Sonia Gandhi Slams Waqf Amendment Bill, Calls It a ‘Brazen Assault’ on Constitution
New Delhi, April 3, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a “brazen assault” on the Indian Constitution. She accused the BJP of deliberately pushing divisive policies to keep society in a state of “permanent polarization.”
Her remarks came just hours after the Lok Sabha passed the controversial bill following a lengthy 12-hour debate. Gandhi alleged that the bill was “bulldozed” through Parliament, disregarding concerns raised by the opposition.
Addressing Congress MPs at a party meeting in Samvidhan Sadan, she also took aim at the Modi government’s push for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, calling it yet another attempt to subvert the Constitution. “Whether it is education, civil rights, federalism, or elections, the Modi government is dragging India towards a scenario where the Constitution will exist only on paper,” she warned.
Gandhi urged party members to expose what she called the ruling government’s failures and its attempts to turn India into a “surveillance state.” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and several other senior leaders attended the meeting.
She further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of rebranding and marketing welfare initiatives launched by the UPA government (2004-2014) as his own achievements. She urged Congress workers to highlight this through grassroots-level public outreach.
Expressing concerns over the conduct of Parliament, Gandhi claimed that opposition leaders are being denied the opportunity to speak, while BJP members frequently disrupt proceedings to suppress Congress’s voice. She alleged that BJP leaders aggressively target Congress-ruled states with “false narratives” while ignoring failures in their own governance.
“The BJP is determined to silence us, but we must be equally aggressive in exposing their failures. This requires detailed research and preparation on our part,” she told party MPs.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed after all amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected through voice votes. The final count saw 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The bill is now set to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha for further deliberation. (CNS)
Burglars Target Multiple Shops in Surankote, Mobile store, provision shop, and Jio office among targeted establishments
Poonch, April 3, CNS: A group of burglars struck multiple shops in Surankote Bazar of Poonch district, making off with valuables from at least six establishments late last night, reports and officials said on Thursday.
According to officials, the unidentified burglars forced their way into the shops by damaging shutters before fleeing with the stolen goods. The targeted establishments included a mobile phone store, a provision shop, and an office of the Jio Company, among others.
A police official confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway. “Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to gather evidence,” the official said, adding that multiple angles are being explored. “Those involved in the burglary will be apprehended soon,” he assured.
The incident has raised concerns among local traders, who have urged authorities to enhance security measures to prevent such thefts in the future. (CNS)
Wet Spell Likely in J&K Next Week: MeT Department
Srinagar, April 3, CNS: The Meteorological Department has forecast a spell of wet weather across Jammu and Kashmir next week, with rain and snow expected in several areas.
According to a MeT official, while North Kashmir and the Sonamarg-Zojila region may witness light rain or snowfall over higher reaches today, the overall weather in the region is expected to remain dry from April 4 to 7. However, there is a chance of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in some areas later in the afternoon.
Looking ahead, the official stated that April 8 could see cloudy skies by afternoon, with the possibility of light snowfall over the higher reaches of North Kashmir and Sonamarg.
From April 9-10, many parts of the Kashmir Division and some areas in the Jammu region are likely to experience light rain and snowfall in the higher reaches.
On April 11, the forecast suggests generally cloudy conditions with light rain or snow over isolated areas in the morning, followed by an overall improvement in weather conditions. (CNS)
Security Forces Close in on Militants Who Escaped Kathua Encounter
Srinagar, Apr 3, CNS: The relentless multi-tier operation to track down three infiltrating militants who escaped multiple encounters has entered its 12th consecutive day in Kathua’s dense forested terrain. Security forces have intensified their search, deploying additional troops, setting up ambushes, and cracking down on overground networks aiding the fugitives.
Officials said aerial surveillance, including drones, helicopters, and sniffer dogs, is assisting the joint operation by the Army, NSG, Police, SoG, CRPF, and BSF. Troops have expanded the search area to Billawar, Bhaddu, Ghatti, and Kog-Mandli, ensuring militants do not escape into the upper reaches.
