Month: March 2023

The former chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has expressed anguish over the "locking of Jamia Masjid" in Srinagar. In a tweet, she said, "Locking up Jama Masjid on the auspicious occasion of Shab e Barat is a brazen violation of fundamental rights & religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. May Allah Ta’aala give us strength to get through these tough times." Earlier, Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar said that authorities have disallowed prayers at the historical mosque. In a statement, the Anjuman informed that concerned police and administration officials came to Jama Masjid Nowhatta and locked the gates of the Masjid at 5.30 pm informing the Anjuman, that as per the orders of DC Srinagar no Shab-e-Barat prayers will be allowed to take place at...

The Anantnag Patwar Association staged a sit-in protest at Achabal against the administration to press for an early redressal of their demands. Talking to GNS, the Patwar Association said they have also been demanding a hike in pay scales for Patwaris, timely departmental promotion of Patwaris and Girdawars, a ban on direct recruitment of Tehsildars, construction of Patwar Khanas, creation of Patwar Halqas and Girdawar circles, timely conduct of DPCs, and an increase in their allowances. “We are sitting here under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Patwari Association for the seventh consecutive day, to let the government know about our demands. We graduate patwaris have a grade pay issue which the government should consider.” “Like other Education and Finance departments have ha...

The Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) operations, MA Bhatia, stated on Tuesday that they are fully prepared for any and all events, whether it be an election or the annual Amarnath Yatra. During the inauguration of a hospital in Tral, the IG CRPF spoke to reporters, according to GNS, he said that the hospitals of Special Forces are now open for locals, which is a positive step. “Locals, officials, and the general public can come here and receive treatment, which will benefit everyone. We have a blood testing facility and other amenities, and we are working on providing advanced treatment, which will be available here soon,” IG said. When asked about the Amarnath Yatra, he replied, “We are on our toes to complete all requirements, and we have already begun th...

A man died while several others were injured after a massive landslide occurred on Srinagar-Jammu national highway near Seri area of Ramban district on Tuesday. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) a massive landslide occurred near Seri area today afternoon, burying two vehicles under the debris. He said in the incident one person died while six others were injured and they were being shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The official said more people might be trapped under debris even as rescue operation was going on in the area. The deceased has been identified as Surjeet Singh son of Sher Singh of Sumber. Meanwhile, the highway has been closed for traffic as a precautionary measure—(KNO)

A massive fire broke out at Dangerpora village of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Tuesday afternoon. Reports reaching the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that a building housing two shops and a cow shed, besides a rented accommodation to three families were involved in a massive fire that broke out at Dangerpora area. The fire tenders have reached the site and the efforts are on to douse the flames—(KNO)

Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed her astonishment over the Central Bureau of Investigation’s message asking people not to pay any money or bribe to any government servant/ employee, in the backdrop of the purported awarding of the contract to APTECH Company for conducting upcoming Jammu Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) exam(s). Taking to the micro-blogging site Twitter, Mufti wrote; “Amusing to receive a message from CBI to report bribes. A blacklisted company like APTECH is given contracts repeatedly to wreak the future of J&K youth. I Hope CBI takes note of the APTECH recruitment scam. Let's see how many heads roll (sic).” Mufti’s reaction came after CBI (Srinagar) delivered a (text) message to mobile phone users, reading; “Do not p...

A female student from Kashmir suffered injuries after allegedly being attacked by an auto-driver near Friends Colony New Delhi on Tuesday morning, reliable sources said. They told news agency GNS that a medical student (name withheld) currently undergoing internship, was attacked with some sharp object by an auto-driver after an argument ensued over fare. The female student, they said, suffered abdominal injuries in the incident and was evacuated to a nearby health facility for treatment. “Before the police could reach the spot, the alleged auto-driver managed to escape”, they said. When contacted, a senior police officer at Friends Colony Police Station, New Delhi told GNS that they have registered a case into the incident. “A manhunt has been launched soon after the report...

The Isha (night) prayer timings have been announced by the Jamia Masjid committee of Anantnag district in south Kashmir for the occassion of Shab e Bara'at. Members of the committee told The Kashmiriyat that the Isha prayers will be offered at 10:30 PM and the prayers will be led by Imam e Hai, Moulana Sayar Ahmed. They said that arrangements have been made for devotees who are expected the throng the 16th century mosque located in the heart of  south Kashmir's Anantnag town. "Separate arrangements have been made for women which includes praying space, washrooms along with other facilities," they said. Meanwhile at Jamia Masjid Srinagar Isha prayers will be offered at 10 pm and and at the revered Khanqah of Hazratbal at 10:30 pm respectively. Massive crowds are expected to t...

Asking the west Pakistan refugees to not consider themselves as refugees, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said his administration will take steps to regularise their colonies as it is "our responsibility" to secure their rights. He also asserted that PaK is an integral part of India and that the dream of 'Akhand Bharat' (undivided India) would come true in the coming times. Addressing a function after inaugurating a special camp for the displaced persons of PoK in Bhour, on the outskirts of Jammu, he said, "You are citizens of this country and sons of the soil. You are proud citizens of Akhand Bharat and you should come forward to play your role in the development of Jammu Kashmir and the country." Amid chants in support of reclaiming PaK, Mr Sinha said, "PaK is an integral part...