Monday, February 24News and updates from Kashmir

Month: January 2025

Man hospitalized after assault in Srinagar, Accused arrested

Man hospitalized after assault in Srinagar, Accused arrested

REGIONAL
A man was injured after being assaulted in the Balhama area of central Kashmir's Srinagar, while accused were arrested on Friday late night. Officials told news agency JKNS that unknown persons assaulted the man in Balhama, Srinagar. On receiving the information police team immediately rushed to the spot and the injured was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. The injured was identified as Harsh Bhat, Son of Vinod Bhat, a resident of Balhama, Srinagar. Accused persons were grabbed by civilians at the spot and were later arrested by police The case has been registered under relevant sections of law. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the assault, officials added. (JKNS)

Policeman among two drug peddlers arrested with heroin in Jammu: Police

REGIONAL
Police on Friday said that it have arrested two drug Peddlers including a Special Police officer in Miran Sahib area of Jammu district. In a handout to GNS, the police said that In a significant action against drug trafficking under Operation Sanjeevani, Jammu Police apprehended two drug peddlers including one SPO posted at DPL Poonch and recovered 12 grams of heroin-like substance (Chitta) during a late-night operation near Balol Bridge, Ring Road, Miran Sahib. According to spokesman, a police team from Police Station Miran Sahib, intercepted a vehicle traveling from Samba towards Akhnoor. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended. The arrested individuals have been identified as Irfan Hussain(SPO posted at DPL Poonch)S/O Matlo...

Dismantled four months ago, Kawaki Bazar bridge in Kulgam area zero progress

REGIONAL
The old Kawaki Bazar bridge in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, dismantled four months ago, has seen no progress, leaving residents of over ten villages in hardship. Locals alleged that the concerned authorities have taken the work for granted, and the temporary footbridge has also been closed, further adding to the sufferings of people, especially the elderly. According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Kawaki Bazar bridge at Qaimoh area was dismantled on October 21st last year due to its narrow structure, which caused traffic congestion. A temporary footbridge was erected to provide convenience to the people. Locals told KNO that the bridge is crucial as it connects almost ten villages to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Unfortunately, no work has been c...

‘Litigation mafia’: Capitalists exploiting justice to destroy indigenous livelihoods in Kashmir

WRITE-UPS
Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool Kashmir—where rivers breathe life into the land and meadows whisper tales of harmony—a profound struggle for justice and dignity is quietly raging. This is not merely a battle over environmental stewardship but a fight for survival waged by indigenous communities—the true custodians of these natural treasures—against forces of greed and exploitation. The intertwined sagas of the Sukhnag River and Tosamaidan meadow highlight the devastating impacts of a new and insidious weapon of oppression: litigation, wielded by capitalist entities to dismantle grassroots livelihoods and consolidate control. The Sukhnag River, coursing through the lush terrains of Budgam district in the Pirpanchal range, is far more than a water source; it is the beating heart of local l...

‘Official who exposed scam in Srinagar Smart city project transferred’: Mehbooba Mufti

REGIONAL
Peoples' Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said Friday the transfer of an Anti-Corruption Bureau official, who was probing a case, exposes a "nexus" between the corrupt and most powerful, and raises questions about the Jammu Kashmir government's commitment to justice and accountability. The government has ordered the repatriation of ACB SSP Abdul Wahid, designated as Assistant Inspector General (AIG), to the Home Department as part of a rejig in the anti-graft body. Wahid was investigating alleged corruption in the Srinagar Smart City Project and recently booked two of its senior officers in disproportionate assets (DA) cases. "The removal of Abdul Wahid & his colleagues from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) highlights the risks faced by officials who challenge corruption....

Faulty road construction should be made a non-bailable offence: Gadkari

INDIA
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Thursday emphasized that faulty road construction should be treated as a non-bailable offence, holding road contractors and engineers accountable for accidents. He suggested they face strict penalties, including imprisonment, for negligence leading to loss of lives, Press Trust of India reported. Speaking at an event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Gadkari highlighted that India leads globally in road accidents, recording five lakh mishaps in 2023, resulting in 1.72 lakh deaths. Of these, 66.4 percent, or 1.14 lakh fatalities, were individuals aged between 18-45 years, with an additional 10,000 children losing their lives. The absence of helmets caused 55,000 deaths, while non-use of seat...

Non-Local maid arrested in Srinagar on burglary charges

REGIONAL
Srinagar Police have swiftly solved a burglary case, arresting a non-local maid accused of theft and recovering stolen jewellery from her possession. The case came to light when a lady Aimen Akhzar, a resident of Umerabad, Srinagar, filed a complaint at Police Station Shaltang. She reported that during the night, unknown thieves broke into her house while her parents were away performing Umrah. The intruders reportedly stole jewellery items from the residence. Following the registration of case under relevant sections of the law, the police initiated an investigation. Several suspects were called in for questioning, during which the involvement of one suspect, Janatul Begum—a maid working in the household—was established. The maid, originally from Bihar, currently residing in H...

Congress defends 1991 Places of Worship Act in Supreme court

INDIA
The Congress party has filed an intervention application in the Supreme Court to oppose challenges to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. In the application, Congress argues that the pleas against the law are part of a “motivated and malicious” attempt to undermine India’s secular principles. Filed through Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, the application defends the Act as a critical reflection of India’s secular identity. It underscores that the law, which preserves the status quo of religious structures as they existed on August 15, 1947, was passed with significant support during the 10th Lok Sabha, when the Congress and Janata Dal parties had a majority. The Congress also highlights that the Act was part of their 1991 election manifesto, demonstrating...

Unknown disease: Rajouri death toll reaches 16 as 60-year-old woman succumbs

REGIONAL
The death toll in Badhal, Rajouri, climbed to 16 on Friday after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to an unexplained illness at GMC Rajouri. An official told news agency JKNS that the 60-year-old woman was shifted to GMC Rajouri after falling ill yesterday evening. The deceased, identified as Jatti Begum, 60, wife of Mohammad Yousuf, succumbed to her condition within 12 hours of admission at GMC Rajouri, the official said. Mohammad Yousuf is also among the persons affected by the unexplained illness and is battling for his life at the hospital. Authorities are continuing their efforts to address the situation and assist the affected families. The first death was reported on 7th December after a family of seven fell ill following attendance at a function, with the illness predomi...

SKIMS authorities warn employees against unapproved leaves amid acute staff shortage

REGIONAL
The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura authorities have expressed serious concern over employees proceeding on leave without prior approval despite an acute staff shortage. In a communication issued by SKIMS authorities—while directing adherence to norms—the authorities noted that some employees proceed on leave without prior sanction from the competent authority and leave the station without approval for such leave. “This has been taken very seriously by the authorities as it is unbecoming of a Government employee, violates service rules, and warrants disciplinary action against the defaulting employees,” the communication stated. The authorities also pointed out that Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Sectional Heads are recommending leaves for employees wi...