Saturday, December 13Latest news and updates from Kashmir

Day: December 3, 2024

Two lakh consumers enrolled in prepaid metering system: KPDCL

Two lakh consumers enrolled in prepaid metering system: KPDCL

REGIONAL
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has said it achieved a significant milestone by enrolling over two lakh consumers into its prepaid metering system. "This system empowers consumers with better control over electricity consumption by allowing them to recharge their meters as needed and pay only for the power they use," an official statement of the corporation read. In a press statement, Shabir A. Khan, Chief Executive Officer of IT&C at KPDCL, outlined the benefits of prepaid billing. “Prepaid meters enable users to monitor daily consumption through the Bill Sahuliyat app and manage their expenses effectively, avoiding unexpected high bills. This is a step forward in improving consumer satisfaction,” Khan said while appreciating his team’s efforts. KPD...
Beebrada’s forgotten students: Two years under open skies with no school building

Beebrada’s forgotten students: Two years under open skies with no school building

REGIONAL
Meer Irfan The Government Primary School in Beebrada, located in the Yaripora belt of south Kashmir's Kulgam district, has been operating under dire conditions for years. The school, which was established in 1984, originally functioned in a rented mud building. Over time, the building became unsafe and was dismantled by its owners. For the past two years, the school has been forced to operate under the open sky. A student shared their plight with The Kashmiriyat, saying, "I’ve been studying outside for years. We hope we finally get a proper building soon." The lack of basic facilities has left both students and teachers struggling. "Without a toilet, the students and teachers both have to rely on neighbors for access to washrooms," a parent explained. Inhabitants of Beebr...
Winter vacation for primary classes in Kashmir likely to start from December 9

Winter vacation for primary classes in Kashmir likely to start from December 9

EDUCATION
School Education Department is likely to announce winter vacation in a phased manner in Kashmir division from December 09, official sources said on Tuesday. Sources told that the directorate has sent a proposal to government, seeking permission to announce the vacation from December 09 to February 28, 2025. They said that for the secondary and senior secondary classes, DSEK has proposed to announce the vacation a week after the primary level. For the past couple of weeks, Kashmir is reeling under intense cold weather conditions—(KNO)
LeT Militant involved to Gagangeer attack killed in Srinagar encounter

LeT Militant involved to Gagangeer attack killed in Srinagar encounter

REGIONAL
A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant, allegedly involved in the October attack near a tunnel construction site in Gagangir, Jammu and Kashmir, was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Dachigam forest area on Tuesday, officials said. According to police, the militant, identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat, was a category “A” operative of the group. He was wanted for his alleged involvement in the October 20 attack that claimed the lives of a local doctor and six non-local laborers in Ganderbal. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the upper reaches of Dachigam late Monday night based on specific intelligence inputs. The operation escalated into a gunfight when militants opened fire at the search party. In the ensuing exchange of fire early Tuesday, Bhat was...
Two female militant associates booked under PSA in Jammu: Police

Two female militant associates booked under PSA in Jammu: Police

REGIONAL
Jammu Kashmir Police has detained two female militant associates (OGWs) under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Police identified the duo as Maryama Begum wife of  Mohammed Shafeeq, resident of  Loudhara, Basantgarh and Arshad Begum wife of  Late Jamal Din, a resident of Rai Chak, Basantgarh. "They were assessed to be posing a significant threat to the safety and security of the state," Police said. These militants associates were found to be involved in providing logistics support to terrorist groups and working as guide/facilitator for militant organisations. Their continuous actions posed a serious risk to public safety and tranquility. To prevent further criminal activities detrimental to the security of the state and keeping in view their activities both were ordered to be d...
Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat train set for January 26: Prices, Timing and everything you need to know

Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat train set for January 26: Prices, Timing and everything you need to know

INDIA
Indian Railways is set to launch its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, connecting New Delhi to Srinagar via the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). The train, which offers modern amenities and enhanced travel comfort, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26, 2025, coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. This semi-high-speed train will be the first direct rail service between the national capital and Kashmir, covering over 800 kilometers in under 13 hours. Departing from New Delhi at 7:00 PM, it will reach Srinagar by 8:00 AM the next day, with key stops at Jammu Tawi, Katra, and Banihal. Ticket prices are expected to start at ₹2,000 for AC 3-tier, ₹2,500 for AC 2-tier, and ₹3,000 for First AC. The train will feature a mix of 11 AC 3-ti...
₹17 crore sanctioned for restoration of historical temples in south Kashmir

₹17 crore sanctioned for restoration of historical temples in south Kashmir

CULTURE
The Jammu Kashmir Government has sanctioned over ₹17 crore for the renovation and restoration of 17 temples and shrines in the districts of Anantnag and Pulwama, many of which sustained extensive damage during years of turmoil. The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums recently granted administrative approval for these projects based on recommendations from the respective Deputy Commissioners of the two districts. In Anantnag district, significant allocations include ₹1.07 crore for the ancient Mamaleshwar Temple in Pahalgam, ₹1.60 crore for the Shiva Bhagwati Temple in Akingam, ₹77.67 lakh for the Gauri Shankar Temple in Pahalgam, and ₹92.95 lakh for the Papran Naag Shrine in Salia. The Mata Ragnya Bhagwati Shrine in Khiram will see renovations with an allocation of ₹...
HIV/AIDS cases surge in Jammu Kashmir: Over 6,995 test positive since 1998

HIV/AIDS cases surge in Jammu Kashmir: Over 6,995 test positive since 1998

FEATURED
The cases of HIV/AIDS are increasing with each passing year in Jammu Kashmir, as a total of 6,995 patients have tested positive in the region from 1998 until October 2024. A top health official informed the news agency that 1,569 HIV-positive patients have died since 1998 until October 2024, while 3,814 patients are living on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). He added that 406 patients have left follow-up. The health official stated that 5,379 cases of HIV have been reported at GMC Jammu, and among them, 1,372 have died, 336 have left follow-up, and 2,882 are living on ART. Similarly, at SKIMS Srinagar, the number of such patients till October 2024 is 851, with 33 deaths, 39 leaving follow-up, and 536 living on ART, he added. In ART Kathua, the number of patients registered in HIV ...
CRPF trooper shoots himself to death in Shopian area

CRPF trooper shoots himself to death in Shopian area

REGIONAL
A trooper on tuesday shot himself dead in south Kashmir's Shopian district. Official sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that a CRPF personnel affiliated with E-178 Battalion shot himself with his service rifle. He died on the spot. They said the deceased was a driver. The incident occurred at Company Head Quarter located at Horticulture Building in Zainapora village of Shopian. Police have started inquest proceedings after the incident. [KNT]
Srinagar encounter: One body spotted near encounter, says Police

Srinagar encounter: One body spotted near encounter, says Police

REGIONAL
An encounter broke out late on Monday night in the upper reaches of Dachigam forests in Srinagar, according to police . A police spokesperson, aauitrd by Greater Kashmir, stated that joint teams of security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area following specific intelligence inputs. The gunfight erupted as the forces zeroed in on a suspected location. "During the operation, a body was spotted in the forest area," a senior police official confirmed. "However, the identity of the deceased is yet to be established. It will take some time to retrieve the body due to the difficult terrain." The operation is ongoing, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon around the area. Further details are awaited. Dachigam forest, known for its dense vegetation...