In the months since the devastating Pahalgam attack, which killed 25 tourists and one Kashmiri — ruptured the fragile sense of normalcy in Kashmir, the long-pending question of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood had already begun fading from New Delhi’s priorities. Now, the November car bombing near Delhi’s Red Fort has pushed the debate into even more uncertain terrain. What was once framed as a matter of political commitment has turned into something far more complicated, shaped by new security anxieties and the resurfacing of old fault lines.
The Red Fort blast, which claimed over a dozen lives, has changed the priorities. Investigations have led to the arrest of several suspects from Kashmir, a development that has caused deep anxiety within the Valley. The immediate consequence has been a tightening of security across the Union Territory, and more quietly, a renewed narrative linking Kashmir once again to national-level threats.
This comes at a time when statehood – promised repeatedly by the Centre, reaffirmed by the Prime Minister in earlier speeches, and demanded consistently by J&K leaders – was expected to return to the national conversation. But in the wake of the Red Fort blast, the political air has shifted. The absence of any mention of statehood in recent statements by top central leaders is being read in Kashmir as a telling silence. Even during high-profile inaugurations in the region over the last few months, the PM avoided committing to a timeline, despite the Chief Minister publicly raising the issue. That omission, which seemed deliberate then, now appears even more significant.
The concern in political circles is that the twin shocks of Pahalgam and now Delhi may have altered the Centre’s calculus. After Pahalgam, analysts felt the government’s hesitation stemmed from worries about transferring control of security-sensitive institutions back to a locally elected administration. The Red Fort blast may harden that instinct. For New Delhi, restoring statehood in the middle of a renewed terror scare – especially one with alleged Kashmir links – might appear politically risky and strategically inconvenient. The central bureaucracy and intelligence agencies, already wary, could argue that decentralization at this stage would weaken counter-terror coordination and the state’s ability to respond swiftly to cross-border threats.
From Kashmir’s side, the argument runs in the opposite direction. Political groups see the new crisis as reinforcing the need for a legitimate local government capable of addressing radicalization at its roots. Without full political empowerment, they say, the region remains stuck in a cycle where policy is driven more by security imperatives than by democratic accountability. The National Conference, since returning to power last year, has adopted a consciously cooperative line with the Centre, avoiding confrontation in favour of patient negotiation. Omar Abdullah has repeatedly said that “there is no need to pick fights,” signalling that the party sees engagement as the only viable path to statehood. Yet even for a leadership committed to quiet diplomacy, the latest developments pose a challenge: how do you persuade New Delhi at a time when security concerns overshadow every other consideration?
The question now is not just whether statehood remains on Delhi’s agenda, but whether it has been quietly deferred to an undefined future. The central government continues to maintain that statehood will be restored “at an appropriate time,” a phrase that now sounds increasingly elastic. The transformed security context gives Delhi both a justification and political cover to delay the process further, possibly tying it to conditions that remain unarticulated.
Whether this double blow ultimately hardens New Delhi’s reluctance or forces a rethinking of its Kashmir strategy will become clearer in the coming months. What is evident already is that the road to statehood – long and uncertain even before – has become steeper after Pahalgam and the Red Fort blast.
For decades the white coat in Kashmir signified a ticket to professional respect, income security and social mobility. Thousands of aspirants sit the entrance exams every year; hundreds travel abroad — to Bangladesh, Iran, China, Ukraine, Russia and until recently Pakistan — to earn medical degrees, often at great cost. For many Kashmiris these “MBBS flights” are literally the migration of resources. But this hasn’t stopped the race to get an MBBS degree, no matter from where, and often at a great expense for the families. This is because the degree is seen as a means to career growth and financial stability.
To understand why medical education is such an investment in Kashmir, consider the mechanics: NEET has become a sharp sieve and the competition for seats brutal. Unable to access enough quality seats at home, families seek options across borders and oceans. These are expensive choices. But for parents this is worth the expense and the effort: because study of medicine gives you a prestige in Kashmir unparalleled by any other profession.
It is this faith in medicine which has been jolted by recent events. The car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, and subsequent arrests tied to a “white-collar” terror module have drawn attention to the alleged involvement of several doctors from Jammu & Kashmir.
This has come as a shock to not just people in mainland India but in Kashmir too. Kashmir’s professional classes – lawyers, teachers, doctors – have generally been imagined as slightly removed from the separatist militancy if not its narrative. They were hardly ever the foot soldiers of militancy. The Red Fort blast where an MBBS doctor blew himself up in his car on a busy thoroughfare and the subsequent arrests therefore break an implicit social contract.
This is not to say doctors were always outside the region’s political churn. Kashmir’s politics has seeped into every corridor of public life; the professions were affected in the general sort of way – for example, the moral dilemmas of treating opposed parties in the conflict, and the pressure of being first responders in a conflict zone. But there has been a firm sense that medical identity was separate: doctors were “elite” in social terms, with reputations and responsibilities that discouraged open participation in violent politics. Militancy among practising physicians had, until now, been unthinkable in public discourse.
Political leaders from the Valley have been quick to respond to the Red Fort shock — and their comments reveal the tightrope Kashmir’s politicians walk between condemning violence and defending their people from stereotyping. Chief minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and urged that the guilty face “the strictest punishment,” while warning that “not every resident of Jammu & Kashmir is a terrorist” and cautioned against collective blame.
Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the PDP, chose a different tack: she blamed central policies and suggested that the “troubles of Kashmir echoed right in front of the Red Fort,” arguing that an atmosphere of grievance and neglect feeds unsafety. Her critique landed badly with political opponents, but it echoes a long-standing narrative in the Valley that political marginalisation and punitive governance are part of the ecosystem in which radical ideas sometimes germinate.
What explains the leap of a few individuals from white coats to alleged conspirators and suicide bombing? Social scientists and security analysts point to the plurality of pathways to radicalisation: grievance, networks, online material, identity alarms and often personal ruptures. In Kashmir’s case, the region’s long history of turmoil and militarised politics has left institutions and loyalties frayed. Yet reductionist narratives that the professional class or that doctors are immune are misleading. Professional training does not inoculate graduates from the same socio-political grievances and pressures everyone else faces: familial loss, economic frustration, ideological persuasion. That is why the current probe demands both forensic rigour and empathetic public explanation.
Practically, the consequences are already evident: families of accused doctors in the Valley report shock and grief; institutions and alumni groups find themselves vetting membership; and students and professionals outside Kashmir worry about administrative checks. There are longer-term risks too. If the state responds with overly broad suspicions, this could alienate large swathes of population and thus backfire.
That said, two successive terror incidents this year – first at Pahalgam in Kashmir where 25 tourists and one civilian were killed and second at Red Fort in New Delhi where suicide blast by a Kashmiri doctor Umar Nabi killed nine people – have come as a double whammy for Kashmir economy. The Pahalgam attack left behind a valley reeling from trauma and economic uncertainty. The impact was immediate and wide-ranging. Within hours, Kashmir’s bustling spring tourist season, once full of promise after two relatively peaceful years, collapsed. Over 15,000 flights to Srinagar were cancelled. Hotels, which had seen nearly full occupancy in April, emptied out overnight. On social media, images of families hurriedly exiting Kashmir and heartbreaking videos from survivors circulated widely, further fuelling fear.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration responded with sweeping precautionary measures. Forty-eight tourist sites across the Valley, including Pahalgam’s key attractions like Baisaran, Aru, and Betaab Valley, were shut down for at least two weeks. The closure, while necessary for security assessments, struck a blow to locals whose livelihoods depend on the spring and summer tourist influx.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed a resurgence over the past three years. In 2024 alone, nearly 3 million tourists, including thousands of foreigners, flocked to the region. This surge had become symbolic of a return to normalcy. But in the span of a day, the brutal killings of 26 people in Pahalgam and the heightened security situation undid much of this progress.
In recent months, though, tourists had started making their way back to Kashmir. The businesses impacted by Pahagam and the subsequent operation Sindoor had also started to recover. But the Red Fort blast and subsequent accidental explosion at police station Nowgam, which had cracked the entire conspiracy, killing nine people including six police personnel, have threatened to once again reverse the gains. For the tourism stakeholders and the other businesses, the year 2025 has largely been a wasted opportunity.
As investigations continue, Kashmir now faces the twin task of containing the security fallout and rebuilding public trust. For a region still recovering from the Pahalgam shock, the Red Fort blast threatens another setback to its economy, and a profession once seen as above suspicion.
Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly one of the most significant technological advancements of the 21st century. The world stands at a crossroads: if we proceed with caution, uphold ethical standards, and regulate the technology responsibly, AI can usher in a new era of prosperity and well-being. However, if left unchecked, its potential for harm could outweigh its advantages.
The risks of AI and tech platforms are not limited to privacy breaches or misinformation. A glaring example of ethical issues in the tech industry was revealed when it was reported that Meta (formerly Facebook) had shut down internal research into the mental health effects of its platforms after discovering that its products were causing harm to users, particularly teenagers. This came to light in unredacted filings from a lawsuit filed by several U.S. school districts against Meta and other social media companies.
