Tuesday, March 11News and updates from Kashmir

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In 4-years, Jammu received 80% more tourists than Kashmir: Economic Survey

In 4-years, Jammu received 80% more tourists than Kashmir: Economic Survey

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Kashmir has received 80 per cent less tourists compared to Jammu in the past four years. The Economic Survey 2024-25, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), revealed that in 2021, Jammu received a tourist footfall of 1,06,50,757 while Kashmir in the same year witnessed a tourist arrival of 6,65,777. A total of 1,13,16,534 tourists visited J-K in 2021, the survey reveals. As per the details, Kashmir in the subsequent years including 2022, 2023 and 2024 witnessed 80 per cent less tourist footfall compared to Jammu. The Economic Survey revealed that Jammu recorded a total tourist arrival of 1,62,10,875 in 2022 while Kashmir received only 26,73,442. As many as 1,88,84,317 tourists visited J&K in 2022, the survey reveals. In 2023, Jammu rece...

Zee news Fake news! No, Muslim truck driver did not block the highway to offer prayers

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A recent report by Zee News has drawn sharp criticism for inaccurately portraying a Muslim truck driver offering prayers atop his vehicle as the cause of a traffic jam on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. However, a fact-check reveals that the viral claims are misleading. https://twitter.com/ItsKhan_Saba/status/1896822192454991874?s=19 The video circulating on social media shows a truck driver performing prayers on top of his vehicle in the Ramban area of Jammu and Kashmir. Zee News reported that the driver had stopped his truck in the middle of the highway, causing a massive traffic jam and inconvenience to commuters. What’s the Reality: Multiple eyewitnesses, local residents, and reports from the ground confirmed that the highway was already blocked due to an existing traff...

Social Media fumes after woman links burqa to wrongdoing; Complaint filed

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An online complaint has been filed against a woman for using derogatory language against hijab-wearing women. In a copy of a complaint received by The Kashmiriyat, the complainant has urged the Jammu Kashmir police to initiate action against the woman for "publicly defaming and using derogatory, sexually explicit language against women who choose to wear the hijab." The complainant said, "Such actions not only tarnish the dignity of these women but also promote communal disharmony and violate their fundamental right to dress according to their beliefs." https://twitter.com/Anticipatelove_/status/1895106754951946716?t=my6U1b9917B5A65nUv-KVQ&s=19 The complainant who chose to be anonymous has said that the woman who used the "defamatory language" on X must be booked for "Section 116 of...

‘Avoid actions that could trigger forest fires’: Forest department issues fire alert

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Suhail Dar Amid the ongoing dry spell, massive forest fires have been reported across Kashmir, from the north to the south. With experts warning of a possible drought due to reduced precipitation in January and February, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has issued an alert, urging people to be cautious about the forest fires. Speaking exclusively to The Kashmiriyat, DFO Lidder, Shama Roohi, stated that the department has already issued a warning about potential fire alerts across Kashmir's forests. "The changing climate has impacted precipitation levels across the region, leading to drier conditions and increased vulnerability to fires," Shama Roohi, DFO Lidder Pahalgam, explained. She also mentioned that the department has alerted its staff in anticipation of fire ou...

‘Said Jinn will destroy my family and raped me’: The Full story behind Aijaz Sheikh’s conviction

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Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, has been convicted by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Baramulla at Sopore for sexually abusing multiple minors under the guise of spiritual healing. The sentence, handed down on February 17, 2025, came after a lengthy trial and was issued under Section 377 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The case, filed under FIR No. 22 of 2016 on March 2, 2016, was brought to court by the father of one of the primary victims. The prosecution, led by Mr. Mirza Zahid Khalil, Additional Public Prosecutor, argued that the accused misused his religious influence to exploit vulnerable children, causing severe emotional and psychological trauma. The defense, represented by Mr. M.M. Mir and Mr. B.A. Malla, attempted to claim the case was fabricated, but the court rejected this argument,...

Proposed alcohol ban in Kashmir gains widespread public support

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Danishwar Hameed Amid growing public anger over viral videos showing tourists consuming alcohol in public places in Kashmir, support is surging for the proposed bill to ban alcohol in the region. People across Kashmir are welcoming the initiative, expressing gratitude to PDP MLA Fayaz Mir and NC legislator Ahsan Pardesi for planning to introduce the legislation aimed at preserving the "region’s cultural and religious values". The issue gained momentum after videos of tourists drinking openly in popular tourist spots sparked widespread criticism, with many Kashmiris arguing that such behavior "disrespects local traditions and social norms". The incidents intensified calls for stricter regulations on alcohol consumption and sales in Kashmir. The proposed bill follows an earlier a...

Jammu Kashmir has over 10,800 urban homeless, UP has nearly 2 lakh

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Jammu Kashmir has 10,848 urban homeless individuals, according to the latest figures presented in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on February 10, 2025. The data, sourced from the Primary Census Abstract: Houseless Population, Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, highlights the growing challenge of providing adequate shelter for vulnerable communities in the region. Across India, the total urban homeless population stands at 9,38,348, with the highest numbers reported in Uttar Pradesh (1,80,929), Maharashtra (1,11,373), and West Bengal (1,04,967). While Jammu Kashmir’s figures are lower in comparison, the presence of over 10,000 homeless individuals underscores a pressing issue requiring urgent attention. The government not...

After 42 years, Gulzar Ahmad Parray finishes translating the Holy Quran into Kashmiri

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Meer Irfan  In a remarkable feat of dedication and scholarship, 75-year-old Gulzar Ahmad Parray from Kaprin, Shopian, has completed a translation of the Holy Quran into the Kashmiri language after 42 years of relentless work. Parray, a retired government employee with a Master’s degree and a B.Ed in Kashmiri, embarked on this journey decades ago to make the sacred text more accessible to Kashmiri-speaking people. Over the years, he published and distributed five parts (separa) of the Quran to various educational institutions. Now, after completing the translation of all 30 chapters, he is preparing for its full publication. Reflecting on his journey, Parray shared, “There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility, but the thought that future generations would r...

Viral video sparks anger: Non-Local men accused of filming Kashmiri women

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A video circulating on social media showing non-local men filming Kashmiri women without their consent has ignited anger and concern among residents and online users. The footage, allegedly recorded from inside a car, shows the men staring at and capturing videos of women in public spaces. The incident has been widely condemned, with many calling it an invasion of privacy and a blatant disregard for local culture and women's safety. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism, with users demanding strict action against those involved. https://x.com/PanditAbrar/status/1885594059332608316 Mehak Firdous, a Kashmiri woman expressed, “Kashmir is not your safari & its people are not exhibits for your amusement. If you can’t act like a decent human being you don’t d...

Rajouri death toll rises to 17 as authorities seal contaminated spring: Is the mystery finally solved?

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The death toll in Rajouri’s Badhal village has reached 17 after 15-year-old Yasmeen Akther, the last surviving child of Muhammad Aslam’s family, succumbed to a mysterious illness at SMGS Hospital Jammu. The tragic deaths, which began on December 7 after a family fell ill following a social gathering, have left the region in shock and searching for answers. In a significant development, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Kotranka has ordered the sealing of a spring in Badhal village after water samples tested positive for pesticides or insecticides. The spring, a primary water source for the affected village, is now suspected to be linked to the fatalities. The discovery raises critical questions: Has the long-standing mystery finally been resolved? Could contaminated w...