REGIONAL

The residents of Babahara and Monghama area in South Kashmir's Pulwama district have expressed resentment against the proposed railway line through their villages. The residents of both villages staged a protest and demanded intervention of the Union Railway Minister. The residents of these areas told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the government must either shift this proposed railway line from Kakapora to Shopian or they shouldn't construct it as this will leave hundreds of families landless. Bashir Ahmad, a senior citizen of Babhara said that they planted apple trees 3-4 decades ago and since then they have been taking care of them by spending their money and time on them. He said that when these trees started bearing fruits, the government proposed a railw...

As winter tightens its grip, temperatures across Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh continue to drop, with Srinagar recording a minimum of -0.4°C and Anantnag plunging to -3.5°C. Despite Chillai Kalan still weeks away, several parts of the valley are already experiencing sub-zero temperatures, signaling an early onset of severe winter conditions. In the Kashmir region, Shopian was the coldest at -3.9°C, while popular spots like Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded -3.2°C and 0.0°C, respectively. Jammu city stayed warmer at 10.6°C, but Padder in Kishtwar saw temperatures dip to -5.4°C, making it the coldest in the Jammu division. Ladakh, as expected, remained frigid, with Drass recording -8.9°C, followed by Leh at -6.6°C and Kargil at -5.9°C. With temperatures expected to drop further, reside...

In a deeply disturbing and traumatic event, the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) demolished temporary shops belonging to Kashmiri Pandit refugees at Muthi Camp, Jammu, early this morning, Jammu Kashmir Peace Forum has said. In a statement issued to The Kashmiriyat, Satish Mahaldar, the president of the forum said that this callous act has left the already vulnerable refugee community in despair, further exacerbating the hardships they have endured for the past 35 years. "The nation, and especially the Jammu Kashmir administration, is well aware of the plight of the Kashmiri Pandit refugees, who have been living in exile since the brutal exodus of 1989," Mahaldar stated. Despite their prolonged displacement, both the central government and the Jammu and Kashmir state administratio...

Minister Satish Sharma on Wednesday said that enhancing ration quota and 12 gas cylinders will be the New Year gift to the people of Jammu Kashmir. Speaking with reporters, Minister Sharma said that all arrangements have been put in place for winter. He also said that statehood restoration is a priority and chief minister Omar Abdullah has himself met top leadership in New Delhi. “I believe PM Modi is himself interested in restoring the statehood and all other issues will be addressed after it’s restoration,” he added. The Minister sought 11 months time to fill the gaps created in the last 11 years. On being asked about winter preparedness, he said that officers in the administration are quite intelligent, but there are some deficiencies, which will be filled. “All arrangements...

The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced power shutdowns in multiple areas due to ongoing maintenance and upgrade works. Power supply will be affected on November 20 and 23 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM due to the reconductoring of the 33 KV Khanyar-Rainawari Line. Affected areas include Khanyar, Rainawari, Takanwari, Miskeen Bagh, Rozabal, Magdoom Sb, Hazuri Bagh, Jogilankar, JLNM Sangam, Islamia College, Narwara Hospital, Kondabal, Hasanabad, and Palpora. Additionally, power will be disrupted on November 20 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Umerhair, Gulabagh, and Ahmadnagar areas due to works under the RDSS by M/S NTPC. Areas like Khatmulla, Pandach, Pathan Colony, and Ahmad Nagar will also experience power outages. On November 21, from 10:00 AM to 3:00...

Meer Irfan In a tragic incident, Mohammad Rafiq, a 35-year-old truck driver from Bengaluru, Karnataka, was found dead in his vehicle at the Shopian Fruit Mandi this morning. Officials told The Kashmiriyat that the truck, bearing registration number KA 07 B 4825, was parked in the mandi’s truck lot. Initial reports indicate that Rafiq died to the severe cold gripping the region. Rafiq had arrived in Shopian two days earlier and was scheduled to load his truck with fruit for transportation to Karnataka today. His lifeless body was discovered early in the morning, prompting local police to register a case and launch an investigation. The body has been moved to the mortuary pending further legal formalities. Expressing grief over the incident, Jahangir Ahmad, President of the...

Suhail Dar A tragic road accident in Punjab’s Damtal area claimed the life of a youth from Anantnag, while his brother sustained serious injuries. According to officials, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when a vehicle struck the two siblings, leaving them critically injured. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where one of them, identified as Sharafat Ahmad Khan, was declared dead on arrival. His brother, Rifakat Ahmad Khan, is currently undergoing treatment. Both brothers hail from Brariangan Shangus in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir. Local police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the accident.

Winter’s icy grip has tightened in Kashmir as Srinagar recorded its first sub-zero temperature of the season at minus 0.7°C on Tuesday night. This marks a sharp drop as the region transitions into colder months. Other parts of the valley recorded even lower temperatures, with Shopian shivering at minus 3.9°C and Pahalgam, a renowned tourist destination, experiencing a freezing minus 3.7°C. The weather is expected to get colder in the coming days as Kashmir braces for harsher conditions. Residents are also awaiting the arrival of Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period of intense winter that begins on December 21, known for freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. The frost-covered mornings and biting cold nights indicate the valley is firmly in winter’s hold. As the mercury dips, res...

Srinagar is grappling with a significant traffic crisis, with nearly 3.75 lakh vehicles plying daily within the city limits, according to Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari. The city’s total vehicle count has surged to around four lakh, further compounded by the influx of vehicles from other districts. This heavy traffic load has led to increased congestion and a rise in road accidents, with recent tragedies like the death of two students at Tengpora sparking widespread concern. In response, the RTO, in coordination with the traffic police, has intensified efforts to manage traffic and curb unsafe practices, though a manpower shortage poses challenges. “We are committed to reducing congestion and accidents despite limited resources,” said Syed Shah...

On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, the District Kulgam has been honored with the prestigious title of "Best District in Fisheries (Union Territories)" by the Ministry of Fisheries, Government of India. The recognition comes in appreciation of the district's significant achievements in the development and promotion of fisheries, including sustainable practices, infrastructure development, and contribution to the local economy. District Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shri Athar Aamir Khan, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the Fisheries Department Kulgam for this remarkable achievement. In a statement, he praised the efforts of the department and its staff in transforming the fisheries sector in the district. "I am incredibly proud of our Fisheries Department and the har...