March 31, 2026

SRINAGAR: The J&K administration has defended its order to ban 25 Kashmir-related books in a reply filed in high court Wednesday on a set of petitions challenging the order.Senior additional advocate general (AAG) Mohsin Qadri told TOI, “We have defended the decision to ban the books on grounds of state security and public order. They (the petitioners) have now been given time to file their rejoinder,” he said.Qadri said the government has also defended the legal provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) invoked to impose the ban, as the petitioners have challenged its applicability in the case. “We are defending both the ban and legal provision,” he said.The court said the matter will be heard on a date to be fixed after the petitioners’ counsels — Vrinda Grover, Sanjay Hegde and Rakesh Shakdher and others —indicate their availability. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe three advocates were present online.The UT administration, under the Lieutenant Governor, is defending the ban while the elected government led by CM Omar Abdullah is not a party to the case as it did not issue the ban order.The HC has constituted a three-judge full bench to hear petitions challenging the move banning books, including Azadi by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy.On Aug 5 last year, on the sixth anniversary of abrogation of Article 370, the order by the J&K home department, which functions under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, banned the publication and circulation of 25 books on Kashmir, saying they promote a “false narrative” and “secessionism” in the Union Territory.The books include Kashmir: The Case for Freedom by Tariq Ali, Pankaj Mishra; Confronting Terrorism, edited by Maroof Raza and written by Stephen P. Cohen, Independent Kashmir by Christopher Snedden, Between Democracy and Nation by Seema Kazi, Contested Lands by Sumantra Bose, In Search of a Future by journalist and author David Devdas, A Dismantled State: The Untold Story of Kashmir After Article 370 by Anuradha Bhasin, Colonizing Kashmir by Hafsa Kanjwal.The order stated that the govt has “credible intelligence which indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State”.Following the notice, police raided book shops across Kashmir and seized several books.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life SentenceIran Dictates Endgame:Demands Closure Of US Bases In Gulf, Lifting Of Sanctions, Control Over HormuzCentre Pushes PNG: LPG Supply May Be Stopped Where Pipelines Are AvailableWomen’s Quota Bill: What Are The Big Challenges Modi Govt Is Likely To FaceIran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail ThroughDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With Trump123PhotostoriesBuying lab-grown gold? 5 things you should know before you invest9 traditional dishes to enjoy in Ram Lalla’s Ayodhya Nagri this Ram Navmi9 largest eagles in the world and what makes them uniqueFeeling full too quickly while eating? Gastroenterologists explain the hidden causes, warning signs, and what you can do to improve digestionHeart attack prevention guide: Daily habits, diet changes, and medical checks that can save your life7 healthy office snacks to keep handy during summer months with minimum efforts5 cars known for their multiple driving modes for every terrainK-dramas like ‘Crash Landing on You’ that will give you butterflies: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and moreWatermelon Guide: Smart tips for picking sweet & juicy watermelon and how to check the purity7 iconic canyons from around the world for your adventure travel wishlist123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingCBSE CTET Result 2026Tom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultRinku SinghWB ANM GNMHarish RanaMinecraft Bedrock 26-10 UpdateStrait of HormuzBihar Board Science Topper

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
SRINAGAR: The J&K administration has defended its order to ban 25 Kashmir-related books in a reply filed in high court Wednesday on a set of petitions challenging the order.Senior additional advocate general (AAG) Mohsin Qadri told TOI, “We have defended the decision to ban the books on grounds of state security and public order. They (the petitioners) have now been given time to file their rejoinder,” he said.Qadri said the government has also defended the legal provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) invoked to impose the ban, as the petitioners have challenged its applicability in the case. “We are defending both the ban and legal provision,” he said.The court said the matter will be heard on a date to be fixed after the petitioners’ counsels — Vrinda Grover, Sanjay Hegde and Rakesh Shakdher and others —indicate their availability. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe three advocates were present online.The UT administration, under the Lieutenant Governor, is defending the ban while the elected government led by CM Omar Abdullah is not a party to the case as it did not issue the ban order.The HC has constituted a three-judge full bench to hear petitions challenging the move banning books, including Azadi by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy.On Aug 5 last year, on the sixth anniversary of abrogation of Article 370, the order by the J&K home department, which functions under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, banned the publication and circulation of 25 books on Kashmir, saying they promote a “false narrative” and “secessionism” in the Union Territory.The books include Kashmir: The Case for Freedom by Tariq Ali, Pankaj Mishra; Confronting Terrorism, edited by Maroof Raza and written by Stephen P. Cohen, Independent Kashmir by Christopher Snedden, Between Democracy and Nation by Seema Kazi, Contested Lands by Sumantra Bose, In Search of a Future by journalist and author David Devdas, A Dismantled State: The Untold Story of Kashmir After Article 370 by Anuradha Bhasin, Colonizing Kashmir by Hafsa Kanjwal.The order stated that the govt has “credible intelligence which indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State”.Following the notice, police raided book shops across Kashmir and seized several books.