Friday, March 29News and updates from Kashmir

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Kashmir residents endure biting cold as dry spell persists

Kashmir residents endure biting cold as dry spell persists

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In the midst of an intense cold snap, temperatures in the Kashmir region have experienced a significant decline, intensifying the anticipation for snowfall among the local populace. As of today, the recorded minimum temperatures depict the chilling conditions: Srinagar at -5.0°C, Qazigund at -4.6°C, Pahalgam at -6.3°C, Kupwara at -5.3°C, Kokernag at -2.4°C, Gulmarg at -3.5°C, Sonamarg at -4.7°C, Anantnag at -6.0°C, Ganderbal at -4.1°C, Pulwama at -6.6°C, Bandipora at -5.4°C, Baramulla at -6.0°C, Budgam at -5.3°C, Kulgam at -2.9°C, and Shopian at -6.2°C. Despite the chilling temperatures, the local weather department has issued a forecast indicating that no major wet spell is anticipated until January 22nd across the Kashmir valley. The officials have further emphasized that the on...
‘Loot of Jammu Kashmir’, Omar Abdullah on J-K exporting electricity to Rajasthan

‘Loot of Jammu Kashmir’, Omar Abdullah on J-K exporting electricity to Rajasthan

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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, vehemently voiced his opposition on Wednesday to a power project agreement with Rajasthan, denouncing it as a blatant "loot" of the region. Addressing concerns at a press conference held at the party headquarters, Abdullah expressed dismay over the hydroelectric power project being handed over to Rajasthan for a lengthy 40-year period. He categorically stated that such an arrangement, where the power generated from these projects benefits another region, would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Highlighting the irony of being chosen first for the installation of smart meters while diverting hydroelectric power to Rajasthan, Abdullah asserted, "We will not permit this, even if it requires taking the issue to the Supreme...
Unprecedented absence of snow leaves scenic destinations in Kashmir bare

Unprecedented absence of snow leaves scenic destinations in Kashmir bare

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This winter, the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, renowned for their snow-covered beauty, defy expectations. Popular destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Tangmarg, Pahalgam, and Aru Valley remain surprisingly devoid of snowfall, creating a serene ambiance with minimal tourist activity. Satellite images from the European Space Agency, analyzed by India Today's Open-Source Intelligence team, reveal a concerning scenario. From the northern reaches of Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Tangmarg to the southern locales of Pahalgam and Aru Valley, these winter destinations await snowfall, even as Chillai Kalan, the traditionally harsh 40-day winter period, is past its midpoint. Even in higher-altitude areas like Gurez Valley, where roads typically close in October, an unusual absence of snowfall...
Renowned Kashmiri artist Asha Zaroo passes away

Renowned Kashmiri artist Asha Zaroo passes away

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Asha Zaroo, the renowned theatre and radio artist of Kashmir, bid her final adieu. Succumbing to a brief illness, the legendary artist left an irreplaceable void in the realm of performing arts. Her cremation took place in Jammu on Wednesday afternoon. Asha Zaroo's legacy is characterized by an unwavering commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Shattering societal norms during an era when female involvement in cultural programs was uncommon, she paved the way for others with her extraordinary talent. From her early years, she immersed herself in acting, gracing Doordarshan serials, radio broadcasts, and theatrical performances. Her portrayal of Maa in a TV serial, later staged at Abhinav Theatre, earned her a lasting place in the history of Jammu an...
NIA issues non-bailable warrant against active militant in Kulgam

NIA issues non-bailable warrant against active militant in Kulgam

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National Investigation Agency on Wednesday issued a non- bailable warrant against two active militants in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. Official sources informed News Agency Kashmir Scroll that NIA team Delhi in collaboration with Police Quimoh served a non bailable warant against the Active militant Basit Ahmad Dar S/O Late Abdul Rashid Dar R/O Redwani Bala in connection with case FIR No. 32/2021/NIA/DLI Also notice was served in connection with 41A in connection with case FIr No. 32/2021/NIA/DLI against active militant Arbaz Ahmad Mir S/O Manzoor Mir R/O Gufbal Quimoh, they said. Futher details awaited. (KS)
Pulwama youth commits suicide after failing to qualify JE exams

