www.snskashmir.com

Say stigma, criticism, lack of emotional backing push recovering addicts back into substance abuse

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, May 09 :

Emotional support from families can play a decisive role in helping people overcome addiction, experts said, stressing that recovery is not possible through medicines and counselling alone.

As concerns continue to grow over the rising number of drug addiction cases in Jammu & Kashmir, mental health professionals and doctors working in de-addiction centres have underlined the importance of compassion, understanding and active family participation in the rehabilitation process.

Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Samreena Jan, a counsellor at an Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) in South Kashmir, said individuals battling substance abuse often need emotional reassurance more than anything else during their recovery journey.

She said patients who receive consistent encouragement, care and acceptance from their family members tend to show stronger commitment towards sobriety and are less likely to relapse.

“Family support creates emotional stability for recovering addicts. When a person feels accepted rather than judged, it becomes easier for them to regain confidence and continue treatment sincerely,” she said.

Jan added that while professional counselling, medication and rehabilitation programmes are essential, long-term recovery largely depends on the environment a patient returns to after treatment.

According to her, many recovering addicts struggle to reintegrate into society because they continue to face criticism, taunts and mistrust from their own relatives and community members.

She warned that such behaviour often becomes one of the major causes of relapse. “In many cases, relapse is not due to treatment failure but because recovering addicts are constantly reminded of their past mistakes and made to feel unwanted. A judgmental attitude only pushes them deeper into isolation and addiction again,” she said.

The counsellor urged families and society to adopt a compassionate and supportive approach towards those trying to rebuild their lives after addiction.

Dr Aadil, a medical officer at ATF Shopian, said opioid addiction, especially heroin abuse, continues to dominate the cases reported at treatment facilities in Kashmir.

“Nearly 90 to 95 per cent of patients visiting our centre are heroin users,” he said, adding that out of around 650 registered patients at the ATF in District Hospital Shopian, almost all are male.

Dr Aadil said the role of parents and guardians extends far beyond simply bringing patients to hospitals or rehabilitation centres. He advised parents to remain actively involved in their children’s daily lives by observing behavioural changes, monitoring social circles and paying attention to unusual activities or possessions.

“If parents notice sudden behavioural changes, withdrawal from family interactions or suspicious habits, they should immediately seek professional help instead of ignoring the signs,” he said.

The doctor further said that treatment facilities are providing free medical care, counselling and rehabilitation support to addicts, while family counselling sessions are also being organised to educate relatives about handling addiction with patience and empathy.

“These sessions help families understand that addiction is a medical and psychological condition, not merely a moral failing. Supportive behaviour from loved ones significantly improves recovery outcomes,” he added.

Experts believe that involving families in the recovery process not only strengthens the patient emotionally but also helps relatives cope with the social and psychological challenges associated with addiction.

They said collective efforts by families, healthcare professionals, educational institutions and society are essential to tackle the menace—(KNO)

Mehbooba Mufti alleges ruling party Minister demanded Rs 30 lakh for transfer, posting

Says officer approached Farooq Abdullah after minister sought money; laims he was told minister was party’s ‘treasurer’

PDP Chief desperate to protect herself politically, levelled allegations only to help BJP, says NC spokesman

Naveed Ul Haq Ganaiee

Budgam, May 09 :

Dropping a political bombshell over the ruling National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday alleged that a minister in the present, National Conference regime demanded Rs 30 lakh from an officer for ‘a transfer posting’.

She, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that when the officer approached NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah with the complaint, he was allegedly told to “talk to the minister” as he was their treasurer.

The PDP Chief, however, did not disclose the identity of the officer or the minister concerned.

However, NC’s state spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar termed allegations levelled by Mehbooba Mufti as “baseless.’ “The PDP Chief desperate to protect herself politically, made claims without evidence or naming anyone, only to help the BJP,” Dar said.

Addressing a workers’ convention in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Mehbooba Mufti accused the NC-led government of corruption, failing to fulfil electoral promises and ignoring public concerns.

She said the people of Budgam had given a strong message against what she termed as broken promises and injustice by electing a young representative to the Assembly despite the might of the ruling establishment.

