Wednesday, January 15News and updates from Kashmir

Month: August 2024

Two labourers die in sand slide at Bijbehara

Two labourers die in sand slide at Bijbehara

REGIONAL
Suhail Dar Two labourers have died following a sand slide in the Gadhanchipora area of Bijbehera, Anantnag, on Wednesday. The incident occurred during sand extraction when a large sand slide engulfed a group of workers, officials said. Hospital officials identified the deceased as Mushtaq Ahmed Sheikh of Keegam and Mohammed Altaf Khan of Rajouri. Hospital officials confirmed to The Kashmiriyat that both were buried under the sand and brought dead to the hospital. Further details will be provided as they become available.
Jammu Kashmir: 29,306 kg of drugs seized, Over 4,500 arrests in 2023

Jammu Kashmir: 29,306 kg of drugs seized, Over 4,500 arrests in 2023

REGIONAL
Since 2023, Jammu Kashmir has seen 4,536 arrests related to the drug trade and 3,190 registered cases, according to The Tribune. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on narcotics networks, resulting in significant seizures and the detention of key figures under the PIT NDPS Act. Over the past 18 months, 463 detention orders have been issued against drug kingpins. In 2023, authorities intercepted and seized 319 commercial quantities of drugs, with 110 such seizures reported in the first half of 2024. Seized narcotics are promptly disposed of through court-ordered incineration to prevent pilferage. Last year, 29,306 kg of drugs and 74,179 pharmaceuticals were destroyed, while 4,365 kg of drugs and 26,772 pharmaceuticals were incinerated in the first half o...
Hijab-wearing girls barred from Uttar Pradesh college

Hijab-wearing girls barred from Uttar Pradesh college

INDIA
In Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, several Muslim girls wearing hijabs were barred from attending Janta Inter College in Mahua, Thana Kotwali Dehat. The incident, captured in a video that surfaced on social media, shows the girls in college uniforms outside the college premises. According to the girls, they were expelled by Principal Shivendra Pal Singh after being instructed to remove their hijabs and wear loose garments. The students reported being told to come to the college without their hijabs and keep their hair tied. Following their expulsion, they were asked to bring their guardians to the college, as per news reports. The expulsion has sparked outrage among the guardians, who view it as an infringement on religious freedoms and a violation of students' religious rights. They...
Jammu Kashmir Peace Forum launches ‘The Displaced Kashmiri Resident’s Housing Society Ltd’ in Srinagar

Jammu Kashmir Peace Forum launches ‘The Displaced Kashmiri Resident’s Housing Society Ltd’ in Srinagar

REGIONAL
The Jammu Kashmir Peace Forum, led by Chairman Satish Mahaldar, has announced the establishment of a new Group Housing Society in Srinagar, named “The Displaced Kashmiri Resident’s Housing Society Ltd.” This initiative aims to reaffirm the community's connection to their ancestral land, marking a significant step in their long-standing effort to reclaim their roots, as per a press release issued to The Kashmiriyat. In his statement, Mahaldar emphasized the profound importance of maintaining cultural identity amidst modern homogenization. He quoted Prabhu Sri Ram to underscore that the "motherland – the roots – is the ultimate heaven of an individual’s physical consciousness." Despite the 35 years since the forced displacement of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989/90, Mahaldar asserted th...
Army captain killed in Doda encounter, searches underway

Army captain killed in Doda encounter, searches underway

REGIONAL
An army officer was killed in an encounter with militants in Akar Forests area of Doda on Wednesday. Official sources told GNS that Captain Deepak lead from the front and continued to direct his men towards neutralizing the terrorists. However, they said the captain suffered gunshot injuries due to firing by terrorists and was evacuated to hospital. However, they said the captain succumbed to serious injuries and made supreme sacrifices for the nation. "Captain Deepak led from front and was the third person behind scouts while search ops commenced, a senior officer told GNS, adding he fired on the terrorist group last night as well as today morning .  Inspite of gunshot wounds he kept directing his men as long as he could." Meanwhile the search operation in the area is conti...
One army trooper injured in Doda encounter, Defence Minister calls for high-end meeting

One army trooper injured in Doda encounter, Defence Minister calls for high-end meeting

REGIONAL
One army man has been injured in the ongoing encounter in the Doda district of Jammu Kashmir. "One army officer has been injured while leading the search party. The Search for the Militants continues amidst heavy firefight in Assar area of Doda district," Indian army said. One M4 rifle has been recovered while bloodstains were found, and three rucksacks were also seized from near the riverine area in the area. Earlier, an encounter had erupted between government forces and militants on Tuesday evening in the Assar area of Doda district. Meanwhile, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called an important meeting on rising militancy related incidents in Jammu Kashmir. NSA Ajit Doval, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Heads of other security-related agencies are t...
Hajj committee of India invites online applications for Hajj 2025

Hajj committee of India invites online applications for Hajj 2025

REGIONAL
The aspirants who wish to undertake Hajj journey during 1446(H)—2025(CE) have been informed that the Hajj Committee of India (HCI) has invited online application forms with effect from 13 August, 2024. As per a notification, the aspirants are being informed that before filing the application form online, the aspirants should go through the Haj Policy/Haj Guidelines available for Hajj-2025 at Haj Committee website www.hajcommittee.gov.in. The aspirants have also been informed that the last date for submission of the application form has been fixed as 9th September, 2024. Applicants must be in possession of Machine-Readable International Passport issued on or before the closing date of application and valid at least upto 15th January, 2026. Meanwhile, Haj Application form can be ...
Encounter breaks out in Patnitop, says army

Encounter breaks out in Patnitop, says army

REGIONAL
The Indian army on Tuesday evening said that an encounter has started in the Patnitop area of Jammu Kashmir. https://twitter.com/Whiteknight_IA/status/1823385843060597086?s=19 "Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by army and police was launched in Akar Forest near Patnitop," the Indian army said. Taking to X, 16 corps of Indian army said that contact has been established with the terrorists and operations are in progress. Details emerging.
Amid rising allegations of medical negligence, Kashmir Health officials call for immediate reforms

Amid rising allegations of medical negligence, Kashmir Health officials call for immediate reforms

REGIONAL
Hours after the death of a minor boy at Kulgam Hospital on Tuesday morning due to alleged medical negligence, the health officials have called for immediate reforms in the region’s healthcare system. The Secretary to the Government, Health & Medical Education Department has issued stringent new directives aimed at improving hospital operations and accountability. Director Health Services Kashmir convened a crucial meeting with Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and Medical Superintendents from District, Sub-District, and Community Health Centers across Kashmir. The meeting, held today, outlined a series of new mandates designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in healthcare delivery. According to the new orders, "Morning Meetings" will now be mandatory at all District and ...
UP authorities demolish church over allegations of ‘forced conversion’

UP authorities demolish church over allegations of ‘forced conversion’

INDIA
In Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, authorities have demolished a church amidst allegations of illegal conversion activities. This demolition is part of a broader crackdown on "religious conversions." The church, reportedly constructed without permission by Vinod Kumar and Ramakant from Ahirura police station, was the subject of local complaints. Following an investigation, and with a significant police presence, the demolition proceeded. Notices were issued by the sub-district magistrate’s court to Kumar and Ramakant, but their failure to appear led to the demolition by the police and administrative teams. Police Superintendent Abhinandan stated, "The church was illegally built on forest department land. We received multiple complaints about conversion activities at the site. In re...