National Conference officials reported that Abdullah had contracted a stomach infection earlier in the week and was taken to a private hospital for treatment. A party leader mentioned that Abdullah’s condition had improved and he was expected to be discharged soon.

Prior to this, the Counter-Intelligence Wing has conducted similar raids. In July, search operations were carried out simultaneously in several locations. The army and police in Jammu and Kashmir have been actively working to dismantle terrorist networks for an extended period. Numerous search operations and attempts to infiltrate have been thwarted in various areas of the valley. Police are currently investigating the individuals’ contacts and bases their operations on their activities. Previous raids had revealed suspected connections with various terrorists, including Abdullah Ghazi, a leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba/Jaish-e-Mohammed.

In a separate development, Udhampur police conducted a major raid on a spa center. Several men and women were taken into custody during the operation. The raid took place at a spa center in Ward Number 5, Badia, Udhampur. The operation lasted approximately four hours and involved a significant number of police personnel and senior officers. Police have initiated a detailed investigation into the matter. Local residents have expressed their approval of the police action.

The meeting occurred amidst growing tensions surrounding the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Abdullah urged the government to reconsider its decision, arguing that invoking the PSA against an elected representative was unwarranted. He stated that the district of Doda was already facing challenges, including floods, and this situation had further complicated matters.

While Abdullah acknowledged the Doda MLA’s inappropriate behavior toward the Deputy Commissioner of Doda, he insisted that the MLA’s actions should not have resulted in such severe consequences. Abdullah emphasized the need for accountability from both sides, stating the PSA should be revoked. He also added the MLA should be apologetic for his language.

Sanjay Singh echoed Abdullah’s criticisms, condemning the government’s forceful approach. He asserted that the police’s actions were a clear attempt to suppress dissent and intimidate elected representatives.

Abdullah also welcomed the introduction of goods train services in Kashmir, seeing it as a positive development amid the ongoing disruptions of the Srinagar-Jammu National highway.

During the ceremony, Abdullah was honored with a guard of honor before inspecting the participating contingents. He then took the salute as various contingents from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, and school children marched past. Abdullah’s cabinet colleagues presided over Independence Day celebrations in other key district headquarters of the state. A cultural program, one of the main highlights of the Independence Day celebrations, was canceled this year to honor those who died in the floods in Kishtwar.

Following the fall of Mehbooba Mufti’s government, President’s rule was imposed in the state. The national flag was hoisted by the Governor in the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations in 2018 and 2019, while the Lieutenant Governor hoisted the flag in these ceremonies from 2020 to 2024. Notably, there was no elected government in place when Article 370 was revoked in August 2019, and Jammu and Kashmir was converted into two union territories. The administration of the state was then run through the central government or the Governor. After the removal of Article 370, assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir at the end of last year, and Omar Abdullah became the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.