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SKIMS Unveils Rs 145 Cr Healthcare Revamp on World Health Day

Kashmir Despatch
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SKIMS Unveils Rs 145 Cr Healthcare Revamp on World Health Day

KD NEWS SERVICE


SRINAGAR, April 7 (KD NEWS SERVICE): Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, is undergoing a transformative infrastructure overhaul aimed at elevating healthcare delivery and aligning it with the best national standards.

Announcing this significant development on World Health Day, Director SKIMS, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Ganaie, revealed that medical equipment worth over Rs 50 crore has already been procured, with another Rs 40 crore worth of machinery set to be added soon. A fresh proposal of Rs 55 crore has also been submitted to the government for approval, pushing the total planned investment to Rs 145 crore.

At a press conference held on Sunday, Dr. Ganaie emphasized that the upgradation is part of a long-term vision to make SKIMS a flagship institution of excellence in tertiary healthcare. The recent acquisitions aim to bolster critical care services and enhance diagnostic capabilities across departments.

The newly acquired equipment includes:

150 state-of-the-art ICU beds

Radiofrequency ablation machines

3D 4K visualizer towers for kidney transplant surgeries

High-speed neurosurgical drills

Advanced biochemistry and urine analyzers

Wide bore CT simulators for radiotherapy

Endoscopy systems

Portable X-ray and colour Doppler ultrasound machines

Pediatric bronchoscopy systems

High-flow nasal cannula therapy units

Bubble CPAP machines for neonatal care

Modern anesthesia workstations

Phototherapy units for newborns

Compound microscopes for research

A new water filtration plant for hospital-wide use

These additions are expected to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce dependence on facilities outside the Union Territory for complex treatments.

Dr. Ganaie also used the occasion to announce a major administrative decision: the promotion of 1,000 employees through various Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs). The move, he said, acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the SKIMS staff and is intended to boost morale across the workforce.

In response to queries about past financial lapses and underutilized funds, Dr. Ganaie assured that a committee will soon be constituted to probe the issue. “We believe in accountability, not blame games. The goal is to learn from the past and ensure such lapses don’t recur,” he noted.

Addressing recent criticisms directed at the institute, Dr. Ganaie urged for a balanced approach. “SKIMS is a collective asset of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. While constructive feedback is welcome, unwarranted negativity undermines the institution’s credibility,” he remarked.

The sweeping upgrade at SKIMS comes at a time when healthcare demand is intensifying across the region. With the ongoing infrastructure and equipment modernization, SKIMS is poised to play a more dynamic role in meeting the advanced medical needs of the people and strengthening the Union Territory’s healthcare ecosystem.

We’ve already demolished terror ecosystem, infrastructure: J&K DGP

Kashmir Despatch
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0
We’ve already demolished terror ecosystem, infrastructure: J&K DGP

KD NEWS SERVICE

JAMMU, Apr 7: Praising Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his support and “zero-terror” strategy, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Monday said the terror ecosystem and infrastructure have been demolished.

His force will not rest till terrorism is completely wiped out of the Union Territory (UT), the DGP added.

Prabhat was addressing a gathering after the home minister handed over appointment orders on compassionate grounds to the families of 11 martyrs, including 10 policemen at a special function at Raj Bhavan here.

The DGP said 1,614 police personnel including 515 Special Police Officers (SPOs) laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism since 1989.

He said the successful implementation of Shah’s decisions like the “zero terror” plan coupled with his support have made the J-K Police strategically a very strong force.

“The sacrifice of 1,614 policemen including 515 SPOs in the fight against terrorism shows the bravery of the police force and their efforts to make J&K secure and peaceful. We have already demolished the terror ecosystem and infrastructure,” the DGP said.

Thanking the home minister for meeting the families of the martyrs and personally handing over appointment orders to them, he said his force will not rest till terrorism is completely wiped out of J-K.

Prabhat also highlighted the synergy between police and other security agencies, and praised the home minister for his guidance, saying the thrust on coordination has strengthened and prepared them operationally to take on the challenges in a better manner.

He also praised the home minister for his support in conducting general warfare special training, camp security and area domination.

From Conflict to Concord

Suhail Khan
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From Conflict to Concord

Separatist Groups in J&K Pledge Allegiance to India, Signaling a New Era of Unity

SUHAIL KHAN

SRINAGAR, Apr 7: In a historic shift that underscores the transformative political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, six separatist organizations, including the Kashmir Freedom Front (KFF), have publicly severed ties with the Hurriyat Conference—a decades-old separatist conglomerate—and pledged allegiance to India.