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life SentenceIran Dictates Endgame:Demands Closure Of US Bases In Gulf, Lifting Of Sanctions, Control Over HormuzCentre Pushes PNG: LPG Supply May Be Stopped Where Pipelines Are AvailableWomen’s Quota Bill: What Are The Big Challenges Modi Govt Is Likely To FaceIran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail ThroughDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With Trump123PhotostoriesBuying lab-grown gold? 5 things you should know before you invest9 traditional dishes to enjoy in Ram Lalla’s Ayodhya Nagri this Ram Navmi9 largest eagles in the world and what makes them uniqueFeeling full too quickly while eating? Gastroenterologists explain the hidden causes, warning signs, and what you can do to improve digestionHeart attack prevention guide: Daily habits, diet changes, and medical checks that can save your life7 healthy office snacks to keep handy during summer months with minimum efforts5 cars known for their multiple driving modes for every terrainK-dramas like ‘Crash Landing on You’ that will give you butterflies: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and moreWatermelon Guide: Smart tips for picking sweet & juicy watermelon and how to check the purity7 iconic canyons from around the world for your adventure travel wishlist123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingCBSE CTET Result 2026Tom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultRinku SinghWB ANM GNMHarish RanaMinecraft Bedrock 26-10 UpdateStrait of HormuzBihar Board Science Topper


J&K admin defends ban on books in HC, says ‘secessionist’ in nature

SRINAGAR: The J&K administration has defended its order to ban 25 Kashmir-related books in a reply filed in high court Wednesday on a set of petitions challenging the order.Senior additional advocate general (AAG) Mohsin Qadri told TOI, “We have defended the decision to ban the books on grounds of state security and public order. They (the petitioners) have now been given time to file their rejoinder,” he said.Qadri said the government has also defended the legal provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) invoked to impose the ban, as the petitioners have challenged its applicability in the case. “We are defending both the ban and legal provision,” he said.The court said the matter will be heard on a date to be fixed after the petitioners’ counsels — Vrinda Grover, Sanjay Hegde and Rakesh Shakdher and others —indicate their availability. The three advocates were present online.The UT administration, under the Lieutenant Governor, is defending the ban while the elected government led by CM Omar Abdullah is not a party to the case as it did not issue the ban order.The HC has constituted a three-judge full bench to hear petitions challenging the move banning books, including Azadi by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy.On Aug 5 last year, on the sixth anniversary of abrogation of Article 370, the order by the J&K home department, which functions under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, banned the publication and circulation of 25 books on Kashmir, saying they promote a “false narrative” and “secessionism” in the Union Territory.The books include Kashmir: The Case for Freedom by Tariq Ali, Pankaj Mishra; Confronting Terrorism, edited by Maroof Raza and written by Stephen P. Cohen, Independent Kashmir by Christopher Snedden, Between Democracy and Nation by Seema Kazi, Contested Lands by Sumantra Bose, In Search of a Future by journalist and author David Devdas, A Dismantled State: The Untold Story of Kashmir After Article 370 by Anuradha Bhasin, Colonizing Kashmir by Hafsa Kanjwal.The order stated that the govt has “credible intelligence which indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State”.Following the notice, police raided book shops across Kashmir and seized several books.



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NEW DELHI: Slamming the governing BJP for scheduling a discussion on Left-wing extremism (LWE) in Lok Sabha, the opposition on Monday asked why the Modi govt was not discussing in Parliament issues such as the West Asia war, “extremism” in the name of Hindutva, growing unemployment and rising atrocities against Dalits and weaker sections. Many speakers warned that favouring corporates to exploit mineral resources in tribal areas could trigger resentment among locals, which, along with exploitation, has been at the root of the Naxal problem.Congress MP Saptgiri Ulaka said the BJP did not lose any member in the Maoist violence, as it did not lose anyone in the freedom struggle. He said Congress governments had fought Naxalites and also lost members, like the entire Chhattisgarh party brass in the Jheeram Ghati massacre. He alleged the March 31 deadline appeared linked to the interests of some corporates, a point referred to by many other opposition MPs.