REGIONAL

The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has said it achieved a significant milestone by enrolling over two lakh consumers into its prepaid metering system. "This system empowers consumers with better control over electricity consumption by allowing them to recharge their meters as needed and pay only for the power they use," an official statement of the corporation read. In a press statement, Shabir A. Khan, Chief Executive Officer of IT&C at KPDCL, outlined the benefits of prepaid billing. “Prepaid meters enable users to monitor daily consumption through the Bill Sahuliyat app and manage their expenses effectively, avoiding unexpected high bills. This is a step forward in improving consumer satisfaction,” Khan said while appreciating his team’s efforts. KPD...

Meer Irfan The Government Primary School in Beebrada, located in the Yaripora belt of south Kashmir's Kulgam district, has been operating under dire conditions for years. The school, which was established in 1984, originally functioned in a rented mud building. Over time, the building became unsafe and was dismantled by its owners. For the past two years, the school has been forced to operate under the open sky. A student shared their plight with The Kashmiriyat, saying, "I’ve been studying outside for years. We hope we finally get a proper building soon." The lack of basic facilities has left both students and teachers struggling. "Without a toilet, the students and teachers both have to rely on neighbors for access to washrooms," a parent explained. Inhabitants of Beebr...

A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant, allegedly involved in the October attack near a tunnel construction site in Gagangir, Jammu and Kashmir, was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Dachigam forest area on Tuesday, officials said. According to police, the militant, identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat, was a category “A” operative of the group. He was wanted for his alleged involvement in the October 20 attack that claimed the lives of a local doctor and six non-local laborers in Ganderbal. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the upper reaches of Dachigam late Monday night based on specific intelligence inputs. The operation escalated into a gunfight when militants opened fire at the search party. In the ensuing exchange of fire early Tuesday, Bhat was...

Jammu Kashmir Police has detained two female militant associates (OGWs) under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Police identified the duo as Maryama Begum wife of  Mohammed Shafeeq, resident of  Loudhara, Basantgarh and Arshad Begum wife of  Late Jamal Din, a resident of Rai Chak, Basantgarh. "They were assessed to be posing a significant threat to the safety and security of the state," Police said. These militants associates were found to be involved in providing logistics support to terrorist groups and working as guide/facilitator for militant organisations. Their continuous actions posed a serious risk to public safety and tranquility. To prevent further criminal activities detrimental to the security of the state and keeping in view their activities both were ordered to be d...

A trooper on tuesday shot himself dead in south Kashmir's Shopian district. Official sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that a CRPF personnel affiliated with E-178 Battalion shot himself with his service rifle. He died on the spot. They said the deceased was a driver. The incident occurred at Company Head Quarter located at Horticulture Building in Zainapora village of Shopian. Police have started inquest proceedings after the incident. [KNT]

An encounter broke out late on Monday night in the upper reaches of Dachigam forests in Srinagar, according to police . A police spokesperson, aauitrd by Greater Kashmir, stated that joint teams of security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area following specific intelligence inputs. The gunfight erupted as the forces zeroed in on a suspected location. "During the operation, a body was spotted in the forest area," a senior police official confirmed. "However, the identity of the deceased is yet to be established. It will take some time to retrieve the body due to the difficult terrain." The operation is ongoing, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon around the area. Further details are awaited. Dachigam forest, known for its dense vegetation...

An encounter has broken out between militants and government forces in the Harwan area of Srinagar. Sources told The Kashmiriyat that on Monday night, a gunfight raged between militants and government forces in Srinagar's Harwan area. Details rushing in.

Uber, has unveiled its innovative Shikara service on Dal Lake in Srinagar, transforming the tourism experience in Kashmir. This initiative will enable tourists to pre-book the Shikars in advance. An official from ‘Uber’ told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that this service will allow tourists to pre-book Shikaras up to 15 days before their arrival in Kashmir. She said it would also free the tourist from the bargaining process and save time and energy. The official said that this move aims to boost tourism in Kashmir, particularly Srinagar. She said their partnership with local Shikara Unions is expected to expand the number of available Shikaras, further enhancing the tourist experience. [KNT]

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the Centre should put a stop to activities that can spark communal tension in the country, and treat Muslims as equals. “There is a need to stop (incidents like Sambhal). I will tell the government of India to stop (such acts) because they cannot throw the Muslims (of India) into the sea. Where will they throw 24 crore Muslims? Treat Muslims as equals, that is what our Constitution stands for. If they fiddle with the Constitution, how will India survive,” Abdullah asked while speaking to reporters here. The National Conference (NC) president, who recently performed Umrah (minor Hajj pilgrimage) along with his son and chief minister Omar Abdullah and several of his colleagues, said no one was against the return of Kashmiri P...

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called for unified and sustained efforts to combat the escalating drug addiction crisis in Jammu Kashmir. He described the issue as a grave threat to societal well-being, revealing that over 1.5 million people in the region are currently battling addiction. Highlighting the role of mosques as catalysts for social change, Mirwaiz emphasized the importance of religious institutions in addressing this growing menace. “Mosques have the potential to become key players in this fight. Local mosque committees should unite, monitor their areas for suspicious activities, and extend a helping hand to those in need of rehabilitation,” he stated, urging the community to harness the transformative power of collective action. Mirwaiz also commended law enforcement agencies...