To cut off their support system, security agencies have detained six individuals, including three women from a single family, suspected of aiding the militants. Over 27 people have been questioned as forces dismantle the overground worker (OGW) network, which provides food, shelter, and guidance from the International Border to the hills of Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur.
The fugitives, believed to be part of a group that first clashed with security forces near the International Border on March 23, have escaped three encounters so far. Two militants were killed in Sanyal on March 27, but the remaining members managed to flee after killing three policemen and injuring three others. Another brief encounter took place on March 31 in Panjtirthi-Juthana, but they slipped away again.
Security forces remain on high alert, determined to eliminate the threat as the operation continues. (CNS)
J & K Govt Enhances Marriage Assistance For Poor Girls To Rs 75,000
Srinagar, April 3, CNS: The Jammu and Kashmir government enhanced financial assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) for poor girls from Rs 50,000 to 75,000 for the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card holder families.
According to an order, assistance for Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders remains unchanged at Rs 50,000. New scheme will be effective from April 1, 2025.
The order also states that the financial aid will be directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) before the marriage.
The scheme applies only to eligible AAY and PHH ration card holders, ensuring that economically weaker sections receive support for marriage expenses. (CNS)
Eight More Kashmiri Handicrafts Secure GI Tag
Srinagar, Apr 3, CNS: In a significant boost to Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship, eight more indigenous products have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) certification by the GI Registry, Chennai, reinforcing their authenticity and global market value.
A spokesperson from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, confirmed that Kashmir Namda, Kashmir Gabba, Kashmir Willow Bat, Kashmir Tweed, Crewel, Kashmir Chain Stitch, Shikara, and Wagguv have now secured GI registration, raising the total number of GI-certified Kashmiri crafts to 15.
GI certification protects these products from counterfeiting, enhances exports, and ensures producers receive economic benefits tied to their region-specific heritage. The spokesperson emphasized that the move will significantly boost exports and improve market access, preventing unauthorized use while ensuring authenticity for buyers.
Securing GI status was a rigorous three-year process, involving scrutiny, public notices, and legal clearances before final approval. The department now plans to pursue GI certification for six more crafts, including Kandkari Copperware, Silverware, Houseboats, Tapestry, Kashmir Tilla, and Aari Staple Embroidery, to revive lost traditions and expand global reach.
To strengthen product authenticity, the department has also proposed upgrading testing labs with advanced equipment such as Optical Fibre Diameter Analyzers, Scanning Electron Microscopes, and high-resolution Digital Microscopes, ensuring quality control and curbing the sale of machine-made imitations. (CNS)
Former Rajouri BDC Chairman Booked for Amassing Disproportionate Assets
Srinagar, Apr 3, CNS: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against Darbar Chowdhary, former Sarpanch of Dhanore Gorsian and ex-Block Development Council (BDC) Chairman of Rajouri, for allegedly accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The case, filed under FIR No. 01/2025 under Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), follows a secret verification conducted by ACB Rajouri. The probe revealed that Chowdhary, who served as Sarpanch in 2011 and later as BDC Chairman from 2019 to 2023, amassed movable and immovable assets worth crores, far exceeding his legitimate income.
Investigators found that he owned multiple well-furnished houses, several land plots, commercial shops, luxury vehicles, and other valuable assets, some of which were allegedly registered under the names of his family members to conceal ownership.
The ACB, after registering the case, conducted simultaneous searches at Chowdhary’s premises with the assistance of local police and in the presence of magistrates and independent witnesses. Officials confirmed that a detailed scrutiny of the seized records will be carried out as part of the ongoing investigation. (CNS)
Youth Arrested in Bandipora for Glorifying Separatist Leaders on Social Media
Bandipora, Apr 3, CNS: Bandipora Police have arrested a youth for allegedly glorifying the head of the banned Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Muhammad Yasin Malik, and other separatist leaders on social media.