The research reportedly found that platforms like Facebook and Instagram were contributing to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in young people, especially in vulnerable populations. Meta, rather than addressing these findings, allegedly buried the research, opting to downplay the negative effects of its platforms. The decision to suppress these findings raises significant concerns about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies when it comes to the well-being of their users.
Meta allegedly stopped its internal research into the mental health effects of its platforms midway after the study found causal evidence that its products, particularly Facebook and Instagram, were contributing to negative mental health outcomes among users, especially teenagers. According to unredacted filings in a lawsuit by U.S. school districts against Meta, the research indicated that the platforms were exacerbating anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Rather than addressing these findings or making changes to improve user well-being, Meta reportedly chose to suppress the research, likely due to the potential financial and reputational risks of acknowledging such damaging evidence. The decision to halt the study raises serious ethical concerns, particularly about the company’s prioritization of profits over the mental health of its users.
This is not just an issue of poor corporate responsibility; it reflects a larger issue regarding the impact of AI-driven technologies on mental health. Social media platforms leverage sophisticated AI algorithms to keep users engaged, often promoting content that can be psychologically damaging. Meta’s actions, whether deliberate or negligent, exemplify the dangers of technology companies prioritizing profit over the welfare of their users. This type of behavior underscores the need for stronger ethical frameworks and regulatory oversight in the tech industry to ensure that AI and social media technologies do not harm society, especially its most vulnerable members.
In his speech at the G20 summit at Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an insightful observation regarding the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While acknowledging the remarkable benefits AI brings to the global economy, health, education, and various other sectors, he also highlighted its potential for misuse. This dual-edged nature of AI – the opportunity it presents versus the risks it entails – is not just a matter of technological concern but also of ethical, social, and political importance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments at the G20 summit reflect a growing realization that while AI offers transformative benefits, it also carries considerable risks.
Addressing the third session of the G20 Summit on “A Fair and Just Future for All – Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence,” he also called for a fundamental change in the way critical technologies are promoted. He noted that such technology applications must be ‘human-centric’ rather than ‘finance-centric’, ‘global’ rather than ‘national’, and based on ‘open source’ rather than ‘exclusive models’. He elaborated that this vision has been integrated into India’s technology ecosystem, and the same has resulted in significant benefits, be it in space applications, AI or digital payments, where it is a world leader.
Speaking on Artificial Intelligence, Prime Minister outlined India’s approach based on equitable access, population-level skilling, and responsible deployment. He noted that under the India-AI Mission, accessible high-performance computing capacity is being built with the objective of ensuring that AI benefits reach everyone in the country. Underlining that AI must translate into global good, he called for a global compact based on the principles of transparency, human oversight, safety-by-design and prevention of misuse. He emphasized that while AI should expand human capabilities, the ultimate decision should be made by humans themselves. Prime Minister stated that India will be hosting the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 with the theme ‘Sarvajanam Hitaya, Sarvajanam Sukhaya’ [Welfare for all, Happiness for all], and invited all G20 countries to join this effort.
Prime Minister emphasized that in the age of AI, there is a need to rapidly shift our approach from ‘Jobs of Today’ to ‘Capabilities of Tomorrow’. Recalling progress made on talent mobility at the New Delhi G20 Summit, he proposed that the group should develop a Global Framework for Talent Mobility in the coming years.
Significantly, AI, like all revolutionary technologies, offers immense promise but comes with its own set of challenges that cannot be overlooked. As world leaders and innovators continue to race toward AI-driven progress, a balanced approach is crucial. In this article, we will explore Prime Minister Modi’s remarks in greater detail, reflecting on both the positive aspects of AI and the potential risks it poses, while proposing ways in which nations can harness its power responsibly.
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, from basic machine learning algorithms to sophisticated systems capable of performing complex tasks with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The integration of AI into sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, transportation, and manufacturing has already begun reshaping economies and improving lives.
One of the most promising applications of AI lies in the healthcare sector. AI systems are already being used to diagnose diseases with remarkable accuracy, sometimes outperforming human doctors. For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, detecting early signs of cancers, fractures, and neurological conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Machine learning models can also predict patient outcomes, enabling more personalized and preventive care.
In countries with limited access to healthcare professionals, AI-powered telemedicine platforms can bridge the gap by providing expert consultations remotely. Additionally, AI’s role in drug discovery and vaccine development – seen during the rapid creation of COVID-19 vaccines – demonstrates how it can expedite life-saving advancements.
AI’s role in education is also transformative. Personalized learning platforms powered by AI can cater to the unique learning styles and paces of individual students. These tools can analyze a student’s strengths and weaknesses, providing tailored content and assessments that ensure no student is left behind. For instance, platforms like Coursera and Duolingo already use AI to recommend courses and lessons based on a learner’s progress.
Moreover, AI can assist teachers by automating administrative tasks, grading assignments, and providing real-time feedback to students. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and less on routine tasks, improving the overall quality of education.
On a macroeconomic level, AI is already driving innovation across industries, from automated manufacturing processes to predictive analytics in supply chain management. In the financial sector, AI is revolutionizing trading algorithms, risk assessment, and fraud detection. In agriculture, AI-powered tools help farmers optimize irrigation, detect pests, and predict crop yields.
The integration of AI into industry leads to increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and the creation of new business models. In developing economies, AI can be a powerful tool for leapfrogging traditional stages of economic growth, enabling nations to adopt advanced technologies that otherwise might take decades to implement.
While AI holds great promise, it is not without its dangers. Prime Minister Modi’s warning about the misuse of AI is a timely reminder that unchecked technological progress can have unintended consequences. The very characteristics that make AI powerful – its ability to learn, adapt, and automate – can also be turned against us.
One of the primary concerns around AI is its potential to infringe on individual privacy. With the advent of AI-driven surveillance systems, governments and corporations can monitor individuals’ movements, behaviors, and even emotions in real time. Social media platforms already use AI to track users’ interests and preferences, feeding them targeted ads and content. While this can improve user experience, it also raises concerns about data privacy and the lack of informed consent.
Moreover, AI-powered surveillance systems, if misused, can lead to violations of civil liberties. For example, the use of facial recognition technology by governments for surveillance purposes can be weaponized against citizens, leading to unwarranted arrests and the suppression of dissent. The social credit systems being implemented in some countries – where AI analyzes citizens’ behavior to determine their societal trustworthiness – could potentially erode personal freedoms.
Another major issue with AI is its impact on employment. While AI will certainly create new job opportunities, it will also lead to the displacement of millions of workers, especially in sectors that involve repetitive, manual tasks. Automation in industries like manufacturing, retail, and logistics could result in widespread job losses for low-skilled workers. This could exacerbate economic inequality, as the benefits of AI are disproportionately distributed to those who control the technology – namely, large corporations and tech companies.
As AI systems take over routine tasks, the demand for human labor may shift to more specialized roles. However, these roles will likely require advanced technical skills, and not all workers will have the resources or time to retrain for these new positions. This could further marginalize disadvantaged populations, leaving them without access to the opportunities AI creates.
AI’s ability to create deepfake videos and manipulate content is a serious concern in the age of social media. Deepfakes – hyper-realistic fake videos created using AI – can be used to spread misinformation, cause political instability, and damage reputations. The ability to manipulate video, audio, and even text makes it difficult to distinguish between truth and fiction.
In the political realm, AI-driven bots are already being used to manipulate public opinion by flooding social media with misleading or biased content. This manipulation can affect elections, public policy, and public trust in institutions. The spread of fake news has already had significant consequences in several democracies, and AI is only making it easier for bad actors to exploit the system.
Autonomous Weapons and Warfare
The potential use of AI in warfare raises serious ethical concerns. The development of autonomous weapons – drones and robots that can make independent decisions on when and how to attack – could revolutionize military strategies but also lead to catastrophic consequences. The question of accountability becomes crucial in such scenarios: if an AI system autonomously makes the decision to harm civilians or escalate conflict, who should be held responsible?
Autonomous weapons also lower the threshold for war, making conflicts potentially more frequent and devastating. The misuse of AI in military operations could result in unforeseen and uncontrollable escalation, making it imperative that international norms and regulations be established to govern AI in warfare.
Regulating AI to Make it Responsible Innovation
Prime Minister Modi’s remarks on AI at the G20 summit underscore the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing the risks associated with the technology. While AI holds the potential to improve lives, it also requires careful governance. Countries must come together to create regulatory frameworks that ensure AI is used responsibly and ethically.
One of the most pressing challenges in AI regulation is the lack of a global consensus on ethical guidelines. Each country has its own regulatory framework, but these regulations often differ in scope and enforceability. For instance, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)has set high standards for data privacy, but many countries, especially in the Global South, lack similar regulations.
A unified global framework for AI ethics, focusing on transparency, accountability, and fairness, is essential. The OECD’s AI Principles and UNESCO’s Recommendations on AI Ethics are steps in the right direction, but they must be expanded and enforced globally.