She alleged that the present government had failed to address pressing public issues and was allegedly blocking several pro-people proposals raised by the PDP in the Assembly.

Targeting the government over employment and education, Mehbooba referred to the demand for establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Budgam and said promises made during elections had remained confined to speeches.

“The youth of Budgam deserve quality educational institutions and better opportunities. Announcements alone cannot solve unemployment,” she said.

The former chief minister also expressed concern over what she described as attempts to weaken the position of Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir.

She said the Urdu language was deeply linked with the culture, literature and identity of the region and should not be sidelined in recruitment examinations and official procedures.

Mehbooba further raised concern over increasing unemployment and growing drug abuse among youth, saying the younger generation was facing uncertainty, fear and frustration.

“You say you care for our youth, then officials should visit schools and colleges and interact with students. We need to understand why youngsters are falling into drugs,” she said.

Referring to the situation after 2019, Mehbooba alleged that the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir has deteriorated and young people are facing immense pressure and uncertainty.

“After 2019, the environment here has completely changed. Youngsters are frustrated and depressed. Even social media posts invite police action,” she alleged.

She also questioned the administration’s approach towards youth-related issues and said creating fear would not solve the growing social crisis.

On anti-drug measures, the PDP president supported strict action against drug peddlers but said innocent family members should not be targeted for crimes committed by individuals.

“Take strong action against those involved in drug trafficking, but innocent families should not suffer,” she said.

Mehbooba further accused the ruling setup of failing to provide relief to people struggling with unemployment, inflation and social distress, while asserting that PDP would continue to raise public issues both inside and outside the Assembly—(KNO)

Dr Saleem Wani says lifestyle diseases, smoking, delayed diagnosis, worsening ailments

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, May 09 :

Senior urologist Dr Saleem Wani on Saturday said diabetes and hypertension have emerged as the leading causes of kidney failure in Kashmir, while warning that smoking, substance abuse and delayed diagnosis are contributing to the growing burden of kidney and bladder-related diseases in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Wani said uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are the primary reasons behind rising kidney failure cases, followed by stone diseases and other structural disorders affecting kidneys, ureters and bladder.

“Diabetes and hypertension are lifestyle diseases and are the number one causes of kidney failure. If these diseases are kept under control and lifestyle modifications are adopted, there are high chances of preventing complications,” he said.

He stressed the importance of effective glycaemic control, blood pressure regulation and salt restriction to reduce the risk of kidney damage.

“The diabetes treatment should be done under proper medical supervision. Patients should keep their blood pressure under control and follow dietary precautions,” he advised.

Dr Wani said the long-term effects of uncontrolled diabetes often damage multiple organs, including the kidneys, eyes and heart, adding that patients should regularly consult nephrologists, ophthalmologists and cardiologists for timely monitoring.

“After several years, diabetes starts affecting the kidneys, eyes and heart simultaneously; therefore, regular check-ups become very important,” he said.

The urologist expressed concern over the increasing trend of cigarette smoking and substance abuse among youth in Kashmir, saying both are becoming major public health threats. “Smoking and substance abuse go side by side and become the cause of very dangerous diseases,” he said, while urging people to support anti-drug campaigns and avoid tobacco use.

Linking smoking directly with bladder cancer, Dr Wani said cigarette smoking remains the single biggest risk factor behind the disease.

“We treat and operate many patients, but even after treatment, some continue smoking, because of which the toxic effects remain in the body and the disease progresses further,” he said.

He stressed that early diagnosis remains the key to cancer prevention and treatment, saying awareness about symptoms is essential for timely detection.

“The symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in urine and a burning sensation during urination. If a smoker notices blood in urine, he should immediately consult a doctor as it can be an early sign of cancer,” he said.

On consumption of traditional Kashmiri Nun Chaai (salt tea), Dr Wani clarified that salt does not directly cause diabetes but can worsen hypertension and related complications, particularly among chronic patients.

He cautioned against cross-practice between different systems of medicine, saying doctors should prescribe only those medicines and treatments in which they are professionally trained.

