Friday, April 19News and updates from Kashmir

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Scattered rain, snow in Kashmir in next few days: MeT

Scattered rain, snow in Kashmir in next few days: MeT

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Night temperature recorded a slight increase on Thursday amid forecast for isolated to scattered light rain and snow over Jammu Kashmir in next few days. The MeT office has also issued an advisory in the wake of the weather system from January 28-31, saying that the same may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan pass, Zojila etc. “Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” a meteorological department official said. One Feb 1, he said, there is possibility of light rain/snow at scattered places. Regarding temperature, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.6°C against minus 5.3°C on previous night and it was 1.3°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year. ...
Despite dry spell, Tourist footfall in January at Pahalgam higher than last year

Despite dry spell, Tourist footfall in January at Pahalgam higher than last year

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Despite the prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, Pahalgam, the renowned tourist destination in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, has witnessed a footfall of around 50 thousand tourists in the ongoing month. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pahalgam Development Authority, Tariq Ahmad Naik informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that while the extended dry spell has impacted tourism, the destination continues to attract visitors. He said efforts were underway to position Pahalgam as a full-fledged winter destination this year, but the absence of snow has affected those plans. “Tourists have been visiting, but the flow might have been more with snow,” he said Despite the challenges, Naik said they remain hopeful. He said around 50,000 tourists have visited here this month, whi...
Woman mistakenly pays bus fare with gold coin in Srinagar

Woman mistakenly pays bus fare with gold coin in Srinagar

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On Thursday, 18th January, a woman named Waheeda mistakenly handed a gold coin instead of the bus fare to the conductor while traveling from GB Pant to Radio Kashmir Gate. Waheeda, a resident of Batmaloo, explained that her intention was to sell the coin to cover the medical expenses of her brother-in-law. She boarded a Mazda bus around 10:30 in the morning near GB Pant Hospital, Sonawar, and disembarked near Radio Kashmir Gate. It was only when she visited a jeweler that she realized she was missing a coin from her purse. Upon this realization, Waheeda discovered that she had inadvertently given a gold coin to the conductor instead of a 10-rupee coin. She clarified that the coin belonged to her sister, who needed cash for the treatment of her husband, currently admitted at AII...
Security beefed up across Kashmir ahead of Jan 26 celebrations

Security beefed up across Kashmir ahead of Jan 26 celebrations

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In anticipation of India's Republic Day festivities, robust security measures have been meticulously implemented throughout the Kashmir valley. The deployment of additional security personnel along highways and crucial road links aims to preempt any potential untoward incidents in the region. Over the past few days, police and paramilitary forces in Srinagar and other district headquarters have been actively conducting identity checks and thoroughly frisking individuals, reinforcing the overall security posture. The central event in Jammu Kashmir, presided over by the incumbent Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is scheduled to unfold in Jammu. Simultaneously, a parallel celebration with similar arrangements is slated for Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Recognizing the significance o...
Three western disturbances likely to end Kashmir’s two-month long dry spell

Three western disturbances likely to end Kashmir’s two-month long dry spell

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A private weather forecaster (Kashmir Weather) on Tuesday predicted a possible light to moderate snowfall over high reaches of Kashmir under the influence of first Western Disturbance, while it said the higher reaches of Ladakh may witness light snowfall between 25th and 26th January. While ruling out any major weather disturbance he told News Agency Kashmir Scroll that light rain/snow showers can occur over plains of Kashmir on 26th of January. He said the second Western Disturbances are expected from 28-January to 30th January, which may cause moderate snowfall over higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir with Doodpathri, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, Sinthan Top and Peer Ki Gali having chances of heavy snowfall. During the second Western Disturbances, the plains of Kashmir ma...
Law and order situation has improved despite challenges from Pakistan: DGP Swain

Law and order situation has improved despite challenges from Pakistan: DGP Swain

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Jammu Kashmir’s Police Chief, R.R. Swain Tuesday said that the law and order situation has improved a lot despite some challenges from militants coming from Pakistan. Addressing the media, Swain noted that the security landscape has witnessed commendable control, attributing the success to effective law enforcement. Despite the overall stability, Swain acknowledged the persistent challenge posed by a handful of terrorists infiltrating from Pakistan, attempting to disrupt the hard-earned peace in the region. However, he expressed a distinct perspective, highlighting that the local youth are not aligned with these disruptive elements. “Our youth are not involved with them. While a few individuals may support these terrorists, the majority stand against them, indicating that the s...
Minor from Jammu Kashmir booked for ‘inappropriate’ comments on social media

Minor from Jammu Kashmir booked for ‘inappropriate’ comments on social media

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Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kishtwar have initiated action against a minor for alleged inappropriate social-media posts in Kishtwar district. “In a proactive move against online misconduct, Kishtwar Police has taken decisive action against a minor individual accused of posting derogatory content on social media platforms. Acting promptly under the guidance of SSP Kishtwar Khalil Poswal an FIR No. 05/2024 has been registered at Chatroo, invoking pertinent sections of the law”, reads a statement issued to news agency Kashmir Scroll. “SSP Kishtwar highlighted that the Cyber Cell of Kishtwar Police diligently monitors all social media activities, and strict actions will be taken against those found violating cyber laws.” “SSP Kishtwar Khalil Poswal has consistently emphasized the impo...
13-year-old Kashmiri Rabab player wins Bal Puraskar Award

13-year-old Kashmiri Rabab player wins Bal Puraskar Award

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A thirteen years old Rabab player, Ishfaq Hamid from Kreeri Baramulla has won the coveted Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar Award, bringing laurels and pride to Kashmir. President of India Smt Draupadhi Murmu gave Ishfaq this award at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday. Ishfaq who also is a very skilled Matka player has previously received NGO Sarhad’s Bhai Mardana National Award 2020. He was only eight years old when he started learning playing rabab from his father. Speaking to media he stated that he was overjoyed to learn that he will be receiving the prestigious award from the hands of President of India. Ishfaq is currently studying in sixth standard and he stated that he started to learn the skill when he witnessed his cousin learning to play Rabab. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Mod...
South Kashmir residents ‘shocked’ over inflated electricity bills

South Kashmir residents ‘shocked’ over inflated electricity bills

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Residents of several areas in south Kashmir are up against Power Development Department (PDD) for hiking their power tariffs every month and have demanded reconsideration of the decision. Ab Rashid, a resident of the Litter area, told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the authorities have inflated bills after enhancing consumption load without carrying out any survey. According to him, some consumers have experienced a substantial increase of Rs 1050 to 1300 per month. “Unscheduled power cuts are taking a heavy toll on us and on the other hand, the PDD is increasing our electricity bills,” said Subzar Ahmad of Shopian. He said that the residents of the area were shocked after receiving their bill wherein both load agreement and bill amount had been increased without ...
Snowfall, rains expected: A detailed look at Kashmir’s weather forecast

Snowfall, rains expected: A detailed look at Kashmir’s weather forecast

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As Kashmir braces itself for the coming days, the weather forecast indicates a relatively stable pattern with minor snow showers in isolated higher-altitude areas. Anticipating varied conditions, residents and tourists are urged to stay informed, with updates continuously provided by 'Kashmir Weather.' In the upcoming days, Kashmir is expected to experience relatively stable weather conditions. On the 25th and 26th of January, nothing significant is on the horizon, with only minor snow showers predicted in isolated higher-altitude areas.The forecast confidence stands at a robust 95% for the 25th and 80% for the 26th. As we progress to the 27th and 28th of January, the outlook maintains a subdued pattern. Although no major weather disruptions are expected, a few models hint at the ...