Wednesday, December 25News and updates from Kashmir

Month: September 2024

Jammu Kashmir records 26 per cent deficit rainfall this monsoon

Jammu Kashmir records 26 per cent deficit rainfall this monsoon

REGIONAL
Jammu Kashmir experienced a significant rainfall deficit of 26 per cent during this year’s monsoon season, which lasted from June 1 to September 30, Kashmir Weather reported. The region received only 408.5 mm of rainfall, falling short of the normal 549.1 mm expected during this period. Srinagar saw a particularly sharp deficit, with 30% less rainfall than average. Across the Kashmir Valley, districts struggled with low rainfall, except for Pulwama, which recorded a relatively smaller deficit of 13 per cent. Many districts faced severe shortfalls, ranging from -50% to -80%. Baramulla was an exception, recording 1 per cent above normal rainfall, making it the only district in the valley with a positive figure. In the Jammu region, Samba stood out, receiving 13 per cent more r...
Budgam shuts against assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah

Budgam shuts against assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah

REGIONAL
Shabir Ali A shutdown is being observed in various parts of Kashmir valley including Budgam against the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Locals told The Kashmiriyat that shops and business establishments remained closed as a mark of solidarity, with protests intensifying across the region. Throughout the weekend, rallies were held in Budgam and Srinagar condemning Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon. The protests have seen significant participation, particularly from both Sunni and Shia communities, who have been calling for an end to the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. On Sunday, large demonstrations also took place in Srinagar’s neighborhoods, including Hawal, Zadibal, Saidakadal, Barbarshah, and Gaw Kadal, as well as in Pattan in north Kashmir. Men, women, and ...
Netanyahu ‘biggest terrorist after Hitler’: Mehbooba Mufti

Netanyahu ‘biggest terrorist after Hitler’: Mehbooba Mufti

INTERNATIONAL
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the “biggest terrorist after Adolf Hitler” as the Jewish leader has turned Palestine and Lebanon into “gas chambers”. Mehbooba had earlier condemned the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrikes and cancelled her election campaign for a day to extend support to the people of Lebanon and Palestine. “The International Criminal Court has given a verdict against Netanyahu. This (attacks in Lebanon) incident has proved that he is really a criminal who has killed thousands of persons in Palestine and is now doing the same in Lebanon. No condemnation is enough,” Mehbooba told PTI Videos. Terming Netanyahu as “the biggest terrorist after Hitler”, the former chief minister said...
‘Tried to contribute to bringing lasting peace’: DG Swain on last day of service

‘Tried to contribute to bringing lasting peace’: DG Swain on last day of service

INDIA
On the last day of his service, Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain visited the Balidan Stambh (Martyrs’ Memorial) at Pratap Park, Lal Chowk, to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. He said that during his 30 years of service, he endeavored to ensure the people of Jammu Kashmir live in an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation, and he believes he has not lost the opportunity to play his part. “For a police officer, Balidan Stambh is no less than a place of worship. There are hundreds of fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the cause. I must pay rich tribute to all the heroes on the last day of my service,” DGP Swain told reporters at Balidan Stambh. When asked about the challenges he faced during his career, having served JK from SSP to DGP, the outgoing JK police ...
Pakistan: Police use force on protests against killing of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah

Pakistan: Police use force on protests against killing of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah

INTERNATIONAL
Tensions escalated in Karachi on Sunday evening as police fired tear gas and protesters hurled stones during a rally condemning Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and its ongoing bombardment of Lebanon. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Pakistan following Hezbollah’s announcement on Saturday that its long-time chief had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, according to AFP. In Karachi, the protest saw a significant turnout, including women and children, with participants chanting slogans against Israel and the United States, a key ally of Israel. The Karachi Police stated that the rally was organized by the religiopolitical party Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM). “The rally was set to begin at the PIDC intersection, then proceed towar...
Gurez: Will BJP open its mark in Kashmir or will National Conference hold its ground?

Gurez: Will BJP open its mark in Kashmir or will National Conference hold its ground?

WRITE-UPS
Gurez Valley, nestled along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, is heating up—not just in temperature, but politically. As the Jammu Kashmir Assembly elections enter their final phase on October 1, Gurez finds itself at the center of a high-stakes political battle. For the first time in a decade, voters in Gurez will head to the polls, and the stakes are higher than ever. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has historically struggled to gain a foothold in the Kashmir Valley, is eyeing this strategic seat with aspirations of securing its first-ever victory in the region. The BJP National Executive Member, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, stated that Gurez is poised to make history in the upcoming assembly polls.  Dr. Andrabi emphasized that a BJP victory i...
Authorities demolish 500-year-old Dargah, Mosque in Gujarat

Authorities demolish 500-year-old Dargah, Mosque in Gujarat

INDIA
A mosque, dargah, and graveyard, reportedly over 500 years old, were demolished in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district on September 28. The Supreme Court had recently ordered a halt to all demolitions across the country unless prior permission was obtained, with exceptions for public road encroachments and specific areas. However, the Gujarat administration proceeded with the demolition, citing the need to clear "illegal constructions" near the historic Somnath temple as part of the Somnath Development Project. The demolition, described as the largest in the district’s history, involved 36 bulldozers, 30 JCBs, and 50 tractors, among other heavy machinery. To ensure the operation's execution, the authorities deployed 1,200 police officers, with senior officials, including district co...
Defeat in Jammu Kashmir will be worse than parliamentary election debacle for BJP: Congress

Defeat in Jammu Kashmir will be worse than parliamentary election debacle for BJP: Congress

REGIONAL
As the campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections concluded, Congress took a sharp jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of failing to restore full statehood to the region, Press Trust of India reported. The party warned that Modi will face a defeat "far greater" than the one on June 4 during the Lok Sabha elections. The campaign, which ended on Sunday evening, saw intense exchanges between the BJP, Congress, National Conference (NC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on key issues such as Article 370, Pakistan, terrorism, and reservation policies. The final phase of voting, covering 40 assembly segments in Jammu and north Kashmir, will take place on October 1. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, criticized Modi for not taking respo...
Behind the smile: The silent struggle of Smiling Depression

Behind the smile: The silent struggle of Smiling Depression

WRITE-UPS
Simranjeet Kaur I met a 23-year-old who, despite attempting the same competitive examination twice, couldn't qualify. We all understand the difficulty such a situation can pose for anyone. While he spent time with others, sharing meals and sitting together, he began withdrawing from social life, concealing his inner turmoil behind a facade of happiness. The fear of being perceived as weak prevented him from opening up about his struggles. In isolation, he grappled with feelings of guilt and the pressure of unmet expectations. Eventually, he was diagnosed with severe chronic dysthymia. Hidden Battles Behind a Smile: If we can't see something, does it mean it doesn't exist? Many times, we force ourselves to wear a mask of a smile, concealing the internal war we face. We may appear...
Encounter rages in Rajouri’s Thanamandi

Encounter rages in Rajouri’s Thanamandi

REGIONAL
A gunfight broke out in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri district today later evening, officials said. An official told the news agency—Kashmir Bulletin (KB), that security forces launched a search operation in the area after receiving inputs about the presence of militants. He said, during the search operation, an encounter ensued between the terrorist and the forces. He added, further details about the operation are awaited, and there has been no immediate confirmation regarding any casualties or arrests.—(KB)