Pulwama youth commits suicide after failing to qualify JE exams

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A youth was discovered hanging inside his room in the Puchhal area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday. Official sources said that a 28-year-old from Puchhal, Pulwama, was found hanging inside his room at home. The youth was soon taken to District Hospital Pulwama by family members, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Reportedly, the deceased had been grappling with depression in recent days following his failure to qualify for the JE examination. Inquest proceedings under Section 174 CRPC have been initiated, and an investigation is underway. (KS)
Bashir Ahmad Kharadi: The sole keeper of Kashmir’s Surnai craft

Bashir Ahmad Kharadi: The sole keeper of Kashmir’s Surnai craft

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Amid the waning demand, Bashir Ahmad Kharadi perseveres as the last Surnai artisan in Kashmir, crafting the traditional instrument with dedication. He laments the fading cultural heritage and the absence of initiatives to preserve this ancient craft. Kharadi. 47, is firmly handling a block of wood against an electrical sander in his nine-by-eight shop tucked between two four-storey residential buildings. He occasionally looks away at the minaret of the Sufi saint Syed Simnania’s shrine which overlooks his dingy shop. He hums some chants, returns his gaze to this wooden block, and starts boring small holes in it. Kharadi is again making a traditional Kashmiri musical instrument called Surnai. When finished, this surnai will adorn a shelf in the shop already stacked with years-old Surn...
Kashmir freezes under intense cold, No change in weather till January 22

Kashmir freezes under intense cold, No change in weather till January 22

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Kashmir experienced frigid temperatures across its picturesque landscapes. Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling -5.0°C, while Qazigund and Kupwara reported -4.4°C and -4.7°C, respectively. Pahalgam, nestled in the serene valley, saw temperatures plummeting to -6.3°C. The famous skiing destination of Gulmarg and the enchanting Sonamarg both registered -5.0°C and -5.2°C, creating a winter wonderland. Other regions such as Anantnag, Bandipora, and Baramulla ranged from -4.9°C to -5.9°C, emphasizing the widespread cold. Even in the lower-lying areas like Kokernag and Ganderbal, temperatures dipped to -2.4°C and -3.1°C, adding to the frosty atmosphere. Pulwama and Shopian experienced a particularly frosty morning with temperatures dropping to -6.5°C and -6.3°C, respectively. Residen...
Kashmir among top 10 most searched destinations online

Kashmir among top 10 most searched destinations online

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Last year Kashmir surpassed Switzerland as the most Googled destination of the world, reveals the Google data. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in 2023, Kashmir was one among the top 10 online searched destinations of the world. In the list of the most Googled designation of the world last year, Kashmir stood at number six, just after Thailand, which got maximum searches than the valley. Switzerland remains a perennial favourite among travelers and enthusiasts worldwide. This shift in online search behavior highlights the curiosity of the globetrotters to explore the valley of Kashmir, which is often compared with Switzerland. In the number of most Googled destinations of the year 2023, Vietnam topped followed by Goa at the second spot. Bali and Sri Lanka r...
13 families lose shelter in devastating fire in Anantnag

13 families lose shelter in devastating fire in Anantnag

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Suhail Dar Thirteen families lost their shelter during an overnight fire incident at Boat Colony area of Anantnag district's Khanabal area. Locals told The Kashmiriyat that on Tuesday, flames erupted from a residential house at around 2:30 A.M., which later spread to nearby houses in the area. During this fire incident, at least nine residential houses were gutted, causing great distress to thirteen families who were living in these houses. Locals said that the damaged houses belonged to Javid Ahmed Shaksaz, Abdul Gaffar Shaksaz, Mukhtar Ahmed Guroo, Baby Jan, Mohammed Ashraf Pushoo, Nisar Ahmed Guroo, Reyaz Ahmed Guroo, Muzaffar Ahmed, Mushtaq Ahmed Handoo, Mohammed Rafiq Shah, Mohammed Ashraf Wani, Sajad Ahmed Wani, Abdul Gani Wani. "The damaged houses belong to poor persons, ...