January 2025 - Page 11 of 23

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

Police release pictures of four militants in Kishtwar, ₹5 lakh reward announced

REGIONAL

Jammu Kashmir Police have released photographs of four active terrorists operating in Kishtwar district, urging the public to provide any credible information about them. A reward of ₹5 lakh has been announced for information leading to the apprehension of each of the identified individuals. The suspects have been identified as Saifullah, Farman, Adil, and another individual believed to be Basha. The poster, published in both Urdu and English, appeals to the general public for cooperation and assures that the identity of informants will remain confidential. The initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts to counter militancy in the Jammu region, where Pakistan-based handlers are reportedly attempting to destabilize peaceful areas. Kishtwar and surrounding districts witnessed...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

Kashmir Trade Alliance seeks stopping smart water meter installation

REGIONAL

Calls to halt the installation of smart water meters in Kashmir have intensified, with local business owners and political groups once again voicing their strong opposition to the government's decision. The chief engineer of the concerned department had earlier told The Kashmiriyat that the duration and mode of payment for the billing process would be decided soon. “It can be monthly or quarterly, depending upon the feasibility and other factors. However, the final would be taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Water Regulatory Authority,” he said. Opposing the move, Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has particularly raised alarms, urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and suspend the initiative, citing significant economic difficulties faced by the business community. The KTA's co...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

After years of deadlock, Centre may revive peace talks with Hurriyat in Kashmir: Report

FEATURED

Backchannel talks between the Indian government and Kashmiri separatists have led to a thaw in relations, with increasing indications that peace talks may resume soon, Deccan Herald reported. After a period of deadlock, attributed largely to the BJP's assertive approach towards Jammu Kashmir, the Centre is reportedly ready to restart meaningful dialogue with key separatist groups, particularly the Hurriyat Conference, which has been led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent political and religious figure in Kashmir. Sources suggest that the government has softened its stance following a shift in the mindset of influential separatist leaders. These leaders, it is believed, have recognized the futility of ongoing confrontation and discord, prompting a shift towards dialogue. The Centre, ...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

‘Rs 200 for public smoking’: Police fines public smokers in Srinagar

REGIONAL

Srinagar Police carried out an anti-smoking drive in the Lal Chowk area, imposing fines of Rs 200 on individuals smoking in public places. Police Station Kothibagh led the drive under the supervision of SHO Manzoor Ahmad. Focused on curbing smoking in public spaces, the initiative saw officers issue fines as part of efforts to enforce the ban. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the health risks of smoking and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and visitors alike. Speaking to media persons, SHO Kothibagh Manzoor Ahmad said, “Smoking is prohibited in public places, and we must avoid it. It is harmful to health, and refraining from it is a better option.” Srinagar Police has urged the public to comply with the law and refrain from smoking in restricted areas. ...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

‘Accused of frequent phone use, infidelity’: Shabnam’s murder in Anantnag and Kashmir’s hidden domestic violence crisis

WRITE-UPS

Suhail Dar Months after the Budgam incident, Kashmir’s media landscape and public discourse remain abuzz with issues of all kinds. Yet, brutal murders of women seem to slip through public discourse without sustained attention. It was March 2023, a gruesome crime shocked Kashmir when a young woman, 30-year-old Arifa Bano from Soibugh in Budgam, went missing on her way to computer classes. Arifa was brutally murdered by Shabir Ahmad Wani, who confessed to killing her, dismembering her body into several pieces, and burying the parts at different locations to hide the crime. The incident sparked outrage and deep sadness in the community. However, despite the horror of the crime, discussions around it faded quickly from public discourse, highlighting the societal apathy toward gender-b...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

Five injured as clash erupts over graveyard dispute in Bandipora

REGIONAL

A conflict over the proposed conversion of a section of a graveyard into an Eidgah in Aloosa village, located in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, escalated into a violent confrontation, leaving at least five people injured. Tensions brewed after a faction of villagers erected a pulpit in an effort to designate a portion of the graveyard for Eid prayers, Greater Kashmir reported. Opposing this initiative, another group lodged a formal complaint with Tehsildar Aloosa, seeking intervention. Following the complaint, the Tehsildar advised the dissenting group to approach the local police. Despite these steps, the situation took a volatile turn on Friday night when an attempt was made to repaint the pulpit. The action provoked members of the opposing faction, who sought police int...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

Hindutva outfit issues 7 days to act on alleged encroached temple land near AMU

REGIONAL

Tensions flared near Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Thursday as members of the Hindutva group Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena staged protests demanding the removal of alleged encroachments on a 125-year-old Shiva temple in Shamshad Market. The group, led by state president Gyanendra Chauhan, issued a one-week ultimatum to the district administration to clear the encroachments and restore the temple premises, warning that they would reclaim the site if no action is taken. The temple, located at Gokula Square in Shamshad Market, is claimed to have been built in 1899 by the ancestors of Abhishek Khandelwal. According to Khandelwal, the site originally included a dharamshala (rest house) and an ancient well, now allegedly fenced off and occupied by others. “My ancestors’ names are inscrib...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

Fare for e-rickshaws fixed at Rs. 10 per Kilometer; Meter made mandatory for petrol auto

REGIONAL

Transport Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, announced that the fare for e-rickshaws has been fixed at Rs. 10 per person per kilometer. Speaking to the media as per news agency JKNS Mahajan clarified that e-rickshaws are restricted to designated routes and cannot operate beyond six kilometers. “Any violations will be dealt with strict legal action,” he said. Mahajan emphasized the need for petrol autos to have functioning meters installed. “If any auto is found running without a meter, strict action will be taken as per the law. Rates are already fixed by the RTO or Motor Vehicles Department,” he added. Urging passengers to play an active role in ensuring compliance, Mahajan said, “Passengers have a responsibility to report non-compliance, and violators will ...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

AIIMS Kashmir to be functional by November 2025: Admin

REGIONAL

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting with key officials from AIIMS Awantipora, Health & Medical Education, PWD, Jal Shakti, and CPWD to expedite the completion of the AIIMS Awantipora project, a significant healthcare facility in the region. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the physical infrastructure, workforce deployment, and timelines for project completion. He instructed the executing agency to increase the number of laborers after the winter season to accelerate the work. The Jal Shakti Department was directed to finish the first phase of the water supply scheme, including three bore wells, by May 2025, ensuring adequate water supply for the hospital’s operations. Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, Dr. Sachidanan...

Jan182025 by News DeskNo Comments

Haryana man dies during fire at army canteen in Srinagar

REGIONAL

A civilian from Haryana lost his life after a fire broke out in an Army canteen inside the Badami Bagh Cantonment area of Srinagar. Sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the canteen, operated by a civilian, caught fire during the intervening night, resulting in damage to the goods stored within. During the incident, Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Haryana, sustained critical burn injuries. He was immediately shifted to the 92 Base Army Hospital for medical attention. However, despite the efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while the extent of the damage is being assessed. [KNT]