This unprecedented move, unfolding during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s high-profile visit to the region, marks a watershed moment in the union territory’s journey toward peace and development following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. 

A Departure from the Past

The Kashmir Freedom Front, led by separatist-turned-mainstream leader Bashir Ahmad Andrabi, became the sixth group to disassociate from the Hurriyat Conference this month, joining five other factions that have denounced separatism and vowed to support India’s constitutional framework.

Advocates of this ideological U-turn, including Shafi Reshi of the Democratic Political Movement (DPM) and Shahid Saleem of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement, criticized the Hurriyat for “failing the aspirations of Kashmiris” and pledged to work toward “development and dignity” under India’s democratic umbrella. 

“We refuse to let our names or organizations be exploited by those peddling division. The era of separatism is over,” declared Andrabi, flanked by fellow former separatists who warned of legal action against anyone linking them to secessionist agendas. Their collective rejection of the Hurriyat’s ideology has been hailed as a symbolic death knell for a movement once central to Kashmir’s fractured political narrative. 

Home Minister Declares “End of Separatism”

Addressing a rally in Baramulla, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the developments as proof of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “unwavering commitment to national unity.” “Separatism is now a relic of the past. The Modi government has dismantled the ecosystem of terror and replaced it with trust, development, and accountability,” Shah asserted, citing a dramatic decline in militancy-related incidents—from 417 in 2018 to just 76 in 2023. 

Shah’s visit, aimed at reviewing security and development projects, coincided with the government’s recent five-year ban on two key Hurriyat constituents—the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Awami Action Committee and Mohammad Abbas Ansari’s Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM)—for “abetting terrorism and secessionism.” 

The Rise and Fall of the Hurriyat

Formed in 1993 as an alliance of over two dozen parties, the Hurriyat Conference long dominated Kashmir’s separatist discourse despite its limited grassroots influence. Internal fissures split the group into rival factions in 2003, one led by the late Syed Ali Geelani and the other by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has been under house arrest since August 2019. Geelani’s death in 2021 and the incarceration of over two dozen Hurriyat leaders on charges ranging from terror financing to militancy support have left the conglomerate politically defunct. 

“The Hurriyat survives only in name. Its leaders are either jailed, silenced, or abandoned by their own people,” remarked a senior security official, speaking anonymously. 

Integration Over Insurgency

Analysts attribute this tectonic shift to the central government’s dual strategy of stringent counter-terrorism measures and aggressive outreach through infrastructure projects, employment schemes, and electoral participation. The Modi administration’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, followed by the delimitation exercise and preparations for assembly elections, has recalibrated the region’s political aspirations. 

“Separatism thrived on alienation. By addressing grievances through development and democratic engagement, the government has eroded its ideological base,” stated political analyst Aarti Tikoo. 

Meanwhile, the surrender of separatist groups’ signals progress. However, challenges persist. Ensuring lasting peace requires addressing unemployment, enhancing transparency in governance, and fostering inter-community dialogue. Moreover, the release of detained Hurriyat leaders and the integration of dissenters into mainstream politics remain contentious issues. 

As Jammu and Kashmir inches toward its first assembly elections since becoming a union territory, the ex-separatists’ pledge to India offers a glimmer of hope—a testament to the region’s evolving narrative from conflict to reconciliation. 

Once a crucible of unrest, Jammu and Kashmir now stands at the threshold of a new dawn. With separatist voices fading and development taking center stage, the question—“Is India finally a solution?”—resonates with cautious optimism. The answer, however, hinges on sustaining this fragile peace through inclusive growth and unyielding faith in democracy. 

Chance Meeting’ Between CM Omar, Rijiju Leads To Political Storm In J&K

Kashmir Despatch
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Chance Meeting’ Between CM Omar, Rijiju Leads To Political Storm In J&K

KD NEWS SERVICE

SRINAGAR, Apr 7: A “chance meeting” between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union minister Kiren Rijiju at Asia’s largest Tulip Garden here on Monday triggered a political storm with opposition parties dubbing it as “Waqf law bonhomie”. Sources in the ruling National Conference said that Omar Abdullah was accompanying his father and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah after the latter expressed a wish to visit the Tulip Garden which is in full bloom these days.

