omar abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister omar abdullah defended the presence of liquor shops, stating they cater to individuals whose religions permit alcohol consumption and that no one is coerced. He emphasized his government's policy of not opening new shops and ensuring existing ones were not near youth centers. This stance drew criticism, prompting further clarification from the CM.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister omar abdullah defended the region's liquor policy, stating shops are for those whose religion permits consumption. His comments come amid a 100-day anti-drug campaign, with calls to extend it to liquor. Abdullah highlighted his government's efforts to prevent youth from consuming alcohol, including not opening new shops.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah defended the revenue generated by liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir, citing his father's stance in 1977 and stating a ban would only occur with financial compensation from the central government. He criticized opposition parties for selectively raising concerns about liquor shops, while the government emphasizes its 'Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan'.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah weighed in on a liquor ban debate in Jammu and Kashmir, citing his father's 1977 stance that revenue generation was key. He argued that prohibition wouldn't stop consumption, as people would source alcohol from outside. Abdullah also questioned critics' silence when liquor shops previously opened across the region.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister omar abdullah refuted claims of removing Urdu from revenue jobs, stating a proposal is under consideration for public feedback, not a final decision. He challenged the PDP to produce an order, accusing them of misrepresenting the process.

Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, claims the National Conference, in league with the BJP, suspended her X account. She alleges this follows her criticism of the NC and the proposed removal of Urdu as a mandatory language. Her Facebook page was also recently deactivated, impacting her political outreach.

The NC and Congress are moving a no-confidence motion against LAHDC-Kargil chief Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon for refusing to step down after his two-and-a-half-year term. This move follows a power-sharing agreement where the CEC post was to be transferred to Congress. Akhoon cited administrative reasons related to new districts for his decision.

An unusual sight unfolded at Srinagar's Royal Spring Golf Course. Two bears entered the premises and made off with a flag. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister omar abdullah shared a video of the incident online. The bears' playful act amused onlookers. The golf course's proximity to forests often leads to wildlife sightings.

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, a 20-coach semi-high-speed train, commenced operations on May 2, 2026, marking a historic connection between the two cities. This new service significantly reduces travel time to under five hours, offering a reliable, all-weather alternative to road travel and boosting regional tourism and economic growth.

A new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express now connects Jammu and Srinagar directly, significantly cutting travel time to five hours. This direct rail link, a first for the two cities, will operate six days a week starting May 2.

Gulmarg's ski season faces an uncertain future due to shrinking winters and erratic snowfall. Authorities are fast-tracking plans for artificial snow-making systems and synthetic slopes to ensure the resort's viability. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on natural snow and extend skiing into a four-season activity, safeguarding its legacy.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar, marking the first direct rail link between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.

The absence of joint rallies between Rahul Gandhi and alliance partners like MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu raised concerns about Congress's coalition strategy. This visual gap fuels speculation and opposition attacks, contrasting with proactive alliance building seen from other opposition leaders like Arvind Kejriwal.

A 29-year-old Kashmiri man, Amjad Ali Bhat, has been detained in Saudi Arabia since March 25, with his family receiving no official information. Bhat, a nurse specialist, is allegedly held for a social media post about Iran's late supreme leader. His family is seeking assistance from Indian authorities for his safe return.