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry’Global Oil Crisis May Push India Closer To Iran’: US Expert Robert Pape Hints Big Diplomatic Shift’India Is Now Naxal-Free’: Amit Shah Tells Lok Sabha; Hits Out At Congress, Rahul Gandhi’India Better Mediator Than Pakistan’: Israeli Envoy Says Islamabad Is Trying Hard To Be RelevantTrump Threatens To ‘Obliterate’ Iran’s Infra If No Deal; Tehran Rejects Pak’s Mediation ProposalNew Income Tax Rules Kick In From April With Same Rates, Sharper Rules And Tighter Reporting System’Congress Laid Red Carpet For Red Corridor’: Anurag Thakur Hits Out Over Naxalism’Family Of Pimps’: Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif Loses Cool At Jaishankar’s Alleged ‘Dalal’ RemarkMiG-29 Fighter Jets Get Major Boost, Indian Air Force Plans ASRAAM Missile Integration For Combat123PhotostoriesArtemis II in pictures: NASA’s next moon mission like you have never seen before7 traditional cooling alternatives to coffee for your summer morning routineNavi Mumbai’s billionaire lanes: 5 posh localities dominating high-end real estateBeautiful and inspiring Sheikhas of the UAE: Trailblazers redefining royaltySmriti Mandhana: 5 life lessons to learn from the ace Indian woman cricketerDiabetes and liver disease are tightly linked, study of over 9,000 Indian adult finds: Doctor answers critical questions on this hidden connectionThis island nation is Africa’s best-kept secret—and hardly anyone is visitingSridevi to Madhuri Dixit: Decoding the appeal of the sunset-hued saree and who truly owned itWorld Idli Day 2026: 8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastWhat is micro-cheating? Therapist explains the two sides of ‘Flickering’ in relationships123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stNFL Trade NewsCandace OwensAaron RodgersIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026Vaibhav SooryavanshiMohamad SafaCensus 2027Congress debateArticle 370Pakistan terror groupsBank Holiday this weekKharg Island

NEW DELHI: Slamming the governing BJP for scheduling a discussion on Left-wing extremism (LWE) in Lok Sabha, the opposition on Monday asked why the Modi govt was not discussing in Parliament issues such as the West Asia war, “extremism” in the name of Hindutva, growing unemployment and rising atrocities against Dalits and weaker sections. Many speakers warned that favouring corporates to exploit mineral resources in tribal areas could trigger resentment among locals, which, along with exploitation, has been at the root of the Naxal problem.Congress MP Saptgiri Ulaka said the BJP did not lose any member in the Maoist violence, as it did not lose anyone in the freedom struggle. He said Congress governments had fought Naxalites and also lost members, like the entire Chhattisgarh party brass in the Jheeram Ghati massacre. He alleged the March 31 deadline appeared linked to the interests of some corporates, a point referred to by many other opposition MPs.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry’Global Oil Crisis May Push India Closer To Iran’: US Expert Robert Pape Hints Big Diplomatic Shift’India Is Now Naxal-Free’: Amit Shah Tells Lok Sabha; Hits Out At Congress, Rahul Gandhi’India Better Mediator Than Pakistan’: Israeli Envoy Says Islamabad Is Trying Hard To Be RelevantTrump Threatens To ‘Obliterate’ Iran’s Infra If No Deal; Tehran Rejects Pak’s Mediation ProposalNew Income Tax Rules Kick In From April With Same Rates, Sharper Rules And Tighter Reporting System’Congress Laid Red Carpet For Red Corridor’: Anurag Thakur Hits Out Over Naxalism’Family Of Pimps’: Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif Loses Cool At Jaishankar’s Alleged ‘Dalal’ RemarkMiG-29 Fighter Jets Get Major Boost, Indian Air Force Plans ASRAAM Missile Integration For Combat123PhotostoriesArtemis II in pictures: NASA’s next moon mission like you have never seen before7 traditional cooling alternatives to coffee for your summer morning routineNavi Mumbai’s billionaire lanes: 5 posh localities dominating high-end real estateBeautiful and inspiring Sheikhas of the UAE: Trailblazers redefining royaltySmriti Mandhana: 5 life lessons to learn from the ace Indian woman cricketerDiabetes and liver disease are tightly linked, study of over 9,000 Indian adult finds: Doctor answers critical questions on this hidden connectionThis island nation is Africa’s best-kept secret—and hardly anyone is visitingSridevi to Madhuri Dixit: Decoding the appeal of the sunset-hued saree and who truly owned itWorld Idli Day 2026: 8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastWhat is micro-cheating? Therapist explains the two sides of ‘Flickering’ in relationships123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stNFL Trade NewsCandace OwensAaron RodgersIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026Vaibhav SooryavanshiMohamad SafaCensus 2027Congress debateArticle 370Pakistan terror groupsBank Holiday this weekKharg Island

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. NEW DELHI: At a time when Pakistan has inserted itself in the West Asia frame and proposed to position itself as a mediator, the latest US congressional research service (CRS) report offers a sharp reality check. It says Pakistan remains a sanctuary for a wide array of terrorist groups despite decades of state-led military offensives and strategic policy shifts.Despite the 2014 National Action Plan’s mandate to dismantle all armed militias, 15 major groups continue to operate across five broad categories — globally oriented, Afghanistan-oriented, India- and Kashmir-oriented, domestically oriented, and sectarian, the report noted.Twelve of these 15 groups are designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) under US law, with most animated by extremist ideology. The report underscores a fundamental failure in dismantling these networks, noting that both US- and UN-designated terrorist organisations continue to operate openly on Pakistani soil. Particular emphasis is placed on India-centric groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Muhammed, which maintain active cadres of 1,500 and 500 armed supporters, respectively.On the regional front, Pakistan remains a base for India-oriented groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks), Jaish and Hizbul, which seek the annexation of Kashmir.While Islamabad accuses India of backing militants