Friday, January 24News and updates from Kashmir

Month: November 2024

Israeli forces violate ceasefire in southern Lebanon on Day 2 of ceasefire

Israeli forces violate ceasefire in southern Lebanon on Day 2 of ceasefire

INTERNATIONAL
Several violations of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, with gunfire heard in Maroun Al-Ras and nearby areas, including Aitaroun and the outskirts of Al-Malkiya, since early morning. According to reports, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) reportedly targeted towns such as Aita Al-Shaab and Bint Jbeil with artillery shelling during the night, marking a breach of the truce, which was announced just two days ago. In a warning issued by the IOF, residents of specific areas in southern Lebanon, including Shebaa, Hebbariyeh, Marjayoun, Arnoun, Yohmor, Qantara, Chaqra, Baraachit, Yater, and Mansouri, were instructed not to move south of a designated line or return to their homes. The statement emphasized that civilians venturing southward would be at risk, advising them to remain in saf...
Police martyrs’ women’s T20 cricket tournament begins in Anantnag

Police martyrs’ women’s T20 cricket tournament begins in Anantnag

REGIONAL
The Police Martyrs’ Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament began today at Hamayun Muzammil Government Degree College grounds in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, honoring the sacrifices of police martyrs. The tournament features four teams comprising players from across the district. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of South Kashmir, Javid Iqbal Matoo, inaugurated the event, calling it “a tribute to the bravery and dedication of police martyrs.” He encouraged participants to exhibit teamwork, saying, “Sports foster camaraderie, unity, and healthy competition.” DIG Matoo also inaugurated a dry canteen and a new MT Section Building at District Police Lines (DPL) Anantnag, aimed at improving the welfare of police personnel. Lone Sumiya, the head coach, expressed optimism about the event...
Police detain transporters protesting massive losses due to city route restrictions

Police detain transporters protesting massive losses due to city route restrictions

REGIONAL
Dozens of transporters were detained by police after attempting to stage a protest in Srinagar's Press Enclave on Thursday. The protesters, affiliated with the ‘All Jammu Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association,’ carried banners and placards urging the government to permit civil buses to operate within the city. The transporters claimed that authorities are resorting to double standards, allowing Smart and RTC buses to ply while restricting private buses. They argued that a court order aimed at decongesting traffic prohibits buses from entering the city center, yet private buses are singled out. "What kind of justice is it that you stop us from plying on city routes and at the same time facilitate the entry of smart buses and RTC buses into Srinagar city?" the protesters told ...
Pakistan on Boil: Six killed, over 100 injured in protests demanding Imran Khan’s release

Pakistan on Boil: Six killed, over 100 injured in protests demanding Imran Khan’s release

INTERNATIONAL
Six people, including a policeman and three Rangers officials, were killed, and over 100 others sustained injuries during three days of violent protests in Pakistan following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The clashes erupted as Khan’s supporters took to the streets, clashing with security forces and causing widespread chaos, Dawn reported. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) confirmed the civilian casualties, while injuries were reported from several cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. Protesters burned vehicles, vandalized public property, and even stormed military installations, prompting a heavy crackdown by law enforcement agencies. Imran Khan, who was arrested on corruption charges, accused the government of orchestra...
Court admits petition claiming Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built over a Shiva temple

Court admits petition claiming Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built over a Shiva temple

INDIA
A local court has admitted a petition claiming that the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a prominent Sufi dargah, stands on the remnants of an ancient Shiva temple. The petition, filed by members of a right-wing organization, has sparked a heated debate among legal experts, historians, and religious communities. The petitioners have requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to survey the site, asserting that historical records and architectural evidence could support their claims. They argue that the site’s origins should be verified through scientific investigation, drawing comparisons to similar disputes in Ayodhya and Varanasi. If proven to have been a temple, the petitioners seek enforcement of Hindu worship rights at the site. Representatives of the Ajmer Sharif Da...
Migratory birds disappear as Haigham wetland faces severe degradation

