The only major exception was the BJP, whose leader and LoP praised the Kishtwar DC, claiming some elements misuse such funds for anti-national activities. Omar clarified in the Assembly on Friday that the Kishtwar DC’s order was not arbitrary but based on inputs from local religious leaders and committees. On Thursday, deputy chief minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary had cautioned government officers against issuing such orders. Cabinet minister Satish Sharma said the Kishtwar DC had lost his mental balance and claimed the officers in Jammu and Kashmir were cosying up to the RSS. The chief minister said such practices not only led to the misuse of funds but also harm genuine NGOs that worked transparently.

Source: The Telegraph February 21, 2026 06:58 UTC