development of a fruit market, while reiterating that the government would seek to fulfil its commitments over the next three-and-a-half years.

He also announced that work on the long-pending mini-secretariat at Tangmarg, initiated during his earlier tenure, would resume this year and be completed soon.

The injured was identified as Mohd. Maqbool Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Watalbagh, Lar.

Following the attack, Maqbool Bhat was immediately shifted to District Hospital Ganderbal for medical treatment. His condition was not immediately known.

The incident has caused concern among residents of the area, who have urged the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to prevent further human-wildlife conflict and ensure the safety of people living in the vicinity.

Speaking with reporters, Ruhullah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said it is not possible that Farooq Abdullah asks him for something and he doesn’t give it to him. “It is not possible that I send him back empty-handed”.

Ruhullah was responding to a query on Dr Farooq remark that he should resign from the Lok Sabha and seek a fresh mandate from the people.

“He has asked for something at this age. I respect him. I don’t want him to ask me for something and I return it to him empty-handed,” he added.

Asked whether he would accept Farooq Abdullah’s challenge, Ruhullah said he will give an answer in a few days—(KNO)

The meeting was attended by Spl DGP Coordination J&K, IGP Kashmir Zone, IGP Jammu Zone, all Range DIGs, and all district SSPs/PDs of J&K, SSP PCR Kashmir, AIG (Ct & Int) PHQ, besides other senior officers. Detailed discussions were held on security preparedness, deployment strategy, crowd management, and traffic regulation measures to ensure the safe, peaceful, and smooth conduct of the events.

The DGP stressed heightened vigilance, proactive policing, and foolproof security arrangements, particularly at major shrines, mosques, and other religious places. Special focus was laid on Dargah Hazratbal and other prominent religious sites where nightlong prayers and large congregations are anticipated. Officers were directed to ensure adequate security coverage and close coordination among all field formations for timely response to any emerging situation.

Shri Nalin Prabhat directed officers to strengthen surveillance at sensitive and vulnerable locations and ensure effective deployment at strategic and high-footfall areas. DGP J&K further directed officers to put in place effective traffic regulation and route management plans around major religious places and along procession routes to facilitate seamless movement of devotees.

The DGP also reviewed arrangements with regard to Raksha Bandhan and passed directions for advance security and traffic arrangements at markets and temples, besides enhancing security and surveillance at prominent religious places.

The meeting concluded with the DGP J&K reiterating that all necessary arrangements must be put in place well in advance to ensure the peaceful, safe, and secure conduct of all forthcoming events across the UT of J&K.

In the Heerpora area, a motorcycle bearing registration number JK18B-6130 was intercepted during naka checking. Three individuals identified as Junaid Muzaffar Dar S/o Muzaffar Ahmed Dar R/o Chaddar, Kulgam, Aamir Yousaf S/o Mohd Yousaf R/o Chaddar, Kulgam and Junaid Bashir Dar S/o Bashir Ahmed Dar R/o Matalhama, Kulgam were apprehended 02 hand grenades and incriminate posters were recovered from their possession. Accordingly, FIR No. 84/2026 has been registered at Police Station Heerpora under relevant provisions of law.

In a separate operation in the Imamsahib area, joint patrolling by Shopian Police, 34 RR and 178 BN CRPF led to the apprehension of three individuals. During their personal search, 01 hand grenade, 02 AK-47 magazines, 20 rounds and incriminate posters were recovered. The apprehended individuals have been identified as Haris Manzoor S/o Manzoor Ahmad, R/o Axadpora, Anantnag, Ashiq Hussain S/o Ab Rashid R/o Laram Ganjipora, Anantnag and Arif Ahmad Kumar S/o Gh. Rasool Kumar, R/o Laram Ganjipora, Anantnag. In this connection, FIR No. 59/2026 has been registered at Police Station Imamsahib under relevant sections of law.

Further investigation in both cases is underway to ascertain their activities and establish their terror linkages. J&K Police remains committed to dismantling terror networks and ensuring peace and security in Shopian.

The operation was launched in the Manzseer area of Sopore by the Indian Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of arms and ammunition in the area.

During the search, the joint forces recovered one AK-series rifle, three magazines, four hand grenades, a large quantity of ammunition and other war-like stores, Army’s Srinagar based Chinar Corps said in a post on X.

The search operation was underway, the post added.

Officials told GNS that the incident occurred when a slab of the bridge being constructed at Jakh suddenly caved in, trapping workers engaged at the site.

Soon after the incident, locals and police teams launched a rescue operation. One labourer died on the spot while three others were rescued in injured condition and immediately shifted to a nearby hospital where their condition is stated to be stable.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and started investigation to ascertain the cause of collapse.

More details awaited. (GNS)

A Police spokesperson said, Acting on coordinated security inputs, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the general Yarwan forest area. During the operation, the joint teams noticed two individuals emerging from the forest towards CB Nath village in a suspicious manner. The alert teams swiftly moved in and apprehended both individuals.

The apprehended individuals have been identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad S/o Gh. Mohammad Deedad R/o Lassi Daban and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad S/o Nazir Ahmad Bajad R/o Bun Kha Bamnoo. During their search, one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and one hand grenade were recovered from their possession. Both individuals, along with the recovered arms and ammunition, have been taken into custody.

In this connection, FIR No. 118/2026 under Sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and Sections 13, 18, 23 & 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been registered at Police Station Rajpora, and further investigation has been taken up to ascertain their activities, establish the source of the recovered arms and ammunition, and identify further linkages.

The recovery marks a significant operational success in the ongoing efforts of Pulwama Police and the security forces to disrupt terror networks, prevent terror-related activities and safeguard the security of the district.

Pulwama Police remains committed to dismantling terror networks and will continue coordinated operations with the Army and CRPF to thwart the designs of anti-national elements and maintai

In a handout issued here, the CBK said that, the EOW said that it has filed a chargesheet before the Court of Sub-Judge Srinagar against Afaq Ahmad Thug son of Ghulam Qadir resident of New Colony Hazratbal near Shiwala Mandir Anantnag, at present 10-Green Enclave Barmuni Road Sunjwan Jammu, in case FIR No. 25/2026 under Section 318(4) BNS.

According to the EOW, the case originated from a written complaint alleging that the accused cheated the complainant by promising to supply medicines for his ailing wife suffering from cancer at a discounted price. The accused dishonestly induced the complainant to pay lakhs of rupees but failed to supply the medicines.

A probe was ordered and during investigation the allegations were substantiated. It also came to fore that the accused and the complainant were schoolmates in a boarding school more than 40 years ago.

After completion of investigation, the chargesheet has been presented before the Hon’ble Court for judicial determination.

Meanwhile, Crime Branch has appealed general public to remain vigilant against such economic frauds and report any suspicious activity to SSP EOW Kashmir. Complaints can also be lodged via email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.