Day: October 24, 2024

Two troopers of the Indian army and two army porters were killed during a militant attack in Baramulla, Jammu Kashmir, Hindustan times reported. The incident took place in the Butapathri area, where security forces engaged in an exchange of fire with militants, officials said. An official told The Kashmiriyat that the deceased porters were identified as Mushtaq Ahmed Choudhary, a resident of Nowshehra,  Boniyar and Zahoor Ahmed Mir of Barnate Boniyar. Three other soldiers were also injured during the attack. The Indian Army's Chinar Corps stated that the situation is being closely monitored, while reinforcements have been rushed to the spot. Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has expressed grief over the killings. He said, "Very unfortunate news about the attack on t...

An Indian Army vehicle was targeted in an attack in Gulmarg area of Baramulla district, on Thursday evening, resulting into the killing of one army porter and injuries to four troopers. "Militants attack on an Army vehicle which was part of a convoy in J&K's Baramulla in which a civilian porter has been killed. Four soldiers have also been injured in the attack. More details awaited," army officials said, as quoted by news agency ANI. Barmulla Police took to Twitter (now X) and confirmed the exchange of gunfire stating, "Some exchange of fire took place between forces and terrorists in Butapathri sector of District Baramulla around Nagin post.." Asking media to not share any unverified reports, Police said, "Further details will be shared after verifying facts." According t...

The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced a planned power shutdown in various parts of Kashmir to allow for the pruning of trees and branch cutting near power lines. According to the Chief Engineer of Distribution, this will affect multiple 33KV lines and their respective 33/11KV receiving stations. In Hatchipora, the power supply will be interrupted from 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM on October 26 and 29, 2024. Similarly, areas served by the Amargarh-SIDCO line, including Gurseer, Rohama, Chakloo, SIDCO, and Irrigation, will experience outages on November 3, 2024, during the same hours. The Nowshera and Boniyar regions will face power cuts due to the shutdown of the LJHP-Boniyar line on October 30, while Chandoosa, Shurnz, Malpora, and Gantamulla will be ...

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has stressed the importance of ecological considerations in the allocation of mining contracts in Jammu Kashmir. During a review meeting, he called for a complete ban on illegal mining and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in managing mineral resources. Choudhary directed officials to prioritize environmental protection when allocating mineral blocks, ensuring the preservation of local flora and fauna and safeguarding water resources. He reiterated the government's commitment to balancing economic development with ecological stewardship, underlining the critical role of sustainable practices in the region’s growth. The meeting included senior officials, such as the Commissioner Secretary of Industries and the Di...

After a four-year silence, a prominent government employees' body in Jammu Kashmir has called on the newly elected Omar Abdullah government to revisit the cases of over 70 employees dismissed "unilaterally" by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) administration since 2021, Deccan Herald reported. These dismissals were executed under allegations of terrorism, raising concerns about due process and fairness. The terminations occurred following the revocation of Jammu Kashmir’s special status in August 2019 and its division into two Union Territories. The administration invoked Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, which allows for the dismissal of employees without an inquiry if "the President or the Governor is satisfied that in the interest of the security of the state, it is not expedient t...

What was supposed to be the happiest day of Rameez’s life quickly turned into a nightmare when a fire engulfed his family home in the Lasjan area of Srinagar on Tuesday night. Dressed in his wedding attire with a turban on his head, Rameez was preparing to leave for his bride's home when disaster struck. The once joyous atmosphere was shattered as the fire consumed their dreams and transformed a celebratory night into an unforgettable tragedy. Family members and relatives recounted the events to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). "Around 7:30 pm, a neighbour alerted that smoke was coming from the top floor of their home. As we approached, we saw flames engulfing the entire hall on the upper floor. We tried to extinguish the fire ourselves, but the smoke and heat were ...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the decision to reinstate the November-December school session in Jammu Kashmir, calling it a necessary correction of the "retrograde" March shift. Senior PDP leader and former Education Minister Naeem Akhtar criticized the March session for causing academic disruptions and highlighted that the original October session was established decades ago to address the region's unique climatic challenges. He noted that a committee led by former Governor Bhagwan Sahai recommended this calendar to minimize academic loss during harsh winters. "We welcome this decision and hope it signals the beginning of comprehensive reforms," Akhtar stated, emphasizing the need for improved quality of education, particularly in public schools. He urged the...

A body of a non-local was found under mysterious circumstances in Gangbug area of Srinagar on Thursday. Reports reaching said that the dead body of one Zakir, a resident of west Bengal was recovered by police this afternoon from Gangbug area of the city. "The cause of death is being ascertained," they said. More details awaited. (KDC)

Following a security review meeting led by Jammu Kashmir's LG Manoj Sinha, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram emphasized the urgent need for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that while people have elected a chief minister and government for their security, the chief minister lacks authority. In a post on X, Chidambaram pointed out the absence of the elected chief minister during the LG's meeting, noting, "Whether he was invited or not, I do not know. Under the law applicable to J&K, police and public order are subjects reserved for the LG." He reiterated that the chief minister should oversee security, adding, “This is why J-K is described as half a state.” Chidambaram's call for immediate restoration of statehood comes in light of Sinha...