To prevent AI from exacerbating inequality, governments and companies must prioritize fairness and inclusivity in AI design and deployment. AI systems should be developed in ways that promote equal access to opportunities and ensure that marginalized groups are not excluded. For example, AI models in hiring or credit scoring should be free from biases that disproportionately affect women, minorities, or other disadvantaged groups.
To mitigate the impact of AI-driven job displacement, countries must invest in re-skilling programs that help workers transition into the AI-driven economy. Public and private sectors should collaborate to provide education and training in areas such as data science, machine learning, and AI ethics. Governments could also consider creating social safety nets or universal basic income schemes to help workers who are displaced by automation.
The development and use of autonomous weapons systems must be strictly regulated. International treaties and agreements should be established to prohibit the use of AI in weaponry, or at the very least, regulate it in a manner that ensures human oversight and accountability. Global organizations like the United Nations must play an active role in shaping the discourse around AI and warfare.
Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly one of the most significant technological advancements of the 21st century. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments at the G20 summit reflect a growing realization that while AI offers transformative benefits, it also carries considerable risks. The world stands at a crossroads: if we proceed with caution, uphold ethical standards, and regulate the technology responsibly, AI can usher in a new era of prosperity and well-being. However, if left unchecked, its potential for harm could outweigh its advantages.
To harness the full potential of AI while mitigating its risks, collaboration between governments, industries, and civil societies is essential. By adopting thoughtful policies, creating global ethical frameworks, and investing in education and training, we can ensure that AI serves humanity in ways that are just, inclusive, and beneficial for all.
On November 20, 2025, Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, took the oath of office for a historic tenth term, further cementing his status as one of India’s longest-serving and most consequential political leaders. The swearing-in ceremony at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of prominent figures from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), underscoring the national significance of this event. But beyond the grandeur of the occasion, the question now looms large: can Nitish Kumar navigate the immense challenges ahead, and can this term truly define his legacy as the architect of modern Bihar?
Nitish Kumar’s re-election to a tenth consecutive term is not just a rare political feat; it is a reflection of the unique political ecosystem that he has nurtured in Bihar over two decades. No other leader in Bihar’s history has managed to hold power for as long, let alone win five consecutive elections since 2005. Nitish’s ability to not just survive but thrive in the volatile world of state politics is a testament to his resilience and political acumen.
While his longevity in office is remarkable, the real challenge begins now. Unlike his earlier terms, where the focus was on administration, governance, and development, this tenth term brings with it unprecedented expectations from the public. Nitish Kumar now faces a delicate balancing act: delivering on promises made to an electorate that has shown immense faith in him, while managing an ever-complex political landscape.
With a commanding majority in the state assembly and a partner in the BJP that is both assertive and cooperative, Nitish Kumar begins this new innings with both power and pressure. The magnitude of the victory in the 2025 Bihar elections is underscored not only by the JD(U)’s best-ever performance but also by the BJP’s close contest to its 2010 peak. The numbers are striking: JD(U) recorded an 88.1% strike rate, winning 89 of the 101 seats it contested, while the BJP claimed 85 out of 101 contested seats for a strike rate of 84.2%. These figures place both parties among the highest in the history of Bihar’s elections.
However, while the victories are significant, they also come with heightened expectations. The stakes are higher than ever before, as Nitish Kumar faces a voter base that is now looking beyond promises to actual outcomes. The people of Bihar have placed their faith in Nitish as a steady hand capable of steering the state towards a better future. But such faith, while invaluable, must now be honored through tangible results.
This new term marks a pivotal moment in Nitish Kumar’s career. While the goodwill surrounding him is immense, it will not last forever. Voters now expect a significant push towards job creation, industrial development, and social welfare programs—especially for women and marginalized communities. Nitish’s government has committed to creating 10 million jobs, setting up mega skill centres in every district, and driving an industrial push of unprecedented scale. The ambition is admirable, but the real challenge lies in execution. Nitish must deliver on these promises if he is to maintain his political credibility and uphold the trust placed in him.
For Nitish, the 2025 term is not just another chapter in a long career—it could very well be the defining moment of his legacy. If he succeeds, it will solidify his reputation as the leader who transformed Bihar from a state mired in backwardness to one that is modern, prosperous, and politically stable. If he falters, however, the consequences could be dire—not just for his political future but for the broader political equilibrium in Bihar.
While Nitish Kumar’s position as Bihar’s tallest leader appears unassailable, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges. One of the key factors shaping this new term is the dynamics within the NDA, particularly his relationship with the BJP. Despite being the largest party in the assembly, the BJP has not sought to diminish Nitish’s stature. Instead, the two parties have forged a cooperative alliance, with Nitish continuing to work with the BJP’s two deputy chief ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. This marks a significant shift from the previous years when the BJP’s ambitions occasionally clashed with Nitish’s leadership.
However, the NDA’s partnership will be tested by the demands of governance. Nitish must maintain his identity as a development-focused administrator while accommodating the BJP’s political and organizational aspirations. The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has grown in both stature and influence, and its ambitions in Bihar cannot be dismissed. Nitish must also remain wary of the shifting dynamics within the opposition camp. While the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties suffered heavy losses in the 2025 election, they remain potent forces capable of mobilizing social coalitions and public discontent, particularly if Nitish’s government falters on its promises.
The BJP’s role in the NDA’s success is undeniable, but its growing political ambitions within the alliance are becoming more apparent. Nitish Kumar must ensure that the BJP’s growing influence does not overshadow his own leadership. The BJP has made inroads into Bihar’s political fabric over the years, and its influence, particularly among urban voters and the state’s business community, cannot be ignored. For Nitish, the task is to maintain the balance—keeping the BJP engaged while not allowing it to erode his authority within the state.
The NDA’s manifesto for 2025 outlines an ambitious vision for Bihar’s future. Key proposals include the creation of industrial corridors, skill hubs, and women-led enterprise schemes. There is also a focus on infrastructure development and the promotion of job creation across sectors. However, while the vision is grand, the real test will lie in its execution.
The state’s economic trajectory will depend on Nitish Kumar’s ability to leverage his government’s political capital to attract investment, foster industrial growth, and empower the workforce through skills training. Bihar’s youth, in particular, are looking to the government for opportunities that will help them secure a stable future. The promises of 10 million jobs and widespread infrastructure development must translate into real-world benefits if the administration hopes to retain the support of the people.
As Nitish Kumar embarks on his 10th term as chief minister, the challenges ahead are immense. The expectations from the electorate are sky-high, and the political dynamics both within the NDA and with the opposition will require deft management. While his longevity and political acumen are undeniable, this term will be a true test of his leadership. Bihar’s future hangs in the balance, and whether Nitish Kumar can transform the state into a modern, thriving hub of development will determine how history remembers him.
If Nitish Kumar succeeds in this monumental task, he will not only secure his place in the annals of Bihar’s political history but also solidify his legacy as the leader who transformed the state from the brink of obscurity to the frontlines of India’s development. But as history has shown, the gap between promise and delivery is often the hardest to bridge.
In the end, Nitish Kumar’s 10th term is more than just a continuation of a political journey; it is a pivotal moment that will define the course of Bihar’s future and his own place in the state’s storied political history.
Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, today released the second instalment of the ‘Deen Dayal Lado Laxmi Yojana’. With the release of this instalment, approximately ₹148 crores have been transferred to the accounts of 7,01,965 beneficiary women.
The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference held today. On this occasion, Krishna Kumar Bedi, the Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes, and Backward Classes Welfare, and Antyodaya (Seva), was also present.
The Chief Minister said that the government has decided that the benefits under this scheme will now be given at a three-month interval, with the payment for three months being made together. He added that this scheme is not just a means of financial assistance, but also a strong initiative for the social empowerment and economic self-reliance of women.
He further stated that on September 25, the ‘Deen Dayal Lado Laxmi’ app was launched on the occasion of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s 109th birth anniversary. After this, on November 1, the first installment was released to eligible women, providing them with benefits.
The Chief Minister mentioned that by November 30, a total of 9,59,592 women had applied on the app. Of these, 7,01,965 women were found eligible. Furthermore, 5,58,346 women have completed their Aadhaar KYC, while 1,43,619 women are still pending verification.
He urged those women whose final stage of Aadhaar KYC is still pending to complete it as soon as possible. Once this process is completed, they too will start receiving benefits under the scheme.
The Chief Minister stated that the scheme is available for women aged 23 years or older, with a family income of less than ₹1 lakh annually. A special feature of the scheme is that all eligible women in a family can benefit from it. The application process for this scheme is fully transparent and online. Applications can be easily submitted from any location, at any time, through the ‘Lado Laxmi Mobile App’.
He added that once the application is complete, the verification process is completed within 24 to 48 hours, and eligible women are informed via SMS. The SMS requests them to go back to the app and upload their live photo for the final stage of the application. Once the e-KYC is completed through the Aadhaar database, the Seva Department issues the ID for the scheme.