in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — charges India denies — US officials have conversely linked the Haqqani Network, led by Afghanistan’s interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, to Pakistan’s own intelligence services. Despite being removed from the FATF “grey list” in 2022, Pakistan remains designated by the US as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom, as some madrassas continue teaching doctrines which could lead to greater acceptance of extremist ideology. From the dormant anti-Shia Sipah-e-Sahaba to the active Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, the sheer diversity of these outfits illustrates a multi-layered security challenge that neither airstrikes nor diplomatic maneuvers have been able to resolve, the report said.The reality is further punctuated by a spike in terrorism-linked deaths that reached 4,001 in 2025 — highest in 11 years. TTP remains the deadliest domestic threat, seeking Sharia law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.About the AuthorRaj Shekhar JhaRaj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over a decade of experience in reporting on national security, terrorism, crime and prisons.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry’Global Oil Crisis May Push India Closer To Iran’: US Expert Robert Pape Hints Big Diplomatic Shift’India Is Now Naxal-Free’: Amit Shah Tells Lok Sabha; Hits Out At Congress, Rahul Gandhi’India Better Mediator Than Pakistan’: Israeli Envoy Says Islamabad Is Trying Hard To Be RelevantTrump Threatens To ‘Obliterate’ Iran’s Infra If No Deal; Tehran Rejects Pak’s Mediation ProposalNew Income Tax Rules Kick In From April With Same Rates, Sharper Rules And Tighter Reporting System’Congress Laid Red Carpet For Red Corridor’: Anurag Thakur Hits Out Over Naxalism’Family Of Pimps’: Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif Loses Cool At Jaishankar’s Alleged ‘Dalal’ RemarkMiG-29 Fighter Jets Get Major Boost, Indian Air Force Plans ASRAAM Missile Integration For Combat123Photostories7 traditional cooling alternatives to coffee for your summer morning routineNavi Mumbai’s billionaire lanes: 5 posh localities dominating high-end real estateDiabetes and liver disease are tightly linked, study of over 9,000 Indian adult finds: Doctor answers critical questions on this hidden connectionThis island nation is Africa’s best-kept secret—and hardly anyone is visitingSridevi to Madhuri Dixit: Decoding the appeal of the sunset-hued saree and who truly owned itWorld Idli Day 2026: 8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastWhy this food is called ‘poor man’s protein’ and 9 ways to consume it in summer monthsBhagavad Gita wisdom: What stays in your life without force is yours by dharma, and whatever leaves despite all efforts came only to……Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best Hollywood movies of all time: ‘The Terminator’, ‘Predator’ and moreShah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Bollywood stars who bounced back stronger after setbacks123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stNFL Trade NewsCandace OwensAaron RodgersIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026RR vs CSKStrait of HormuzJEE Admit CardKharg IslandIndian Army Agniveer RecruitmentWhy Stock Market Crash TodayBank Holiday this weekKharg Island

. NEW DELHI: At a time when Pakistan has inserted itself in the West Asia frame and proposed to position itself as a mediator, the latest US congressional research service (CRS) report offers a sharp reality check. It says Pakistan remains a sanctuary for a wide array of terrorist groups despite decades of state-led military offensives and strategic policy shifts.Despite the 2014 National Action Plan’s mandate to dismantle all armed militias, 15 major groups continue to operate across five broad categories — globally oriented, Afghanistan-oriented, India- and Kashmir-oriented, domestically oriented, and sectarian, the report noted.Twelve of these 15 groups are designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) under US law, with most animated by extremist ideology. The report underscores a fundamental failure in dismantling these networks, noting that both US- and UN-designated terrorist organisations continue to operate openly on Pakistani soil. Particular emphasis is placed on India-centric groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Muhammed, which maintain active cadres of 1,500 and 500 armed supporters, respectively.On the regional front, Pakistan remains a base for India-oriented groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks), Jaish and Hizbul, which seek the annexation of Kashmir.While Islamabad accuses India of backing militants in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — charges India denies — US officials have conversely linked the Haqqani Network, led by Afghanistan’s interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, to Pakistan’s own intelligence services. Despite being removed from the FATF “grey list” in 2022, Pakistan remains designated by the US as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom, as some madrassas continue teaching doctrines which could lead to greater acceptance of extremist ideology. From the dormant anti-Shia Sipah-e-Sahaba to the active Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, the sheer diversity of these outfits illustrates a multi-layered security challenge that neither airstrikes nor diplomatic maneuvers have been able to resolve, the report said.The reality is further punctuated by a spike in terrorism-linked deaths that reached 4,001 in 2025 — highest in 11 years. TTP remains the deadliest domestic threat, seeking Sharia law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.About the AuthorRaj Shekhar JhaRaj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over a decade of experience in reporting on national security, terrorism, crime and prisons.