Friday, November 15News and updates from Kashmir

Month: November 2024

‘Thirsty lands, struggling Farmers’: Kashmir suffers from severe rain deficit

‘Thirsty lands, struggling Farmers’: Kashmir suffers from severe rain deficit

FEATURED
The months' long dry spell in Kashmir has left farmers struggling as the lack of rainfall continues to affect crops, from fruit to vegetables, experts and farmers said Monday. Even as the dry spell was broken by the snowfall in upper reaches and light rain in plains, the experts opined that there was a desperate need for major spells of rainfall as trees are craving for moisture and soil is thirsty. The scarcity of water has not only affected the sowing of new crops but also hindering the growth of the existing ones. Farmers who usually grow a variety of vegetables, including carrots and collard greens, are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their crops. Without water, many of these crops are withering under the relentless sun. “Our irrigation systems are failing, an...
45-year-old woman injured in grenade blast at TRC Srinagar succumbs

45-year-old woman injured in grenade blast at TRC Srinagar succumbs

REGIONAL
A 45-year-old woman from Bandipora, who was critically injured in a grenade attack near the Tourist Reception Center (TRC) in Srinagar last week, has succumbed to her injuries, officials confirmed on Monday. The woman, identified as Abida alias Sumaiya, wife of Zubair Ahmed Lone, a resident of Naidkhai, Sumbal in Bandipora district, had been undergoing treatment at SMHS Hospital following the November 3 grenade attack. Despite receiving medical care, Sumaya lost her battle to the severe injuries she sustained in the explosion. The attack, which occurred on a busy Sunday afternoon, targeted a CRPF vehicle near the Sunday market area close to TRC chowk. At least one dozen civilians were injured in the blast. Three persons have been arrested in connection with the blast. Earlie...
Hundreds of native geese found mysteriously dead along Wular lake

Hundreds of native geese found mysteriously dead along Wular lake

REGIONAL
Hundreds of native geese, locally known as ‘Kashur Aenz’, were found dead along the banks of Wular Lake, south Asia’s largest freshwater lake, officials said on Monday. The sudden deaths have sparked concerns among wildlife experts, conservationists, and officials in Jammu  Kashmir. Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have been finding the lifeless bodies of native geese along the banks of Wular, particularly in the Suderkoot area, for the past several days. Distressed by the sight, they alerted the concerned authorities. "We have spotted these species dead at several spots around the lake over the past few days. It seems like there's some disease affecting them, as we've never seen anything like this before,” said Abdul Aziz, a local. District ...
Encounter breaks out in Kupwara area

Encounter breaks out in Kupwara area

REGIONAL
An encounter has broken out between militants and government forces in the Kupwara district of north Kashmir. Official sources said that on Tuesday morning, an encounter has started between government  forces and militants at Nagmarg area of Kupwara District. Two militants are believed to be trapped in the area. Details rushing in.
‘We are fed up’: Amidst unemployment woes, Thousands gather for army recruitment in Baramulla

‘We are fed up’: Amidst unemployment woes, Thousands gather for army recruitment in Baramulla

REGIONAL
Thousands of hopeful youths gathered at the Gantamulla grounds in Baramulla on Monday for an Indian Army recruitment rally organised by the 161 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (J&K Light Infantry, JAKLI). The rally, aimed at providing job opportunities in the Indian Army, saw a massive turnout from across the district, including areas like Uri, Pattan, Gulmarg, Kreeri, Rafiabad and Sopore. The recruitment drive, which began early on Monday morning, was a reflection of the ongoing unemployment crisis in Kashmir. News agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) correspondent present at the event, which kicked off at 6 am, said that long queues had already formed, with many candidates arriving as early as midnight. Despite heavy security arrangements by the Jammu & Kashmir Poli...
Young athletes from Jammu Kashmir shine at All India Rowing Championship

Young athletes from Jammu Kashmir shine at All India Rowing Championship

SPORTS
Athletes from Jammu Kashmir showcased impressive performances at the All India Inter SAI Rowing Championship held in Alleppey, Kerala. Zainab Shafi from Baramulla won bronze in the Senior Women Singles category, while Srinagar’s Irtiza Ali and Muntazir Ali Matoo also secured bronze in the Junior Men Pair category. A total of 10 athletes from the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE), Nehru Park, represented J&K in the event. The success highlights the region’s growing prominence in water sports, with officials expressing pride and pledging continued support for the athletes.
Power Department announces shutdown schedule for Srinagar and Sopore: Date, Timing and areas here

Power Department announces shutdown schedule for Srinagar and Sopore: Date, Timing and areas here

REGIONAL
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced scheduled power shutdowns in various areas of Srinagar and Sopore to carry out necessary maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. According to the Chief Engineer of KPDCL’s Distribution Wing, the shutdowns are part of the ongoing efforts to reconduct the 33 KV Habak-SKIMS line and replace damaged poles. The maintenance work will be subject to favorable weather conditions. The power shutdowns will affect several areas across the two districts. In Srinagar, the Habak-SKIMS line will be shut down on November 14, 18, and 23 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The affected areas will include Owantabhawan, Omer Colony, and parts of the 90 ft Road. Additionally, in Sopore, the Amargarh-Sopore line will be shut down on November 1...
Daily wagers, contractual employees to be regularized soon: Tanvir Sadiq

Daily wagers, contractual employees to be regularized soon: Tanvir Sadiq

REGIONAL
MLA from Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, announced today that the Omar Abdullah-led government will soon regularize the services of daily wagers, contractual, and casual employees in Jammu Kashmir Speaking about the recent age relaxation granted for the Competitive Combined Examination (CCE), Sadiq described it as the fourth significant decision made by the current government. He emphasized that addressing the concerns of the people, particularly the youth, remains a priority. "For the past decade, there have been no recruitment drives in Jammu Kashmir, leaving our educated youth without opportunities to participate in exams. With the age bar relaxation, more young people can now apply for government jobs. I extend my congratulations to Omar Abdullah for making this decision, and to the yo...
Yasin Malik has called off hunger strike: Tihar jail officials tell court

Yasin Malik has called off hunger strike: Tihar jail officials tell court

REGIONAL
Tihar Jail officials informed the Delhi High Court that Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik ended his hunger strike on November 8 and is now receiving necessary medical care. Malik had started his strike on November 1, citing the denial of proper medical treatment.* The authorities, including the Centre, opposed Malik's petition seeking admission to AIIMS or another super-specialty hospital due to his alleged deteriorating health. They requested more time to review the jail's medical report before filing a response. The court, presided over by Justice Jasmeet Singh, has scheduled the next hearing for November 18 and directed the jail to continue providing Malik with appropriate medical care. Malik's legal team expressed dissatisfaction with the delay and plans to visit him t...
Four Kashmiri lawmakers join hands to protect dying Wular lake

Four Kashmiri lawmakers join hands to protect dying Wular lake

OTHERS
In a unified effort to protect Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater bodies, four prominent lawmakers from Kashmir joined local stakeholders and the fishing community on Sunday to stress the urgency of its conservation. The gathering, organized by the Wular Fishermen Union, took place in Zurimanz village on the lake’s banks, highlighting the escalating environmental degradation that threatens the lake's existence. The delegation included senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat; National Conference MLAs Hilal Akbar Lone (Sonawari) and Irshad Rasool Kar (Sopore); and MLA Kreeri, Irfan Hafeez Lone. Together with union members, fishermen, and concerned residents, they discussed the lake's declining health and its impact on local livelihoods, primarily fishing ...