The Chief Minister also noted that there has been an excellent response to the scheme, with an average of 3,000 to 4,000 women applying daily. This initiative by the Haryana Government not only strengthens social security but also reinforces the commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’.
On this occasion, Mrs. G. Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes, and Backward Classes Welfare, along with other senior officials including Makarand Pandurang, Director General of the Information, Public Relations, Language & Culture Department, Prashant Panwar, Director of Seva Department, and Mrs. Varsha Khangwal, Additional Director (Administration) of the Information, Public Relations, Language & Culture Department, were also present.
In 2022, Tehelka did a story exposing how Hurriyat agents send Kashmiri students to Pakistan for MBBS courses in exchange for money. Three years after Tehelka’s story, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Delhi Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have written to hospitals and clinics across the National Capital Region seeking details of doctors who obtained their medical degrees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UAE and China, according to a news report in a national daily. The outreach comes amid the ongoing probe into the Pulwama-Faridabad terror module responsible for the 10 November suicide bombing near Delhi’s Red Fort, which killed several innocent people. Most members of the module are doctors, and investigators suspect that some of the people under scrutiny may have completed MBBS, MD or MS degrees in Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UAE or China. Officials said the exercise is aimed at mapping potential associates or sympathisers of the module’s members. As per the report, officers said agencies will question all doctors who completed their degrees from these four countries. Their criminal antecedents and financial transactions will be examined to rule out any association with the module. The officers, however, clarified that the exercise was preventive in nature and did not in any way cast aspersions on foreign-trained doctors.
It was not only Tehelka that raised the issue of Hurriyat agents sending Kashmiri youth to Pakistan for MBBS seats in return for money. In a chargesheet filed in the terror-funding case in 2018, the NIA said Pakistan was offering scholarships to Kashmiri students to prepare a generation inclined towards Pakistan. Most youth on student visas in the neighbouring country were relatives of militants. “During the course of investigation, it was ascertained that students who were proceeding to Pakistan on student visas were either relatives of ex-militants who had indulged in various anti-national activities and had migrated to Pakistan, or they were known to Hurriyat leaders,” it said. The agency also claimed that their visa applications were recommended to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi by various Hurriyat leaders.
“This shows a triangular nexus wherein the terrorists, the Hurriyat and the Pakistan establishment are the three verticals, and they are ostensibly patronising Kashmiri students in order to prepare a generation of doctors and technocrats in Kashmir who will have leanings towards Pakistan,” the NIA said in the chargesheet, published by various media platforms.
The NIA seized a document from the house of Hurriyat leader Nayeem Khan recommending a student for admission to a “standard medical college” in Pakistan because “her family has remained committed to the freedom struggle through thick and thin”. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in August 2021, unearthed a major nexus wherein students from the Valley were sent to Pakistan to pursue MBBS degrees and the money taken from their parents was used to fund terror activities across the Union Territory. The funds raised by selling these MBBS seats were used to finance terror in the Valley. Evidence also revealed that this money was used to orchestrate incidents of stone-pelting, the Director-General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Dilbagh Singh, said. Sources revealed that in 2020, the Counter Intelligence Wing, Kashmir, registered a case after receiving information from reliable sources that several unscrupulous persons, including some Hurriyat leaders, were hand in glove with certain educational consultancies and were selling Pakistan-based MBBS seats and other professional course seats.
For over two decades, the Pakistan government has been reserving a special quota for students of Jammu and Kashmir in all its professional courses, especially medical and engineering. Students from Jammu and Kashmir are broadly classified into two categories: (a) those applying for admission under foreign-student seats through Pakistan’s Ministry of Education, and (b) those applying under the scholarship programme. Students applying through foreign-student seats have to pay the normal fee that any foreign student pays. Under the scholarship programme, however, students are given 100 per cent scholarship, free accommodation and a per diem. Students whose parents or close relatives have been killed by security forces in Kashmir, or have suffered “at the hands of Indian forces”, are given preference for seats under the scholarship programme.
Every year, around 50 students go to Pakistan under the scholarship programme for MBBS alone, while a similar number secure admission in other courses. While there is a cut-off percentage for admission, recommendations for students under the scholarship programme are made by Hurriyat leaders. Over the years, it has been alleged that both factions of the Hurriyat Conference have issued recommendation letters to students seeking admission to professional courses in Pakistan. There have also been allegations that certain Hurriyat leaders demanded money from students before issuing recommendation letters, and that the basic criteria set by the Pakistan government were being flouted.
There were even allegations that wards of some police officers also managed to secure recommendation letters from separatist leaders. As Kashmir has very few professional colleges, students would move abroad to study medicine—first to Russia, and now to Bangladesh and Pakistan. While courses in Pakistan are relatively cheaper and of better quality, once Hurriyat recommendation letters made them eligible for 100 per cent free education under the scholarship programme, the number of students heading to Pakistan increased.
The Hurriyat, on the other hand, has always denied that its leaders were involved in “selling” admissions in Pakistani medical colleges to finance terror in Kashmir. The amalgam said it wished to put on record that “this is completely unfounded, and can be verified by those students or parents whom we have recommended, many among them being from economically weaker sections”.
After the Delhi Red Fort blast—where most members of the terror module are doctors—the investigators’ focus has shifted to doctors who obtained their medical degrees from Pakistan. But Tehelka, once again, as in 2022, draws attention to those who secured MBBS seats in Pakistan on the recommendations of Hurriyat leaders. Tehelka’s investigation, carried out after the abrogation of Article 370, found agents and non-profits linked to the Hurriyat selling medical seats purportedly reserved for Kashmiri students in Pakistani colleges. Tehelka discovered what appears to be a well-oiled system executing test-cheating and transnational education fraud with Pakistani colleges, and separatists and their aides on this side of the border in cohoots. In the nation’s and public interest, Tehelka reproduces this investigation with some new characters appearing in the report.
“I had an orphan girl from a militant family studying in my NGO. She was sent to Pakistan for an MBBS degree on the recommendation of the Hurriyat,” said Zahoor Ahmad Tak, a senior social activist from Kashmir.
“I went to Pakistan and my visa was arranged on the recommendation of a Hurriyat leader. The Pakistan embassy in Delhi took no time in giving me the visa after receiving a recommendation letter from a Hurriyat leader. Before that, they had refused to give me a visa,” said Tak.
“Hurriyat has taken quota from Pakistan for Kashmiri militants’ children, whom they send for medicine and other technical degrees on their recommendation letters. They take money for that. So far, they have sent many Kashmiris to Pakistan for studies, which is provided free of cost under the scholarship scheme,” added Tak.
“When I went to Pakistan, I also asked Pakistani officials to give me some quota as well, as I run an NGO for orphans in Kashmir. The talks reached an advanced stage but got stuck at the end,” said Tak.
“Pakistan’s capital Islamabad is built like a European city. I loved Islamabad. Delhi as a capital is nothing as compared to Islamabad,” Tak told Tehelka’s reporter.
“If someone known to you is interested in going to Pakistan, I can help him get a Pakistani visa on the recommendation of Hurriyat leaders,” added Tak.
Zahoor Ahmad Tak, a senior Kashmiri social activist, who had substantial foreign funding from Europe for his NGO and good relations within the Hurriyat, came to meet Tehelka’s reporter in Delhi after the abrogation of Article 370. Zahoor came to Delhi because his NGO’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence had been cancelled by the Ministry of Home Affairs long ago after allegations that one of his trust directors had terror links. Till date, his FCRA licence has not been reinstated. Zahoor admitted to Tehelka’s reporter that he would speak to Hurriyat leaders to send our fictitious Kashmiri students to Pakistan for enrolment in MBBS course under the scholarship scheme on Hurriyat recommendations. According to Tak, the Hurriyat has ensured quota for Kashmiri militants’ children in Pakistan colleges, whom they send for medicine and other professional degrees on their recommendation letters. They take money for this. So far, they have sent many Kashmiris to Pakistan for pursuing medical education, which they receive free of cost under the scholarship scheme, Tak added.
In the following exchange, Zahoor lays bare how MBBS seats in Pakistan are handled through personal networks and Hurriyat-linked channels. He describes a system where scholarships meant for children of slain militants are quietly expanded through influence and favours.
Reporter- Wo MBBS wala?
Zahoor- MBBS ka unhone kaha hai, ye session khatam ho gaya hai, naya session shuru hoga to hum aapko bata denge.
Reporter- Ye kis se baat hui aapki?
Zahoor- Ye Hurriyat ka ek group hai.. wo XXXXX wala.
Reporter- Inka tareeka kya hai MBBS ka?
Zahoor- Inke apne log hain wahan.
Reporter- Pakistan mein?
Zahoor- Haan.
Reporter- To usmein paise to nahi lagte, MBBS mein?
Zahoor-Wo to paise nahi le rahe hain, lekin ye paisa lete hain.
Reporter- Hurriyat walon ne ya Kashmir ke logon ne?
Zahoor- Kashmir ke logon ne bhi aur Hurriyat walon ne bhi.
