Monday, February 24News and updates from Kashmir

Month: January 2025

Feeble western disturbance to bring light snowfall in Jammu Kashmir

Feeble western disturbance to bring light snowfall in Jammu Kashmir

REGIONAL
The Kashmir Valley is grappling with a severe cold wave, with temperatures across the region plummeting below freezing, as reported by Kashmir Weather. Srinagar recorded a low of -4.8°C, while Qazigund experienced -5.4°C. Popular tourist destinations, Pahalgam and Gulmarg, saw frigid lows of -8.4°C and -7.4°C, respectively. Other areas like Shopian and Larnoo were even colder, with temperatures reaching -7.9°C and -8.8°C. In the Jammu region, temperatures also dropped significantly, though not as drastically as in Kashmir. Jammu recorded a low of 6.0°C, Banihal dipped to -1.5°C, Bhaderwah to -0.7°C, and Padder registered a freezing -8.1°C. Katra, a major pilgrimage site, maintained relatively milder conditions at 6.8°C. Ladakh region emerged as the coldest, with Leh at -12.2°C,...

Srinagar police crackdown on sectarian slander, Vows strict action against offenders

REGIONAL
Jammu Kashmir Police has initiated legal proceedings against individuals accused of making derogatory sectarian remarks, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining communal harmony. The individuals in question are currently being interrogated at a local police station, and officials have assured that appropriate legal measures will be taken in accordance with the law. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Srinagar Police highlighted the growing trend of sectarian slander on social media, stating that certain individuals with malicious intentions are attempting to create divisions within the community. The police warned that strict action will be taken against offenders, including those who share or forward such defamatory content. "Legal action, following due process, will be taken ...

‘Does not represent us’: Kashmiri Shias condemn defamatory language used in Srinagar mushaira

REGIONAL
Shabir Ali A new controversy has ignited in Kashmir following the circulation of a video from a Mushaira event held in Srinagar’s Kralpora area, in which a poet and a select few individuals reportedly used derogatory language against the first three companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The event, which took place on Sunday, was hosted by a few youth from Srinagar. Zeeshan Jaipuri, a prominent Kashmiri poet took to his social media and clarified, "As soon as I heard the inappropriate words being used against the first three companions, I immediately intervened, instructed the individual to sit down, and stopped him from speaking any further." Zeeshan said that he clarified it during the event that such individuals have no place in public spaces and Shias of Kashmir will not to...

‘Substandard material, Misuse of resources’: ACB continues probe into Srinagar Smart City Project

REGIONAL
The Anti Corruption Bureau has launched investigation into the alleged misappropriation of construction materials during revamping and beautification of Srinagar under the smart city project. According to a statement, issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the ACB said that it also initiated probe into the alleged use of sub-standard material in the ongoing development work at Foreshore road in the Nishat area of Srinagar. The statement reads that the ACB has registered a preliminary enquiry following reliable inputs indicating misappropriation of materials, including devari stones, path tiles, iron grills in the Srinagar city. "The material is suspected to have been either unaccounted for or allegedly sold in the open market for personal gains, during revamp and beaut...

Kashmiri entrepreneur to join GLOMO Awards jury at Barcelona in 2025

REGIONAL
Faisal Kawoosa, a prominent entrepreneur and technology expert from Srinagar, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Kashmiri to serve as a judge for the prestigious Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards 2025. Organized by the GSM Association, the GLOMO Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in the mobile and digital technology sector and are a highlight of the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, which attracts over 100,000 participants from around the globe. Kawoosa’s journey is a testament to determination and innovation. Born and raised in Srinagar, he displayed academic excellence early on, securing a state rank in commerce in 1998 after studying at CMS Tyndale Biscoe. He later joined the first BBA batch at Islamia College and completed an MBA at Kas...

‘Forced to clean toilets, assaulted despite poor health’: Muslim women accuse Haldwani jail of abuse

INDIA
Six Muslim women, recently released on bail after being imprisoned for seven months in connection with the February 2024 Haldwani violence, have accused prison authorities of subjecting them to forced labour and degrading conditions. The women allege they were made to clean toilets, mop floors, and perform other unpaid manual tasks that violated their constitutional rights under Article 23, which prohibits forced labour The violence in Haldwani erupted on February 8, 2024, following the demolition of a mosque and madrasa in Banbhulpura. The government claimed the structures were illegally built, but the demolition triggered widespread protests, leading to seven deaths and over 150 injuries. These women were arrested during the unrest, facing charges under the Unlawful Activitie...

11th class girl found dead under mysterious conditions at her home in Kulgam

REGIONAL
Danishwar Hameed In a tragic incident, a teenage girl was found dead under mysterious conditions in the Khull Ahmedabad area of DH Pora on Tuesday. The deceased, 16-year-old (name withheld), was discovered hanging in her residence in the Kulgam area after which she was rushed to the hospital. Born on January 15, 2009, a student of Class 11, the teenager was declared dead at the hospital, officials informed The Kashmiriyat. They added that the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, and authorities are investigating the case to ascertain whether foul play was involved or if it was an act of self-harm. The news of her death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with neighbors and relatives expressing grief and disbelief. The police have registered a c...

‘Illegal payments’: Empanelment of Shifa hospital Sgr suspended for 6 months

REGIONAL
The State Health Agency (SHA) in Jammu and Kashmir has suspended the empanelment of Shifa hospital, Srinagar for violating the guidelines issued by NHA. As per an order issued by State Health Agency, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a penalty of over Rs 26 lakh has been imposed for the illegal payments collected from aggrieved beneficiaries. "State Health Agency (SHA), J&K received a number of grievances/complaints against Empaneled Health Care Provider Shifa Medical Centre, Srinagar for violating the guidelines issued by the National Health Authority, New Delhi. Show Cause Notices were issued to the hospital for all such cases and the hospital did not reply to them within the timeframe as mentioned in the guidelines. On the basis numerous grieva...

Hazrat Panj Peer Dargah demolished as part of large-scale encroachment drive in Gujarat

INDIA
In Gujarat's Dwarka district, the administration has launched a large-scale demolition drive targeting alleged illegal encroachments. Among the structures demolished was the Hazrat Panj Peer Dargah, reportedly constructed on land owned by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in Okha. Over the past three days, approximately 200 structures, including homes, have been removed in Bet Dwarka, freeing thousands of square meters of government land from encroachments. The authorities also dismantled alleged illegal constructions spanning about 4,000 square feet on Pirotan Island. This action aims to address concerns related to national security and protect the island's fragile marine ecosystem. Pirotan Island, part of the Marine National Park, is located near critical infrastructure, includin...

Six troopers injured in accidental mine blast in Rajouri

REGIONAL
At least six soldiers were injured in an accidental mine blast along the Line of Control in the Makri area of Bhawani sector, Nowshera Rajouri sub-division on Tuesday. Reliable sources told the news agency JKNS that a six soldiers were injured in an accidental mine blast during a patrolling near Khamba Fort Rajouri. The injured soldiers were referred to the Army hospital in Rajouri for further treatment, while Reports indicate that their condition is stable, with minor injuries. Further details are awaited as investigations are ongoing. (JKNS)