Sunday, November 24News and updates from Kashmir

Month: October 2024

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s unannounced visit to New Kashmir Press and upholding integrity in Waqf affairs

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s unannounced visit to New Kashmir Press and upholding integrity in Waqf affairs

WRITE-UPS
Muhammad Yousuf Gilkar In a notable incident during his tenure as head of the Awqaf-e-Islamia Jammu Kashmir / All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Waqf Trust, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah took a strong stand for financial accountability and transparency regarding Waqf properties. The incident took place at New Kashmir Press, a Waqf-owned establishment at Budshah Chowk, where most of the valley's Urdu dailies and weeklies were printed. During his surprise visit to the press in 1974, Sheikh Abdullah requested a list of debtors from the press manager, Sheikh Abdul Majeed. Upon reviewing the list, it was found that almost all outstanding payments had been recovered except for the daily newspaper Hamdard, owned and edited by Ghulam Rasool Arif. Despite multiple recovery notices, Arif had failed...
Unidentified dead body found in Chattabal Srinagar

Unidentified dead body found in Chattabal Srinagar

REGIONAL
An unidentified dead body was recovered from the Jhelum river near the Chattabal area of Srinagar. Official sources said that on Friday morning, locals spotted the dead body of an unknown person floating on Jhelum river at Nalbandpora, Chattabal, after which the Police was informed. Police rushed to the spot and recovered the body. "The body has been taken into custody, and the police have taken up the investigation," they said. The identity of the man is yet to be confirmed.
Once a Winter essential, Gabba crewel work now struggles for survival in Kashmir

Once a Winter essential, Gabba crewel work now struggles for survival in Kashmir

CULTURE
The traditional crewel work on Gabba, one of the oldest and most cherished handicrafts of the Kashmir Valley, is facing the threat of extinction due to declining demand. Artisans who have dedicated decades to this craft shared with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the creation of Gabba—embroidered Kashmiri rugs—dates back to the late 16th century during the Mughal era. While crewel work has traditionally enhanced the appeal of Gabba and related items, such as cushions, demand has sharply decreased, they lamented. Syed Noorullah, a crewel artisan with 30 years of experience, lamented that many artisans are struggling to earn a livelihood from this craft. “As a result, many have shifted to other occupations, while a few continue out of passion rather than necessit...
Kashmir: Two army men, two porters killed in militant attack in Baramulla

Kashmir: Two army men, two porters killed in militant attack in Baramulla

REGIONAL
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...
Update: One Porter killed, four army troopers injured as Militants attack army vehicle near LoC in Kashmir

Update: One Porter killed, four army troopers injured as Militants attack army vehicle near LoC in Kashmir

REGIONAL
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...
Electricity department issues power cut schedule for Kashmir: Areas, timing and everything you need to know

Electricity department issues power cut schedule for Kashmir: Areas, timing and everything you need to know

REGIONAL
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 ...
Ecological concerns will be a priority during allocation of mining contracts in Jammu Kashmir: Deputy CM

Ecological concerns will be a priority during allocation of mining contracts in Jammu Kashmir: Deputy CM

REGIONAL
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 silence of years, Employees body seeks review of unilateral terminations in Kashmir

After silence of years, Employees body seeks review of unilateral terminations in Kashmir

REGIONAL
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...
Lasjan: Groom’s wedding night shattered by devastating fire

Lasjan: Groom’s wedding night shattered by devastating fire

REGIONAL
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 ...
‘Begining of comprehensive reforms’: PDP supports restoration of november education session

‘Begining of comprehensive reforms’: PDP supports restoration of november education session

REGIONAL
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...