Sunday, February 23News and updates from Kashmir

Month: January 2025

27 test positive for jaundice in Anantnag area

27 test positive for jaundice in Anantnag area

REGIONAL
At least 27 people, mostly children, have tested positive for jaundice in the Gutlibagh village of Anantnag, raising concern among locals. An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that screening process is underway and so far 27 mostly children have been tested positive for jaundice in the area. He said that medical teams along with Asha workers have been carrying out door to door awareness campaign to educate people how to keep themselves safe. "The situation is under control as all patients are stable and recovering well," he said. Meanwhile, local residents alleged that contaminated water is the main reason behind the outbreak with officials stating that water samples have already been taken, and the report is yet to come—(KNO)

NIA conducts raids across six locations in Kashmir over non-local killings

REGIONAL
Shabir Khan The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday carried out coordinated raids at six locations across Jammu Kashmir, targeting areas in Srinagar, Budgam, and Sopore, as part of its probe into the recent killings of non-local residents in the region. In Sopore, searches have been launched at the residences of Javid Ahmad Sheikh of Upper Ashipeer, Abdul Rashid Shalla of Sadiq Colony, and Nisar Ahmad Bukita of Check Roadi Khan. These operations aim to gather crucial evidence and dismantle any networks linked to the targeted killings. Further details on the findings or outcomes of the raids are awaited.

India witnessed 84% increase in communal riots in 2024: Report

INDIA
India experienced a sharp rise in communal riots in 2024, with incidents escalating by 84% compared to 2023, according to a report by the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism. The report, titled Hegemony and Demolitions: The Tale of Communal Riots in India in 2024, reveals that 59 communal riots occurred this year, up from 32 in 2023. Authored by human rights activists Irfan Engineer, Neha Dabhade, and Mithila Raut, the study uses data from Mumbai editions of five newspapers, including The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, Sahafat, and The Inquilab. The most significant number of riots were reported in Maharashtra, with 12 incidents, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, each witnessing seven. These riots resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals—10 Muslims and th...

JPC clears Waqf Amendment Bill with 14 key reforms

INDIA
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has approved the Waqf Amendment Bill after deliberating on numerous amendments. A total of 66 amendments were proposed, including 23 from the ruling BJP and 44 from opposition members. JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, a BJP MP, confirmed that the committee’s final meeting resulted in the approval of 14 amendments. Pal emphasized that the process had involved thorough discussions over the past six months, with all proposed amendments being put to vote. BJP MP and JPC member Aparajita Sarangi added that the deliberations were conducted in a democratic and transparent manner, ensuring that every member was given sufficient time to present their views. Despite some accusations of bias and procedural haste from the Opposition, which criticized the...

Pahalgam Development Authority raises alarm over 300 illegal constructions in the area

REGIONAL
The Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has raised an urgent concern regarding the illegal construction activities proliferating in the ecologically sensitive zones of the renowned tourist destination, Pahalgam, reported Greater Kashmir. In a formal communication to the Union Territory government, the PDA has requested immediate intervention to prevent these violations, which pose a significant threat to the region's fragile ecology. According to sources, quotes by the Srinagar-based newspaper over 300 unauthorized constructions, including large hotels, guesthouses, and huts, have emerged across various areas within the jurisdiction of the development authority. These structures are not limited to Pahalgam’s main town but extend to surrounding villages like Ganshibal, Sarabal, La...

Anantnag police earns praise for balancing pedestrian safety and vendors’ rights

REGIONAL
In a unique gesture, Jammu Kashmir police in Anantnag engaged with street vendors to ensure pedestrian safety while respecting their right to earn a livelihood. In a video which has gone viral on social media, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Headquarters Anantnag, Muhammad Ayub Rather, accompanied by SHO Sadar Anantnag, Rashid Ahmad, is seen advising vendors to organize their carts in an orderly manner. The officials emphasized the need to keep footpaths clear for pedestrians and ensure smooth traffic flow, all while addressing the vendors with respect and understanding. “Please arrange your carts in a way that pedestrians can walk freely, and traffic remains unhindered,” DSP Rather is heard saying in the video. He also reminded the vendors of the importance of keeping th...

Four troopers injured in Poonch accident

REGIONAL
Four soldiers were injured in an Army vehicle accident at Gantar Mor in the Sawjian area of Poonch on monday afternoon. Officials told news agency JKNS that an army vocal accident at Gantar mor Sawjian led to injuries to soldiers. The accident occurred around afternoon and the injured personnel were immediately shifted to the Army headquarters in Sawjian for first aid, they said. Official further added that the condition of all the four soldiers is stable. (JKNS)

Rain, Snow likely in Kashmir from tomorrow evening: MeT

REGIONAL
Jammu Kashmir will experience generally dry weather conditions until the evening of January 29, 2025, according to the latest forecast from the MET Centre in Srinagar. However, a fresh spell of light rain and snow is anticipated to begin on the night of January 29 and continue into the morning of January 30, with scattered precipitation in various parts of the region. The weather will remain cloudy with light rain or snow at scattered locations on January 31, while February 1 and 2 are expected to see generally cloudy skies, with light rain or snow occurring at scattered to fairly widespread places. Higher reaches of the region may witness isolated snowfall on February 3. From February 4-5, the region will continue to experience cloudy conditions, with light rain or snow at sca...

Mysterious deaths in Rajouri: Organophosphorus poisoning likely behind 17 deaths, say Doctors

REGIONAL
Organophosphorus poisoning is likely behind 17 "mystery" deaths that occurred in the Badhaal village of Rajouri, officials said on Monday. A top doctor told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have administered an antidote - atropine injection - to patients who are admitted in hospital and it worked well. Atropine injection is used to treat poisoning caused by organophosphorus nerve agents, including organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides. He said that official report from top laboratories is yet to come. "We have used the hit and trail method, it worked well. We administered atropine to two patients for other purposes to increase the heart rate, they survived and are recovering well," he said. He added that as atropine has shown positive result so it is likel...

‘Probe stone-pelting incident at Sikh house in Pulwama’: APSCC

REGIONAL
The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has expressed concern over an alleged stone pelting incidents on the houses of minority Sikh members at Saidpora village in south Kashmir's Pulwama. The committee has demanded a thorough probe in the matter so that the truth comes out. In a statement, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said that some unscrupulous elements are pelting stones on houses during night hours to terrorise the Sikh minority in Saidpora village over the last few days. He said the miscreants tried to put one of the houses on fire thus leading to damages to the Kitchen of the house. The APSCC Chairman said that one of the youth identified as Ashu Singh son of Late Pappu Singh sustained grievous injuries in the incident following which he was shifted to ...