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry’Global Oil Crisis May Push India Closer To Iran’: US Expert Robert Pape Hints Big Diplomatic Shift’India Is Now Naxal-Free’: Amit Shah Tells Lok Sabha; Hits Out At Congress, Rahul Gandhi’India Better Mediator Than Pakistan’: Israeli Envoy Says Islamabad Is Trying Hard To Be RelevantTrump Threatens To ‘Obliterate’ Iran’s Infra If No Deal; Tehran Rejects Pak’s Mediation ProposalNew Income Tax Rules Kick In From April With Same Rates, Sharper Rules And Tighter Reporting System’Congress Laid Red Carpet For Red Corridor’: Anurag Thakur Hits Out Over Naxalism’Family Of Pimps’: Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif Loses Cool At Jaishankar’s Alleged ‘Dalal’ RemarkMiG-29 Fighter Jets Get Major Boost, Indian Air Force Plans ASRAAM Missile Integration For Combat123Photostories7 traditional cooling alternatives to coffee for your summer morning routineNavi Mumbai’s billionaire lanes: 5 posh localities dominating high-end real estateDiabetes and liver disease are tightly linked, study of over 9,000 Indian adult finds: Doctor answers critical questions on this hidden connectionThis island nation is Africa’s best-kept secret—and hardly anyone is visitingSridevi to Madhuri Dixit: Decoding the appeal of the sunset-hued saree and who truly owned itWorld Idli Day 2026: 8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastWhy this food is called ‘poor man’s protein’ and 9 ways to consume it in summer monthsBhagavad Gita wisdom: What stays in your life without force is yours by dharma, and whatever leaves despite all efforts came only to……Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best Hollywood movies of all time: ‘The Terminator’, ‘Predator’ and moreShah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Bollywood stars who bounced back stronger after setbacks123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stNFL Trade NewsCandace OwensAaron RodgersIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026RR vs CSKStrait of HormuzJEE Admit CardKharg IslandIndian Army Agniveer RecruitmentWhy Stock Market Crash TodayBank Holiday this weekKharg Island

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. NEW DELHI: A good share of Census 2027 datasets may be released in the same year, thanks to the capturing of data in digital mode right from the outset, Registrar General of India and census commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan assured ahead of the launch of Census 2027, the world’s largest and India’s first-ever digital population data capture.“Earlier, census data was first collected on paper and then digitised, making compilation a time-consuming process. Collection of data digitally will ensure Census 2027 datasets are out much faster,” he said.Appealing to citizens to participate wholeheartedly in the census, Narayan asked them to furnish accurate information as census data is key for shaping policy and socio-economic interventions. 1st 15 days of 45-day house visit period are for self-enumerationRegistrar general and census commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan also hoped a good percentage of people will opt for self-enumeration, another first in the history of Indian Census, via the dedicated portal that lists tooltips and FAQs to guide users through the process.The houselisting operations (HLO) phase of census — which will collect data on housing conditions and amenities — gets under way on April 1 across eight states and UTs, including Delhi’s NDMC and cantonment area. All states/UTs, too, barring West Bengal, have chosen separate HLO timelines between April and Sept.The first 15 days of the 45-day HLO period are exclusively for self-enumeration, another first in the history of the census. Over the next 30 days, field visits will be undertaken by over 30 lakh enumerators. “We expect Bengal to also notify its HLO schedule soon,” said Narayan.The HLO phase will be followed by population enumeration in Feb next year. March 1, 2027, shall be the reference date for Census 2027, except for a few snow-bound areas. It is during the population enumeration phase that individual data fields like religion, fertility, socio-economic status, migration, and, for the first time after 1931, caste, will be captured. The questions for Phase-2 — which will include caste count — will be notified later, said the RGI.Asked why National Population Register (NPR) updation had been delinked from Census 2027, unlike the original plan for Census 2021, and if this was on account of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls exercise, the RGI ruled out any correlation between the two. TOI was the first to report on June 17, 2025, that NPR updation would not be undertaken alongside Census 2027.Narayan assured that individual data recorded during Census 2027 will be kept strictly confidential, as mandated by the Census Act. “It cannot be shared with any govt agency, accessed under RTI or produced before the courts. Only aggregated statistical data will be used for tabulation purposes,” he said.Census 2027 data will be collected through a mobile app, and a web portal will monitor and manage various activities of census and house listing, while block creation will be done through a web mapping application. No documents are to be provided by respondents during the census.‘Census caste questions yet to be finalised’Registrar general and census commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, when asked about the likely methodology of capturing caste during the population enumeration phase of the census due in Feb next year, said questions for the relevant phase were yet to be finalised.