J&K CM bats for Indo-Pak dialogue to 'end bloodshed'

Agencies

February 12, 2018

Srinagar, Feb 12: At a time when security forces are battling with Pakistan-sponsored militants at multiple fronts, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday advocated for Indo-Pak dialogue to "end the bloodshed".

"Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed (in J&K). I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn't matter," she tweeted.

"The people of J&K are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option," Mehbooba added.

The chief minister's assertions comes at a time when security forces are fighting against holed up fidayeen (suicide) militants in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar as well as unending ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the borders.

Later in the day, Mehbooba while speaking in the state Assembly, hit out at some media houses for labelling those favouring dialogues with Pakistan as "anti-nationals."

"Unfortunately, some media houses have created an atmosphere that if we talk of dialogue (with Pakistan) then we are labelled anti-national," she said.

"How long will we make sacrifices? How long will we bear the brunt of this violence? Why do they call [National Conference chief] Farooq Abdullah or me 'anti-nationals' when we propose dialogue," the chief minister asked.

"Wars since 1947 have not resolved the problem. War is no option for us," she said.

While Mehbooba's People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Opposition National Conference (NC) are on the same page on the issues of talks with Pakistan and separatists, PDP's coalition partner, the BJP, has a different view.

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Roadblock to Relief: Speaker Khader’s Push to Expand Key NH-66 Stretch from Nanthoor to Talapady

News Network

November 26,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 26: Assembly Speaker and local MLA U.T. Khader has initiated a high-level push to resolve one of Mangaluru’s longest-standing traffic headaches: the narrow, high-density stretch of National Highway-66 between Nanthoor and Talapady.

He announced on Tuesday that a formal proposal has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) seeking approval to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the widening of this crucial corridor.

The plan specifically aims to expand the existing 45-meter road width to a full 60 meters, coupled with the construction of dedicated service roads. Khader highlighted that land for a 60-meter highway was originally acquired during the initial four-laning project, but only 45 meters were developed, leading to a perpetual bottleneck.

"With vehicle density rising sharply, the expansion has become unavoidable," Khader stated, stressing that the upgrade is essential for ensuring smoother traffic flow and improving safety at the city's main entry and exit points.

The stretch between Nanthoor and Talapady is a vital link on the busy Kochi-Panvel coastal highway and connects to major city junctions. The move to utilize the previously acquired land for the full 60-meter width is seen as a necessary measure to catch up with the region's rapid vehicular growth and prevent further traffic gridlocks.

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