Friday, January 24News and updates from Kashmir

Month: November 2024

LG-led admin terminates two more government employees over suspected militancy link

LG-led admin terminates two more government employees over suspected militancy link

REGIONAL
Jammu Kashmir administration has terminated two more employees from their services over militancy links, including a teacher and a pharmacist, officials sources said. Top official sources told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the action has been taken under Article 311 of the Indian Constitution. He said that the employees include Ab Rehman Naika, a pharmacist in health and medical education department and Zahir Abbas, a teacher in school education department. Over the past few months, the Lt Governor-led administration has terminated several government employees from their services over militancy links in the militancy—(KNO)
Syria: 4 civilians killed as HTS attacks Aleppo University, death toll climbs to 132

Syria: 4 civilians killed as HTS attacks Aleppo University, death toll climbs to 132

INTERNATIONAL
Four civilians, including two university students, were killed in Aleppo on Friday following insurgent shelling of student dormitories, according to Syrian media. The attack was part of a broader offensive launched on Wednesday by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda. The extremist group targeted several towns and villages in northwestern Aleppo, an important city in the war-torn country. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the ongoing clashes in the region have claimed 132 lives in the past 24 hours, including 65 HTS members, 18 allied militants, and 49 regime forces. The fighting has centered around areas straddling Idlib and Aleppo provinces, with some clashes occurring less than 10 kilometers from Aleppo city. In response to the...
‘Repeated thefts’: Public inconvenienced as Ganderbal toilet remains shut indefinitely

‘Repeated thefts’: Public inconvenienced as Ganderbal toilet remains shut indefinitely

REGIONAL
Shah Basit The public toilet in Ganderbal has been locked for an unspecified period, causing significant inconvenience to general public. The residents speaking to The Kashmiriyat complained that the toilet complex constructed by the Municipal Council Ganderbal years ago has been locked for an unspecified period causing inconvenience to the general public. "Locals and visitors are facing difficulties due to the locked toilet," they said. They added that there was a need for immediate intervention by the concerned authorities to address this basic public amenity issue. When contacted, the Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal Mirza Asif Ali he said, "the toilet has been locked for some time, due to repeated thefts, including stolen taps." He further said that the t...
‘Will pay compensation to Farmers’: Government defends land acquisition for road project in Kashmir

‘Will pay compensation to Farmers’: Government defends land acquisition for road project in Kashmir

REGIONAL
The Government of India has clarified concerns over compensation and land acquisition for the Srinagar Ring Road project, which spans over 600 acres. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, had raised several concerns regarding the ongoing land acquisition process for the Srinagar Ring Road project, which involves over 600 acres of land. In his query to the government, he highlighted grievances arising from compensation being calculated under the outdated Jammu and Kashmir Land Acquisition Act, 1934, which has since been repealed. Aga sought clarification on why the repealed laws were used for compensation in certain phases of the project. He also pointed out that compensation for fruit-bearing trees was being calculated based on rates from 1996, which are significantly below current market v...
Power crisis deepens in Kashmir amid freezing temperatures

Power crisis deepens in Kashmir amid freezing temperatures

REGIONAL
Meer Irfan As the chill intensifies across Kashmir with temperatures plunging below freezing, the valley is once again grappling with frequent and unscheduled power cuts. This recurring issue has left residents frustrated and disillusioned, with many questioning the promises of reliable electricity made by the authorities. From south Kashmir to the northernmost regions, including both urban and rural areas, the power crisis has become a significant challenge. Residents told The Kashmiriyat that they are paying regular fees and taxes, yet the electricity supply remains inadequate. "The administration keeps boasting about improvements in the power sector, but there’s no visible change on the ground," said Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Kulgam. "We’ve been hearing these claims for ...
Anantnag Kashmir records minus 3.8°C, Srinagar sees relief; snowfall expected tonight

Anantnag Kashmir records minus 3.8°C, Srinagar sees relief; snowfall expected tonight

REGIONAL
As winter tightens its grip over Jammu  Kashmir, sub-zero temperatures were recorded across the Kashmir region. Shopian, which had recorded -5.5°C earlier, saw a slight improvement today at -3.4°C. Similarly, Pulwama recorded -3.1°C, Anantnag -3.8°C, Budgam -1.6°C, and Bandipora -1.5°C, while Baramulla reported a relatively mild 1.1°C, according to Kashmir Weather Forecast. Despite these slight improvements, the chill continues to grip the region. The valley is expected to experience light snowfall in the higher reaches between tonight and tomorrow afternoon due to a weak Western Disturbance, while a brief rain spell in the plains, particularly in north Kashmir, cannot be ruled out. Another weak Western Disturbance is predicted to bring light rain and snow on December 2 and 3. ...
Teenager attacked with iron rods by group of youth in Ganderbal

Teenager attacked with iron rods by group of youth in Ganderbal

REGIONAL
Shah Basit An 18-year-old boy from Cherwan Kangan sustained injuries after being assaulted by a group of youth in Wussan, Ganderbal. The injured youth, identified as Arsalan Ah, was reportedly attacked with an iron rod by individuals said to be residents of Bandaibagh, according to his family. "Arsalan," family members told The Kashmiriyat, '"suffered a head injury on the right side and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment." Doctors have confirmed that his condition is stable. A police official confirmed the incident and stated, “We have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty.” Further details about the altercation and its motive are under investigation.
UGC to allow undergraduate students to shorten or extend gradation duration; Details here

UGC to allow undergraduate students to shorten or extend gradation duration; Details here

EDUCATION
Undergraduate students in India may soon have the option to either accelerate or extend the duration of their degree programs, according to University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. The UGC has approved draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for implementing the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP) in higher education institutions (HEIs). The guidelines will now be released for public feedback before being finalized. The initiative will allow students to complete three-year or four-year degree programs in a shorter time by earning extra credits or extend the duration by taking fewer credits per semester. UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar explained that students can adjust their study duration based on their learning abilities. U...
Built in 2012, Kulgam bridge develops cracks; locals demand enquiry

Built in 2012, Kulgam bridge develops cracks; locals demand enquiry

REGIONAL
Danishwar Hameed A crack has been discovered on the girder of the Chambagund Bridge, which was built in 2012. The discovery prompted immediate attention from local authorities, with officials from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division in Kulgam, including SE R&B and other concerned officials, visiting the site for an assessment. AEE Prince Ahmad, who was present during the inspection, reassured the public that the issue is being taken seriously. "We have already reported the matter to the concerned team. Experts from the bridge safety team will visit on Saturday to conduct a thorough inspection," Ahmad stated. Despite the crack, Ahmad emphasized that one side of the bridge has been closed for traffic, while the other side remains safe for commuters. He urged resi...
‘Property rights are human rights’:  High court orders army to pay 46 years rent to Kupwara landowner

‘Property rights are human rights’: High court orders army to pay 46 years rent to Kupwara landowner

INDIA
In a landmark judgment, the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh directed the Indian Army to pay 46 years of accumulated rent to a landowner in Tangdhar, Kupwara, Press Trust of India reported. Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, while disposing of a petition filed by Abdul Majeed Lone, emphasized that the right to property is a fundamental human right, equating it with essential individual rights such as livelihood and shelter. In his ruling on November 20, Justice Nargal stated, “The right to property is not merely a constitutional or statutory right but falls within the realm of human rights. Over the years, human rights have gained a multifaceted dimension, encompassing areas like shelter, livelihood, and health.” Background of the case Abdul Majeed Lone had approached the court in 2...