The sources said the father-son duo bumped into Rijiju, who had also come to visit the garden early in the morning.

The politicians from the opposite sides of political spectrum exchanged pleasantries before heading their separate ways, they said.

Rijiju posted the pictures with the Abdullahs on his X handle, triggering the controversy as opposition parties accused the National Conference of laying out a red carpet for the BJP leader in the aftermath of Waqf Amendment Act.

The NC sources termed the interaction as purely a “chance meeting” and brushed aside outrage over it saying opposition parties were “fishing in the desert”.

The opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples’ Conference targeted the National Conference over the meeting, and accused it of surrendering to the BJP without even a pretence over the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill.

“Waqf Law bonhomie! So soon. Not even a pretence while the ruling party members indulge in a drama in assembly over the issue. Mr Rijiju piloted the bill in Parliament as minority affairs minister,” PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said.

Another PDP leader Waheed Para, said the Muslims of J&K have been “reduced to props” in the government’s “political theatre” — useful on stage, but far too inconvenient to represent when real decisions are to be made.

“Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has rejected the Waqf Bill outrightly because they have the spine to show opposition. But the NC keeps surrendering for political gains at the cost of our people and institutions,” Para charged on X.

The Pulwama MLA said the NC has rolled out a red carpet at the Tulip Garden for the Union minister, who introduced and defended the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Parliament.

“Let’s be clear: No resolution on Waqf is silent approval. And the NC MLAs can protest for optics all they want. But we know that the CM and NC patron have rolled out a red carpet in the Tulip Garden for none other than Kiren Rijiju – the very Minister who introduced and defended the bill in Parliament,” he said.

“Who would have thought that ‘defending minority rights’ looks like a giggling photo op in full bloom? Talk about abandoning the so-called sweeping mandate!” Para said.

Peoples’ Conference chief Sajad Lone said the chief minister should have stayed away from the Union minister as a mark of protest.

“The least Muslims of India deserved was that in J and K, the only Muslim majority province in India, the CM as a mark of protest stays away from Mr Kiren Rijju, who presented the waqf bill. Instead he tags along Farooq sahib as well. What a shame,” Lone said in a post on X.

Union minister Rijiju posted photographs of his meeting with the Abdullahs, and said the captivating Tulip Garden is the grandest in Asia.

“A refreshing morning walk amid the vibrant hues of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, with Hon’ble CM Shri @OmarAbdullah ji and also glad to meet Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab,” he said on X. “With an astonishing numbers of varieties, this garden is a true masterpiece. Let’s cheer for the record visitors each year as they immersed themselves in the beauty of these vibrant blooms,” he added.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by Parliament last week. The Act aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites, and promote social welfare.

It also seeks to improve governance by enhancing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities and protecting stakeholders’ rights. (Agencies)

Debate over JKAS promotions: Govt forms panel to address concerns

Kashmir Despatch
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0
Debate over JKAS promotions: Govt forms panel to address concerns

KD NEWS SERVICE

SRINAGAR, Apr 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has acknowledged concerns over the ‘alleged arbitrary supersession’ of senior JKAS officers by their juniors from departmental or feeding services, and has constituted a committee to streamline the career progression within the premier administrative service.

Responding to a question by legislator Muzaffar Iqbal Khan during the ongoing session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, the government cited Rule 11(1) of the JKAS Rules, 2008, which governs promotions to time scale posts.

As per the rules, 50% of the time scale posts are to be filled by promotion from directly recruited junior scale officers, while the remaining 50% are filled from feeding services in proportion to their respective strength.

Additionally, 10% of the feeding service quota is allocated to other eligible government departments under clause (c) of Rule 6.

However, in light of the grievances raised, the government, through Order No. 2088-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated December 13, 2024, has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Shaleen Kabra, IAS, Financial Commissioner (ACS), Jal Shakti Department. The committee’s mandate is to examine and streamline promotion mechanisms and ensure fair career progression for all JKAS officers.

Additionally, the move comes amid growing concern that SRO-386 of 2008 may have led to an imbalance in promotional opportunities within the JKAS cadre, affecting morale among direct recruits.

Amit Shah hands over job offer letters to kin of 10 martyred policemen, engineer

Kashmir Despatch
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0
Amit Shah hands over job offer letters to kin of 10 martyred policemen, engineer

Jammu — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday met the families of 10 police personnel and an engineer who lost their lives in various terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir over the past year and handed over job appointment letters to the next of kin, officials said.

