JNUSU President demands transparency on casualties in Operation Sindoor
slams government’s war rhetoric
New Delhi: JNU Students' Union President Nitish Kumar has demanded that the government release official data on the number of personnel casualties suffered by the Indian armed forces during the recently launched Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. Expressing concern over the lack of transparency, he stated that while the country continues to witness the arrival of soldiers’ mortal remains from various regions, no clear figures have been made public.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Kumar criticised the government’s post-attack handling of the situation, questioning whether the response was more performative than strategic. “The people of India have a right to know the true cost of this conflict,” he said, calling for the release of verified data on martyred soldiers.
While strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kumar questioned the government's swift military retaliation against Pakistan, suggesting that it appeared “pre-planned” and lacked accountability, especially in light of what he termed "serious internal security failures."
Highlighting the risks of escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbours, Kumar urged the government to pursue diplomacy and international pressure rather than war rhetoric. He advocated for isolating Pakistan on the global stage for its alleged role in harbouring terrorists, stating that “full-scale military retaliation is not a sustainable solution.”
Kumar also raised concerns over rising communal tensions following the attack, particularly targeting Muslim communities. He accused the government of allowing hate to spread and failing to prevent polarisation. “These attacks are not just about external enemies but also raise the possibility of conspiracies aimed at disturbing India’s internal peace,” he said.
He challenged the government to answer whether the military objectives had been achieved—whether the Pahalgam attackers had been neutralised and whether the situation in Kashmir had improved, especially regarding safety and tourism.
Taking aim at some media outlets, Kumar criticised the propagation of unverified claims, including supposed attacks on Karachi and Islamabad, labelling such coverage as "jingoistic theatrics" by sections of the “Godi Media.” He emphasised that “the nation needs truth, not theatrics.”
Kumar concluded by reiterating his demand for official confirmation of the number of casualties among Indian forces. “We are seeing bodies return home, but we are yet to receive a clear statement from the Army. The people deserve transparency,” he said.
Calling for a strategic, non-militaristic approach to national security, Kumar warned that misinformation and communal violence only serve to divide the country and undermine its long-term safety.
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CM Siddaramaiah warns of possible rainfall dip, stresses uninterrupted drinking water supply
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said there is a possibility of a five per cent decrease in rainfall this year and asked officials to ensure that drinking water supply is not affected.
The CM gave these instructions at a meeting of additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, and secretaries of all departments held at Vidhana Soudha.
“There is a possibility of a five per cent decrease in rainfall this year. District in-charge secretaries should constantly monitor the drinking water situation in their districts. Meetings should be held with deputy commissioners and zilla panchayat chief executive officers in this regard,” Siddaramaiah said.
“It is the responsibility of the respective secretaries to resolve the problems of the districts under their jurisdiction. Drinking water supply should not be affected for any reason,” his office quoted him as saying in a statement.
Pointing out that B R Ambedkar had warned against officials appeasing politicians, as it could lead to dictatorship, the CM asked officials to work within the framework of the law.
“Give suggestions to ministers within the scope of the law. Bringing a good name to the government depends on the work of the secretaries,” he said, adding that the administration should be made more agile.
Siddaramaiah said the role of departmental secretaries is crucial for the proper functioning of the state administration, as recognised in the Constitution. “It is the duty of all secretaries to act in accordance with the Constitution. They should not do anything against it,” he said.
Referring to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, Siddaramaiah said Patel had emphasised in the constituent assembly that secretaries should fearlessly and independently convey their views to ministers and not hesitate to speak the truth, even if it displeases them.
He urged senior officials to express their opinions fearlessly, independently, and truthfully.
The CM said implementing budget announcements is the responsibility of officials, noting that 15 announcements from last year’s budget are yet to be implemented. “Who is responsible for this?” he asked.
The government made a total of 565 announcements in this year’s budget, including 218 new ones, he said, adding, “It is the responsibility of officials to implement all budget announcements within the same year. They should not remain unimplemented for any reason. Bring any practical difficulties in implementation directly to my notice or that of the chief secretary.”
Out of the announcements in the 2026-27 budget, government orders have been issued for only five, he said.
“All government orders should be implemented, and execution should begin by May; otherwise, the respective secretaries will be held responsible.”
Siddaramaiah said delays in addressing public grievances could erode people’s trust in the government.
“This should not be allowed. Similarly, applications received under Sakala (a government initiative to guarantee services to citizens within a stipulated time) should be disposed of on time.”
Stating that immediate steps should be taken to fill vacant sanctioned posts, he said the finance department has approved the filling of 24,300 posts.
“There are 32,132 posts pending in cadres related to Kalyana Karnataka, and the recruitment process has not yet begun. The revision of cadre and recruitment rules is pending in some departments and should be completed at the earliest,” he said.
Under various centrally sponsored programmes, the state government released its share of Rs 22,768 crore in 2025–26, while the Centre released Rs 16,729 crore. Siddaramaiah said Rs 11,367 crore is still pending from the Centre.
He also directed officials to ensure that grants are utilised within the stipulated period.
Highlighting that contracts worth up to Rs 2 crore have been reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe contractors, the chief minister said such reservations should not be bypassed by bundling works into larger packages.
“All works should be completed within the stipulated time. Construction costs should not escalate due to delays,” he added.
The chief minister also launched the new “Karnataka Progress Portal” and a handbook related to monitoring schemes, approvals, and inter-departmental coordination.
