REGIONAL

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has said that the revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir is a possibility, but the current security scenario does not support its removal. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, General Dwivedi stated that AFSPA could be withdrawn once the Army is confident that local law enforcement can effectively manage security challenges. He pointed to regions like Doda, Rajouri, and Kishtwar, where stability was improving, with efforts to boost tourism through projects like bed-and-breakfast accommodations and the enhanced use of the Mughal Road. However, he acknowledged the recent surge in militant activity, which has necessitated the deployment of 15,000 additional troops. He emphasized that any decision on AFSPA’s ...

A tale of broken dreams and a family shattered by desperation. Faizan Rasool, a 28-year-old from Safakadal locality in central Kashmir's Srinagar, had stepped out of his home with big dreams for a good future. But instead of securing employment, he landed in the clutches of traffickers in Myanmar. Now, his family is weeping for his safe return, unable to arrange for the ₹4.5 lakh demanded by his abductors. Her cries echo in their small house, each corner of which is filled with memories of the son she will never see. "He departed with dreams in his eyes… Now we don't even know if he is alive," she cries holding his photograph from years back. Faizan was enticed by his friend, who assured him of a job in Thailand. He was smuggled in and dumped in Myanmar, and kidnappers now control...

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presented the first budget of Jammu Kashmir in seven years and announced an allocation of 1.12 lakh crore for 2025-26, terming it as a roadmap for economic growth and a true reflection of people’s aspirations. He said that JK is at the threshold of a new era of peace and prosperity, with a semblance of normalcy returning after over three-and-a-half decades of turmoil. Presenting the budget in the legislative assembly here, Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman for their support in various sectors. Abdullah, dressed in traditional khan-suit with a blue blazer and a skull cap, started his over one-and-half-hour speech in En...

Jammu Kashmir Police on Friday is said to have arrested six individuals in central Kashmir’s Budgam district over accusations of glorifying militancy through fake social media accounts. Identifying the accused as Hilal Ahmad Dar resident of Sholipora, Owais Ahmad Khan resident of Soibugh Daharmuna, Suhail Ahmad Sheikh resident of Batpora, Umar Shafi Sofi resident of Ompora, Mohammad Amir Khan resident of Ichkoot and Shahid Mir resident of Sheikhpora Chatterhama, Budgam, the Police said in a statement issued to news agency Kashmir Bulletin, that these individuals were found using fake social media accounts to propagate misleading and unlawful content. "Legal action has been initiated against them as per the preventive detention laws," reads the statement. “JK Police strongly urges ...

The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has imposed a strict ban on commercial activities, including the use of snow scooters and sledges, in and around the Zero Point of Zojila Pass to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the region. The court also prohibited the use of polythene bags and plastic materials, citing serious environmental concerns. The ruling, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, came in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by Abdul Wahid, a Councillor from Bhimbet, Drass, who highlighted the encroachment of Ladakh’s land, environmental degradation, and illegal activities in the ecologically sensitive Zojila Pass area. The petitioner argued that unchecked tourism, illegal commercial operations, and human activities were damaging the region’s unique bio...

Meer Irfan In a touching display of communal harmony, Muslim residents of Pinglana village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday came together to perform the last rites of a Kashmiri Pandit woman, popularly known as Rania Ji. The 81-year-old, wife of Shamlal, breathed her last at her home after a brief illness. With no immediate family present, local Muslims arranged her cremation and ensured all Hindu rituals were followed. “For us, she was like family. Rania Ji never left this village, and neither did we ever let her feel alone,” said Abdul Rashid, a local resident. “Today was our responsibility to stand by her, just as she always stood by us in life.” Rajesh Raina, a relative who arrived from Jammu upon hearing the news, expressed deep gratitude. “The way the Muslim ...

In a major announcement during the presentation of Jammu Kashmir's first full-fledged budget since the abrogation of Article 370, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared 200 units of free electricity for families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category and free bus rides for women in government-owned transport services and electric buses across the region. Speaking during the budget session of the newly restored Assembly, Abdullah said the initiatives aim to provide much-needed relief to the most economically vulnerable sections of society, who continue to struggle amid rising living costs and erratic power supply, while also promoting women’s mobility and empowerment through free public transport. "This is the first people's budget after years of disempowerment. Providing 200 u...

Health minister Sakina Itoo on Friday said that there is no formal proposal to impose a blanket ban on private practice of doctors across Jammu Kashmir. Replying to a question of MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para, the minister, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that presently, there is no formal proposal or initiative in place to impose a blanket ban on the private practice of doctors across J-K. "However, it is crucial to emphasise that doctors are strictly prohibited from engaging in private practice during their official duty hours or while serving in emergency duty roles. This policy ensures that healthcare professionals remain fully committed to their obligations within the public healthcare system and prioritize their duties towards the patients they serve, wi...

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Doda MLA Meraj Malik on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fueling the growing drug crisis in Jammu Kashmir. Speaking during the budget session of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly, Malik said the BJP government has worsened the drug problem by prioritizing revenue through the expansion of liquor shops, ignoring the health and future of the people. Malik reiterated his remarks, saying the opening of liquor shops under the BJP’s rule has contributed to the spread of drugs. He added that serious measures are needed to safeguard the youth of Jammu Kashmir, starting with a complete ban on alcohol land stricter action against drug trafficking. During the session, Malik urged the Speaker to impose an immediate ban on alcohol and implement ...

Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Thursday forecasted a generally dry weather till March 9 evening in Jammu Kashmir. A MeT Department official, as per news agency Kashmir Bulletin, informed that from today (March 6) to March 9 evening, the weather will remain generally dry. On March 10, and 11, there is possibility of light to moderate rain/snow on higher reaches at many places and on March 12, the weather will generally be cloudy with light rain and snow at isolated places. A spell of light to moderate rain and snow at many places is expected on March 13 and 14. The MeT has asked travelers, tourists, and transporters to follow administration and traffic advisories, while green signalling the farmers to continue with farming activities till March 9. On the other hand, people...