REGIONAL

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the residents across Kashmir have urged the elected government to regulate the prices of meat, vegetables, dates, and other essential items, citing concerns over arbitrary rates charged by butchers. Consumers fear that without strict monitoring, the prices of mutton, dates, fruits, vegetables, and poultry may soar, which would make it difficult for many families to afford essential items for Iftar and Sehri. “Every year, the prices of essentials like meat and vegetables shoot up, and there is no proper check on it in the month of Ramadan. The government must ensure that shopkeepers adhere to the fixed rates,” said Irfan Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). Locals and consumers also sa...

Two minor girls from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district lost their lives after falling into water filled pits in Bari Brahmana Jammu district officials said. They told that two nomadic minor girls aged about 10 and 11 drowned in water filled pits that were allegedly created due to illegal mining. He said that their bodies were retrieved from these pits on Sunday morning. Meanwhile police have taken cognizance and started an investigation.—(JKNS)

A recent study conducted by a team from SKIMS Soura under the Indian Council of Medical Research (IndiaB) has found that 84.2 percent of adults in Kashmir live physically inactive lives, with little to no exercise or regular walking. Released in late 2024, the research surveyed 2,510 participants across Kashmir and Ladakh, with 70 percent belonging to rural areas. The study claims to be the "largest study" of its kind in the region, examining the prevalence of diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The study found that 55.3 percent of people in Kashmir are obese, a dramatic increase compared to 2010, when only 16 percent of people aged 20 to 40 years were classified as obese. Over the past 14 years, obesity rates have risen by nearly 250 percent. The growing obesity ...

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday stated that the liquor ban bill will be discussed in the Assembly once it is introduced. In an interview with The Red Mike, Omar Abdullah, as per news agency JKNS, said that the National Conference (NC) has not promised a liquor ban in its manifesto. “Let it come to the Assembly, we will discuss it there,” he added. “We will remind those who have tabled it about their actions when they were in government,” he said. He also questioned why those advocating for the ban did not initiate a signature campaign when they were in power. “If doing a signature campaign is easy, why didn’t they do it when they were in the government?” Omar remarked. Notably, several members, especially from the PDP, have claimed that they plan to introduce a bill to ban liq...

The Power Development Department (PDD) has decided to avoid the power curtailment at Sahoor and Iftar times in the feasible areas in the holy month of Ramadhan. The department in this regard is likely to hold the important meeting on Saturday to discuss the mechanism and strategy to implement the new schedule for the month of Ramadhan. A top official of PDD informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that we have reduced the power curtailment in almost all areas, but in the month of Ramadhan, we will try to avoid the curtailment at Sehri and Iftar times.” The official further said that in case there will be overload in any feeder, then the department will have to curtail further power. Regarding the local power generation from the plants in the Kashmir region, the offici...

Senior National Conference leader and Spokesperson NC Tanvir Sadiq said that they are hopeful about the restoration of statehood to Jammu Kashmir very soon. Speaking to reporters to the news agency JKNS Tanvir expressed optimism that the central government would address this issue in next few months. He said that the dual power structure in J&K was causing administrative challenges and that honoring the significant mandate given by the people in the Assembly elections was crucial. He said that whatever situation is currently in J&K is because of PDP and they shouldn't teach us what to do as we know what we have to do. "We will try to address every issue that was promised by NC in their manifesto," he said. He questioned that there is BJP government in J&K for the...

A solemn two-minute silence was observed at the District Police Office (DPO) Anantnag to honor the memory of Senior Prosecution Officer Ms. Saima Yousuf, who passed away yesterday after a prolonged illness. In a press release, Jammu Kashmir Police said, that led by SSP Anantnag, Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, IPS, officers and personnel gathered to pay tribute to Ms. Yousuf’s dedicated service, integrity, and commitment to justice. Her invaluable contributions to the field of prosecution and law enforcement will be deeply remembered. Expressing condolences, SSP Anantnag highlighted her professionalism and dedication, acknowledging the void her passing leaves in the legal and law enforcement community. Anantnag Police, in the statement said that, they stand in solidarity with he...

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Baramulla has constituted a five-member inquiry team to investigate the alleged medical negligence that reportedly led to the death of a man at Trauma Hospital Pattan in north Kashmir. The deceased, identified as Mehrajuddin Khan, son of Ghulam Muhammad Khan from Hanjivera Pattan, passed away at his home a few days ago. His family alleged that he was in critical condition but was carelessly discharged from the hospital, leading to his untimely death. In protest, they had demanded action against those responsible. Taking cognizance of the matter, the CMO Baramulla issued an order on Sunday, forming a team to probe the circumstances surrounding Khan’s death. The team, consisting of senior medical professionals, has been directed to submit a detaile...

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting in Kashmir capital, Srinagar, to review preparations for the holy month of Ramzan, which begins tomorrow. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure seamless arrangements for the month-long observance. He emphasized the need for an uninterrupted power supply, particularly during Sehri and Iftari, along with adequate water supply, efficient traffic management, and the availability of essential commodities at regulated prices. "The smooth functioning of public services remains our top priority," Omar said, stressing the importance of timely intervention to address any issues faced by the people during Ramadan. The administration has assured tha...

Kulgam: March 01: Kulgam police on Saturday claimed to have rescued a kidnapped girl and arrested the kidnapper Mohd Anwar, Son of Bashir Khatana, Resident of the Arnaas area of Reasi district. In a statement, a police spokesperson said Police Station Kund, on 17.02.2025, received a written complaint from a person named Manzoor Ahmad Bakerwal, Resident of Koka Basti Nageenpora nard, that his daughter (name withheld), was Missing at Koka Basti nageenpora kund. Acting promptly upon the complaint, Case with FIR No. 03/2025 U/S 87,49 BNS was registered in Police Station Kund, and an investigation was set into motion. On a tip-off, a team headed by SHO Kund under the close supervision of ASP and SDPO Quazigund was constituted to rescue the kidnapped girl and to nab the Culprit, the spokes...