API News

*APINEWS ||■ POLITICS*
*"Hum Delhi Se Dosti Karna Chahte Hain": PC Leader Sheikh Imran | Sajad Lone Had Earlier Called PM Modi "Elder Brother"*

*SRINAGAR, 04 AUGUST 2026:* *People's Conference Leader Sheikh Imran* today said:
_"Hum Delhi se dosti karna chahte hain"_ - _"We want to be friends with Delhi."_

Speaking to media, Sheikh Imran said that for *peace, development and stability in J&K*, there is a need to *end confrontation and engage with the Centre* through democratic and constitutional means.

*Earlier Similar Stance By Sajad Lone*
This is not the first time a *People's Conference leader* has spoken in favor of better ties with Delhi.
Previously, *PC President Sajad Gani Lone*, when he was a Minister in the PDP-BJP government, had famously said:
*"PM Modi is my elder brother"* - _"Modi mere bade bhai hain."_

Political observers say the *People's Conference has consistently pushed for engagement with the Centre* rather than confrontation, and the latest statement by Sheikh Imran is in line with that approach.

*APINEWS ||■ POLITICS*
*"Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh": Mehbooba M***i Renews Call For Restoration Of Special Status*

*SRINAGAR, 04 AUGUST 2026:* *PDP President Mehbooba M***i* today renewed her demand for the *restoration of J&K's special status*, using the slogan *"Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh"* - _"Our right, keep it here."_

While talking to Reporters Mehbooba M***i said that the *people of J&K were promised dignity, identity and rights* which were taken away on *5th August 2019* with the abrogation of *Article 370 and 35A*.

_"We will continue our peaceful and democratic struggle until the special status of J&K is restored. Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh,"_ she said.

She added that PDP believes in *dialogue and reconciliation* and that the Centre must *address the political and emotional concerns* of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Party leaders and workers raised slogans in support of the restoration demand during the event.

***i

Public Advisory

5th August``````In view of the protest calls issued by certain political parties and organisations in connection with the forthcoming *5th August*, Handwara Police has put in place comprehensive security arrangements across the sub district to maintain peace, public order and public safety.

The general public is informed that no protest, rally, procession, demonstration or any other public gathering shall be held without prior permission from the competent authority. Any violation of the prescribed legal provisions shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.

Handwara Police appeals to all citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, maintain peace and communal harmony, refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Stations.(APINEWS)

Mehbooba M***i seen holding Tricolour upside down during protest

During a protest event, PDP President Mehbooba M***i was seen holding the Indian national flag in an inverted position, with the green band appearing on the top and the saffron band at the bottom. The incident has sparked discussion on social media, as the Tricolour is officially displayed with the saffron band at the top, followed by the white band with the Ashoka Chakra in the centre, and the green band at the bottom.

***i

Kathua policeman dismissed from service in narcotics case
API News
A Selection Grade Constable posted in Jammu and Kashmir Police has been dismissed from service following his alleged involvement in a narcotics smuggling case in Kathua district.

According to police, the action was taken after a departmental inquiry confirmed charges against the accused, who was earlier apprehended with he**in and suspended from service. The dismissal underscores J&K Police’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and misconduct within the force.

*APINEWS ||■ WILDLIFE ATTACKS*
*Minor Girl Injured In Leopard Attack In Shopian, Man Injured In Bear Attack In Anantnag*

*SHOPIAN/ANANTNAG, 04 AUGUST 2026:* Two separate *wildlife attack incidents* were reported from South Kashmir today, leaving a *minor girl and a man injured*.

*1. Leopard Injures Minor Girl In Dragad, Shopian*
According to officials, a *minor girl, Zanab daughter of Aafiq Ahmad Thoker, resident of Dragad village*, was attacked by a *wild leopard* on Tuesday.

She sustained injuries in the attack and was *immediately shifted to a nearby hospital* for treatment. Her condition is stated to be *stable*.

Following the incident, *locals have urged the Wildlife Department* to take necessary measures to prevent such attacks in the area.

*2. Man Injured In Bear Attack In Sallar, Anantnag*
In another incident, a *man identified as Lal Hussain* was injured after being *attacked by a bear* in the *Humnadi forest area of Sallar, Anantnag* district on Tuesday around *11:30 AM*.

He was also *shifted to a nearby hospital* for treatment.

Authorities have *advised locals to remain cautious* while venturing into forest areas.

Murtaza

*J&K Govt Announces Arrangements For Independence Day Celebrations*

*Chief Minister To Preside Over Main Function At Bakshi Stadium*

APINEWS ||■

Srinagar, Aug 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced the arrangements for Independence Day celebrations to be held on 15th August, 2026 across the Union Territory.

An official told API thaty, the Chief Minister will preside over the main function and take the salute at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will preside over the function at Jammu district headquarters.

In Anantnag, Minister for Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Masood (Itoo) will take the salute.

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana will preside over the function in Poonch.

Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments Javid Ahmad Dar will do so in Baramulla.

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports and ARI and Trainings Satish Sharma will preside at Kathua.

And Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani will take the salute at Kupwara.

Deputy Commissioners will preside over functions at the remaining district headquarters. Sub-Divisional Magistrates will take the salute at sub-divisional headquarters, while Tehsildars or the senior most civil officers will preside over functions at tehsil, block and municipal headquarters as decided by the respective Deputy Commissioners.(API)

Strong Winds Cause Damage in Ganderbal

Strong winds lashed Bakura area of Ganderbal on Monday evening, blowing off the rooftop of a residential house. The gusty winds also damaged an electric pole in the area.

No injuries have been reported so far.

*Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods In Kupwara And Anantnag, Woman Dies In Lolab*

*Road blocked at Langnai Bridge, Batkoot bridge damaged*
API News
Srinagar, Aug 3 : A woman died after a cloudburst triggered a flash flood in Himli area of Lolab in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Monday, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Naseema Begum, wife of Mohd Ayub, a resident of Warnow. Police said her body was recovered following a search operation after the cloudburst caused a sudden surge of water in the area.

Officials told API that damage assessment is underway and further details are awaited.

In south Kashmir, another cloudburst struck Batkoot area of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, triggering flash floods and creating panic among locals and tourists. Authorities said teams have been deployed to monitor the situation and assess the impact.

The heavy rains also disrupted connectivity. Officials said the Aishmuqam–Pahalgam road has been blocked at Langnai Bridge due to flooding. In addition, the bridge at Langnai Batkoot has suffered damage because of the strong water current.

Residents and travelers have been advised to avoid the affected areas until the situation is brought under control.(API)