REGIONAL

Three firemen were injured after massive blaze broke out in Gousia Colony, Bemina on Friday evening, engulfing Madrassa Sabeel-un-Huda and two residential houses. An official told news agency JKNS that Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving the alert and are currently engaged in dousing the flames. Locals also assisted in the efforts to prevent the fire from spreading further, he said. “Flames first engulfed the madrassa and then spread to two nearby houses. Firemen are trying their best to contain the blaze,” the official added. Three firefighters sustained injuries while battling the flames and have been shifted for treatment, the official confirmed. High flames were seen rising from the buildings as multiple water tenders were pressed i...

In a quiet corner of Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where government promises have long fallen short, a local teacher has stepped in to do what officials have failed to deliver for decades—repair a crumbling wooden bridge that connects six remote villages to Nowgam. Showkeen Ahmad, a schoolteacher posted in Mawar, was recently seen fixing the dilapidated structure with his own hands. The 50-year-old footbridge—made of cedar logs and jungle planks—spans the Mawer stream and has served as the only crossing point for nearly 2,000 residents, including schoolchildren, elderly people, and daily wage workers. Due to recent spells of heavy rainfall, the water level of the stream has risen dangerously. Yet the bridge, built in 1972 and never properly maintained, remains in use. Stretching 38 met...

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday visited Budgam to offer his respects and attend the funeral of noted Shia cleric and scholar, Allama Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi Al-Najfi, who passed away earlier in the day at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. He was 85. “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Deeply saddened by the passing of distinguished Shia scholar, cleric, and religious leader Allama Agha Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi. His profound contributions to religious thought, social harmony, and public service in J&K leave behind a legacy that will be remembered with deep respect and affection. Heartfelt condolences to his family, followers mourning this great loss," Omar Abdullah said in a condolence message. Prominent leaders across political and religious spheres expressed gri...

Residents of Barbar Shah and Babademb in Srinagar have expressed serious anger over what they call the unchecked occupation of public roads by local car dealers, who continue to park multiple vehicles for sale along busy stretches, causing frequent traffic jams and endangering public safety. According to locals, the dealers have converted parts of the road into unauthorized extensions of their showrooms, leaving no space for pedestrians and causing obstructions to both private and emergency vehicles. “They are treating public roads like their own private property,” said an aggrieved resident from Barbar Shah. While the Traffic Department swung into action and attempted to tow away the illegally parked vehicles from Barbar Shah, their efforts were reportedly met with resistance from t...

Meer Irfan A severe hailstorm wreaked havoc in south Kashmir on Friday afternoon, causing extensive damage to apple trees. Shopian was among the hardest-hit areas. Areas of Aglar, Reshinagar, Balpora, Ganopora, Ladijan, and Trenz were also damaged during the hailstorm. Locals of the area told The Kashmiriyat, "The hailstorm destroyed our orchards severely. We appeal to the government to compensate the losses." The hailstorm impacted the agricultural sector, resulting in significant losses for local farmers who heavily depend on apple orchards.

Days after, army personnel allegedly assaulted a few locals in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said it has Intiated enquiry regarding the Incident and strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty. Notably, locals alleged that they were manhandled by soldiers during a cordon an search operation in Rajouri. After hue and cry, army issued a statement claiming that it had received input on likely movement of militants in a vehicle in a sensitive area. Accordingly, search operations were being conducted. Preliminary information suggests that on being stopped, the individuals tried to snatch weapon of the soldiers on duty and initiated a scuffle with them. Army further stated that however, an enquiry has been initiated. “Should any personnel be found guilty o...

Suhail Dar/ Danishwar Hameed The health departments in Anantnag and Kulgam districts of South Kashmir have issued public notices announcing the vaccination schedule for selected Haj pilgrims of 2025. An official told The Kashmiriyat that the drive will begin on April 21 and continue through April 23, ensuring timely immunization of pilgrims ahead of their sacred journey. According to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, vaccinations will be administered at the Old Hospital Complex in Bongam Kulgam from 10 AM to 4 PM. Pilgrims from Kulgam and Qaimoh blocks are scheduled for April 21, DH Pora and Yaripora on April 22, while those from Qazigund will be vaccinated on April 23. "All Block Medical Officers have been instructed to ensure coordination so that pilgrims attend the ses...

Jammu Kashmir’s Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, on Friday said the police force is reinforcing its counter-militancy grid while also stepping up measures to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. Speaking at a passing out parade in Central Kashmir, DGP Prabhat acknowledged the central government’s role in supporting the force. “We are grateful to the Centre and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their continuous assistance and cooperation,” he said. Highlighting the department’s commitment to its personnel, Prabhat reiterated that the J&K Police stands firmly with the families of those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Congratulating the new recruits, the DGP praised their discipline and enthusiasm. "You are now part of one of the finest police ...

Meer Irfan Jammu Kashmir today mourns the passing of one of its most revered spiritual leaders, Ayatullah Al‑Uzma Syed ul Ulama Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al‑Moosavi Al‑Najfi (RA), who left for his heavenly abode on April 18, family members told The Kashmiriyat. He was one of the most revered Shia scholars of Jammu Kashmir, known for his deep spiritual insight, command over religious sciences, and unwavering commitment to community guidance. Born in 1940 into the illustrious Aga family of Budgam, his early education at Babul Ilm laid the foundation for a life dedicated to Islamic scholarship. He later pursued advanced studies at the prestigious Howza Ilmia in Najaf Ashraf, Iraq—one of the world’s foremost Shia seminaries—where he was shaped by the teachings of leading scholars of ...

Sufi Hadiyah One of India’s oldest Golf courses, Kashmir Golf Club, located in the heart of the city at M.A. Road Dalgate, is facing major neglect. Subscription holders, members, and local regular visitors have raised serious concerns about the worsening conditions, including a lack of staff and damaged irrigation facilities. "British times Golf Courses saddening outlook has disheartened its members a lot, it was a legacy Golf Course where Maharajas, British highness has played but over the past recent years new generation golfers have reported growing of excessive weeds, withering greens, dried-out fairways and overall lack of maintenance " Rayees Ahmed who has been playing golf from past 25 years told The Kashmiriyat. "Even after paying a huge number of premiums for membershi...