Reporter- Kafi log Pakistan chale gayen hain?
Zahoor- Bahut chale gayen hain.
Reporter- MBBS karne ya waise hi?
Zahoor- Nahi, nahi.. MBBS karne. Ab usmein unhone ye rakha tha condition ke ye baccha jo hai ye kisi aise militant ka bacha hona chahiye jo shaeed ho gaya hai.
Reporter- Accha ye condition hai Pakistan ki?
Zahoor- Haan lekin uske saath apna bhi kota wahan paida kar diya Hurriyat walon ne, wahan mang kar unse le liya. Ek, do, teen, chaar…kuch na kuch bhej detey hain, ab usko bhi batate hain agarchey shaheed ka nahi hai, lekin Hurriyat mein hai, pareshan hai, jail mein hai, ya pakad jagad mein hai.
[What emerges is a pattern of quotas being reshaped, stretched, and reassigned—often for money—while many aspirants continue to be sent across the border for medical degrees. This makes it clear that what was meant to be a welfare quota has turned into a negotiable privilege, influenced by both need and influence.]
Zahoor admitted to Tehelka that an orphan girl, daughter of a militant, studying in his NGO had been sent to Pakistan for an MBBS degree on the recommendation of the Hurriyat. He stresses that the only role his organisation played was educating her, while the admission itself was facilitated independently.
Reporer- To aapke XXXX trust ki ek ladki jisko aapne MBBS karwaya Pakistan mein, wo kis tareeke se karwaya?
Zahoor- Wo to militant ki bacchi thi, hamari nahi thi, wo militant ki bacchi thi.
Reporter-Accha, aapke trust ki thi?
Zahoor- Albatta wo padh rahi thi, hamara usmein koi role nahi tha, role tha sirf itna ki hamne usko padhaya likhaya, kyonki wo militant ki bacchi thi to us ke gharwalon ne wahan rabta kiya tha.
Reporter- Pakistan mein?
Zahoor- Pakistan mein. To is tarah se unka ho gaya.
[What surfaces from the above exchange is a picture of parallel channels operating beyond formal oversight as Zahoor underscores how personal networks, not institutions, drive access to these seats.]
Now Zahoor Ahmad Tak made another revelation. He said he had travelled to Pakistan, and his visa was arranged on the recommendation of a Hurriyat leader. According to him, the Pakistan Embassy in Delhi issued the visa without delay after receiving the leader’s recommendation letter; before that, they had refused to grant it.
Reporter- Aapka kya procedure hua tha sir, Pakistan ke visa ka?
Zahoor- Mein Embassy gaya tha, mein actually doosre kaam ke liye aaya tha, achanak hame pata chala ki wahan hamari ghar wali ke rishtedaar hain.
Reporter- Pakistan mein?
Zahoor- Pakistan mein. To unhone phone kiya tha ghar ki hamari is tarah se shadi ho rahi hai, aap please tashreef laiye. Ghar wali ne phone kiya ke wo phone kar rahe hain to hame jana chahiye, nahi jayenge to bura lagega unko. Phir mere sath doosre sahib bhi they, hum gaye Pakistan Embassy mein, unhone saaf kaha hum is tarah se nahi denge, koi recommendation honi chahiye. To maine phir phone kiya XXXX sahib ko, maine kaha is tarah se masla hai, phir unhone XXXX khan se baat ki to unhone fax ki ek letter yahan Delhi mein, to wo fax letter lekar hum wahan gaye to hua.
Reporter- Pak Embassy, Delhi, mein ?
Zahoor- Haan.
Reporter- Us mein kitna time laga?
Zahoor- Ek din mein ho gaya.
Reporter- To ye Hurriyat ke letter head par recommend kiya hoga XXXX khan ne?
Zahoor- Haan.
Zahoor- Ye unhone ek special provision rakha hai logon ki help karne ke liye, Hurriyat walon ki wahan par recognition ke liye, warna wo kya karte hain, wo kuch nahi kar saktey.
[This shows how access relied less on procedure and more on influence. It seems that a Hurriyat-backed recommendation could unlock what formal rules initially denied.]
Zahoor told us that when he visited Pakistan, he also asked officials there to grant him a quota, given that he runs an NGO for orphans in Kashmir. The talks had reached an advanced stage but got stuck at the final step, he rued.
Reporter- To is type ka kota to aap bhi le sakte hain Pakistan se apne liye, XXXX sahib bata rahe they, koshish ki thi aapne?
Zahoor- Hamne ki thi koshish aur unhone maana bhi tha, magar tabhi Pakistan Government ne, pata nahi kis wajah se rukawat aa gayi, ki hum NGOs ko ye nahi karenge.
Reporter- Kya procedure tha kis tareeke se aapne shuru kiya tha ?
Zahoor- Hamne unko kha tha ki ye jaise Hurriyat wale quota le rahe hain.
Reporter- MBBS students ka?
Zahoor- Haan, to usmein hame bhi kuch quota dijiye, hamne kaha hum mang rahe hain un yateem bacche aur bacchiyon ke liye jinka koi nahi hai, wo agar le rahe hain militants ke bacche doosre bache, hamare pass militants ke bacche nahi hain, hamare pass sirf orphans hain, jinka na maa hai na baap hai na koi hai. Ab yahan se unka kota hai lekin kahin kahin se unko chalta hi nahi, agar aap ye karte to. Inhone kaha tha, Pakistan Embassy walon ne, ki hum unke saath baat karenge. Inhone kaha tha mujhse ki shayad wo consider karenge.
Zahoor- Hamari wahan ho gayi thi baat ye jo secretary kisam ke aadmi the, unke saath hamari directly hui thi, aur ek jaan pehchan ka aadmi tha to usne hamara rapta unke saath kiya, to unhone kaha hum isko examine karenge, agar possible hua to karenge par. Wo proposal hamne unko likh kar ke diya ki hum kya chahte hain, hamara masla kya hai aur hum kis liye chah rahe hain.
[Here, Zahoor shows how even genuine welfare requests get caught between goodwill and bureaucratic barriers. It emerges that such quotas hinge more on discretion than clear criteria.]
We then offered Zahoor a fake deal, saying that a businessman known to him wanted to travel to Pakistan and needed a visa. Zahoor assured the reporter that he could try to secure a Pakistan visa for the fictitious businessman on the Hurriyat’s recommendation. In this exchange, Zahoor notes that Hurriyat leaders can endorse almost anyone, and that such endorsements are rarely rejected by Pakistan. What comes through is the ease with which influence can override formal restrictions.
Reporter- Iska sir thoda urgent basis par visa ka ?
Zahoor- Ye kin sahib ko jana hai ?
Reporter- Meri ek khown hain. Muslim hain yahi rehte hain Delhi mein, Jama Masjid mein.
Zahoor- Karte kya hai ?
Reporter- Businessman hain.
Zahoor- Accha theek hai businessman ko recommend karne mein koi problem nahi honi chaiye politician ho to unko problem ho jaati hai, businessmen ko nahi honi chaiye.
Reporter- Kyonki jo relation chal rahe hain aajkal aapko usmein mushkil hai
Zahoor- Bahut mushkil hai.
Reporter- Ye non kashmiri ko recommend kar denge Hurriyat ke log ?
Zahoor- Kisi ko bhi kar sakte hain inko kya hai.
Reporter- Shayad unko koi condition ho ki Kashmir ke hi bande ko karenge recommend ye sab
Zahoor-Mujhe wo to pata nahi hai magar mera aisa maanna hai ki wo jisko recommend kartey hain usko wo
nakartey nahi hain.
Reporter- Accha Pakistan nakartaa nahi hai ?
Zahoor- Nahi nakarta .
[Zahoor’s remarks reveal how access depends less on eligibility and more on whom one can approach. It emerges that a Hurriyat recommendation becomes a near-certain gateway.]
Zahoor then praised Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, saying it was built like a European city. He said he loved Islamabad and that Delhi, as a capital, was nothing in comparison, Tak added.
Zahoor- Mein Islamabad gaya tha. Rawalpindi mein Europe bhi gaya hoon, Europe aur Ismabada mein dekhne layak hai, matlab uska aise banaya hua hai ki bahut hairan hota hai aadmi, Islamabad mein nhi aur Europe mein bhi.
Reporter- Itna accha hai unka capital?
Zahoor- Bahut umda.
Reporter- Delhi se better hai ?
Zahoor- Delhi to kuch bhi nahi hai.
[In this brief exchange, Zahoor speaks admiringly of Islamabad, comparing it with European cities he has visited. It emerges that such candid comparisons offer a glimpse into perceptions rarely voiced openly.]
When contacted recently about MBBS admissions in Pakistan, Zahoor told the Tehelka reporter that the present situation was not conducive for securing admission there.