“There are many suggestions on how to collect caste information. All those will be considered, and the best shall be picked and questions framed and finalised accordingly,” he said. Asked about the risk of respondents declaring a wrong caste to avail the benefit of reservation, Narayan clarified that individual information collected during the census is not meant to be used for any purpose. “Only aggregate statistical information is made public. Individual data cannot be used to derive any benefit from any scheme,” he said.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry’Global Oil Crisis May Push India Closer To Iran’: US Expert Robert Pape Hints Big Diplomatic Shift’India Is Now Naxal-Free’: Amit Shah Tells Lok Sabha; Hits Out At Congress, Rahul Gandhi’India Better Mediator Than Pakistan’: Israeli Envoy Says Islamabad Is Trying Hard To Be RelevantTrump Threatens To ‘Obliterate’ Iran’s Infra If No Deal; Tehran Rejects Pak’s Mediation ProposalNew Income Tax Rules Kick In From April With Same Rates, Sharper Rules And Tighter Reporting System’Congress Laid Red Carpet For Red Corridor’: Anurag Thakur Hits Out Over Naxalism’Family Of Pimps’: Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif Loses Cool At Jaishankar’s Alleged ‘Dalal’ RemarkMiG-29 Fighter Jets Get Major Boost, Indian Air Force Plans ASRAAM Missile Integration For Combat123Photostories7 traditional cooling alternatives to coffee for your summer morning routineNavi Mumbai’s billionaire lanes: 5 posh localities dominating high-end real estateDiabetes and liver disease are tightly linked, study of over 9,000 Indian adult finds: Doctor answers critical questions on this hidden connectionThis island nation is Africa’s best-kept secret—and hardly anyone is visitingSridevi to Madhuri Dixit: Decoding the appeal of the sunset-hued saree and who truly owned itWorld Idli Day 2026: 8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastWhy this food is called ‘poor man’s protein’ and 9 ways to consume it in summer monthsBhagavad Gita wisdom: What stays in your life without force is yours by dharma, and whatever leaves despite all efforts came only to……Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best Hollywood movies of all time: ‘The Terminator’, ‘Predator’ and moreShah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Bollywood stars who bounced back stronger after setbacks123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stNFL Trade NewsCandace OwensAaron RodgersIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026RR vs CSKStrait of HormuzJEE Admit CardKharg IslandIndian Army Agniveer RecruitmentWhy Stock Market Crash TodayBank Holiday this weekKharg Island

. NEW DELHI: A good share of Census 2027 datasets may be released in the same year, thanks to the capturing of data in digital mode right from the outset, Registrar General of India and census commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan assured ahead of the launch of Census 2027, the world’s largest and India’s first-ever digital population data capture.“Earlier, census data was first collected on paper and then digitised, making compilation a time-consuming process. Collection of data digitally will ensure Census 2027 datasets are out much faster,” he said.Appealing to citizens to participate wholeheartedly in the census, Narayan asked them to furnish accurate information as census data is key for shaping policy and socio-economic interventions. 1st 15 days of 45-day house visit period are for self-enumerationRegistrar general and census commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan also hoped a good percentage of people will opt for self-enumeration, another first in the history of Indian Census, via the dedicated portal that lists tooltips and FAQs to guide users through the process.The houselisting operations (HLO) phase of census — which will collect data on housing conditions and amenities — gets under way on April 1 across eight states and UTs, including Delhi’s NDMC and cantonment area. All states/UTs, too, barring West Bengal, have chosen separate HLO timelines between April and Sept.The first 15 days of the 45-day HLO period are exclusively for self-enumeration, another first in the history of the census. Over the next 30 days, field visits will be undertaken by over 30 lakh enumerators. “We expect Bengal to also notify its HLO schedule soon,” said Narayan.The HLO phase will be followed by population enumeration in Feb next year. March 1, 2027, shall be the reference date for Census 2027, except for a few snow-bound areas. It is during the population enumeration phase that individual data fields like religion, fertility, socio-economic status, migration, and, for the first time after 1931, caste, will be captured. The questions for Phase-2 — which will include caste count — will be notified later, said the RGI.Asked why National Population Register (NPR) updation had been delinked from Census 2027, unlike the original plan for Census 2021, and if this was on account of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls exercise, the RGI ruled out any correlation between the two. TOI was the first to report on June 17, 2025, that NPR updation would not be undertaken alongside Census 2027.Narayan assured that individual data recorded during Census 2027 will be kept strictly confidential, as mandated by the Census Act. “It cannot be shared with any govt agency, accessed under RTI or produced before the courts. Only aggregated statistical data will be used for tabulation purposes,” he said.Census 2027 data will be collected through a mobile app, and a web portal will monitor and manage various activities of census and house listing, while block creation will be done through a web mapping application. No documents are to be provided by respondents during the census.