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Omar Abdullah says India, Pakistan came closer to resolving Kashmir issue when Manmohan Singh was PM

Speaking on the first day of the Budget Session in the J&K Assembly, Abdullah expressed doubts about seeing such progress again in his lifetime.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, crediting him with bringing India and Pakistan closer to resolving the Kashmir issue during his tenure.

Speaking on the first day of the Budget Session in the J&K Assembly, Abdullah expressed doubts about seeing such progress again in his lifetime.

The Assembly observed a two-minute silence to honor Singh and four other former legislators—Syed Ghulam Hussain Geelani, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Ghulam Hassan Parrey, and Choudhary Piara Singh—who passed away after the last session in November. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather moved the obituary reference following Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha’s address.

Abdullah lauded Singh’s contributions to India’s economic growth and his efforts to address the Kashmir issue. “In the last Assembly session, we paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Today, we remember another former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, whose contributions to the nation were immense,” he said.

Reflecting on Singh’s journey from a small village in present-day Pakistan to becoming India’s Prime Minister, Abdullah highlighted his role in transforming India into an economic powerhouse through reforms in the private sector and social welfare measures.

On Kashmir, Abdullah noted that Singh inherited the peace initiative started by Vajpayee and Pakistan’s then-President Pervez Musharraf. “He could have abandoned the initiative, but he chose to carry it forward, understanding its significance. Despite the deteriorating situation, he made sincere efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue,” Abdullah said.

The Chief Minister added, “During that period, India and Pakistan came closer to resolving the Kashmir problem. I do not see a return to such a situation in my lifetime.”

Abdullah also praised Singh’s efforts to heal the wounds of the 2010 unrest in Kashmir by setting up working groups focused on political and governance reforms, which remain relevant today. Singh had established five working groups to promote development and lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting Singh’s practical steps for the welfare of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah said, “While everyone talks about the community, it was Singh who took concrete measures, including job reservations and the establishment of Jagti township in Jammu for those living in tents.”

The Chief Minister also credited Singh with initiating key infrastructure projects in J&K, such as the four-lane Jammu-Srinagar national highway and the railway project connecting Kashmir to the rest of India. “We are waiting for the Prime Minister to inaugurate the rail service, and I hope it happens soon,” Abdullah said, recalling his participation in the inauguration of the Banihal section with Singh.

Abdullah expressed regret that Singh would not witness the completion of the Chenab bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, which began during his tenure. “He will have the satisfaction of knowing that the work he started has been completed by the present government,” he said.

Describing Singh as a “down-to-earth” leader, Abdullah shared a personal anecdote about Singh promptly apologizing after a misunderstanding. “When he realized a mistake, he called me and said sorry. That was the kind of person he was,” Abdullah recalled.

Earlier, CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami emphasized the need to improve India-Pakistan relations for lasting peace, while BJP’s Sham Lal Sharma acknowledged Singh’s role in laying the foundation for India’s economic growth, which has positioned the country as the world’s fifth-largest economy.

Abdullah said Singh was a misunderstood leader and expressed confidence that history would judge him more kindly. His tribute underscored Singh’s legacy as a statesman who worked tirelessly for peace, development, and inclusivity.

India News

Blasts outside defence establishments in Punjab within 2 hours trigger security alarm

Two explosions near defence-linked locations in Punjab within two hours have triggered alarm and heightened security across the state.

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Two explosion incidents reported within a span of around two hours near key defence-linked locations in Punjab have raised serious security concerns and triggered political reactions.

The first incident took place near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, where a blast involving a delivery scooter was reported in a populated area. The proximity of the explosion to a sensitive security installation immediately drew the attention of authorities.

Shortly after, another blast was reported near a military-linked area in Amritsar, further heightening concerns over security preparedness in the border state. Police and security agencies responded swiftly, deploying bomb disposal squads and forensic teams at both locations.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident. However, the back-to-back nature of the explosions caused panic in nearby areas and prompted authorities to place the state on high alert.

Political leaders reacted strongly, questioning the handling of security and pointing to possible lapses. They urged authorities to take preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

Punjab, being a strategically important border state, remains sensitive to such developments. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosions and whether there are any links between the two incidents.

Security has been tightened around key installations, with agencies assessing whether the blasts were isolated events or part of a broader threat.

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Retired bureaucrats appointed by Mamata Banerjee barred from Bengal offices ahead of BJP government formation

Retired bureaucrats appointed under Mamata Banerjee have been barred from government offices as West Bengal prepares for a BJP-led administration.

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In a significant administrative development following the West Bengal Assembly election results, several retired bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee have reportedly been barred from entering state government offices.

The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in the state after securing a decisive mandate. The move is seen as part of the transition process as the outgoing administration makes way for the incoming regime.

Officials indicated that the restrictions apply specifically to retired personnel who had been given contractual or advisory roles under the previous government. These individuals have now been asked not to access offices or handle official work.

The development follows a broader directive issued by the state administration to ensure that no official documents or records are removed, damaged, or tampered with during the transition period. Authorities have emphasised strict accountability, placing responsibility on departmental heads to safeguard files and maintain proper records.

The political backdrop to this move is the sweeping victory of the BJP in the 2026 West Bengal elections, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape after years of Trinamool Congress rule.

With the new government expected to take charge soon, administrative reshuffling and tightening of access to government infrastructure are being viewed as measures to ensure a smooth and transparent handover of power.

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Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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