Wednesday, January 29News and updates from Kashmir

Month: December 2024

Shopian freezes at -7.3°C, Anantnag records -6.1°C amid widespread chill in Kashmir

Shopian freezes at -7.3°C, Anantnag records -6.1°C amid widespread chill in Kashmir

REGIONAL
Kashmir continued to shiver under intense cold on Monday, with Shopian recording the lowest temperature at -7.3°C. Anantnag was not far behind, with a freezing -6.1°C, marking another frigid night for South Kashmir. Srinagar, the region's summer capital, recorded a low of -3.6°C, while Qazigund and Pahalgam registered -4.8°C and -5.0°C, respectively. Sonamarg and Gulmarg, popular tourist destinations, witnessed sub-zero temperatures of -5.1°C and -4.8°C. Larnoo and Pulwama recorded biting lows of -6.4°C and -6.0°C, respectively. In North Kashmir, Kupwara recorded -4.3°C, while Bandipora and Baramulla experienced -4.4°C and -3.4°C, respectively. Budgam and Ganderbal recorded -4.8°C and -4.2°C. The Jammu region saw Jammu city record 6.7°C. Banihal dipped to -1.7°C, with Bhaderwah an...
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi to protest for rational reservation policy

Aga Ruhullah Mehdi to protest for rational reservation policy

REGIONAL
Senior political leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has reaffirmed his commitment to stand with citizens demanding a fair reservation policy. In a social media post, Mehdi reminded people of his earlier promise to address the issue if the government failed to resolve it by December 22. "December 22 ends tonight," he wrote, expressing disappointment over the government's approach. "To those who believe this issue remains unresolved, I stand by my word." He announced plans to join a peaceful protest on December 23 outside the Chief Minister's residence at Gupkar Road. Calling for civility, Mehdi said, "I request all those voluntarily coming to maintain civility and focus on raising genuine demands for a rational reservation policy." Mehdi also took a dig at those politicizing the issue...
Mineral Department official allegedly assaulted by mining tipper drivers in Pulwama

Mineral Department official allegedly assaulted by mining tipper drivers in Pulwama

OTHERS
An enforcement drive against illegal mining in the Rambi Ara area of Lassipora, Pulwama, turned violent when a mineral department employee, Mohd Amin Sheikh, was attacked by tipper drivers involved in unlawful activities. Sheikh, a resident of Nowdal Tral, was reportedly on duty when the incident occurred. The assault took place during an operation aimed at curbing illegal mining, a persistent problem in the district that has caused severe environmental damage. Sheikh sustained injuries in the attack and was rushed to District Hospital Pulwama for treatment. Police from Lassipora police station have started an investigation after registering a case in this regard. [KNT]
Over 250 apple trees stolen from Kulgam orchard

Over 250 apple trees stolen from Kulgam orchard

REGIONAL
Danishwar Hameed  In a shocking incident, more than apple trees have been stolen from an orchard in the Chanser area of Kulgam district. According to locals, the orchard belongs which belongs to Abdul Khali Itoo, a resident of Chanser was attacked by unknown individuals who uprooted valuable trees, causing significant financial loss to the owner. Itoo speaking to The Kashmiriyat said that the theft occurred under the cover of darkness, and the criminals left no trace of their involvement. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, though no arrests have been made as of yet. Itoo has expressed his deep concern over the growing instances of orchard thefts in the region, which threaten the agricultural community's livelihood.
Kashmir’s power crisis: Higher cuts, Lower consumption than smaller states

Kashmir’s power crisis: Higher cuts, Lower consumption than smaller states

FEATURED
Bhat Yasir Despite having lower per capita power consumption than its neighboring regions, Jammu Kashmir continues to face severe power shortages, especially during the cold winter months. According to the latest Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report, J-K’s per capita consumption stands at 1526 kWh, compared to neighboring Himachal Pradesh’s 1799 kWh, and far below Chandigarh (1674 kWh), Punjab (2574 kWh), Delhi (1848 kWh), and Haryana (2360 kWh) The situation has worsened with the onset of Chillai-Kalan, Kashmir's harshest winter period. Locals across the region have reported prolonged unscheduled power cuts, despite the installation of smart meters in certain areas. Residents of Kani Mazar in Downtown and Fateh Kadal shared their frustration with the Kashmir Power Distri...
Working hours changed in medical and dental colleges in Jammu Kashmir

