Dinesh Manhotra

Articles by Dinesh Manhotra

Email : editor@ibtimes.co.in
mock drill

Three Days Before Amarnath Yatra, Srinagar Police Hold Full-Scale Security Mock Drill

With just three days left for the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, Srinagar Police conducted a comprehensive multi-agency mock drill at the Panthachowk transit camp to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen response mechanisms. The exercise, involving different departments, simulated multiple emergency scenarios to evaluate coordination, communication, and operational readiness ahead of the annual pilgrimage. Jun 30, 2026
Mutton shops

Omar Flags Rs 17–18 Crore Livestock Transit Levy, Urges Punjab to End 'Illegal' Collections

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately stop the alleged unauthorised collection of money from livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab, saying the practice is inflating transportation costs and driving up mutton prices in the Union Territory. Citing complaints from traders and findings of an internal inquiry, Abdullah said livestock transport is exempt from GST and sought safeguards to ensure the unhindered movement of consignments. Jun 30, 2026
Yasin Malik

Fresh Legal Blow to Yasin Malik as SIA Files Chargesheet in 1990 Sarla Bhat Murder

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a 737-page chargesheet against jailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik and four others in the 1990 abduction and murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat. The chargesheet, filed nearly 35 years after the crime, revives one of Kashmir's most prominent terror-era cases and adds to Malik's ongoing legal challenges in other militancy-related cases. Jun 29, 2026
Iltija Mufti

Political Slugfest Over Backdoor Appointments Intensifies in J&K

The political battle over alleged backdoor appointments in Jammu and Kashmir intensified as the National Conference government rejected the PDP's allegations, insisting that all recruitments are conducted transparently on merit and that outsourcing is distinct from recruitment. Meanwhile, PDP leader Iltija Mufti questioned the government's outsourcing policy and sought details of contracts awarded to private firms. Jun 29, 2026
Amarnath cave

J&K LG Performs 'Pratham Puja', Marks Ceremonial Beginning of 57-Day Amarnath Yatra

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the Pratham Puja at the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji, marking the ceremonial commencement of the 57-day Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3. He appealed to devotees to undertake the pilgrimage in large numbers and urged all sections of society to work together to ensure a safe, peaceful, and memorable Yatra for pilgrims. Jun 29, 2026
Sonam Wangchuk

Ladakhi Groups Distance Themselves from Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar

The Leh Apex Body has distanced itself from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, clarifying that his participation alongside the Cockroach Janata Party is a personal decision and not part of the ongoing agitation by Ladakhi groups. Wangchuk launched the fast over accountability in education and issues concerning Ladakh's environment, culture, and people's welfare. Jun 28, 2026
Home Minister Amit Shah

Narcotics Worth Rs 6,000 Crore Destroyed as Amit Shah Unveils New Anti-Narcotics Roadmap For India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Online Drugs Disposal Fortnight Campaign and unveiled the Vision Document on Drug Control (2026–2029), calling for a ruthless crackdown on drug traffickers and a compassionate approach towards victims. As part of the campaign, enforcement agencies destroyed 209,500 kg of narcotics worth Rs 6,000 crore, while Shah stressed that the next three years would be decisive in India's fight against drugs and narco-terrorism. Jun 26, 2026
Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti Trade Charges Over Alleged Backdoor Appointments in J&K

A political showdown erupted in J&K as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's allegation that his government made 25,000 backdoor appointments. Omar challenged Mehbooba to produce evidence, accused the PDP-BJP regime of carrying out large-scale illegal recruitments, and claimed data on those appointments would soon be made public. Jun 26, 2026
Dissidents

J&K Congress Crisis: AICC Fact-Finding Panel Completes Inquiry, Report Awaited

The fact-finding committee constituted by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to investigate allegations of factionalism, indiscipline, and anti-party activities in the J&K Congress has completed its three-day exercise in Srinagar and returned to New Delhi. The panel interacted with over 70 party leaders from across the Union Territory and is expected to submit its report to the Congress high command shortly. Jun 25, 2026
Anti corruption bureau

Ghost Works Scam: Seven Booked for Embezzling Funds Worth Crores Through Non-Existent Works in J&K

The Anti-Corruption Bureau of J&K has charge-sheeted seven individuals, including former Rural Development Department officials and a contractor, in connection with an alleged embezzlement of government funds in Kupwara's Lolab area. Investigations revealed that payments were released for developmental works that either existed only on paper or were executed in violation of norms. Jun 25, 2026
Amarnath cave

Amarnath Yatra: DGP Orders Enhanced Security on Highway, Rail Network; QR Verification System Launched

With just two weeks left for the commencement of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat has directed security agencies to strengthen surveillance and security arrangements along the pilgrimage route, National Highway, and railway infrastructure. During a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar, he emphasized strict adherence to SOPs, intensified anti-terror operations, and enhanced coordination among agencies. Jun 24, 2026
PMAY holds key to affordable housing for millions

Genuine Homeless Families Left Out of PMAY-G, J&K Govt Orders Immediate Rectification

The J&K government has ordered an immediate review of the PMAY-G 2.0 beneficiary list following complaints that several deserving rural families were wrongly excluded from the housing scheme. The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has directed field officers to identify and rectify such cases, warning that officials responsible for negligence or improper verification will be held accountable. Jun 23, 2026