Sunday, September 22News and updates from Kashmir

Month: July 2024

Kashmiri Pandit Satish Mahaldar donates to Bohrikadal fire victims, wins hearts

Kashmiri Pandit Satish Mahaldar donates to Bohrikadal fire victims, wins hearts

INDIA
Satish Mahaldar, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit currently residing in Delhi, has garnered widespread appreciation from the Kashmiri community for his recent donation to the victims of the devastating Bohrikadal fire. Mahaldar, an engineering alumnus, expressed that his primary motivation was to assist those in dire need, drawing from his own painful experiences. “In this devastating fire, I saw people of all ages, including men, women, children, and the elderly, losing their shelters. No one can understand their pain as deeply as we do,” he said. Reflecting on his family's forced displacement from Kashmir, Mahaldar noted the enduring struggles faced by those displaced. "When we left Kashmir in distress, we have not been able to rebuild the same. These people have suffered greatly, and t...
4-year-old girl molested in Kupwara; Police arrest accused

4-year-old girl molested in Kupwara; Police arrest accused

REGIONAL
Handwara police have arrested a young man for allegedly molesting a 4-year-old girl in a local village, an official stated on Tuesday. According to a police officer, the incident was reported by the victim's family, and the minor girl was taken to GMC Handwara for examination. Doctors confirmed the molestation. The family has demanded strict action against the accused. The police officer confirmed the arrest and mentioned that the girl is currently undergoing further examination at the hospital. Initial reports indicated molestation, and the officer assured the public that strict action would be taken against the accused. Authorities have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the police immediately.
3 dead as many injured after vehicle falls in gorge in Kishtwar

3 dead as many injured after vehicle falls in gorge in Kishtwar

REGIONAL
At least three people died and three others got injured when a vehicle met with an accident in the Dachan area of Kishtwar district today, officials said. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the vehicle rolled down into a gorge in which three people died and as many got injured. He said that the vehicle was on its way from Kashmir towards Dachan when it rolled down into a gorge. Medical superintendent district hospital Kishtwar Dr Yudhvir Singh told KNO that one injured person has been brought to the hospital, while two are on way—(KNO)
Encounter breaks out in Doda forests

Encounter breaks out in Doda forests

REGIONAL
An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Goli-Gadi forests in upper reaches of Doda district this evening, officials said. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that following inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, a cordon and search operation was launched in Goli area. He said that during the search operation hiding terrorists fired upon security forces, which was retaliated to, triggering an ecnounter. "The exchange of fire is on when reports last came in," he said, adding that further details will be shared accordingly—(KNO)
Rain and thundershowers expected in Jammu Kashmir until July 15

Rain and thundershowers expected in Jammu Kashmir until July 15

REGIONAL
The meteorological department on Tuesday forecasted a brief spell of rain and thundershowers at scattered locations in the Jammu Division and isolated areas in the Kashmir Valley until July 10. The department also predicted light to moderate rain/thundershowers at scattered to fairly widespread places from July 11 to 13, with the possibility of heavy rain in isolated parts of the Jammu Division on July 12. For July 14-15, a brief spell of rain/thundershowers is expected at isolated places. Regarding temperatures, a meteorological official reported that Srinagar recorded a low of 18.0°C, compared to 16.4°C the previous night, which is 0.2°C below the normal for this time of year. Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of 15.0°C, down from 13.4°C the previous night, 1.6°C below nor...
Chhattisgarh: Tensions flare after Hindutva group objects to mosque construction

Chhattisgarh: Tensions flare after Hindutva group objects to mosque construction

INDIA
In Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, tensions flared as members of the Bajrang Dal mobilized locals in protest against the construction of a mosque on Friday, July 5. The demonstrators cited concerns over issues such as "love jihad," cattle slaughter, and the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the area as reasons for their objections. Bajrang Dal members gathered near the mosque's construction site, staging a demonstration and raising slogans against the ongoing building work. They also issued threats to the district administration, demanding the partial demolition of the mosque under construction. The group warned of potential widespread unrest affecting communal harmony in the region if their demands were not met. Recent incidents in Chhattisgarh, governed by the BJP, ...
Kashmiri politicians condemn loss of five troopers in Kathua attack

Kashmiri politicians condemn loss of five troopers in Kathua attack

REGIONAL
Kashmir-based politicians have strongly condemned the recent killings of Indian troopers in Kathua, where a militant attack claimed the lives of five soldiers. The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of grief. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her shock and sorrow over the attack. "Condemn the terror attack in Kathua that claimed the lives of four soldiers," she wrote. "Tragic and equally shocking that they are losing their lives in the line of duty in places where one found little to no trace of militancy before 2019. Tells you all there is to know about the current security situation in J&K. Deepest condolences to their families." The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference also issued a statement condemning the attack. The party expressed its sincere condolen...
Killing of army troopers in Kathua attack will not go unavenged, says government

Killing of army troopers in Kathua attack will not go unavenged, says government

INDIA
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane stated on Tuesday that the killing of five Army troopers in a militant attack in Jammu Kashmir's Kathua district will not go unpunished, and India will overcome the forces behind it. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over the soldiers' deaths and affirmed the armed forces' commitment to bringing peace to the region. The ambush, which occurred on Monday in the Badnota area of Kathua, resulted in the deaths of five Army personnel and injuries to five others. A large-scale search operation has been initiated to track down the militants responsible for the attack. "I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (JK)," the defence minister said on X. "My dee...
114.57 tons of waste collected during 10 days of Amarnath Yatra: Innovative eco-friendly measures in action

114.57 tons of waste collected during 10 days of Amarnath Yatra: Innovative eco-friendly measures in action

REGIONAL
Approximately 114.57 tons of waste have been collected from the twin routes to the Amarnath shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas since the annual pilgrimage began 10 days ago, officials reported on Monday. According a report by Press Trust of India, this effort is part of innovative sanitation measures aimed at ensuring an eco-friendly yatra. The 52-day annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine, featuring a naturally formed ice-shiva lingam at an altitude of 3,880 meters, commenced on June 29. Pilgrims use two routes: the 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal. "So far, the cumulative figure of waste on both axes remains 114.57 tons. Total quantity of waste processed in tons is 85.72, and total inert wa...
Out to fetch water, 4 of family die as vehicle falls in gorge in Handwara village

Out to fetch water, 4 of family die as vehicle falls in gorge in Handwara village

REGIONAL
Four of a family lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Rajwar village of Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district late last evening, officials said on Tuesday. An official told news agency — Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the incident occurred when the family members were travelling in a vehicle to fetch water from a nearby source and it fell into a deep gorge. Soon after a rescue operation was launched and they were shifted to a nearby hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival. The deceased have been identified as Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Tahir Ahmad Bhat, Rifat Aara, and Shabnam Aara. Meanwhile, locals told KNO that the area is facing water crisis since long and the deceased were out to fetch water for themselves. "Had there been water facility, the incid...