Migratory birds disappear as Haigham wetland faces severe degradation

REGIONAL
The Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, a key ecological site in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, is experiencing severe degradation, locals said here on Wednesday. Once a thriving habitat for migratory birds and a source of livelihood for local communities, the locals as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the wetland is now largely barren, with dried grass and fallen vegetation replacing its once-vibrant ecosystem. Covering an area of 16,000 kanals, the wetland has been impacted by unchecked encroachment and a lack of effective management. Areas that were once home to diverse flora and fauna have been converted into playgrounds and plantations. This transformation has disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem, leaving it unable to support the s...
Intense chill grips Kashmir; Shopian drops to Minus 5.5°C, Srinagar records -2°C

Intense chill grips Kashmir; Shopian drops to Minus 5.5°C, Srinagar records -2°C

REGIONAL
As winter tightens its grip over Jammu and Kashmir, sub-zero temperatures were recorded across the Kashmir Valley, with Shopian emerging as the coldest spot at minus 5.5°C. Meanwhile, Ladakh's Drass recorded a freezing low of -12.2°C, continuing its reputation as one of the coldest inhabited places in the region. In Kashmir, significant dips were observed in Anantnag (-5.1°C), Pulwama (-4.8°C), and Pahalgam (-5.0°C). Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a low of -2.1°C, while tourist hotspots like Gulmarg and Sonamarg recorded -2.5°C and -3.4°C, respectively. The Jammu region remained relatively warmer, with Jammu city recording 10.1°C, while Padder matched Shopian's chill at -5.5°C. Bhaderwah (1.2°C) and Batote (4.2°C) also reported notable drops. In Ladakh, Leh recorded -8....
Hezbollah prepares public funeral for slain leader Syed Hassan Nasrallah

Hezbollah prepares public funeral for slain leader Syed Hassan Nasrallah

INTERNATIONAL
Hezbollah is preparing an official public funeral for its former chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed two months ago in an Israeli strike, the group's deputy political council leader Mahmud Qomati announced on Wednesday, Al Arabiya reported. Addressing a press conference in Beirut's southern suburbs, Qomati stated, "The service was postponed to organize a funeral worthy of Nasrallah. We are now preparing for a public and official ceremony to honor him." The announcement comes amid the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which brought an end to weeks of hostilities. Thousands of Lebanese displaced by the conflict have begun returning to their homes. Hassan Nasrallah, a pivotal figure in the organization, led Hezbollah for decades and was instrumental in shaping its pol...
Massive protests continue over proposed tree cutting for flyover in Assam

Massive protests continue over proposed tree cutting for flyover in Assam

INDIA
Massive Protests have erupted in Guwahati over plans to cut down century-old trees to make way for a new flyover. The controversy centers around the Public Works Department’s proposal to uproot around 25 trees, some as old as 200 years, along the Dighalipukhuri pond for the construction of a 5.05 km-long, four-lane flyover. The project, which is slated to cost Rs 852.68 crore, has sparked strong opposition from environmentalists, artists, students, and local residents. Protesters took to the streets, voicing concerns about the environmental and cultural impact of the tree removal. The Dighalipukhuri pond is a historic site with deep cultural significance, and many locals view the trees as integral to the area's heritage. The opposition has also criticized the government's de...
Police solve blind hit-and-run case in Baramulla, arrest driver and seize vehicle

Police solve blind hit-and-run case in Baramulla, arrest driver and seize vehicle

REGIONAL
Police in north Kashmir's Pattan have resolved a blind hit-and-run case, arresting the driver involved and seizing the vehicle from Budgam district, officials said Wednesday. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shah Jahan, addressing the media, revealed that on November 15, 2024, Police Post Palhallan received a report about a hit-and-run incident. The accident involved an unidentified vehicle traveling from Baramulla towards Srinagar, which struck a pedestrian near Parsa's Restaurant in Palhallan. “The victim, Nazir Ahmadi Sofi, son of Late Abdul Ahad Sofi of Saderbal Palhallan, was critically injured in the incident. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries,” said DSP Shah Jahan. Acting swiftly, the police registered FIR No. 314/2024 under sections...