Valley politicians slams ex-governor Satya Pal Malik
After former J&K governor Satya Pal Malik was chargesheeted in a corruption case related to hydropower project in Kishtwar, Jammu, Valley political leaders said he had branded people in Kashmir 'corrupt' during his tenure.
Peoples Conference (PC) chairperson Sajjad Lone said Malik ran slanderous campaign against Kashmiris.
'While I feel bad for ex governor Satyap Malik, given that he is ill, it true that he heralded the most vicious and slanderous campaign against the Kashmiris, branding every Kashmiri as a corrupt soul,' he said.
Lone said that there was not a single television channel where Malik did not voice his negative opinion about Kashmiris, about carpets, about three-storey Kashmiri residences. 'He harboured a contemptuous hatred for Kashmiris and lied through his teeth. That he has now been booked under a corruption case is Karma. He was the author of the crackdown in 2019,' Lone added.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti blamed Malik for playing important role in disempowerment of Jammu and Kashmir.
'Sorry to see Satya Pal Malik in such a critical condition undergoing dialysis following kidney failure. At the same time CBI has filed a chargesheet against him in connection with alleged corruption in the awarding of a hydropower project contract in J&K. Some may see this moment as a reckoning a complex chapter in the legacy of a man who played a pivotal role in the disempowerment & fragmentation of Jammu and Kashmir,' Mehbooba, also a former J&K chief minister, said in a post on microblogging platform X.
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The Wire
7 hours ago
- The Wire
Why Mehbooba Mufti's Meeting With LG Manoj Sinha Has Set Off Speculation
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Politics Why Mehbooba Mufti's Meeting With LG Manoj Sinha Has Set Off Speculation Jehangir Ali 7 minutes ago The move was unusual enough for some political analysts to suggest that the PDP, a party with a 'soft separatist' agenda, is finally coming to terms with the 'harsh realities of J&K.' Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti addresses a press conference after a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan, in Srinagar, Monday, June 2, 2025. Photo: PTI Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Srinagar: Is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti trying to rebuild the bridges with the Bhartiya Janta Party-led Union government that she and her party leaders spent six years tearing down after the reading down of Article 370? In an unusual political departure, Mufti called on the lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar on June 2 – something which sparked speculation in Jammu and Kashmir. Some political analysts suggest that the PDP, a party with a 'soft separatist' agenda, is finally coming to terms with the 'harsh realities in J&K' against the backdrop of the Pahalgam massacre which has temporarily overshadowed the political dialogue over the restoration of J&K's statehood. Other analysts and observers argue that Mufti, who raised the issue of Kashmiri Pandits with Sinha, was ramping up her attacks on chief minister Omar Abdullah whose government had been reduced to a powerless entity in the Union territory while Raj Bhawan holds the reins of power. 'Major shift' Rekha Chowdhary, academic and former professor of political science at the University of Jammu, said that the meeting was laced with irony given that Mehbooba and her party leaders including Pulwama legislator Waheed Parra have been criticising Abdullah for being too close to the Union government. 'It is a major shift,' Chowdhary said, 'Mehbooba Mufti taking the initiative on her own and showing her interest in reconciling with the new political situation reflects that her party is facing existential issues and it has realised that in the present situation (post Pahalgam) nothing is going to change politically for the time being'. 'Relevant' A Srinagar-based senior political analyst who wished not to be named said that Mehbooba was 'trying to keep herself alive politically' at a time when political uncertainty has gripped J&K in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. 'It (Sinha-Mehbooba meeting) could also be a courtesy call or perhaps she is clearing her position after making some strong statements recently (after Pahalgam). She has to keep herself politically relevant both with the public and perhaps with the Union government also and hence the meeting,' he said. As the carnage in Pahalgam has overshadowed J&K's path to statehood, pressure is mounting on Abdullah who seems to be struggling to hold accountable an increasingly assertive bureaucracy which is controlled by the Raj Bhawan. It has been over six months since his elected government was sworn into office. Sharing the podium with prime minister Narendra Modi in Katra during the inauguration of the historic rail link to Kashmir, Abdullah pointed to his 'small demotion' as the chief minister of a state to that of a UT which is administered by the Union government. 