Omar Abdullah

The Chief Minister said that Shah, a pony ride operator, tried to stop the attack in a bid to shield the tourist he was with and was targetted when he tried to snatch a gun.

On the opposition's charge that the ruling party scuttled the discussion on Waqf Amendment Act, he said the adjournment motion could not have been admitted as the bill was passed by Parliament.

PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday questioned the "silence" of the NC government over the decision, saying the people had expectations from the elected government that it would safeguard them, "but quite the opposite is happening".

Kashmir's chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday said obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated.

Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference chief Sajad Lone said the fashion show in Gulmarg was an "eminently avoidable event" during Ramzan, although he said that he was a "person of liberal orientation".

This was the first Budget presented in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.

The Congress, People's Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties have criticised the dual model of governance in J-K.

Meanwhile, the J&K CM today announced that the Bungus Valley in Kupwara district is being developed as an offbeat tourism destination with development works totaling Rs 72 lakh proposed for the area.

The former chief minister warned that such a move would legitimise the "illegal and unconstitutional" actions taken by the BJP-led central government to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A.

Shab-e-Barat, observed on the 15th night of Sha'ban, is a significant Islamic night for prayer and forgiveness.

Omar Abdullah highlighted that such consultations provide a clear picture of ground realities, enabling the government to formulate policies that effectively address public concerns.

He even said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress – part of the Opposition INDIA bloc on the national level – should figure out how to fight with the BJP in the upcoming Delhi assembly polls to be held next month

The chief minister also announced that the business rules for the government will be formulated after thorough consultations and subsequently presented to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Abdullah said the sentiments of the people should be respected and their aspirations fulfilled.

Omar Abdullah also mentioned that arrangements for overnight shelter would be made if required, with an ambulance on standby in case of medical emergencies.

This is Abdullah’s second meeting with the Union minister after taking over as the first chief minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which was carved out after the reorganisation of the erstwhile state in August 2019.

The chief minister emphasised that electoral machines remain the same regardless of the election outcome, and parties should not use them as a convenient excuse for defeat

While critiquing the Congress, Abdullah also praised former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, recognizing her unparalleled stature within the opposition alliance. "When the INDIA bloc comes together, she plays an important leadership role," Abdullah added.

Omar Abdullah said that when he spoke in the House the last time, Jammu and Kashmir was a state and had a special place and status in the country

The BJP has nominated Narinder Singh Raina as its candidate for the deputy speaker position, although it has not put forth a candidate for the speaker role.