Wednesday, December 25News and updates from Kashmir

Month: October 2024

Nearly 90 per cent deficit rainfall in Kashmir this October

Nearly 90 per cent deficit rainfall in Kashmir this October

REGIONAL
October saw a 74 per cent rainfall deficit in Jammu Kashmir, with only 8.7 mm recorded against the normal 33.1 mm. In Kashmir region, south Kashmir faced the most extreme shortages, with deficits from 95% to 100%, while Central Kashmir recorded 85% to 91% deficits. In north Kashmir, Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara saw deficits of 90%, 91%, and 57% respectively. In the Jammu division, districts like Doda, Jammu, and Kathua reported deficits from 32% to 45%, with most others, barring Samba, facing 50% to 97% deficits. Notably, Samba saw an unusual 250% above-normal rainfall. In Ladakh, Kargil recorded a complete 100% shortfall, while Leh faced an 88% deficit. This dry spell continues from last winter, disrupting both hydropower generation and agriculture. Power plants are ope...
Youth dead, another wounded in Pampore road accident

Youth dead, another wounded in Pampore road accident

REGIONAL
A youth lost his life while another person sustained injuries during a road accident in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. Official sources told The Kashmiriyat that on Thursday evening, a motorcycle was hit by an unknown vehicle in Kadalbal south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, causing injuries to the motorcyclists. The duo was rushed to the hospital where the minor boy identified as Sahil Maqbool, son of Mohammad Maqbool Khanday, a resident of Latterbal, Pampore passed away while Sahil Ashraf Guroo, son of Mohammad Ashraf from Doobard Tulbagh, Pampore was hospitalised. "The injured is being treated at SDH Pampore, while the police have begun an investigation into the incident," said the officials. Locals meanwhile said that the deceased Sahil Maqbool was a lonely brother to five ...
UT foundation day a black day for people of Jammu Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti

UT foundation day a black day for people of Jammu Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti

REGIONAL
On the fifth anniversary of Jammu Kashmir’s Union Territory (UT) status, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti labeled the day a “black day” for the people of the region. Speaking from Pulwama, Mufti asserted that her party and others in the valley would continue to view this day in somber reflection until the restoration of J-K’s special status. “Jammu and Kashmir’s experience is unique; no other region has undergone such a transformation. This day will remain a black mark for us until our special privileges are reinstated,” Mehbooba Mufti told reporters. She also emphasized the PDP’s enduring commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue that respects the dignity of its people. Joining in this denunciation, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congre...
Teacher dies during road accident in Anantnag area

Teacher dies during road accident in Anantnag area

REGIONAL
A 36-year-old teacher tragically lost his life in a road accident in the Shangus area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Thursday. According to officials, the deceased has been identified as Ajaz Ahmad Shah, a resident of Brah Ranipora, Achabal. He was reportedly riding a scooty when he lost control near Shangus, resulting in a fatal fall from the road. Shah, a teacher by profession, died on the spot due to the impact of the accident. Local police have registered a case and have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Further details are awaited.
Youth found with throat slit in Srinagar area

Youth found with throat slit in Srinagar area

REGIONAL
A throat slit youth was found near Chanapora Bye pass in Srinagar outskirts today. Police with the help of locals shifted the youth to SMHS Hospital Srinagar. The youth has been identified as Sayar Bilal a resident of Batamaloo Srinagar. Preliminary investigations suggest that Sayar's injuries were self-inflicted, indicating an alleged suicide attempt. Hospital authorities have confirmed that Sayar is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit. "His condition is critical, and we are doing everything possible to save his life," a medical source said. Police have initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. "We are investigating the matter to determine the factors leading to this desperate act," a police spokesperson said. (KNT)
Amid rising tensions, IDF to withdraw from Lebanon within a week: Report

Amid rising tensions, IDF to withdraw from Lebanon within a week: Report

INTERNATIONAL
Suffering massive losses in southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are mulling to withdraw from southern Lebanon within a week under the supervision of the U.S. and international bodies. The draft of the agreement, reportedly prepared by Amos Hochstein, was shared by Israeli state broadcaster KAN on Wednesday evening. The proposed agreement would bring United Nations Resolution 1701 fully into effect, prohibiting Hezbollah and other armed groups in southern Lebanon from taking action against Israel. According to the draft, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would be the only authorized military presence in the region, with UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) providing additional oversight. The document also specifies that Israel would refrain from launching of...
School timings changed in Kashmir as cold intensifies

School timings changed in Kashmir as cold intensifies

EDUCATION
The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued a directive to change school timings in the Kashmir division, effective November 1. Under the new schedule, schools within the Srinagar municipal limits will operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for both government and private institutions. For educational establishments located outside these limits and in other regions of the Kashmir province, the timings will be from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, the DSEK said. DSEK has instructed all institutions to strictly adhere to these new timings, warning that any deviations will be taken seriously.
LG Manoj Sinha criticizes Omar Abdullah, other leaders for absence at UT Foundation day

LG Manoj Sinha criticizes Omar Abdullah, other leaders for absence at UT Foundation day

REGIONAL
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha marked Union Territory (UT) foundation Day by criticizing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other ministers for their absence from the celebrations. Sinha said the importance of the oaths taken by elected officials, stating that those who swore to uphold the Constitution while Jammu Kashmir is a UT did not participate in the event. He referenced the Home Minister’s statement in Parliament, outlining that delimitation would occur first, followed by elections and statehood. Sinha stated, "The Home Minister mentioned in Parliament that delimitation would occur first, followed by elections, and then statehood at an appropriate time. Those who took an oath on the Constitution while Jammu Kashmir is a UT chose to stay away today. This reflects a duplicity ...
India denies allegations linking Amit Shah to targeting Sikh separatists in Canada

India denies allegations linking Amit Shah to targeting Sikh separatists in Canada

INTERNATIONAL
India has dismissed claims regarding Home Minister Amit Shah’s alleged involvement in targeting Sikh separatists in Canada as “weak” and “flimsy,” according to two Indian government sources on Wednesday. The allegations are not expected to create any significant issues for Shah or New Delhi. The Canadian government had reportedly informed India about Shah’s alleged role in October of last year, one source told Reuters. On Tuesday, Canada alleged that Shah, a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was involved in plots to target Sikh separatists residing in Canada. While the Indian government has not yet issued an official response, it has consistently rejected similar accusations from Canada, labeling them as baseless. According to a report by The Washington Post, Canadi...
Burglars steal over 100 apple boxes from Kulgam area

Burglars steal over 100 apple boxes from Kulgam area

REGIONAL
Danishwar Hameed A farmer in south Kashmir's Kulgam district suffered significant losses after thieves targeted his shed, stealing more than 100 boxes of apples and a spray motor. The theft occurred overnight at Bashir Ahmad Bhat’s property in the Gudder area, leaving the farmer in shock as the stolen goods were part of this season’s apple harvest. Bhat, speaking to The Kashmiriyat said that, he discovered the crime early the next morning when he visited his shed, only to find the apples and equipment missing. "I immediately reported the incident to local authorities, who have since launched an investigation into the burglary,"  he said. Police are actively pursuing leads to identify the culprits and recover the stolen goods, with Bhat hoping for swift action to alleviate hi...