The accused, identified as Sajad Naseer Bhat alias Sahil, son of Naseer Ahmad Bhat from Naidkhai Sumbal, was apprehended during routine cyber surveillance and patrolling.
According to police, he had deliberately uploaded photos of Malik and others to incite unrest and promote extremist ideologies.
A case under FIR No. 65/2025, invoking Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66 of the IT Act, has been registered at Police Station Sumbal, and further investigation is underway. (CNS)
Security Forces Launch Massive Search Operation in Udhampur’s Majalta
Srinagar, Apr 3, CNS: Security forces have launched a massive search operation in Khabbal village of Majalta, Udhampur district, after reports emerged of suspected individuals entering a local residence and allegedly demanding food before fleeing with a mobile phone.
According to sources, the occupants of the house reported the incident, prompting a swift response from security agencies. A joint team of forces cordoned off the area and launched an extensive search operation, which was still in progress at the time of reporting.
This development comes just days after an encounter in Kathua district on April 1, where security forces engaged suspected militants. In the wake of heightened threats, security measures have been intensified across the Udhampur-Reasi region to prevent any potential militant movement and ensure civilian safety.
Officials stated that forces are maintaining a heightened state of alert while efforts are underway to track down the suspects and verify their identity. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies immediately. (CNS)
Ashok Koul asks party cadre to prepare for upcoming elections
Nagrota, April 3, CNS: Ashok Koul, General Secretary (organization), J&K BJP, accompanied by District Prabhari Sham Lal Sharma, MLA & Vice-President, J&K BJP, Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairperson, Assembly Incharge RS Pathania, MLA & Spokesperson, Nand Kishore Sharma, District President, Jammu North, Vinay Mahajan, Seh-Prabhari Jammu North District, Parduman Singh, senior leader, and Devyani Rana, Vice-President BJYM.
Mandal Presidents along with their teams from four Mandals under the Nagrota Assembly Constituency attended the meeting.
Ashok Koul, while addressing the Mandal activists, stressed upon them to brace themselves for the upcoming elections. He said that the BJP activists are like trained soldiers, who never rest and keep themselves pre-occupied with the tasks that are aimed to benefit the nation, society and the organization. He said that the BJP has secured the highest number of votes in the recently concluded Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, which itself testifies the acceptance of the policies of BJP and public centric-governance under PM Narendra Modi.
“The people of Jammu & Kashmir have supported BJP and with every passing day, the prominent social and political figures from varying backgrounds are joining the party with an unwavering faith on its commitment for the development of Jammu & Kashmir like other parts of this great nation”, said Ashok Koul.
Advising the party cadre to prepare themselves for the upcoming elections, Ashok Koul, made them aware about various activities related to coordination with the election office, necessary additions, alterations, and deletions in the voter lists and the role of BLA1, BLA2, so as to ensure the effective voting process.
Ashok Koul also shared the details of forthcoming party programmes with the Mandal activists. He maintained that need to devote more time to conduct the party activities at the ground level especially the BJP’s foundation Day on 6th April, and Samrasta Diwas on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. BR Ambedkar on 14th April involving the prominent figures from the society.
Sham Lal Sharma spoke on the various development measures by the Modi government that have benefited Jammu and Kashmir. He said that as the party is not in the government in Jammu & Kashmir, the efforts of BJP’s leaders including the MLAs and the activists should increase manifolds to meet the aspirations of people.
Bharat Bhushan said that as the unprecedented development tasks are being undertaken by the Modi government in the region, the BJP cadre is supposed to further augment the efforts to benefit the masses.
RS Pathania asked the Mandal activists to take the pro-people schemes to the needy population with the collaborative efforts to help them, which will help them earn the faith of masses.
Nand Kishore Sharma, while thanking the senior leadership for their guidance, assured them that the Mandal teams under the leadership of their presidents will leave no stone unturned to ensure that party’s policies and ideology and Modi government’s schemes reach the needy section of society.