'But I am optimistic that the time will soon come when this wrong will be righted and you will restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood,' he said to Modi, evoking a dismissive smile from Sinha who also attended the inauguration ceremony. LG Manoj Sinha, PM Narendra Modi and CM Omar Abdullah during the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge. Photo: X/@narendramodi. On the possibility of J&K UT's transition to a state and Mehbooba Mufti meeting LG to prepare grounds for the same, Choudhary said it would depend on the interpretation of J&K Reorganisation Act and there could be fresh election if J&K's statehood was restored. 'Right now, it is a UT assembly as per this act. I believe there would be another reorganisation act for the transition of J&K to a state that will have its own processes and provisions and which will need the approval of the parliament,' she said. PDP versus NC; NC versus NC She said that the PDP has been cornering the Abdullah government for allegedly reneging on its electoral promises but the narrative that nothing was being done by the ruling party on Article 370 restoration and other issues wasn't gaining much public traction. 'The PDP is very much part of that narrative but the (Abdullah) government looks stable, unless there is some coup like in 1984 and some NC leaders decide to come out of the party. That would lead to a major crisis which I don't see forthcoming,' she said. Abdullah and his allies have 49 seats in the assembly of 90 but the questions over the 'impotence' of the elected government are gaining momentum, even within the ruling party. Last month, senior National Conference leader and three-time legislator from Srinagar's Habba Kadal constituency Shameema Firdous said that Abdullah was unable to deliver on the promises made by the party due to the alleged interferences by Sinha and his administration. 'We thought elections would solve our problems but now we have realised that there are many challenges. We cannot do anything or deliver the promises for which we were voted to power. Even the chief minister is facing problems,' said Firdous, in an interview with ETV. After the Lok Sabha parliamentarian Aga Syed Ruhullah, Firdous has become the second senior leader of the National Conference whose remarks have landed Abdullah in a difficult position. Ruhullah stirred a major row during the National Conference's working committee meeting last month when, without taking names, he sought to target the party leadership for abandoning the promises made in the election manifesto last year, including the restoration of J&K's pre-Article 370 identity and expeditious release of political prisoners. Following a tense exchange with Abdullah, the Srinagar MP offered to resign and later walked out of the meeting (something that was denied by the party), sarcastically dismissing it as a 'public milan ' of the party 'that once stood for something bigger than power'. Later, in a cryptic post on X, Ruhullah indirectly asked the chief minister to wear bangles if he can't deliver on his promises. 'Disillusionment with the elected government has started too early,' senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said, adding that an 'organic change' was taking place on the political front in Jammu and Kashmir as the ruling party was failing to live up to its electoral promises. Akhtar, a former J&K minister and the PDP ideologue, dismissed attempts to attach political motives to Mufti's volte face, arguing that a clear message had gone out post the massacre at Baisaran meadow that Kashmiris are against all forms of terrorism. 'We thought that this message shouldn't be a one-off occasion. The issue of Kashmiri Pandits seems to have been pushed on the back burner and by seeking their rehabilitation, we are affirming that Kashmir is not a communal issue,' Akhtar said. Chowdhary said that Mehbooba's meeting was an indication of the party's struggle to find relevance in the prevailing political situation, especially as Abdullah was negotiating directly with the Union government while the PDP had been reduced to merely three members in the assembly. 'Rather than talking about hard issues, she must have chosen a softer issue like Kashmiri Pandits because it appeals to many and it can appeal to the Union government also,' she said. She added: 'If PDP is feeling that J&K statehood was going to be restored or some other political development was going to take place, the party would be fixing its act on the ground and trying to win the support of people rather than meeting the LG,' she said. Akhtar said that the party has not given up on its political agenda, 'We will continue to promote peace with dignity which includes political resolution of Kashmir problem and an end to human rights abuses,' he said. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News The Grand Tamasha of Jammu and Kashmir Politics What Amit Shah's Amarnath Yatra Security Meeting Says About Who Controls Law and Order in J&K Lone NC MP in All-Party Delegations to Not Join His Group, Cites Urs at Native Village A PM Dependent on the Opposition Doesn't Bode Well for BJP 'Attack on Religious Right of Kashmir's Muslims,' Says Mirwaiz as J&K Govt Bar Eid Prayers at Srinagar Eidgah Modi's Cult-Driven Foreign Outreach Efforts Have Left India Friendless One Year, Five U-Turns: How Modi 3.0 Was Forced to Bend to Coalition Pulls & Opposition Pressures The Search for the 'Bandung Spirit' Rural Development Ministry Seeks 12% Hike in MGNREGS Outlay: Report About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
