Saturday, December 13Latest news and updates from Kashmir

Day: November 17, 2024

The Indira-Sheikh Accord: A step-by-step historical  breakdown

The Indira-Sheikh Accord: A step-by-step historical breakdown

WRITE-UPS
Syed Hammad Bukhari On January 4, 1964, at 5:30 p.m. the holy relic of Hazratbal Shrine which is a strand from the bread of Prophet Muhammad was found again after being missing from 8 days which led to a social unrest in the state of Jammu Kashmir. This soon took a Political turn later causing G.M. Sadiq to be elected as Prime Minister replacing Shamsuddin. Since arrest of Sheikh Abdullah in 1953, many provisions of the autonomy of J-K had been revoked with time, however, the March 28, 1965, amendment by Sadiq was seen as last nail to the coffin. This changed the position of Jammu Kashmir from Self-determination to the level of autonomy it would receive with accession to the Union of India. However, under Sadiq’s rule, initiatives were taken for Sheikh Abdullah’s release. On ...
Mirza Waheed rejects screening of film at Israeli festival

Mirza Waheed rejects screening of film at Israeli festival

INTERNATIONAL
Renowned Kashmir-based novelist Mirza Waheed has distanced himself from the screening of the film adaptation of his critically acclaimed novel The Collaborator at the Tamuz Shomron Film Festival (TSFF) in the Israeli settlement of Ariel, located in the occupied West Bank. This decision comes after Waheed signed a global cultural boycott pledge, joining over 5,000 writers and publishers in opposing Israeli cultural institutions that, according to him, contribute to the “overwhelming oppression of Palestinians.” Mirza has compared this cultural boycott to the historic movement against apartheid South Africa, emphasizing that it aims to condemn Israeli cultural organisations for their complicity in the ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians. He expressed his disapproval of the film...
India successfully Test-Fires long-range hypersonic missile

India successfully Test-Fires long-range hypersonic missile

INDIA
In a significant advancement of its military capabilities, India successfully conducted the flight test of a long-range hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha. This achievement places India among a select group of nations possessing such advanced military technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed the successful test a "historic moment" and a "stupendous achievement." He praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), armed forces, and industry partners for their contributions to this milestone. The hypersonic missile, developed by DRDO, is capable of carrying various payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 kilometers. Hypersonic missiles typically travel at speeds over five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) and are designed to evade most air defense s...
Fake JK Bank app circulating on WhatsApp; cyber police warns against downloading

Fake JK Bank app circulating on WhatsApp; cyber police warns against downloading

REGIONAL
The Cyber Police Kashmir has issued a public alert about a fraudulent J&K Bank application being circulated through WhatsApp. The fake APK file, potentially embedded with malware or spyware, poses a significant risk to users' personal data and device security, Cyber Police said in a statement. In the alert, the authorities urged people not to download or install applications from unofficial sources, emphasizing the importance of using only trusted platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. "Users are advised to verify app authenticity through J&K Bank's official website or customer support channels," read the statement. The advisory also stressed the need for keeping operating systems and antivirus software updated to safeguard devices against cyber threats. ...
Khizr Mohammed Dar: One of the last guardians of Kashmir’s musical heritage

Khizr Mohammed Dar: One of the last guardians of Kashmir’s musical heritage

CULTURE
In the heart of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, 65-year-old Khizr Mohammed Dar has spent over five decades nurturing the delicate art of crafting traditional Kashmiri musical instruments. From the Rabab to the Santoor, Sarang, and Saitaar, Khazir’s hands have breathed life into instruments that echo the region’s rich musical legacy, Kashmir News Observer reported. Yet, despite growing demand, Khizr faces an uphill battle against a dwindling pool of artisans and waning interest from younger generations. Khizr’s journey began under the influence of his father, Mohammad Shaban Dar, a celebrated singer. "My father’s passion for music inspired me to delve into this craft," he shared. Starting as a self-taught artisan, Khizr honed his skills locally and eventually established a wo...
Former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi passes away

Former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi passes away

REGIONAL
Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, passed away on Sunday due to a cardiac arrest at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura, news agency KINS reported. He was a prominent academician and a highly respected figure in the education sector of Jammu Kashmir. Prof. Qureshi had a long and illustrious career dedicated to education and academia. As the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, he played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s academic policies and fostering an environment of excellence. His tenure is remembered for significant contributions to the university’s growth and development. The news of his demise has left the academic and intellectual community of Kashmir in profound grief. Tributes...