“I am an allopathic doctor. I have studied allopathic medicine, and I will only speak about that. One should avoid prescribing medicines of systems they have neither studied nor fully understand,” Dr Wani said. “Awareness, timely diagnosis, specialist consultation and lifestyle modification remain key to reducing the growing burden of kidney and bladder-related diseases in Jammu and Kashmir.”—(KNO)

Lieutenant Governor appealed to the people to break the silence to win this war against drugs and all sections of society must speak in one voice about the dangers of drug addiction
The challenge of drug addiction can be eradicated only through a Whole of Society Approach. From now on, every corner of UT, whether schools, colleges, families, sports grounds, wards, villages, or theater stages, should give a voice to the cause with firm resolve: LG Sinha
Lieutenant Governor said that in this war against drugs, administration and society must understand the link between drugs and terrorism and everyone should join hands to defeat it
Our neighboring country is smuggling drugs into Jammu Kashmir by design. The drug money has been used to build narco-palaces by drug smugglers and a large portion of drug money is being used for terrorism and radicalization: LG

A decisive blow is being dealt to the drug smugglers’ network in Anantnag district. Since 11th April, the highest number of 108 NDPS cases have been registered in Anantnag. Narco-palaces worth Rs. 3.5 crore, built with the black money from drugs, have been reduced to dust. 22 vehicles have been seized, 8 driving licenses and vehicle registrations have been cancelled. 13 drug stores have been sealed for violating the law: LG Sinha
Lieutenant Governor called upon police and civil administration to cover every panchayat of Anantnag, and especially reach out to vulnerable areas of the district in next 71 days of campaign

I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single smuggler will be left untouched, and the entire machinery involved in the drug smuggling will be uprooted from its roots: LG

SRINAGAR, MAY 9:

The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, today joined Padyatra at Anantnag as part of “Drug-Free J&K Campaign”. Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor appealed to the people to break the silence to win this war against drugs and all sections of society must speak in one voice about the dangers of drug addiction.
“The challenge of drug addiction can be eradicated only through a Whole of Society Approach. From now on, every corner of Union Territory, whether schools, colleges, families, sports grounds, wards, villages, or theater stages, should give a voice to the cause with firm resolve,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that in this war against drugs, administration and society must understand the link between drugs and terrorism and everyone should join hands to defeat it.
“Our neighboring country is smuggling drugs into Jammu Kashmir by design. The drug money has been used to build narco-palaces by drug smugglers and a large portion of drug money is being used for terrorism and radicalization. While drugs are ruining the future of Jammu Kashmir’s youth on one hand, on the other, terror outfits are using that money to buy weapons and that are shedding the blood of our brothers and sisters in the UT.
This narco-terror network has inflicted suffering on generations of Jammu Kashmir for decades. That is why I always say: drug addiction and terrorism are not separate challenges but they are two faces of the same problem. And I promise all of you that we will not rest until we defeat it,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon police and civil administration to cover every panchayat of Anantnag, and especially reach out to vulnerable areas of the district in next 71 days of campaign.
“A decisive blow is being dealt to the drug smugglers’ network in Anantnag district. Since 11th April, the highest number of 108 NDPS cases have been registered in Anantnag. Narco-palaces worth Rs. 3.5 crore, built with the black money from drugs, have been reduced to dust. 22 vehicles have been seized, 8 driving licenses and vehicle registrations have been cancelled. 13 drug stores have been sealed for violating the law.
I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single smuggler will be left untouched, and the entire machinery involved in the drug smuggling will be uprooted from its roots,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the women and youth are the greatest strength of this war on drugs. He said if a family member or a neighbor’s youth is going astray, women and youth club members should bring them back onto the path of correction, and seek the administration’s help if needed.
“I appeal to sportspersons, teachers, and all religious leaders to dedicate the next 71 days with wholehearted commitment to the awareness and rehabilitation campaign, and to pledge to make Jammu Kashmir drug-free.
Religious leaders are regarded as the people’s leaders and guides. I want them to provide spiritual and moral guidance to the youth and to warn them about the dangers of drugs. I want to reiterate that this battle is not just the administration’s. It is a collective battle of society. Let’s make a collective promise that we will not allow drug peddlers to thrive in our villages and neighborhoods. We will rehabilitate the youth who are victims of drugs. I firmly believe that when the people stand up for a purpose, their power increases a thousandfold,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated his commitment to ensure justice to every terror victim family.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor laid foundation stone for various sports infrastructure development projects worth Rs 20.60 crore in the District. These include Khel Gaon Modern Sports Infrastructure and residential facility (Khel Bhawan) Stage-I at Jablipora; Expansion of Sports Facilities at Chaki- Kamal Monghal; Reconstruction of Sports complex at Nillandrusu and development of stadium at Harmohalla Ranbirpora.
The Lieutenant Governor said that these sports facilities will channel the energy of the youth in the right direction and strengthen the spirit of discipline and sportsmanship.
He also felicitated the youth icons and distributed sports kits to the youth.
Artists through traditional Nukad Natak, Baand Pather and a Mime play centered on the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan raised awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, encouraging young people to stay healthy and contribute to a drug-free society.