The Print
10 hours ago
- The Print
Chenab Bridge is a ‘mile sur mera tumhara' moment. Now Bollywood should return to Kashmir
He has promised our Kashmiri brothers and sisters a vision of a Kashmir free of terrorism, a 'location for shooting films and a hub of sports'. Due to the neglect by political parties pushing their own agenda, the people of Jammu and Kashmir had stopped dreaming and had accepted terrorism as their fate. With certain vested interests in cahoots with Pakistan, terrorism had been perpetrated in the snow-covered slopes of Kashmir. PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah have stood firm and tall in the face of opposition and taunts. Today, their commitment to the region stands vindicated in the form of the structural marvel of the Chenab Bridge, soaring 359 metres above the riverbed. This week brought a new bridge to the divine valley of Shiva and Parvati, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest rail bridge, a wonder of sorts. Jammu and Kashmir's development and the aspirations of its youth will not be shaken by the Pahalgam terror attack, he said. All eyes are truly on Reasi now, which, exactly a year ago on 9 June, was the scene of a dastardly terror attack on Hindu pilgrims by the TRF—the very perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. PM Modi has given a befitting reply to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism by inaugurating the highest rail bridge in the world. Bridge to peace The Kashmir Valley has remained mostly cut off from the rest of the country due to the obsolete Article 370, as well as physical barriers. The Chenab Bridge has forged a connection, the missing link on the Jammu–Baramullah train route, which in turn connects the Valley with the rest of India. After 1947, the Valley saw periods of alternating peace and turmoil until 1989, when it spiralled into a vortex of Pakistan–sponsored terrorism, after targeted killings of Hindus by militant groups such as the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front. This led to a mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the region. Prior to this period, the Kashmir Valley saw a period of peace, when it was the favoured location for Yash Chopra—my favourite director—who filmed iconic scenes from classics like Daag and Silsila. Who can forget Shammi Kapoor's song, Yahoo Chahe Mujhe Koi Junglee Kahen? Today, the breathtaking Baisaran Valley has gained infamy due to the tragic terror attack, but it once formed the backdrop against which Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore romanced in the 1964 hit Kashmir ki Kali. It was also the setting for Arzoo and Jab Jab Phool Khile. In the 1970s, iconic hits such as Kabhi Kabhie and Roti had scenes that were shot in the valley. And who can forget the musical Neela Aasman So Gaya? After 1990, a period of insurgency restricted access to the Valley, and only a handful of films were shot well up to the early 2000s, including Roja and Mission Kashmir. These blockbusters had the Kashmir unrest and insurgency as the primary theme. Even in relatively recent films such as Haider and The Kashmir Files, the focus has been on the post-1990 suffering of the Kashmir Valley. The hope is that the Chenab Bridge and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link will bring Bollywood and other film industries back to the Valley. The film–tourism synergy is substantial, and Kashmir's annual tourism industry is worth Rs 12,000 crore. Also read: Srinagar train reminds us Kashmir was secured by iron and rock, that's how soldiers moved in Bridge to national integration The Chenab Bridge is a prime example of India's unity. There was no North-South, Hindu-Muslim divide at play during the execution of the iconic structure. The entire country worked as one for its construction and execution. Rock engineering specialist G Madhavi Latha, a professor at IISc, Bengaluru, spent 17 years working on the stability of the foundation. Her team used a 'design as you go' approach—the terrain was so complex and challenging that the team had to keep modifying calculations and the design was continuously evolving. IIT Delhi professor KJ Rao was a project consultant, and IISc professor TG Sitharam was the geotechnical consultant during 2005-2020. 'The Chenab Bridge is more than a technical achievement — it is a story of human endeavour, of teamwork, of innovation under pressure, and above all, of patriotic purpose,' Sitharam wrote. His words echo the pride of all Indians. Researchers and engineers like Sitharam across the country take pride in this monument to India's technical talent. The steel used in the columns was manufactured by engineers from Steel Authority of India Limited in their plant in Bhilai, including 5,922 tonnes of TMT Steel, 6,454 tonnes of plates and 56 tonnes of structural steel. The remaining steel was brought in from SAIL's Bokaro, Rourkala, and Durgapur plants. Afcons Infrastructure Limited, headquartered in Mumbai, was the contractor for the construction. The project provided employment to over 1,000 Reasi locals. And while the area comes under Northern Railways, the branch was only pleased to partner with Konkan Railways, given the latter's expertise in railroad construction in difficult terrain. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) provided inputs to make the bridge blast-proof. We can safely state that the Chenab Bridge is a mile sur mera tumhara moment in Indian history. Bridge to self-governance I have been told by friends and acquaintances in the Valley that the Governor's rule ensured a period of peace and stability in Kashmir. However, conducting free and fair elections is one of the main pillars of democracy. And the BJP government fulfilled its commitment to democracy by ensuring that elections were peacefully held for 90 Legislative Assembly seats in 2024. The INDIA bloc won 49 seats, leading to Kashmir's first elected government after the abrogation of Article 370, which paved the way for self–governance for the Kashmiri people. Critics of the BJP's handling of Kashmir may read my piece, which appeared in ThePrint on 14 October 2024. Omar Abdullah was elected CM in a peaceful election process that saw a whopping 63.8 per cent turnout. 'Many people dreamt of this train service. What the British could not do, you [PM Modi] got it completed, and Kashmir Valley has now been connected with the rest of the country,' CM Abdullah said during the inauguration ceremony. The bridge will now serve as a gateway for the process of self-governance for the Kashmiri people, with Panchayat elections on the anvil as the electoral rolls have been updated in January. Also read: 'Modi made our dream honeymoon possible'—couple on board the Srinagar Vande Bharat Bridge to prosperity On the day of the Pahalgam terror attack, there was an unprecedented footfall of tourists in Kashmir. Tourism had surged in recent years, peaking at 3.5 million in 2024, and in 2025, was expected to breach that number by the end of the summer holidays. The Chenab Bridge is predicted to boost tourism in the region, as the rail link from Srinagar to Jammu will connect onward to New Delhi and provide a more economical travel option for tourists. Apple growers are also likely to benefit. Over 75 per cent of the country's apple production comes from the Valley, which also accounts for 8 per cent of Kashmir's GDP. 'Poor connectivity has negatively impacted the economic development of 70 percent of the Valley's population, which is dependent on farming and perishable fruit cultivation,' read the article by Ayjaz Wani in ORF's 'Expert Speak'. Beyond apples and plums, all–weather rail connectivity and access to rail cargo services will provide access to newer markets for Kashmiri almonds, walnuts, saffron, cherries, and other fruit. The Chenab Bridge will serve as much more than a connection between two banks of the Chenab River. It will become the lifeline to the Kashmiri economy, linking the once–isolated Valley to the rest of the country. The bridge and the rail link provides a physical manifestation of what every Indian lived by—Kashmir is an integral part of India, and it won't be left behind on the highway to Viksit Bharat 2047. Our Kashmiri brethren will walk into a new dawn of development and prosperity, unlike their neighbours in the Pakistan-occupied part of Kashmir. Bridge of technology India supplies the world with STEM talent. Why should this technical talent not be used for the advancement of our national interest? The Chenab Bridge is 35 times the height of the Eiffel Tower and 1,315 m long, with an imposing steel arch span of 467 m. Designed to withstand zone V earthquakes and wind speeds of 256 km/hr, it straddles a seismologically rugged Himalayan terrain in the comparatively young mountains of the Pir Panjal Range and is connected with two steel pylons. The bridge has a lifespan of 120 years and can support a train speed of up to 100 km/hr. This technological marvel is capable of withstanding high-intensity explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT and extreme temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius. Also read: Anubrata Mondal threatened a police officer & may go scot-free. It's a blot on TMC Bridge of gender equality Symbolically, the Chenab Bridge is also a bridge to gender equality in India. The presence of women in leadership roles, such as G Madhavi Latha, challenged stereotypes and inspired a generation of young women to pursue careers in STEM. Latha has been a trailblazer her entire life. 'At a particular slope cutting, I remember spending sleepless nights as my inputs were required at every stage,' she said while sharing the challenges her team faced in executing the project. The Jammu–Srinagar travel time has been reduced to around three hours, and the Vande Bharat trains are a safe and convenient way to travel. Thus, the bridge is critical for the autonomy and mobility of women in the region. Even critics like Iltija Mufti have admitted that the bridge is a 'welcome step'. The photo of PM Modi holding the Tricolour and marching confidently on the bridge showcases India's resolve and resilience: Nothing can deter us from achieving our goals of prosperity and peaceful coexistence. Like the steel used in the construction of the Chenab Bridge, Indians have forged a new future that is different from the traps set for us. Our stellar resolve will take us forward. This grateful citizen thanks all the researchers, engineers, workers, and agencies involved in the execution of this project, but most of all, our honourable prime minister, who helped bring it to fruition despite the many challenges. Meenakashi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal. (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
