Month: January 2025

Sheikh Nadeem Anger and frustration spilled onto the streets of Kokernag as residents staged a protest against the administration over inadequate healthcare facilities and alleged unprofessional conduct by a doctor at the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kokernag. The protesters, accusing the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Larnoo and Dr. Iftikar Ahmad of negligence and misbehavior, demanded urgent intervention to address their grievances. The protest was triggered by allegations made by a patient, Suhaib Hussain Khan, who claimed that Dr. Ahmad used foul language during a medical consultation. This incident highlighted the long-standing dissatisfaction of Kokernag residents with the state of healthcare services in the area. Protesters, speaking to The Kashmiriyat, pointed out the la...

A 27-year-old Army jawan, Krishna Kumar Yadav, took his own life in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on January 4, alleging prolonged harassment and blackmail by a woman and her accomplices. According to his suicide note, Yadav was drugged and filmed in a compromising situation with a woman during a visit to Rajasthan's Jeenmata two years ago. The perpetrators allegedly blackmailed him with the video, extorting over Rs 15 lakh. Yadav's military obligations prevented him from filing a police complaint, leaving him feeling trapped. The police have registered a case against the accused. The family has urged the police to ensure the perpetrators are punished. [KNT]

A fire broke out in Srinagar's Hazratbal area on Wednesday, resulting in damage to at least four residential houses. According to local sources, the fire originated in one house and quickly spread to three neighboring properties. Emergency and Fire Services Department promptly arrived at the scene and successfully controlled the blaze. An official confirmed that two houses, owned by Mehraj Ahmed Shaksaz and Parvez Ahmed Bhat, sustained extensive damage, while two additional houses were partially affected. The official further added that locals and police also helped firefighters in containing the fire. A case has been registered to ascertain the cause of the fire. [KNT]

In a significant breakthrough against drug trafficking, Srinagar police seized 8 kilograms of heroin during a routine checkpoint operation on Tuesday night. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the case, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain, revealed this during a press conference on Wednesday. He said police post Qamarwari had erected a checkpoint near Barthana, where a police team led by Sub Inspector Imtiyaz Ahmad stopped a Sumo vehicle bearing registration number JK05D 1837. “The arrested individuals, identified as Anas Ajaz Awan and Zahid Ahmed Sheikh, both residents of Karnah in Kupwara district, were found in possession of the illicit substance.” SSP said that the value of the seizure in the international market is over Rs 32 crores...

The Railway Board has introduced a specially designed Vande Bharat Express train equipped to tackle Jammu Kashmir's extreme winter conditions. The train is set to operate on the Katra-Srinagar rail route and is currently undergoing inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, officials said. Stationed at the Shakurbasti coaching depot in New Delhi, the train features advanced climate-related technology to ensure smooth operations in sub-zero temperatures. Speaking to the media, Dileep Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, highlighted the unique features, including advanced heating systems to prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, warm air circulation for the vacuum system and laboratories, and embedded heating elements in the w...

On the 9th death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a tribute event was held at Dara Shikoh Park in Bijbehara. Party members and supporters gathered to honor the late leader's contributions to Jammu Kashmir's political landscape. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti remembered her father as a visionary statesman who championed “peace with dignity” and devoted his life to the welfare of the people. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister from 2002 to 2005, she emphasized how he overcame challenges despite holding only 16 assembly seats. His governance, she noted, focused on bridging the gap between Delhi and Kashmir, fostering dialogue, and implementing transformative policies for the region. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed...

A total of 41 fire incidents have been reported across Kashmir in the first seven days of 2025, with 9 cases from Srinagar, officials said. Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services Kashmir, Er. Aqib Hussain Mir, told news agency JKNS that, Kashmir reported 41 fire incidents in first week of 2025, with Srinagar reported 9 incidents alone. Aqib said that the excessive use of heating gadgets is the primary cause. "People do not check the quality of gadgets while purchasing. It's essential to check quality and brand andis is important to turn off these devices at night while sleeping and ensure quality heating products are used," he said. He added that in 2022 the department has been directed to increase fire awareness programs. "In 2024, we conducted over 4,000 awareness progr...

Residents of Amargrah village of Sopore in north Kashmir on Tuesday hit the streets over water scarcity, accusing Jal Shakti department of failing to provide them drinking water. The residents told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they are facing acute shortage of drinking water for the last few weeks, while department concerned has been miserably failed to redress the issue. "There is no drinking water in our village and we are being compelled to drink unhygienic water, which poses serious health risks", they alleged. The agitated residents blocked Srinagar-Sopore road, leading to traffic jam. However, traffic was restored after police intervention. An official said that the locality will be provided with water tankers to meet the demand till a permanent solution i...