‘Census caste questions yet to be finalised’Registrar general and census commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, when asked about the likely methodology of capturing caste during the population enumeration phase of the census due in Feb next year, said questions for the relevant phase were yet to be finalised.“There are many suggestions on how to collect caste information. All those will be considered, and the best shall be picked and questions framed and finalised accordingly,” he said. Asked about the risk of respondents declaring a wrong caste to avail the benefit of reservation, Narayan clarified that individual information collected during the census is not meant to be used for any purpose. “Only aggregate statistical information is made public. Individual data cannot be used to derive any benefit from any scheme,” he said.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry’Global Oil Crisis May Push India Closer To Iran’: US Expert Robert Pape Hints Big Diplomatic Shift’India Is Now Naxal-Free’: Amit Shah Tells Lok Sabha; Hits Out At Congress, Rahul Gandhi’India Better Mediator Than Pakistan’: Israeli Envoy Says Islamabad Is Trying Hard To Be RelevantTrump Threatens To ‘Obliterate’ Iran’s Infra If No Deal; Tehran Rejects Pak’s Mediation ProposalNew Income Tax Rules Kick In From April With Same Rates, Sharper Rules And Tighter Reporting System’Congress Laid Red Carpet For Red Corridor’: Anurag Thakur Hits Out Over Naxalism’Family Of Pimps’: Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif Loses Cool At Jaishankar’s Alleged ‘Dalal’ RemarkMiG-29 Fighter Jets Get Major Boost, Indian Air Force Plans ASRAAM Missile Integration For Combat123Photostories7 traditional cooling alternatives to coffee for your summer morning routineNavi Mumbai’s billionaire lanes: 5 posh localities dominating high-end real estateDiabetes and liver disease are tightly linked, study of over 9,000 Indian adult finds: Doctor answers critical questions on this hidden connectionThis island nation is Africa’s best-kept secret—and hardly anyone is visitingSridevi to Madhuri Dixit: Decoding the appeal of the sunset-hued saree and who truly owned itWorld Idli Day 2026: 8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastWhy this food is called ‘poor man’s protein’ and 9 ways to consume it in summer monthsBhagavad Gita wisdom: What stays in your life without force is yours by dharma, and whatever leaves despite all efforts came only to……Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best Hollywood movies of all time: ‘The Terminator’, ‘Predator’ and moreShah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Bollywood stars who bounced back stronger after setbacks123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stNFL Trade NewsCandace OwensAaron RodgersIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026RR vs CSKStrait of HormuzJEE Admit CardKharg IslandIndian Army Agniveer RecruitmentWhy Stock Market Crash TodayBank Holiday this weekKharg Island

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MK Stalin is a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate for the upcoming assembly polls, which are going to take place in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the state. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. CHENNAI: As Tamil Nadu Assembly elections near, chief minister MK Stalin filed his nomination from the Kolathur constituency on Monday. Following his nomination filing, CM Stalin conducted a roadshow to interact with the public. Watch Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Questions PM Modi’s Preparedness Amid West Asia Conflict “Our victory will be very bright. Compared to the last three times, this time I’m witnessing a huge support. This is the United Progressive Alliance. Tamil Nadu is fighting against Delhi. This time, the victory is going to be very big,” Stalin told ANI. DMK will contest 164 out of the 234 constituencies in the state, while 70 seats have been allocated to its alliance partners. These partners include the Congress Party with 28 seats, the Communist Party of India (CPI) with 5 seats, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) with 5 seats, VCK with 8 seats, and MDMK with 4 seats.Other smaller parties in the alliance include the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) with 10 seats, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) with 2 seats, and several other regional parties.PollWhich key issue do you feel should be prioritized in the upcoming elections?Development & job creationLaw and order & safetyAIADMK has also released the second list of 127 candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, taking the total candidates from the party to 150. The second list offers a mix of sitting MLAs, former MLAs and new faces as the party eyes a return to governance under the leadership of E Palaniswami. Yesterday, Tamil Nadu chief minister Stalin unveiled what the party termed a “Superstar Manifesto” for the 2026 Assembly elections, triggering a sharp political face-off with the opposition AIADMK and BJP, who dismissed the document as a “copy-paste” exercise and accused the ruling party of indulging in “sticker politics,” even as DMK leaders defended it as a comprehensive, people-driven roadmap anchored in the Dravidian model.