600-page chargesheet filed before CJM Jammu; investigators term attack pre-planned and intentional

Jammu, May 8:

The action of the accused in the high-profile case related to the assassination attempt on National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah at Royal Park, Greater Kailash, on March 11, 2026, was “not sudden but premeditated, with a specific intention to target the former Chief Minister.” This forms the crux of the police charge-sheet presented before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Jammu, on Friday against the accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal.
Jamwal is presently lodged in District Jail Ambala, Jammu.
In its 600-page charge-sheet, the police stated that the accused had allegedly developed deep animosity towards Dr Farooq Abdullah, whom he considered responsible for the rise of terrorism in Kashmir, forcing people, including himself, to flee the Valley, leaving behind their lands and houses.
According to the charge-sheet, Jamwal wanted to take revenge and had allegedly been planning for nearly 20 years to target the former Chief Minister.
“His actions were not sudden but premeditated. Owing to the resentment and enmity he harboured against Dr Abdullah — allegedly holding him responsible for militancy-related issues, including the plight of Kashmiri migrants and loss of their properties — the accused came to the venue with the specific intention of targeting the former Chief Minister. Investigation revealed that the firing by the accused was not accidental but a deliberate attempt to kill Dr Farooq Abdullah,” the charge-sheet stated.
It further said that the accused’s conduct, seized material and circumstances collected during the investigation pointed towards a deliberate and premeditated attempt.
According to the police, on March 11, 2026, Dr Farooq Abdullah, along with other dignitaries, including senior political leaders, was attending a marriage ceremony at Royal Park Banquet Hall. As he was leaving the venue around 10:10 pm, the accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, son of late Ajit Singh Jamwal and a resident of Purani Mandi, allegedly flashed a revolver and attempted to open fire from close range with the intention of killing Dr Abdullah.
However, owing to the prompt action of police personnel deployed with the protectee, the attempt was foiled and the accused was immediately overpowered by people present at the venue.
A case under FIR No. 29/2026 under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3/25/30 of the Arms Act was registered at Police Station Gangyal, Jammu.
Later, on March 14, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti constituted a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Jammu-Samba-Kathua (JSK) Range, to conduct a thorough investigation into the abortive bid on the life of the former Chief Minister.
The SIT carried out searches, recorded witness statements and seized electronic as well as physical evidence connected with the case.
According to the charge-sheet, all materials seized by the police during the investigation — including the revolver, empty and live cartridges, mobile phones, CCTV and DVR footage, clothes of the accused and the victim, handwritten documents and other articles — were sent to forensic laboratories for ballistic, handwriting, electronic and scientific examination.
Police also procured CCTV and DVR footage, forensic opinions and witness statements recorded under relevant provisions of law to support the prosecution case. The CFSL and ballistic reports obtained during the investigation were also made part of the charge-sheet.
The police further stated in the charge-sheet that Jamwal carried the loaded revolver to the venue and waited for the right opportunity.
Notably, during police interrogation and even before the media, the accused repeatedly claimed that he had been preparing for the last 20 years to target Dr Farooq Abdullah because of a personal grudge.
However, responding to media queries regarding the accusations levelled by the accused, the NC president, on more than one occasion, maintained: “I don’t know that man. Neither do I know him nor am I aware of his antecedents. How could I know his intentions or what enmity he had against me? I have done no wrong and never nursed ill-will against anyone. I never harmed anyone.”

