FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI Trump says agreement to reopen Strait of Hormuz could happen very soon NATION Govt announces Rs 10 lakh aid after Red Sea attack First crack Page 9 Page 6 BRIEFLY Govind Mohan gets one-year extension as Union Home Secretary: New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved a one-year extension in the service of Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Sikkim cadre, allowing him to continue in the post until 22 August 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. According to an official order issued on Wednesday, the extension has been granted beyond 22 August 2026, in relaxation of the provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958. Govind Mohan has been serving as the Union Home Secretary since 23 August 2024, after briefly functioning as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Home Affairs from 14 to 22 August 2024. Page 5 PM Modi marks 7 years of Article 370 abrogation STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 5 August P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), describing the move as a “decisive new chapter” in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and asserting that the region has witnessed transformative changes since the constitutional provisions were revoked in 2019. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said the removal of the special status provisions had ushered in a new era of development, empowermentandconstitutional equality for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. “Seven years ago, on this day, Articles 370 and 35(A) became history, marking a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh,” Mr Modi said.Highlightingthegovernment’s Thursday, 06 August 2026 SPORTS WORLD EDITORIAL | Opposition marches in Parliament complex, demands J&K statehood New Delhi: Opposition parties, led by Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, held a march in the Parliament House complex to press for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir while demanding the Centre respond to concerns over the alleged police action against students and the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Speaking to reporters, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain said the march commenced from the Mahatms Gandhi Statue at Prerna Sthal and concluded at Makar Dwar, with MPs from several Opposition parties participating. achievements in the region over the past seven years, the Prime Minister said infrastructure has expanded significantly while opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports have grown. “Since then, the lives of the people of J&K and Ladakh have witnessed wide-ranging transformation. Infrastructure has expanded, opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports have grown” he said. The PM also emphasised that the full application of the Constitution of India had ensured constitutional rights for sections of society that had remained deprived for decades. “Be it the women or the marginalised communities, those who were denied their basic constitutional rights for decades have been empowered thanks to the full application of the Constitution of India,” he said. Mr Modi noted that this year’s anniversary carries added significance as the country is commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, one of the foremost proponents of complete constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. “5th August this year assumes even greater significance as this is the year our nation commemorates the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. His lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations. What he envisioned decades ago found historic fulfilment on 5th August 2019,” the PM said. BWF World Championships: Ayush faces Shi Yu Qi, Sindhu eyes deep run Page 12 SC urges states to avoid aggressive action against young protesters PARMOD KUMAR New Delhi, 5 August The Supreme Court on Wednesday emphasised that law enforcement agencies must exercise restraint while dealing with public protests, observing that even where some misguided elements indulge in violence, the primary effort should be to counsel and pacify young protesters rather than allow an aggressive state response to aggravate the situation. The observations came during the hearing of a plea seeking action against the organisers of the 20 July “Sansad Chalo” march, alleging that they had incited violence and seeking to hold them accountable for the incidents that followed. Tagging the petition filed by retired Air Force officer Maneesh Kumar Solanki with a similar matter already pending before it, a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana heard submissions by advocate Rizwan Ahmed, who appeared for the petitioner. Mr Ahmed argued that the accountability of those who organised the protest could not be overlooked, submitting that even after more than two weeks they continued to make provocative public statements. Referring to a recent law-and-order incident in Rajasthan, he contended that governments should not “bend backwards” in dealing with protesters, as such an approach could set an undesirable precedent in other parts of the country. He also maintained that those involved in stone-pelting or other acts of violence should not escape responsibility merely because the government itself had come under criticism for its handling of the situation. Responding to the submissions, Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that even if some “misguided elements” resort to stone-pelting, the response of the authorities should be measured and aimed at preventing further escalation. The Chief Justice said: “They need advice and counselling. Any aggressive approach from the side of the mighty State may socially aggravate the situation and precipitate further violence. That needs to be avoided.” The Chief Justice further observed that the emphasis must remain on facilitating peaceful demonstrations and ensuring that, if any untoward incident occurs, the police exercise a high degree of restraint so that the situation does not spiral out of control. He observed that such situations required careful handling and that counselling and pacifying young protesters was a more effective course than confrontation.