REGIONAL

There should not be an “emotive majoritarian interpretation” of the Indian Constitution by those supporting abrogation of Article 370, as Jammu Kashmir was neither completely linked to India nor asked to sign a merger agreement like other princely states, National Conference told the Supreme Court on Monday. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for JKNC, told a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that the sovereignty of India was never under challenge. The constitution bench was hearing the pleas challenging the nullification of provisions of Article 370 for the 15th day. Sibal said JKNC and other petitioners challenging the Centre’s decision have always maintained that Jammu Kashmir is an integral part of India. “We cannot make this case into an emotive m...

A militant was killed in an ongoing gunfight between security forces and militants in Tulli Mahore area of Reasi on Monday. Official sources told Kashmir Scroll that one unidentified militant has been killed whose identification is being ascertained while as search operation is on in the area. He said that a policeman and One Army jawan was also injured in the incident who has been hospitalized. Earlier, an official said that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in the area. He said that as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated, triggering a gunfight—(KS)

An encounter has started between militants and Government forces in the Reasi area of Jammu. Official sources said that following an input about militant movement, a search operation was launched in the Gali Sohab in the Tuli area of the Chassana area of Reasi. They said that two to three militants are believed to be trapped in the area. Details emering.

The Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta Monday said that going digital is the best possible method of taking the union territory of JK forward. He said the JK is almost done on the digital front and the administration is moving further to achieve more feats. Talking to the reporters on the sidelines of an event held at Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk in connection with Digital Week JK, the Chief Secretary said, in digital mechanisms the power shifts from officials to common people which is the real empowerment of people. “I believe that going digital is the best possible method of taking Jammu Kashmir forward. In 2018-19 the government of J-K completed 9229 projects approximately while 92,000 projects were done in 2022-23.” Stating that many support the digital mechanism while few oppos...

Kashmir witnessed a rain deficit of over 80% in August, with summer capital Srinagar recording the lowest precipitation in 25 years in the month. The MeT department said Srinagar recorded a mere 9.2mm of rain, a deficit of 86%. In August, 1998, Srinagar received 8.8 mm and the all-time low was recorded in 1987 with 2.7 mm precipitation. MeT deputy director Mukhtar Ahmad said, “For 40, days we seen a dry spell because of El-Nino being active.” The MeT department recorded rain deficit in Gulmarg, Kupwara, Kokernag and Pahalgam. There was a rain deficit of 83% in the ski resort of Gulmarg and 80% in the northern district of Kupwara. Kokernag and the tourist resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded 77% and 73% less rain. Pahalgam recorded 35.9 mm rain in August, the second-lowe...

Assets worth Lakhs of notorious drug smuggler frozen by Bandipora Police under NDPS Act. "Bandipora Police has frozen 2 bank accounts having savings of Rs 3,97,603 & one Auto load carrier with market value of Rs 3,18,000 belonging to a notorious drug smuggler Irshad Ahmad S/o Ab.Samad Khan R/o Asham Hajin under NDPS Act.(Bandipora Police)", reads a statement issued to Kashmir Scroll. Bandipora Police reiterated the appeal and urged the people to desist from indulging in such activities, contrary to which action as mandated by law would be taken. People of Bandipora district give votes of thanks to Bandipora Police for taking strict action against drug peddlers. (KS)

The Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather conditions in Jammu Kashmir for the coming two weeks. On Monday morning, the MeT said that the ongoing dry spell is likely to continue for the upcoming two weeks. across Jammu Kashmir. On 5th, a brief spell of rain is likely to occur at several places of Jammu Kashmir (50% chance) towards the evening time. "From 6-10 September, the weather is likely to remain hot and dry," said MeT. "Overall, there’s NO forecast of any major rain/Snowfall for the next 2 weeks," MeT said. The Department has also issued an advisory asking the farmers to Harvest their crops as dry weather is expected for the next 2 weeks.

Police on Sunday claimed to have arrested a Government teacher over charges of sexual abuse and harassment in Rajouri. A written complaint was received by police from Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Rajouri after girl students complained the issue. “Accused Ashraf Qureshi is a Government teacher presently serving in Government Higher Secondary School Saaj in Thanamandi sub division of Rajouri district,” Police said in a statement. A case, FIR number 129/2023 under section 8/22 POCSO Act has been registered in Thanamandi police station, Police said, adding, “after several girl students of said school lodged their complaint alleging sexual abuse and harassment by the teacher.” The further legal proceedings have been initiated and investigation of the case is going on.

A ‘Kashmiri Pandit’ group has questioned in the Supreme Court the credentials of Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, one of the petitioners challenging the abrogation of Article 370, claiming he was a supporter of secessionist forces. An intervention application in the apex court has been filed by ‘Roots in Kashmir’, which claims to be a group of Kashmiri Pandit youths, seeking to bring some additional documents and facts on record in the matter. It alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone is known as “a supporter of secessionist forces operating in J&K, who support Pakistan.” “The petitioner No. 1--(Mohd Akbar Lone), was a member of the legislative assembly from 2002 to 2018 and has shouted slogans like ‘Pakista...

An Army trooper was electrocuted to death inside a camp in the Samba district of Jammu Kashmir. Official sources told The Kashmiriyat that on Saturday evening, Deepak Pandey (25) of the engineering squadron came in contact with a live wire while working on some product during which he received an electric shock. Deepak, a resident of Uttarakhand fell unconscious following which he was rushed to the military hospital where he breathed his last. The body of the deceased would be taken to his hometown for last rites after completion of legal formalities, they said.