The Tehelka reporter also met Hurriyat agent Sajjad Mir from Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Sajjad travelled to Delhi to offer Pakistani medical slots to Tehelka’s undercover reporters probing the suspected racket. Immediately after meeting them in a five-star hotel in Delhi, Sajjad Mir outlined his admission plan to the reporterinvestigative. In this exchange, the agent lays out how admissions to Pakistani medical colleges are arranged with ease—provided the marks are high and the money is ready. He calmly quotes the rate, explains the paperwork, and even assures that selection is guaranteed, exam or no exam.
Sajjad Mir- Abhi chaar admission bhejo aap.
Reporter…. Chaar ladke
Sajjad Mir ….. Percent eighty plus honey chahiye.
Reporter….. Twelth mein …eighty plus?
Sajjad Mir …. Haan…Neet qualify hona chahiye.
Reporter…. Neet qualify hoga Pakistan ke liye?
Sajjad Mir ….. Pakistan ke liye.
Reporter…… Kharcha sir
Sajjad Mir ….. 15 -16 lakh.
Reporter…. Matlab ye apko dena padega ?.
Sajjad Mir ….. Ji
Reporter…. Matlab ek candidate ka 15 lakh rupay ?
Sajjad Mir …. Ek candidate ka….pichley saal ka yehi rate tha. Is saal ka to pata nahin, abhi to NEET abhi hua hai, ek do lakh extra hongey ya kam hongey ya barabar hongey, abhi pata nahin.
Reporter….. Procedure kya hai ek baar zara samjha dijiye ?.
Sajjad Mir …. Form bharna hai. Wo jo hamarey bandey hai wo online bhej dengey wahan par. Wahan se list niklega exam ke liye…jo select hoga usko exam dena hai. Waha par fail hongey paas hongey, unka admission hona hi hona hai. Wo certified hai agar exam main fail hoga to usko padney nahin dete wahan par…agar hamara banda fail bhi ho jayega tab bhi selection hai.
[Sajjad Mir’s candid detailing shows how these admissions run like a paid route rather than a merit process. It becomes clear that failure in the exam has no bearing on the final outcome. It hints at a system that rewards money more than merit.]
Sajjad Mir explained how Kashmiris were being given benefits in Pakistan for MBBS admissions. In this brief exchange, the agent spells out a special advantage offered to Kashmiris seeking MBBS seats in Pakistan. He notes that failure is never a concern for them and that their applications are treated differently.
Sajjad Mir – Wahan to wo karte hi nahin hai, kashmiriyon ka wo deal hai, unke liye fail-wail ka masla hi nahin hai.
Reporter… Pakistan mein?
Sajjad Mir …… Pakistan mein wo benefit dekhte hai kashmiriyon ka.
Reporter…. OK.
Sajjad Mir ….. Kashmiriyon ko ye benefits hai.
[What we learn here is that Kashmiris are given a clear edge in these admissions, with failure effectively ruled out. It reveals how preferential treatment replaces fair assessment,]
As the conversation progressed, Sajjad Mir told Tehelka’s investigative reporter about his mode of payment for securing admission in Pakistan. He lays out the financial arrangement, detailing how half the payment must be made even before the forms are filled. The discussion reveals the transactional nature of the entire exercise.
Reporter…. Paisa kab dena hai advance?
Sajjad Mir ….. 50 percent pehley dene hain jab form bharengey. 50 percent tab jab wahan se [Pakistan se] call letter ayengey uskey baad.
Reporter….. Matlab 16 lakh ka 8 lakh abhi de doon, remaining jab wahan…
Sajjad Mir …. Jab wahan se call letter ayengey jisko jaana ho us time…wo to confirm admission hota hai.
[What we see here is a system where admission is treated like a commodity, not a qualification. It shows how money, not merit, drives the process — a telling sign of how far the scheme has drifted from its stated purpose.]
Sajjad Mir further explained that the payments are taken entirely in cash, leaving no trail and giving the operation a cloak of deniability.
Reporter…. Aap ka kya system hai paisey leney ka?
Sajjad Mir …. Hum to cash hi lete hai.
Reporter…. Cash lete hai.. poora 100 percent?
Sajjad Mir ….. Haan.
[What we see here is a system designed to stay hidden, where cash keeps everything off the record. It underlines how secrecy isn’t an incidental feature but a built-in requirement of the racket.]
Sajjad Mir then revealed how Hurriyat members write recommendation letters for Kashmiri students seeking MBBS admission in Pakistan. He suggests that Hurriyat leaders do not directly issue letters for MBBS admissions in Pakistan. Instead, he points to an informal network, saying they have their own agents handling such work.
Reporter.. To kya Hurriyat ke log chitthi wagareh likhte hai?
Sajjad Mir …. Kaun?.
Reporter…. Hurriyat ke log admission wagareh ke liye Pakistan mein MBBS ke liye?
Sajjad Mir …. Unhoney apne agents rakhey hue hai.
[Clearly. there is a hint of an organised channel operating quietly behind the scenes with regard to the admission of Kashmiri students to MBBS course in Pakistan. What we learn is that the process is not overt but routed through intermediaries.]
When asked how Hurriyat leaders were issuing recommendation letters when most of their top leaders were in jail after the scrapping of Article 370, Sajjad Mir explained the Hurriyat system—how its second- and third-tier leaders operate in the absence of the top leadership. He suggests that Pakistan recognises anyone within this chain, making signatures or formal authority almost irrelevant.
Reporter….. Ye sab to jail main hain..ye chitthi kaisey likhengey Hurriyat wale?.
Sajjad Mir …. Inka system hota hai. Aap band ho aapke baad mein hoon. Ye group hota hai. Tanzeem ek bandey par nahi hoti hai.
Reporter….. Ji
Sajjad Mir … Jo tanzeem hoti hai na wahan na wahan to 10-15 tanzeem chalti hai, bees-bees log kaam karte hai. Aapke followers tees-tees hotey hai. Aap band ho jaogey, doosra hoga. Doosra band ho jayega to teesra hota hai. Jiske contact mein rehte hai, kaam to chalta rehta hai.
Reporter….. Unke signature?
Sajjad Mir …. Wo problem nahin hai. Unko pata hai na ye banda hamara hai.
Reporter…. Achcha Pakistan waley doosrey bandey ko jaantey hotey hai?
Sajjad Mir ….. Haan sarey bandey ko jaantey hain jo group main hota hai.
Reporter….. Matlab koi bhi chitthi likh de wo maan lengey.?
Sajjad Mir …. Haan.
[What we learn is that the system depends on continuity, not individuals. This exchange reveals how the network functions even when senior Hurriyat figures are behind bars. Sajjad Mir explains that the organisation works in layers, with multiple people ready to step in and keep the work moving.]
Sajjad Mir further explained that all their students would get admission in Pakistan’s government medical colleges, not private ones. Their five-year MBBS course would be free of cost under the scholarship programme, he added.
Sajjad Mir …. Wahan government medical college mein admission ho jayega.
Reporter…. Acchha government medical college mein?
Sajjad Mir …. Government medical college mein. Wahan private nahin hai.
Reporter….. Pakistan mein?
Sajjad Mir …. Pakistan mein, government medical college mein admission ho jayega, free of cost mein, wahan kuch nahin dena.
Reporter…. Arey Wah!
Sajjad Mir …. Wahan kuch nahin dena hai, 5 rupay tak nahin dena hai, wahan free hai. Agar wahan se scholarship ho gayi, wahan se hi paisey milenge. Usko kapdo ke liye bhi paisey wahin se aatey hai. Agar usko kapdey khareedney hongey na, to wahin se paisey ayengey, wo bhi paisey add hai usmein.
Reporter….. OK. Ye paanch saal ka course hai ya chaar saal ka?.
Sajjad Mir …. Paanch.
Reporter…. Paanchon saal free hai?
Sajjad Mir … Paanchon saal.
Reporter…. Koi fee nahin?
Sajjad Mir …. Kuch nahin.
Reporter…. Aisa kyon?
Sajjad Mir …. Kashmir ke liye rakha hai. Haalat-walat kharaab hai, wo hai.
[This exchange lays out the extraordinary incentives offered to Kashmiris for MBBS studies in Pakistan. Sajjad Mir claims that admissions are granted in government medical colleges, entirely free of cost. Such claims show how education is woven into a larger strategy that seeks to win influence through generosity.]
Now, Sajjad Mir confessed that the entire scheme was a money-minting business for people like him and the separatists. The exchange reveals a blunt admission: MBBS admissions linked to “shaheed quota” are treated as a money-making enterprise.
Reporter… Pakistan mein qota hai jo yahan shaheed hue hai?
Sajjad Mir …. Isliye business chal raha hai na, main kya bol raha hoon. Ye saara business hai. Dukaan kholkar rakha hai.
Reporter….. Ye bhi Hurriyat ke jariye jaate hai.
Sajjad Mir …. Hurriyat ke through.
Reporter…. Tabhi aap keh rahe hai ye bhi business hai.
Sajjad Mir … Haan, ye business hai. Main bol raha hoon. Ye saara business hi hai ye. Saara khel hai logon ko bewakoof bananey ke liye.
Reporter– They [candidates] go through Hurriyat, right ?
Sajjad Mir- Through the Hurriyat.