BWJA, NKJA and several socio-political organisations express condolences

Baramulla,May ,07 :

North Kashmir Journalist Association and Baramulla Working Journalist Association (BWJA) have expressed heartfelt condolence and solidarity with senior journalist Majid Jahangir and bereaved family on the sad demise of his nephew a young student who left for heavenly abode on Wednesday.

Chairman BWJA Karamat Qayoom on behalf of BWJA and NKJA, expressed condolence and solidarity with Majid Jahangir and the Ganai clan besides extended sympathies with the bereaved family.

Large number of people from cross section of society visited the family on second day to condole the demise. Various journalists, social, political and religious organizations have expressed their condolences and prayed for eternal peace departed soul. Condolences and prayer meetings were held throughout the day in which rich tributes and homage was paid to departed soul.

Meanwhile, President BWJA Zargar Gulzar,Bureau Chief Kashmir Images Reyaz Rashid has also expressed his condolences and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in peace and grant strength to the family, especially Majid Jahangir to bear the loss. Kashmir Images family and SNS Kashmir express their heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and pray for peace to the departed soul.

India remains firm against terrorism: PM Modi

Says armed forces gave befitting reply to perpetrators of Pahalgam attack, terror sponsors

Sajid Raina

New Delhi, May 07 :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor reflected India’s firm response against terrorism and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to safeguarding national security.

Marking one year of the operation, PM Modi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) paid tributes to the armed forces for their “unparalleled courage, precision and resolve”.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: “A year ago, our armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve during Operation Sindoor. They gave a fitting response to those who dared to attack innocent Indians at Pahalgam. The entire nation salutes our forces for their valour.”

PM Modi said the operation highlighted the professionalism, preparedness and coordinated strength of the armed forces.
He also said it showcased the growing jointness among the services and underlined the benefits of India’s push for self-reliance in the defence sector.

The Prime Minister asserted that India remained steadfast in its resolve to defeat terrorism and dismantle the ecosystem supporting it.

“Today, a year later, we remain as steadfast as ever in our resolve to defeat terrorism and destroy its enabling ecosystem,” PM Modi added.

Pertinently, “Operation Sindoor,” was launched on the night of May 7–8 last year to avenge Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead. The operation targeted multiple terrorist training facilities and infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and beyond.

The strikes, carried out with coordinated use of missiles, air power, drones and artillery, focused on camps linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Officials had described the operation as precise and intelligence-led, aimed at minimising collateral damage while signalling a zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism—(KNO)

Srinagar, May 07 :

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet before the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Shopian, in connection with a major financial fraud case at HDFC Bank’s Shopian branch involving 11 accused, officials said on Thursday.

In a statement issued here, A spokesperson said the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of the Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 30/2025 before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Shopian. The case, registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act at Police Station EOW Kashmir, pertains to a large-scale financial fraud at the Shopian branch of HDFC Bank.

He said, the matter came to light following a written complaint alleging financial irregularities. Subsequently, as per the directions of PHQ J&K, the case was transferred to the Crime Branch J&K for an in-depth investigation.

“During the probe, several individuals were identified for their alleged involvement, including: Adil Ayoub Ganai, S/o Mohammad Ayoub Ganai, R/o Memendar, Shopian; A/P Hamza Colony, Baghat-e-Kanipora, Nowgam (HDFC Bank, Branch Manager Pulwama/Shopian). Irfan Majeed Zargar, S/o Abdul Majeed Zargar, R/o Sheikh Mohalla, Bonigam, Shopian (HDFC Bank, Branch Manager Pulwama/Shopian). Mubashir Hussain Sheikh, S/o Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, R/o Karena, Kulgam (the then employee of HDFC Bank Shopian). Zaid Manzoor, S/o Manzoor Ahmad Din, R/o Dagerpora, Khannabal, Anantnag (the then employee of HDFC Bank Pulwama). Javaid Ahmad Bhat, S/o Abdul Rahim Bhat, R/o Below Rajpora, Pulwama (the then employee of HDFC Bank Pulwama/Shopian).”

