Thursday, December 18Latest news and updates from Kashmir

Year: 2024

Artisans bemoan decline of handmade chain stitch craftsmanship in Kashmir

Artisans bemoan decline of handmade chain stitch craftsmanship in Kashmir

REGIONAL
The intricate artistry of handmade chain stitch work is witnessing a decline, posing challenges for artisans who have mastered this meticulous craft through generations. The demand for such traditional craftsmanship is diminishing, overshadowed by the allure of mass-produced alternatives. Artisans, who have inherited the legacy of handmade chain stitch work, express concern over the various challenges that threaten the continuity of this unique craft. Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Abdul Rasheed Bhat, a 60-year-old chain stitch master from Tengpora Nawa Kadal, lamented the decline of this art form despite his family running a Kashmir Crewel Chain stitch factory in the area for the past century. “I have been associated with this craft for the last 40 yea...
Night temperatures plummet across Kashmir, Shopian freezes at Minus 4.7°C

Night temperatures plummet across Kashmir, Shopian freezes at Minus 4.7°C

REGIONAL
The Kashmir valley is clutched in an extreme winter, as temperatures continue to plummet across the region. Srinagar, the capital of the valley, shivers at -3.0°C, with the famous Dal Lake frozen solid and several tributaries of the Jhelum River transformed into icy wonders. The meteorological department predicts a dry week ahead, offering little respite from the biting cold. In the higher altitudes, wet weather is anticipated. Moving through the Kashmir region, towns and cities are all grappling with sub-zero temperatures, painting a picturesque yet challenging winter scene. The minimum temperatures in Kashmir showcase a harsh winter with Srinagar at -3.0°C, Qazigund at -3.0°C, Pahalgam at -4.5°C, Kupwara at -2.6°C, Kokernag at -2.0°C, Gulmarg at -3.5°C, Sonamarg at -4.0°C, An...
One militant killed in encounter in Shopian area

One militant killed in encounter in Shopian area

REGIONAL
Meer Irfan One militant has been killed in the encounter that raged in the Chotigam area of Shopian district in south Kashmir. An official told The Kashmiriyat that on Friday forces including RR of Indian Army, Kammi Kashmir Police and CRPF launched a joint cordon and search operation in the area. The operation launched following an input about militant movement, changed into an encounter when the force personnel were fired upon by the hiding militants. During the following exchange of gunfire, one militant was killed, they said. The officials said that the search operation is still going on.
Imam Shot dead outside mosque in United States

Imam Shot dead outside mosque in United States

INTERNATIONAL
Tragedy struck in Newark, New Jersey, as Imam Hassan Sharif was fatally shot outside Masjid Muhammad mosque on Wednesday morning, succumbing to his injuries at the hospital. The incident occurred shortly after predawn prayers, and law enforcement is actively searching for the assailant. According to police reports, the victim sustained a single gunshot wound to the abdomen and the right arm. In the wake of the shooting, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin acknowledged the rising trend of bias incidents against the Muslim community, expressing concern that this act of gun violence would further heighten fears in the state. Platkin stated, "Every possible angle will, of course, be explored and every lead will be fully investigated." Despite the tragic nature of the incident, th...
Wanted Hizb militant arrested by Delhi Police

Wanted Hizb militant arrested by Delhi Police

REGIONAL
The Delhi Police Special Cell has claimed that it arrested a Hizbul Mujahideen militant, sought in connection with multiple militancy-related incidents in Jammu Kashmir. The official statement confirmed the arrest, stating, "The accused was wanted in multiple terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir." A press conference scheduled for 5 pm by the Special Cell aims to provide additional details about the arrest. Reports indicate that the captured militant, Javaid Mattoo, carried a bounty of Rs five lakh on his head and is also a subject of interest for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Mattoo is alleged to have played a role in numerous terror activities in the Jammu and Kashmir region. This arrest follows closely on the heels of another operation in Kishtwar by the Jammu ...
Undertrials cannot be compelled to disclose digital passwords, rules Delhi court

Undertrials cannot be compelled to disclose digital passwords, rules Delhi court

INDIA
In a recent ruling, Justice Saurabh Banerjee of the Delhi High Court emphasized that individuals accused in a trial cannot be compelled to divulge passwords or similar details of seized digital devices. This decision was made while granting bail to Sanket Bhadresh Modi, the director of a company accused of orchestrating a $20 million fraudulent phone call scheme to the United States from counterfeit call centers in India. The Central Bureau of Investigation, opposing Modi's bail plea, argued that he, being the primary suspect, had not provided passwords for his devices, email, and cryptocurrency wallet accounts. Justice Banerjee addressed this by stating, "Thus, any accused like the applicant is expected to show high sensitivity, diligence and understanding during such an investig...
Anchar Lake, once pristine, now battles pollution, encroachment for survival

Anchar Lake, once pristine, now battles pollution, encroachment for survival

REGIONAL
Once renowned for its fish, Nadru, and lush vegetable gardens, Anchar Lake in the Soura area of Central Kashmir's Srinagar district is now struggling for survival as it has become a victim of illegal dumping sites being made on its shores. The lake, linked to Dal Lake through the Nallah Amir Khan water channel, has faced a drastic reduction in size, nearly half of its original area, over the past few decades due to administrative neglect, rampant pollution, siltation, and encroachment. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), formerly, a sought-after tourist destination, Anchar Lake is losing its allure as the nearby residents continue to dispose of solid waste directly into its waters on a daily basis. The lake, once famous for high-quality fish, Nadru, vegetable gardens, and...
Property of ‘proclaimed offender’ attached in Sopore: SIA

Property of ‘proclaimed offender’ attached in Sopore: SIA

REGIONAL
The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday said it attached a property of a proclaimed offender in Amarghar area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the SIA attached the property of Abdul Rashid Mir son of Mohammad Sultan Mir of Amargrah. He said that the property comprising of 5 kanals of immovable land was seized in case FIR No 19/2022 U/S 13,17,18,39,40 UAPA 120-B, 121,121-A IPC 8/21, 8/27-B, 29 NDPS Act of Ps SIA Kashmir—(KNO)
Militants likely escape encounter site in Kulgam

Militants likely escape encounter site in Kulgam

REGIONAL
Danishwar Hameed  Militants trapped in an encounter with security forces in Hadigam village of Kulgam district may have escaped, according to official sources. Following an input about their presence, a cordon and search operation was initiated, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire, officials told The Kashmiriyat. Due to darkness, the operation was suspended for the night they said. Despite the resumption of search operations in the morning, no fresh contact was established with the militants, suggesting they may have taken advantage of the dark conditions to escape. However, the search operation is still going on.
Craftsmanship in crisis: Houseboat construction ban threatens Kashmir’s floating heritage

Craftsmanship in crisis: Houseboat construction ban threatens Kashmir’s floating heritage

BUSINESS
Beyond the breath-taking mirror of Dal Lake lies a hidden story etched in wood and vibrant colours. Nestled amidst the beautiful Dal Lake, serves as a canvas for the craftsmanship exhibited in the iconic Shikaras and houseboats that grace its waters. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the skilled artist whose families have meticulously crafted these wooden wonders for generations, Ghulam Nabi Kinzou, said, “I have been working in this craft for the last 25 to 30 years. My father was involved in this craft, and after him, I took over this craft of Shikaras and houseboat making. We have about 10 to 15 types of Shikara made here, and it takes us about 20 days to make Shikara.” “It is a time-consuming and hectic process but thanks to the Almighty Allah, work is good...