[Sajjad Mir repeatedly calls the whole exercise as a business, suggesting a system run like a shopfront, with Hurriyat channels acting as the gateway. It shows how easily purportedly noble causes are twisted into opportunities for profit.]
Sajjad Mir is now unavailable, and his number has also changed. After him, the Tehelka reporter met Shahida Ali, an associate of Sajjad. This meeting, too, took place after Article 370 was scrapped.
Sajjad Mir does not work alone. He appeared to have roped in some local nonprofits to secure Pakistani college slots. During the investigation, Tehelka met the founder of the XXXXX Trust, Shahida Ali (name changed). This 20-year-old nonprofit, which claims to work across sectors ranging from medical and education to widow care, functioned as a front for Sajjad Mir.
The meeting with Shahida Ali was held in a shopping mall in Noida. She said that, on Hurriyat recommendations, Kashmiris get admission to MBBS programmes in Pakistan, where their education is completely free.
The following brief exchange lays bare how MBBS seats in Pakistan are fetched through specific Hurriyat-linked letters. Shahida confirms that once this endorsement is secured, Kashmiri students not only get free admission but also receive money for basic expenses.
Reporter- Mein ye baat isliye pooch raha hoon, mujhe aapse kuch kaam hai, agar aap kar sake to, ye Hurriyat ke log ladko ko MBBS ke liye bhejtey hain?
Shahida- Haan, Pakistan.
Reporter-Aapko maloom hai. To hamare 4-5 ladke hain, Kashmir ke hain.
Shahida- XXXX sahib ka ek letter chahiye hoga unko, XXX saheb jab letter dete hain, tabhi hota hai.
Shahida- ji bilkul free hoti hai, unko shopping ke liye bhi paise milte hain.
Reporter- ji.
[We see how a single letter becomes the key to the medical education abroad. It shows how access hinges less on merit and more on internal networks.]
Shahida confessed that she had been associated with Kashmiri separatist Aasiya Andrabi, who is facing trial for allegedly waging war against India. She also claimed that she knows almost everyone in the Hurriyat.
Shahida …. Hurriyat mein sab humko jaantey hai.
Reporter….. Aap Hurriyat mein sabko jaanti hai?
Shahida …. Bahut acchhey se, Aasiya Andrabi.
Reporter…. Ji.
Shahida…. Quran Sharif padaya hai.
Reporter…. Aasiya Andrabi ne apko?
Shahida….. Haan, unko kahin bhi le jaana ho jaise doctor ke paas, to mein hi saath jaati thi.
Reporter….. Aasiya Andrabi ji ko? OK.
[Shahida explains her close familiarity with key Hurriyat leaders, especially Aasiya Andrabi. She recounts accompanying Andrabi on visits, including to doctors, highlighting the personal connections that facilitate their activities.]
Before meeting Tehelka’s reporters again at the same shopping mall in Noida, Shahida Ali had spoken with Hurriyat agent Sajjad Mir about the proposed admission of Kashmiri students in Pakistan. She came prepared with the plan.
Shahida…. Woo bole aap aa jao, documents lekar aa jao bas.
Reporter…. Admission ho jayega?
Shahida…. Ho jayega.
Reporter….. Pakistan mein, MBBS mein ?
Shahida…. Haan.
Reporter…. Kashmiri ladkon ka?
Shahida…. Bola usne.
Reporter…. Pakka hai ye?
Shahida….. Pakka.
Reporter…. Kyonki mein to unko jaanta nahin hoon. Aap hi jaanti hai.
Shahida…. Kyonki wo last time bhi mere paas aaye they, wahin se aaye they. Bharosey waley hai. Warna har kisi ko nahin boltey hain. Bola ki agar aisi koi baat hai, agar hai koi apna to bhej.
Reporter…. Aapse kaha tha yehi Sajjad Mir ne?
Shahida…. Haan.
Reporter…. Sajjad Mir naam bataya tha aapne?
Shahida…. Haan.
Reporter…. To pehley bhej chukey?
Shahida…. Haan. He [Sajjad Mir] would like to meet you with documents. That [admission] will be done.
Reporter…. MBBS in Pakistan?
Shahida…. Yes, he’s a reliable person. He came to meet me the last time as well. He doesn’t say anything otherwise. He told me to tell you to meet him.
[Shahida confirms that admissions for Kashmiri students in Pakistan can be smoothly arranged through trusted intermediaries like Sajjad Mir. It also becomes clear that trust within the network determines access to opportunities abroad.]
When asked about the money to be paid for MBBS admission in Pakistan, Shahida Ali told Tehelka’s reporter that it all depends on the candidate’s economic condition. “Whether the candidate is orphan or below the poverty line. That all has to be considered,” she said. Shahida Ali quoted Rs 10 lakh for a candidate from a well-to-do family.
Shahida…. Nahin, family kaisi hai us par depend karta hai. Matlab orphan hai to us par depend karta hai, below poverty line hai to us par depend karta hai, to wo dekhna padta hai.
Reporter….. Family achchi hai.
Shahida…. Gareeb hain?
Reporter….. Gareeb nahin hain, paisey waley hain.
Shahida…. Phir 10 lakh bhi dengey to dikkat kya hai.
Reporter….. 10 lakh?
Shahida….. Hain na…10 bhi dengey to dikkat kya hai. 40 lakh, meri hain na friend ki beti, usko to 40 lakh lagey they. Phir to 8-10 lakh mein unko problem nahin honi chahiye. Phir mein Sajjad bhai ka nuksaan kyon karwaon, unko bhi chahiye.
Reporter….. Lekin ye Pakistan ki baat ho rahi hai, MBBS ki?
Shahida…. Haan mein bhi wo hi baat kar rahi hoon.
[Shahida explains that financial capacity plays a role in facilitating MBBS admissions in Pakistan. It emerges that money can smoothen access, overshadowing merit or need.]
Shahida Ali is also unavailable now, and her number was continuously found to be switched off.
Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has advised medical aspirants not to travel to Pakistan for pursuing medical education. According to the NMC, Indians who intend to take admissions in MBBS/BDS or equivalent medical courses in any Pakistani medical college shall not be eligible to appear in the FMGE (the mandatory licensing test for Indians who complete MBBS abroad) or seek employment in India based on qualifications obtained in Pakistan—except for those who joined Pakistani institutions before December 2018. Students who started their studies before December 2018 or have received security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) can appear for the FMGE exam. Those enrolling now will not be eligible for the FMGE and cannot practice in India based on a degree from Pakistan.
Doctor Mehru Shafi from Kashmir, who completed her MBBS from Lahore, Pakistan in 2024, told Tehelka that she received security clearance from the Indian Government, confirming she is not involved in any anti-India activities, allowing her to appear for the FMGE exam. According to Shafi, out of 300 students who did MBBS from Pakistan, 50 received security clearance to appear in the FMGE exam, while the remaining 250 are still awaiting clearance. She added that students going to Pakistan now for MBBS can practice only outside India, not within the country.
Shafi admitted to Tehelka that she has been working at India IVF Centre in Srinagar for the past year without clearing the FMGE exam, which is not allowed by the NMC, as her degree was obtained from a foreign country. She praised Pakistan’s medical education as being of high quality and noted that several Kashmiri students who studied medicine in Pakistan are now in government jobs in India. According to her, the situation was less complicated in the past than it is today.
Swaleha, another Kashmiri student who completed her MBBS from Rawalpindi College, Pakistan in 2021, told Tehelka that she has not yet been allowed to appear in the FMGE exam and is still awaiting security clearance. Meanwhile, her juniors who studied in Pakistan have received clearance. She revealed that she is currently working in a research wing in Delhi without clearing the FMGE, which violates NMC regulations.
Humaira Farooq, a Kashmiri student who studied MBBS at Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, in 2022 and did her internship at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, also faced delays in obtaining security clearance for the FMGE. She ultimately married and settled in the Maldives, where she has passed the local medical exam and is practicing medicine. Humaira stated that some of her juniors in India received FMGE clearance while she did not. She also admitted to working at Ahmad Hospital in Srinagar without FMGE certification, which is against the law, and praised the quality of medical education in Pakistan.
The Delhi Red Fort blast has opened a Pandora’s box, especially for doctors trained in Pakistan. Tehelka’s concern is not with those who followed normal procedures for MBBS admission in Pakistan and are now working in India. Rather, the investigation highlights children of militants from Kashmir who went to Pakistan on Hurriyat recommendations for MBBS degrees. A pressing question arises: are these students radicalised? The NIA chargesheet has also flagged this issue. Tehelka’s investigation further raises questions about how many children of militants were sent to Pakistan for MBBS on Hurriyat recommendations by agents like Zahoor Ahmad Tak, Sajjad Mir, and Shahida Ali, caught on Tehelka’s camera. These revelations underline the complex and troubling nexus between education, politics, and radical networks.