“The above-mentioned individuals were arrested on 18th February, 2026 and have remained in judicial custody since then. Upon completion of the investigation, a chargesheet against a total of 11 accused individuals has been presented before the Hon’ble Court for judicial determination,” said the spokesperson.

Security preparedness, emerging warfare challenges and defence indigenisation high on agenda

JAMMU, May 7:

Marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the second edition of the two-day Joint Commanders’ Conference commenced in Jaipur on Wednesday, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to review the country’s evolving security challenges with the top brass of the Indian Armed Forces.

The high-level conference, being held on May 7 and 8, is being attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with senior tri-services commanders.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local guide, were killed. During the operation, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes on terror camps and military infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), eliminating several terrorists and commanders. The military operation continued from May 7 to May 10 last year.

Describing Operation Sindoor as a landmark tri-services mission, the Defence Ministry said the operation reflected India’s “unflinching political will and military resolve characterised by surgical precision.”

The conference is expected to focus extensively on India’s military preparedness amid the changing regional security environment. Discussions are also likely to centre around modern warfare trends, including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber warfare, space security and cognitive warfare.

According to an official statement, the conference will serve as a key platform to assess emerging security threats and formulate a roadmap for building a resilient and future-ready defence force with enhanced operational capabilities.

A major emphasis during the deliberations will also remain on defence indigenisation and the Government’s push for Aatmanirbharta in military production through innovation and stronger civil-military integration.

Meanwhile, reports from New Delhi stated that Operation Sindoor marked a significant shift in India’s national security doctrine, with extensive deployment of drones, network-centric warfare systems and artificial intelligence for surveillance and target acquisition.

The operation, regarded as one of India’s largest multi-domain combat missions in decades, targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoJK, including Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke.

Following the operation, India accelerated several major defence procurement and modernisation programmes aimed at strengthening combat readiness and air defence capabilities. These included approval for additional S-400 missile systems, procurement of transport aircraft, Rafale fighter jets and advanced surveillance platforms for the Navy.

Senior military officials said lessons learned from Operation Sindoor are being actively incorporated into future operational planning, with increased focus on advanced technologies, unmanned platforms and integrated warfare capabilities.(KNC)

New Delhi, May 07:

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday termed the killing of his personal assistant a “cold-blooded and pre-planned murder” and urged the party workers to maintain peace, assuring that the culprits would be brought to justice.

Adhikari condemned the incident and told the reporters that Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar had talked to the family of the deceased.

Suvendu Adhikari said, “This is a pre-planned murder, and this is what DGP said. A recce was done for two to three days, and a murder was fully planned. The police initiated an investigation. We are grieving and are at lack of words for condemning this incident. Our entire leadership from Delhi has taken information about this. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar talked to the family (of the deceased) and the police. Various leaders and chosen MLAs have come here from their regions. The police have found some evidence, and they will investigate. This is the result of 15 years of Maha-Jungle Raj. BJP will start the cleansing work of the goons here.”

“We urge all BJP workers, supporters, and those assisting our MLAs and MPs across the state not to take the law into their own hands. We will ensure that no one is left without justice or made to feel vulnerable. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace. Our colleague’s body is currently at the hospital. After the post-mortem, we will hand it over to his family. We will take full responsibility for 3the family. Arrangements have also been made for the treatment of those injured,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar termed the incident “very sad” and urged party workers to remain patient, stating that the police are investigating the matter and that those responsible will not be spared. He said the DGP has visited the spot and the probe is underway.

“This is a tragic incident and the police are investigating the matter… The DGP has informed us that significant progress has been made in the investigation. No one will be spared. Everyone will be brought to justice through the legal process… Reports suggest that five shots were fired; let the post-mortem examination be completed first. As soon as our Chief Minister takes the oath and our government assumes power, everything will be set right–though it may take a little time,” Majumdar told ANI.