Saturday, September 21News and updates from Kashmir

Month: July 2024

When poverty becomes a crime: Handicapped street vendor attacked in broad daylight in Srinagar

When poverty becomes a crime: Handicapped street vendor attacked in broad daylight in Srinagar

REGIONAL
Meer Irfan Mohammed Iqbal Ganie, a street vendor from Srinagar, was brutally assaulted by an unidentified person on Saturday. ALSO READ: Viral video scapegoating auto-rickshaw drivers may fuel classist hate in Kashmir The incident occurred while Iqbal, a physically handicapped man, who sells various small items on a tricycle, was plying his trade in the Lal chowk area of the city. According to Iqbal, the assailant, who was driving a car, began honking incessantly despite having ample space to pass. When Iqbal did not move immediately, the driver exited his vehicle, verbally abused Iqbal, and then proceeded to beat him, blaming him for obstructing traffic. Iqbal, who hails from Damhal Hanjipora in Kulgam but currently resides in Srinagar, is the sole breadwinner for his family of...
Over 28,000 pilgrims visit Amarnath cave shrine in 2 days

Over 28,000 pilgrims visit Amarnath cave shrine in 2 days

REGIONAL
Over 28,000 pilgrims drawn from different parts of the country visited holy Amarnath cave shrine during first two days of pilgrimage, which started from twin tracks of Baltal and Nunwan- Pahalgam on Saturday. An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 28,534 pilgrims performed darshan at the cave shrine while a fresh batch of 6,461 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu to perform the pilgrimage. He said that stringent security arrangements have been put in place for smooth conduct of the yatra Thousands of security personnel of the police, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and other paramilitary forces have been deployed along the route. Aerial surveillance is also being carried out. As per the reports, there is a ...
South Kashmir MP Mian Altaf meets Rajnath Singh to discuss poor condition of roads

South Kashmir MP Mian Altaf meets Rajnath Singh to discuss poor condition of roads

REGIONAL
National Conference Member of Parliament for Anantnag-Rajouri, Mian Altaf Ahmad, met with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the condition of road infrastructure in the border and hilly areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts. These roads, which are vital for connecting these regions with the rest of Jammu Kashmir, are maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Beacon. In a statement, Mian Altaf Ahmad expressed concerns over the slow progress on the crucial 240-kilometer Jammu-Poonch highway, overseen by BRO, and highlighted the difficulties faced by the residents of these border districts due to the poor state of the road. Mian Altaf also emphasized the need for urgent resurfacing and maintenanc...
More than 625,000 Gaza children out of school for 8 months

More than 625,000 Gaza children out of school for 8 months

INDIA
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reports that over 625,000 children in Gaza have been out of school for more than eight months. According to a post on X, 300,000 of these children were UNRWA students before the conflict began. https://twitter.com/UNRWA/status/1806595212661186995?s=19"Play and learning activities provided by UNRWA teams are critical in preparing children to return to school and reclaim their right to education," the agency emphasized. Last week, the Gaza Media Office highlighted that Israel's prolonged offensive against the Gaza Strip has deprived at least 800,000 students of their education. The Gaza Ministry of Education stated, "Over 800,000 students across various educational levels in the Gaza Strip have been denied their right to education si...
First case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; Delhi street vendor booked in FIR

First case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; Delhi street vendor booked in FIR

INDIA
The first FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was filed against a street vendor on July 1 at Kamla Market Police Station in Delhi. According to the ANI news agency, Pankaj Kumar, a street vendor, faces charges under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for obstructing the foot overbridge at New Delhi Railway Station and conducting sales. The FIR stated that Kumar, a resident of Barh in Bihar, was selling water from a cart near the main road, causing "inconvenience" to commuters. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has replaced the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam has replaced the Indian Evidence Act. Opposition MPs criticized the Union government, describing the new ...
Ailing Yatris and ponywalla at Sheshnag rescued by Anantnag police

Ailing Yatris and ponywalla at Sheshnag rescued by Anantnag police

REGIONAL
Anantnag Police recently came to the aid of a group of yatris facing difficulties due to high altitudes. Police said that its personnel carried the ailing yatris on their shoulders, ensuring their safety and well-being. They also took charge of their luggage, alleviating their burden and allowing them to complete their journey without further distress. In another instance, Anantnag Police facilitated the medical evacuation of Mukhtar Ahmad Magray, a pony walla from Ainu Brai Aishmuqam, who had collapsed at Sheshnag. Initially admitted to Base Hospital Sheshnag, doctors referred him to NTPHC Hospital Pahalgam for further treatment. Responding swiftly, Anantnag Police arranged for his airlift to Pahalgam, ensuring he received prompt medical attention.
Engineer Rashid gets NIA nod to attend oath ceremony

Engineer Rashid gets NIA nod to attend oath ceremony

INDIA
The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has given its s consent to permit independent MP Rashid Engineer to take oath on July 5 in Parliament. NIA said the consent is subject to certain conditions, including not interacting with media. The Patiala House Court to pass an order tomorrow, 2nd July. Rashid Engineer had sought interim bail or custody parole to take oath as an MP. Rashid Engineer, who emerged victorious against former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla constituency, sought permission to attend the oath-taking ceremony following his electoral win. Campaign leaders of the party rallied voters in the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat to support Engineer Rashid, who is currently detained in Tihar Jail. They assured voters that securing Rashid's release would be possible t...
Kashmir braces for heavy rainfall starting July 5, Flood risk low

Kashmir braces for heavy rainfall starting July 5, Flood risk low

REGIONAL
After a prolonged heatwave, Jammu Kashmir is expected to have ‘moderate to heavy’ rainfall from July 5 onwards. Weather experts however ruled out the possibility of floods but advised people especially those living in hilly areas of Chenab Valley to be vigilant. Divulging information about the weather scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, Weather Expert Sonam Lotus told the Srinagar-based news agency Kashmir News Trust that there is the possibility of rainfall from July 5 onwards. He said the rainfall may be intermittent in nature but due to heatwaves, glaciers have melted and water levels in waterbodies are expected to rise. “There are no chances of any floods but there may be flash floods, especially in Rajouri, Doda, Poonch, Kupwara and other hilly districts,” Soname Lotus said and...
‘Infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed’: List of major infrastructural damage during ongoing monsoon in India

‘Infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed’: List of major infrastructural damage during ongoing monsoon in India

INDIA
In recent weeks, India has witnessed a series of unfortunate events leading to significant infrastructure damage across various sectors. The infrastructure that has faced damage includes airports, railways, hospitals, and train stations in several states which has raised questions on infrastructural inadequacies. These incidents have not only disrupted daily operations and transportation services but have also raised serious concerns about the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure in the face of increasing environmental challenges. From the bustling hubs of Delhi and Ahmedabad to the regional airports in Jabalpur and Bagdogra, each location has faced its own set of challenges. Severe monsoon rains have caused extensive flooding and waterlogging, leading to st...