The Chandigarh opening of PizzaExpress by GIPL (the food and beverage vertical of Bharti Family Office), follows the strong response the brand has reportedly seen in Punjab, particularly in Mohali and Ludhiana, where guests have embraced the brand’s blend of authenticity, freshness, and flair. This opening marks PizzaExpress’s 37th restaurant in India.
Ramit Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Director, GIPL observed, “The city values authenticity and craft, which is exactly what PizzaExpress stands for. Our Britalian identity, iconic menu, and commitment to quality align beautifully with the way Chandigarh dines. This launch is also a key step in our strategic North India expansion.”
Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head – PizzaExpress commented, “With our Pizzaiolos at the heart of everything, the dough remains the hero. Fresh ingredients, treated with respect, create flavours that stay consistent around the world. While our core never changes, innovation is part of the PizzaExpress DNA. That’s why international favourites like the Leggera sit comfortably alongside local adaptations. For Chandigarh, we’ve crafted dishes such as the Spicy American Hottest, Padrino, and Chicken & Paneer Coriander Pesto, developed to suit the flavour preferences of Indian guests.”
Kumar Asit, India CEO, PizzaExpress claimed, “The response across Punjab, from Mohali to Chandigarh, signals strong appetite for premium casual dining. Amritsar and Jalandhar will therefore be the next chapters in our North India growth story and with this, we are firmly on track to reach a milestone of 50 restaurants by FY 2026–27.”
The Speaker of the Haryana Assembly was addressing the launch event of the Assembly’s magazine “Sadan Sandesh” at the Haryana Assembly complex on Tuesday. Prior to this, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mahipal Dhanda, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Midhha, MLA B.B. Batra, and the magazine’s advisory editor Dr. Chandra Trikha, jointly launched the magazine. On this occasion, Cabinet Ministers Rao Narbir Singh, Vipul Goel, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Shyam Singh Rana, Ranbir Gangwa, Kumari Arti Singh Rao, and BJP State President Mohan Lal Kaushik were also present.
In his address, Harvinder Kalyan said that the launch of this magazine is happening at a very special place, which holds a unique identity not only in India but across the world. The Capitol Complex, where the Haryana Assembly is located, is an exemplary model of magnificent architecture, as one side houses the executive branch—the Civil Secretariat—and on the other side, the judiciary—the Honorable High Court—established. It serves as a remarkable example of both uniqueness and grandeur.
The Speaker said that the magazine includes a detailed review of all the sessions of the Haryana Assembly over the past year, providing the public with accurate and legal information regarding the proceedings of the House. This magazine is not only informative and interesting but will also play a significant role in raising public awareness. The Haryana Assembly aims to ensure that the publication of this magazine continues regularly.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “One Nation, One Legislature” should be promoted so that all state assemblies and legislative bodies across the country can engage in meaningful discussions and make effective decisions on a common platform. He further stated that until the common people and local institutions are not aware of the legislative system, these institutions cannot be fully strengthened. This magazine will help inform the public about the roles and responsibilities of the Panchayats, local bodies, state assemblies, and the Lok Sabha, thus aiding in the empowerment of these institutions.
Harvinder Kalyan also mentioned that under the leadership of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Haryana Assembly has introduced several innovative initiatives in the past year. These include orientation camps for MLAs, training camps for officials and employees, and various capacity-building programs in collaboration with the Lok Sabha and the Haryana Government. The Assembly has also launched an Annual Capacity Building Plan, which outlines the complete framework for upcoming training programs.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mahipal Dhanda remarked that the launch of the “Sadan Sandesh” magazine today is a prime example of the Speaker’s visionary leadership. He emphasized that through this initiative, not only Haryana but other parts of the country will be able to see clearly the direction in which Haryana is progressing and what the true vision of the state is. The meaningful debates that take place in the House between the ruling party and the opposition, the beauty of democracy, and the dialogue process between elected representatives and the public—these aspects are captured in the magazine. This publication will play a crucial role in strengthening democratic values.
The message of the Bhagavad Gita transcends time and continues to inspire people across the world, as was vividly showcased during the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra. A grand Global Gita Path was organized on Monday at Keshav Park, where 21,000 children came together to recite verses from the sacred text in unison. This powerful mass recitation filled the air with spirituality, knowledge, and devotion, embodying the Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
The event saw the participation of several prominent personalities, including Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, and Gita scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj. The Chief Minister began his address by wishing everyone on the auspicious occasion of Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi and Geeta Jayanti, offering prayers to Lord Krishna for the illumination of people’s lives with the light of knowledge. He reflected on the divine teachings Lord Krishna imparted to Arjuna 5,163 years ago on this day, emphasizing that the Gita’s teachings continue to guide humanity today.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the significance of reciting the Gita goes beyond religion—it is also rooted in science. He explained that the vibrations produced by chanting the Gita, along with other sacred texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, create positive sound waves that promote mental peace, moral clarity, and energy.
Further crediting the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saini shared how the global celebration of Gita Jayanti had been initiated in 2016, following Modi’s first visit to the US in 2014. During this visit, Modi presented the book The Gita According to Gandhi to then-President Barack Obama, setting the stage for the international recognition of the Gita. The Chief Minister also mentioned Modi’s involvement in the inauguration of the Mahabharata-themed Experience Center in Kurukshetra on November 25th, which has attracted global attention. On November 28th, the Prime Minister further promoted the center in Udupi, Karnataka, urging the public to visit.
Saini credited the Prime Minister for spreading the practice of yoga globally, noting that International Yoga Day is now celebrated worldwide every year on June 21st, a direct result of Modi’s efforts. Addressing the modern challenges of stress, anger, and uncertainty, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Gita’s teachings offer a path to maintain equanimity through life’s ups and downs. He called the Gita an eternal source of inspiration, offering answers to every challenge and struggle, whether personal or societal. According to mythology, a home where the Gita is regularly recited remains shielded from negative energy.
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the Gita’s message is not only valuable for India but for all of humanity. He envisioned a society free of conflict, inequality, and suffering, should its people adopt the teachings of the Gita. This, he believed, would foster stronger relationships and greater harmony among people, ultimately leading to an ideal society.
Gita scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj echoed this sentiment, stressing that Lord Krishna’s teachings on the sacred land of Kurukshetra are an enduring guide to righteous action. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev also spoke about how Kurukshetra—the birthplace of the Gita—continues to inspire the world with its timeless knowledge and values. He encouraged people to embrace the Gita’s wisdom as a roadmap for personal and national development, helping to shape a prosperous India by 2047.
Other dignitaries who participated in the event included Baba Bhupendra Singh, Swami Master Maharaj, Professor Somnath Sachdeva, Dr. Ramnik Kaur, and several government officials. Their collective presence at the event underscored the growing international importance of the Gita Mahotsav, a celebration that has now become a global festival, with participation from people around the world.
In a move set to reshape North India’s premium housing market, GB Realty has unveiled a pioneering ‘1% Monthly Luxury Home Payment Plan,’ which is being hailed as a game-changer for the region’s luxury real estate sector.
Announcing this milestone in conjunction with the company’s first anniversary, Gurinder Bhatti, Founder and Chairman of GB Realty, along with the company’s Vice President, Jatinder Bajwa, addressed the press. Bhatti said, “The 1% plan is a gift to homebuyers on our first anniversary. We’ve designed the plan with middle and upper-middle-class aspirational buyers in mind. We believe that luxury is no longer a privilege—it’s a necessity, and it should be accessible to all.”
Bhatti continued, “In the real estate industry, the financial burden is usually placed on the buyer. With this plan, we’ve decided to take that burden upon ourselves. We’re proud to have bucked the trend. Our focus is on providing enabling provisions for the prospective residents of ‘Opus One.’”
‘Opus One’ is GB Realty’s upcoming RERA-approved ultra-luxury residential project, which, once completed, will feature New Chandigarh’s tallest residential towers.
Under the 1% payment plan, 40% of the amount due for an ultra-luxurious home at ‘Opus One’ will be paid off in less than 4 years (42 months), through an easy monthly payment structure, following a simple initial down payment. The remaining 60% is due upon possession. The ‘Opus One’ project is scheduled for delivery in December 2029—just 4 years away.
The payment plan is structured as follows: a 20% upfront down payment, followed by monthly installments of up to 1% for 42 months, covering 40% of the total amount due. The balance 60% is to be paid at the time of possession. Bhatti emphasized, “This plan shifts the financial burden from the buyer to the builder. The buyer enjoys unmatched financial flexibility, as the easier monthly installments allow them to save for the final payment.”
He added that the model ensures that the builder is paid last, which places responsibility for timely delivery squarely on the developer. This approach also strengthens buyer confidence in a market where trust is paramount. Bhatti highlighted that, for North India’s luxury housing segment, this structure empowers buyers to manage their finances comfortably over the course of four years.
In response to a media question, Bhatti revealed that the project has brought together some of the world’s leading design and planning experts, including Principal Architect Tripat Girdhar, Lighting and Visual Planning Consultant Dhruv Jyoti Ghose, Landscape Architect Wannaporn Phornprapha, and Interior Design Consultant Chris Godfrey.