India needs to increase its defence budget, says Gen VP Malik
The Vibrant Networking Forum, founded by former IAS officer Vivek Atray, successfully hosted 'Hobnob 2025', an engaging and impactful networking event designed to promote dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across diverse professional and creative sectors, on Sunday. The event, held at Hyatt Centric, Sector 17, drew a gathering of thought leaders, industry experts, changemakers, and innovators for a full day of meaningful exchanges and community building. While addressing the audience on Operation Sindoor at 'Hobnob 2025', former army chief General VP Malik (retd) said, 'The Indian government needs to increase its defence budget to enhance both its offence and defence during the war and conflicts with Pakistan as whatever action we take, Pakistan will definitely retaliate to it and to think that they would not do anything, then we are wrong. Not only with Pakistan, but India needs a strong defence system to fight with other countries, including China, which is possible only with adequate budget from Union government.' While discussing India's political aim and if India was prepared for immediate escalation from Pakistan, Malik said, 'If India's aim was only about hitting the terror targets, then I am afraid that we went wrong somewhere because they should have expected right from the beginning that there may be retaliation from the Pakistan side. I am not sure what was given but our military aim flows from the political gate. Political direction tells you what is to be done. If you go wrong in your political aim then I am afraid that you may also go wrong in military aims.' On discussing if Operation Sindoor has been an adequate message to Pakistan, and was it called off a bit early, Malik said, 'I don't know yet. We have to wait and watch. It doesn't look like at the moment. The way Pakistan is going around and their army chief has been made the Field Marshal, he deserves it or not, these people can indulge again and you should expect them to indulge again. Was it called off a bit early? On my impression, in Army they teach you that if you reach at an advantageous position, then you should exploit the success. And unfortunately when we reached at that position, we were told to call it off.' Indus Waters Treaty largely prejudicial to India, says Sanjay Kundu IPS officer Sanjay Kundu (retd), who has held the charge of director general of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), engaged in a discussion with Lt General KJS 'Tiny' Dhillon (retd) on the topic 'The Indus Waters Treaty' at the event. He said, 'The treaty, which governs the distribution of water in northern states, is largely prejudicial to India. With India keeping certain articles and annexures of the treaty in abeyance, we can get Pakistan to renounce its claim on POK as it is water scarce and gets 80% of the water from the Indus basin.' Kundu explained how certain articles and annexures of the treaty had not been in favour of India. Citing an instance, he elucidated how India has not been able to desilt or repair the existing canals in the 3 western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — due to absence of required permission granted by Pakistan. 'With keeping such articles and annexures of the treaty in abeyance, India is in a strong position. Within five to ten years, Pakistan will become a desert. We can even get POK back and can also get Pakistan to address border issues, including LOC and LAC,' he said. Lessons in will, failures from Lt Gen Dhillon Lieutenant General KJS 'Tiny' Dhillon (retd) highlighted his training and experience in the army as described in his recently released second book, 'Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari: War-room to Board-room', while speaking at Hobnob 2025. Dhillon's session was named after the title of his book and was moderated by emotional health therapist Navita Sandhu. He spoke about how he was at odds with his publisher earlier for choosing a Hindi name for his first book 'Kitne Ghazi Aaye Kitne Ghazi Gaye'. However, he added that owing to its success, the publisher insisted that the second book's title should also be in Hindi. Dhillon said the book was directed towards the corporate world and made use of management principles like will vs skill. Differentiating between the corporate world and army, Dhillon added that the latter made people excel in fields they were not even experienced in, citing his own trials with swimming as an example. He spoke about the role of family in an army soldier's life, describing the struggles of their wives as they had to constantly deal with anxiety. He advised the attendees on how to handle failures, urging them to accept and learn from them for becoming better individuals. He also described the unspoken honour code that the army follows. He narrated how the Indian Army had given proper burials to Pakistani soldiers during the Kargil War, who the Pakistani army had not claimed. Upon being asked about his life after retirement and whether he now sees himself as an author, Dhillon said he will always be an armyman.