The minister, who is on a three-day visit to the Union Territory, met the families at Raj Bhavan here, they said.

Among the families who met the Union minister included the next of kin of four policemen who recently sacrificed their lives in a fierce gunfight with Pakistani terrorists in Kathua district.

A massive search operation has been underway in the forest area of the district since March 23 when police and other security forces intercepted a group of five terrorists who had infiltrated from across the International Border in the Hiranagar sector.

Four policemen, head constable Jagbir Singh and selection grade constables Jaswant Singh, Balvinder Singh and Tariq Hussain, and two terrorists were killed in a fierce gunfight in the district on March 27.

The wives of the slain policemen hailing from Kathua, Jammu and Reasi districts, along with relatives of six other police martyrs, were present at the event, the officials said.

Ruchi Abrol, wife of engineer Shashi Bushan Abrol of the Talab Tillo area of Jammu, also met Shah. Abrol was among seven workers of a construction company killed in a terror attack at Gagangir in Ganderbal district in October last year. — (PTI)

Waqf Act ‘unconstitutional’, hope Supreme Court will do justice: Farooq Abdullah

Kashmir Despatch
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0
Waqf Act ‘unconstitutional’, hope Supreme Court will do justice: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar — National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Monday termed the Waqf (Amendment) Act as “unconstitutional”, saying his party was against it and was hoping for justice from the Supreme Court.

“NC is against this (Waqf) Bill. We think it is unconstitutional and parties have gone to the Supreme Court… that is why (Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly) Speaker did not allow a debate as the issue has reached the Supreme Court.

“We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will do justice,” Abdullah told reporters in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.

Asked to comment on the visit of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the NC president said it was good as he can assess the situation in the Union Territory (UT), and expressed hope that J&K’s statehood would be restored soon.

“He (Union home minister) comes regularly. It is a good thing that he visits, he can see the situation, the situation on the borders, the situation in the state. We hope that they restore the statehood sooner,” Abdullah said.

Asked if he would intervene and talk to the home minister about the issue of the Waqf Amendment Act, the NC president said “Why do I need to talk? The CM will talk. I will not talk to him (Shah) about that.” — (PTI)

‘Chance meeting’ between Omar Abdullah, Kiren Rijiju leads to political storm in J&K

Kashmir Despatch
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0
‘Chance meeting’ between Omar Abdullah, Kiren Rijiju leads to political storm in J&K

Srinagar — A “chance meeting” between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union minister Kiren Rijiju at Asia’s largest Tulip Garden here on Monday triggered a political storm with opposition parties dubbing it as “Waqf law bonhomie”.

Sources in the ruling National Conference said that Omar Abdullah was accompanying his father and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah after the latter expressed a wish to visit the Tulip Garden which is in full bloom these days.

The sources said the father-son duo bumped into Rijiju, who had also come to visit the garden early in the morning.

The politicians from the opposite sides of political spectrum exchanged pleasantries before heading their separate ways, they said.

Rijiju posted the pictures with the Abdullahs on his X handle, triggering the controversy as opposition parties accused the National Conference of laying out a red carpet for the BJP leader in the aftermath of Waqf Amendment Act.

The NC sources termed the interaction as purely a “chance meeting” and brushed aside outrage over it saying opposition parties were “fishing in the desert”.

The opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples’ Conference targeted the National Conference over the meeting, and accused it of surrendering to the BJP without even a pretence over the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill.

“Waqf Law bonhomie! So soon. Not even a pretence while the ruling party members indulge in a drama in assembly over the issue. Mr Rijiju piloted the bill in Parliament as minority affairs minister,” PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said.

Another PDP leader Waheed Para, said the Muslims of J&K have been “reduced to props” in the government’s “political theatre” — useful on stage, but far too inconvenient to represent when real decisions are to be made.

“Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has rejected the Waqf Bill outrightly because they have the spine to show opposition. But the NC keeps surrendering for political gains at the cost of our people and institutions,” Para charged on X.

The Pulwama MLA said the NC has rolled out a red carpet at the Tulip Garden for the Union minister, who introduced and defended the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Parliament.

“Let’s be clear: No resolution on Waqf is silent approval. And the NC MLAs can protest for optics all they want. But we know that the CM and NC patron have rolled out a red carpet in the Tulip Garden for none other than Kiren Rijiju – the very Minister who introduced and defended the bill in Parliament,” he said.

