Politics

Mehbooba Mufti urges PM to revisit Indo-US trade deal, seeks 50% import duty on apples

SRINAGAR — PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revisit the interim Indo-US trade deal and impose a 50 per cent import duty on apples to protect Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector. Addressing reporters, Mufti said the trade deal would adversely affect farmers and fruit growers across the country, particularly […]

Politics

“Don’t do politics on everything”: Omar Abdullah defends Kishtwar Ramzan donation order

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday called for political maturity, urging lawmakers to desist from politicising administrative decisions after a government order regulating Ramzan donations (Zakat) in Kishtwar triggered protests in the Assembly. Raising a point of order after Question Hour, Abdullah responded to concerns flagged by Congress MLAs Nizamuddin […]

Politics

Waheed Para questions pending Rs 270 crore under Marriage Assistance, Ladli Beti schemes in J&K

JAMMU — PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Friday questioned the non-release of Rs 270 crore under the Marriage Assistance and Ladli Beti schemes over the last three financial years, including the current one, alleging that large portions of the announced funds remain stuck in the treasury. Taking a dig at the National Conference-led government, Para […]

Politics

Indo-US trade deal will hurt farmers, orchardists in J&K, Himachal: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

SRINAGAR — Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday said the interim Indo-US trade deal has shattered the dreams of farmers and orchardists, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, warning that its full impact will be felt in the coming years. Speaking to reporters, Sukhu said both regions share similar […]

Politics

J&K Assembly admits Waheed Para’s resolution condemning hate crimes against minorities

JAMMU — The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has admitted a private member’s resolution moved by PDP MLA Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para, strongly condemning hate crimes against minorities and calling for strict enforcement of the law. Para, the legislator from Pulwama, moved the resolution amid growing reports of targeted attacks and harassment of Kashmiri […]

Politics

Over one lakh daily wagers, casual labourers engaged across J&K govt departments: Omar Abdullah

JAMMU — More than one lakh daily wagers and casual labourers are currently engaged across government departments in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Assembly on Tuesday, assuring that a legally sustainable approach is being adopted for their regularisation. In a written reply to a clubbed question by 15 members from treasury […]

Politics

Indo-US trade deal may hurt farmers, youth and local economy in J&K: Raman Bhalla

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Congress working president Raman Bhalla on Tuesday cautioned that the proposed Indo-US trade deal, if implemented without adequate safeguards, could have long-term adverse consequences for farmers, youth and the local economy in Jammu and Kashmir. Bhalla said a large section of the Union Territory’s population depends on agriculture, horticulture and […]

Politics

Waheed Para seeks all-party meet on free trade agreements, flags threat to J&K’s horticulture sector

JAMMU — Peoples Democratic Party MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Tuesday pressed for convening an all-party meeting to discuss the impact of free trade agreements with foreign countries on the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the apple industry. Speaking during a discussion on departmental allocations in the Assembly, Para said a collective […]