Working hours changed in medical and dental colleges in Jammu Kashmir

REGIONAL
The government on Saturday announced change in working and duty timings in Government Medical Colleges and Dental Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir An order signed by Secretary to the Government Health and Medical Education Department, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah reads, in partial modification to Government order no. 272-JK (HME) of 2024 dated 03.4.24, it is hereby ordered that working days and duty timings from 1st December to 28th/29th February in Government medical Colleges and government Dental colleges of J&K shall be Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 4:30 pm. (GNS)
1.27 lakh ration cards cancelled in Jammu Kashmir: PDP demands immediate reversal

1.27 lakh ration cards cancelled in Jammu Kashmir: PDP demands immediate reversal

REGIONAL
The Peoples’ Democratic Party on Friday said the cancellation of more than 1.27 lakh ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir was “unwarranted and cruel” and asked the government to revisit the move. In a post on X, party leader Iltija Mufti said the ration card holders were people living below the poverty line and the cancellation would cause “great distress” to several families. “The newly elected J&K government’s decision to cancel 1.27 lakh ration cards of below poverty line families is unwarranted & cruel. Hope they revisit this ill timed order which has put people in great distress,” Mufti said. The Centre cancelled 1,27,872 fake and duplicate ration cards in the Union Territory since 2013, while 702 ration cards have been cancelled in Ladakh, the Rajya Sabha was informed. ...
Customers aghast over technical glitches in JK Bank ATMs across Kashmir

Customers aghast over technical glitches in JK Bank ATMs across Kashmir

REGIONAL
Customers in the Kashmir are expressing frustration over recurring technical glitches in Jammu and Kashmir Bank's ATMs, which have been causing inconvenience to users. Several customers have reported instances where money was debited from their accounts without cash being dispensed, leaving them in distressing situations. These technical errors create challenges for customers who rely on the ATMs for urgent needs. A local shared his ordeal after attempting to withdraw Rs 10,000 from a JK Bank ATM in Lal Chowk Srinagar. The amount was debited from his account, but no cash was dispensed. “I needed the money to purchase medicine for my ailing mother. Due to the bank’s technological error, I couldn’t access the funds when I needed them most,” Mudasir Ahmed told the news agency Kashmir...
Malshahibagh farmers suffer massive losses as filtration plant overflow wreaks havoc

Malshahibagh farmers suffer massive losses as filtration plant overflow wreaks havoc

REGIONAL
The residents of Malshahibagh in Ganderbal district have expressed concerns over the recent overflow of the local filtration plant, which they claim has caused significant damage to the nearby paddy fields and orchards. Locals report that the overflow, which occurred unexpectedly, has resulted in extensive waterlogging, affecting agricultural productivity in the area. The flooding has particularly impacted paddy fields and orchards, leading to substantial financial losses for farmers and residents. According to the affected residents, the employees at the filtration plant appeared indifferent to the situation, leaving the community to deal with the aftermath. “We have been left to suffer while the authorities do nothing. Our crops are ruined, and no one is taking responsibility...
Chillai-Kalan arrives with full force, Srinagar sees coldest night since 1974, Anantnag freezes at -10.5°C

Chillai-Kalan arrives with full force, Srinagar sees coldest night since 1974, Anantnag freezes at -10.5°C

REGIONAL
The ongoing cold wave across Kashmir and Ladakh has resulted in plummeting temperatures, with many areas recording severe sub-zero minimums. The arrival of Chillai-Kalan— the harshest 40-day winter period — has intensified the freezing conditions, leaving residents struggling to cope with the extreme cold. Srinagar experienced a minimum temperature of -8.5°C, marking the coldest night since 1974 when it dropped to -10.3°C. The record for the lowest temperature in the city remains -12.8°C, set on December 13, 1964. Today’s reading stands as the third-lowest December temperature in Srinagar since 1891. Anantnag registered the lowest temperature in the valley at -10.5°C, followed by Shopian at -10.4°C and Pulwama at -10.3°C. Kupwara shivered at -7.2°C, while Bandipora and Gande...