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLeT Commander Shabbir Lone, Who Handled Terror Modules From Bangladesh, Arrested By Delhi Police“Harrowing Ordeal at Sea”: Indian Seafarers Recount Horror in Iran DetentionIndian Worker Killed in Iranian Strike on Kuwait Power FacilityTop Economist Jeffrey Sachs Flags Pakistan Role, Says India-Led BRICS Could Have Done MoreIndia Secures Vital LPG Supply as BW Tyr and BW Elm Successfully Cross Tense Hormuz Route“Who’s Really In Charge?” Jeffrey Sachs On Musk ‘Eavesdropping’ In Modi-Trump CallManipur Violence: Four Killed In Clash Between Naga Militant Groups“11 Days To Decide If Assam…”: Amit Shah’s All-Out Attack, Says Vote BJP To Stop InfiltratorsSri Lankan President Thanks India, EAM Jaishankar After Receiving 38,000 MT Petroleum Shipment‘Petrol, Diesel Crisis Developing Worldwide’: PM Modi Urges Unity Amid West Asia Conflict123PhotostoriesSonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja welcome second baby boy after Vayu: Revisiting their fairytale romanceVisakhapatnam gripped by horror: Navy employee confesses after gruesome domestic murder caseGold prices dip: 5 must-buy gold jewellery items for brides of 20267 benefits of eating sprouts regularlyLessons you need to learn from Lord Mahavir based on your birth dateCaptain Rajat Patidar’s crores worth two-storey bungalow in Indore, Madhya Pradesh is all about luxury living with a private gym and Zen gardenBanaras wasn’t ready! Madhuri Dixit steals the spotlight in a royal purple saree at jewellery store launchYour glucometer says ‘normal,’ but your HbA1c tells a different story: Doctors on the three-month blood test and how often it should be taken6 foods Indians packed for long journeys before packaged snacks existed5 signs you’ve grown from boy into a real man123Hot PicksBihar Board resultIndia-US trade dealNoida International AirportUS Iran WarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026Delhi Lashkar e Taiba Commander ArrestStrait of HormuzJEE Admit CardKharg IslandHarbhajan SinghUS travel advisoryAnti-vaccine rowH-1B visa

MK Stalin is a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate for the upcoming assembly polls, which are going to take place in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the state. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. CHENNAI: As Tamil Nadu Assembly elections near, chief minister MK Stalin filed his nomination from the Kolathur constituency on Monday. Following his nomination filing, CM Stalin conducted a roadshow to interact with the public. Watch Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Questions PM Modi’s Preparedness Amid West Asia Conflict “Our victory will be very bright. Compared to the last three times, this time I’m witnessing a huge support. This is the United Progressive Alliance. Tamil Nadu is fighting against Delhi. This time, the victory is going to be very big,” Stalin told ANI. DMK will contest 164 out of the 234 constituencies in the state, while 70 seats have been allocated to its alliance partners. These partners include the Congress Party with 28 seats, the Communist Party of India (CPI) with 5 seats, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) with 5 seats, VCK with 8 seats, and MDMK with 4 seats.Other smaller parties in the alliance include the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) with 10 seats, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) with 2 seats, and several other regional parties.PollWhich key issue do you feel should be prioritized in the upcoming elections?Development & job creationLaw and order & safetyAIADMK has also released the second list of 127 candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, taking the total candidates from the party to 150. The second list offers a mix of sitting MLAs, former MLAs and new faces as the party eyes a return to governance under the leadership of E Palaniswami. Yesterday, Tamil Nadu chief minister Stalin unveiled what the party termed a “Superstar Manifesto” for the 2026 Assembly elections, triggering a sharp political face-off with the opposition AIADMK and BJP, who dismissed the document as a “copy-paste” exercise and accused the ruling party of indulging in “sticker politics,” even as DMK leaders defended it as a comprehensive, people-driven roadmap anchored in the Dravidian model.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLeT Commander Shabbir Lone, Who Handled Terror Modules From Bangladesh, Arrested By Delhi Police“Harrowing Ordeal at Sea”: Indian Seafarers Recount Horror in Iran DetentionIndian Worker Killed in Iranian Strike on Kuwait Power FacilityTop Economist Jeffrey Sachs Flags Pakistan Role, Says India-Led BRICS Could Have Done MoreIndia Secures Vital LPG Supply as BW Tyr and BW Elm Successfully Cross Tense Hormuz Route“Who’s Really In Charge?” Jeffrey Sachs On Musk ‘Eavesdropping’ In Modi-Trump CallManipur Violence: Four Killed In Clash Between Naga Militant Groups“11 Days To Decide If Assam…”: Amit Shah’s All-Out Attack, Says Vote BJP To Stop InfiltratorsSri Lankan President Thanks India, EAM Jaishankar After Receiving 38,000 MT Petroleum Shipment‘Petrol, Diesel Crisis Developing Worldwide’: PM Modi Urges Unity Amid West Asia Conflict123PhotostoriesSonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja welcome second baby boy after Vayu: Revisiting their fairytale romanceVisakhapatnam gripped by horror: Navy employee confesses after gruesome domestic murder caseGold prices dip: 5 must-buy gold jewellery items for brides of 20267 benefits of eating sprouts regularlyLessons you need to learn from Lord Mahavir based on your birth dateCaptain Rajat Patidar’s crores worth two-storey bungalow in Indore, Madhya Pradesh is all about luxury living with a private gym and Zen gardenBanaras wasn’t ready! Madhuri Dixit steals the spotlight in a royal purple saree at jewellery store launchYour glucometer says ‘normal,’ but your HbA1c tells a different story: Doctors on the three-month blood test and how often it should be taken6 foods Indians packed for long journeys before packaged snacks existed5 signs you’ve grown from boy into a real man123Hot PicksBihar Board resultIndia-US trade dealNoida International AirportUS Iran WarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold Price PredictionDelhi DOE Results 2026Delhi Lashkar e Taiba Commander ArrestStrait of HormuzJEE Admit CardKharg IslandHarbhajan SinghUS travel advisoryAnti-vaccine rowH-1B visa

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