“Who would have thought that ‘defending minority rights’ looks like a giggling photo op in full bloom? Talk about abandoning the so-called sweeping mandate!” Para said.

Peoples’ Conference chief Sajad Lone said the chief minister should have stayed away from the Union minister as a mark of protest.

“The least Muslims of India deserved was that in J&K, the only Muslim majority province in India, the CM as a mark of protest stays away from Mr Kiren Rijju, who presented the waqf bill. Instead he tags along Farooq sahib as well. What a shame,” Lone said in a post on X.

Union minister Rijiju posted photographs of his meeting with the Abdullahs, and said the captivating Tulip Garden is the grandest in Asia.

“A refreshing morning walk amid the vibrant hues of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, with Hon’ble CM Shri @OmarAbdullah ji and also glad to meet Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab,” he said on X.

“With an astonishing numbers of varieties, this garden is a true masterpiece. Let’s cheer for the record visitors each year as they immersed themselves in the beauty of these vibrant blooms,” he added.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by Parliament last week. The Act aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites, and promote social welfare.

It also seeks to improve governance by enhancing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities and protecting stakeholders’ rights. — (PTI)

HM Shah arrives in Srinagar, visits residence of late DySP Humayun Muzamil

Kashmir Despatch
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0
HM Shah arrives in Srinagar, visits residence of late DySP Humayun Muzamil

Srinagar, Apr 07 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Monday evening.

He was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other dignitaries at Srinagar Airport.

After landing in Kashmir, Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), visited the residence of Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzamil, 32, who was one among the four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during an encounter with terrorists in south Kashmir’s Kokernag area on September 13, 2023. Bhat was awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously.

Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, spent nearly 20 minutes with the slain police officer’s father, retired IGP Ghulam Hassan Bhat, before heading to Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, sources said.

Shah will stay in Srinagar till Tuesday afternoon. He will chair a high level meeting on developmental works at Raj Bhawan tomorrow and would also lead a comprehensive Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting, it would be attended by the officers of J&K Police, Army, CAPF, Central Intelligence agencies, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and senior MHA officials—(KNO)KNO - Kashmir News Observer

Terrorism curbed, not eliminated completely: HM Amit Shah

Kashmir Despatch
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0
Terrorism curbed, not eliminated completely: HM Amit Shah

Jammu, Apr 07 : Asserting that terrorism has been curbed, but it has not been completely eliminated, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that under the leadership of PM Modi, significant progress has been achieved in tackling terrorism and ending separatist ideology in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), met the families of J&K policemen, who laid down their lives in line of duty in an encounter with terrorists in Kathua district recently. He also handed over appointment letters to nine nominees on compassionate grounds. He paid rich tribute to the slain police personnel and expressed gratitude to their families.

Addressing the families of the slain police personnel he said, “Whole country is proud of the brave policemen who sacrificed their lives to protect the country. Today under the leadership of PM Modi, significant progress has been achieved in tackling terrorism and ending separatist ideology. Our mission is still not accomplished, because terrorism has been curbed, but it has not been completely eliminated.”

The Union Home Minister said, “For more than three and a half decades, Jammu and Kashmir has suffered the devastating effects of terrorism. We are proud of the sacrifice of our brave policemen who laid down their lives to protect our country, our homes and our future.”

The Home Minister urged J&K Government to take positive steps for compassionate appointment of 12-year-old Yuvraj Singh, son of martyr SGCT Jaswant Singh, upon attaining adulthood (18 years of age).

Shah also paid his respects and gratitude to the family of late Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager/Designer, APCO Construction Company, Gagangir, District Ganderbal.

Late Shashi Bhushan Abrol made the supreme sacrifice while on duty during a terrorist attack on the critical infrastructure project of Sonamarg Tunnel on 20 October 2024.

The Home Minister said, “No amount of words can take away the pain being felt by the bereaved, but it symbolizes our deep gratitude and the government’s unwavering commitment to stand with the families of the brave martyrs, just as the loved ones of the martyrs have stood by the nation.”

“Everyone should follow the ideals of the martyrs and have an eternal love for duty, honour and ‘Maa Bharti’. The sacrifice, courage and commitment of the martyrs will always remain etched in our hearts and will continue to inspire us to build the India of their dreams,” he added—(KNO)

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