Wangchuk, 59, has emerged as the face of the protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators are demanding the resignation of union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities linked to the NEET examination. He joined the protest on June 28 and began his indefinite fast as part of the agitation.

According to the CJP, Wangchuk has lost around 8.2 kilograms since beginning his fast. “Sonam Wangchuk has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain. Like everyone else, I begged him to end his fast. He calmly replied, ‘Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue,'” Dipke posted on social media.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav was among those who appealed to Wangchuk to withdraw his fast, describing his life as valuable to society and the causes he represents. “We humbly request and earnestly appeal to Shri Sonam Wangchuk ji to break his fast. His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies the same commitment to humanity and the environment as it does to democracy,” Yadav said in a post on X.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. “Sonam Sir, your fast has united this country’s youth in their war for justice. Your goal is reached. The government doesn’t care about your life or that of crores of youth. But your life matters to us. Please call off the fast and continue the fight,” Moitra wrote on X.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and appealed to him to end his fast.

Actor Omi Vaidya, known for portraying the character Chatur in the film 3 Idiots, shared a video message expressing concern for Wangchuk, whose work inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the movie. “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die,” Vaidya said, urging people to stand by Wangchuk while expressing concern over his health.

The deceased, identified as Manzoor Ahmad Malik, Lecturer in Physics, and Shabir Ahmad Dar, Lecturer in Chemistry, belonged to the Gulmarg area of Baramulla district.

Expressing heartfelt condolences, the Minister described the untimely demise of the two dedicated educators as an irreparable loss to the School Education Department and the teaching fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this hour of immense grief. I pray that Almighty Allah grants the departed souls the highest place in Jannat and bestows strength and patience upon their loved ones to bear this irreparable loss,” the Minister said.

The Minister prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and extended her deepest sympathies to the families, colleagues and all those affected by the unfortunate tragedy.

Officers, staff express condolences to CM and bereaved family

SRINAGAR, JULY 14: The Chief Minister’s Office on Tuesday expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on the passing of his uncle, Dr Mustafa Kamal.

Dr Mustafa Kamal, a former Minister and senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, passed away after a brief illness at a private hospital here.
Dr Kamal was the son of the legendary leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, and the brother of former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah.

The officers and staff of the Chief Minister’s Office expressed profound grief over the demise of Dr Kamal and conveyed their deepest sympathies to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the entire bereaved family.

They prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and wished strength and fortitude to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha commended all the officials, service providers and volunteers for their valuable contribution to the holy pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor has said:

“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has set a historic new record, crossing the 3 lakh mark in just 12 days. I commend all the officials, service providers and volunteers. Their dedication and hard work have made this holy pilgrimage smooth and memorable for every devotee of Baba Barfani. Har Har Mahadev!”

Kamal was the son of legendary Kashmiri leader Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, brother of former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and uncle of incumbent Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

A prominent NC leader, Kamal served as a minister in the Jammu and Kashmir state cabinets formed in 1983, 1987 and 1996. He was known for his outspoken views and long association with the National Conference.

Party leaders and political figures expressed grief over his demise, remembering him as a senior statesman who played a key role in J&K politics for several decades.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are awaited.

Official sources said that two suspected terrorists were spotted in CCTV footage, following which personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, and the Special Operations Group initiated a coordinated search operation in the adjoining villages of Thanamandi to trace the suspects.

“Search operation is in progress,” they added.

The order was passed by the Special Judge of the NIA Court in connection with a case pertaining to the ongoing probe into the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to the order passed by the Special Judge, NIA Court, Jammu, the instant application was presented before the court seeking issuance of a non-bailable warrant against absconding accused Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who is involved in case RC No. 02/2025/NIA/JMU, in which a supplementary chargesheet has already been filed before the court.

The accused, a resident of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan, and a designated terrorist under the UAPA, 1967, is the founder of the proscribed terrorist organisation LeT and is operating from Pakistan.

“Accused is deliberately evading his arrest and NIA prays for issuance of open dated non-bailable warrant against him to initiate further proceedings in the matter and to take legal action against him at any further investigation,” read an order.

The order further stated that arrest and custodial interrogation of the accused are necessary for a fair, complete and effective investigation.

“Accordingly, a non-bailable warrant of arrest is issued against accused Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and is forwarded to DIG, NIA, Jammu, for execution as per the law and procedure prescribed,” it stated.

Saeed, designated a global terrorist by India and the United States, is also considered the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 6, 20206 filed charges against Pakistan-based terrorist and LeT/TRF chief and founder Hafiz Saeed in the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack case.

In its supplementary chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court, Jammu, the anti-terror agency has charged Hafiz Saeed in his individual capacity and also as the chief of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit and its active proxy organisation The Resistance Front (TRF).

The accused has been charged under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, it read.

The NIA has also invoked the penal section against the accused for waging war against India and hatching a conspiracy from across the border in the chargesheet.

The deadly attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025 involved religion-based targeted killings by the Pak-sponsored terrorists.

Twenty-five innocents, mostly tourists and one local civilian were killed in the attack. An FIR (no. 25/2025) was initially registered by Police Station Pahalgam, district Anantnag.

After initial investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the case was transferred to NIA by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

According to the order issued by Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Department, “All the Government Degree Colleges falling in Kashmir Division and Winter Zone of Jammu Division shall observe the Summer Vacations with effect from 2Ist of July, 2026 to 2nd of August, 2026.”

The property was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics. Accordingly, the said property has been attached in connection with FIR No. 11/2024 of Police Station Shopian. The attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar and Chowkidar, ensuring full compliance with all legal procedures and maintaining transparency.

Police reiterates its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs by targeting both offenders and the financial assets generated through illicit activities. The general public is urged to come forward with any information regarding drug trafficking or related activities.“`

From ensuring robust security and maintaining seamless movement to offering drinking water, timely assistance, guidance, and compassionate care at every step, Ganderbal Police remains steadfast in its mission to make the journey to the Holy Cave safe, smooth, comfortable, and spiritually enriching for every pilgrim. Your safety is our commitment. Your faith is our inspiration.