REGIONAL

Kashmir’s travel and tourism associations have reiterated their full backing for a complete ban on alcohol in the region, emphasizing that such a measure aligns with the cultural, social, and religious values of the area. They believe banning alcohol will foster a more respectful and family-friendly tourism environment, similar to the model followed in Gujarat. Dismissing recent claims suggesting they support liquor availability in Jammu & Kashmir, the associations strongly refuted these allegations, calling them baseless and misleading. They maintained that their stance is entirely apolitical and driven by a commitment to ethical tourism that upholds Kashmir’s traditions and social norms. Notably, National Conference legislature Tanvir Sadiq recently said that Kashmir is a touri...

Danishwar Hameed  Three Gujjar and Bakerwal men have been missing for the past three days from the Qazigund area in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. According to family members, the trio—Reyaz Ahmad and Showkat Ahmad of Chandian Pajan, and Mukhtar Ahmad of Pratap Pora Lammer—went missing on the evening of February 13 after leaving their homes to attend a wedding at their maternal uncle’s house in Ashmuji Bhan, Kulgam. Despite contacting all relatives and friends, the families have been unable to trace their whereabouts. “We have filed a missing report at the Qazigund Police Station,” they stated, urging anyone with information to reach out to them at 9682634506. A senior police official confirmed that the missing report has been received and that efforts to locate the men are u...

The District Development Commissioner of Baramulla has declared Gulmarg and Tangmarg as "Tobacco Free Zones/Smoke-Free Tourist Areas". The order has been issued to promote public health and contribute to the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. The order strictly prohibits smoking and spitting of tobacco in these areas, making it a punishable offense. The order, issued on February 15, 2025, cites the harmful effects of tobacco use, including its role as a leading cause of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and lung diseases. It also highlights the dangers of second-hand smoke and spitting, which can spread infectious diseases. The decision is aimed at maintaining cleanliness during the upcoming Khelo India event in Gulmarg. “With a view to ke...

Suhail Dar In yet another case alleged medical negligence, the doctors at Government Medical College of Anantnag cut the tongue of a minor girl instead of operating upon the cyst on her lip. The family, from Khargund, Chowgam area of Qazigund in Kulgam, arrived at the hospital on Saturday, February 15, hoping for a straightforward procedure to remove a cyst from their daughter's lower lip. However, they were devastated when they discovered that the doctors had instead operated on her tongue tie. "We were told that it was a simple procedure to remove the cyst. But when she came out of the operation theatre, we were shocked to see that her tongue tie had been cut instead," said the girl’s mother, her voice trembling with anger and disbelief. Speaking to The Kashmiriyat, she sa...

Principal, Dental College Srinagar, Dr. Ajaz Shah, has suspended a doctor for extracting a healthy wisdom tooth instead of the infected one, following a shocking incident that left a patient in distress. Dr. Ajaz Shah told Kashmir News Trust (KNT) that a three-member inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the matter. The committee, headed by a senior professor along with the Medical Superintendent and Administrative Officer, has been tasked with submitting its report within three days. “Till the report comes, we have suspended the doctor in question,” Dr. Shah stated. The incident came to light when 27-year-old patient Nadeem Ahmad from Srinagar was left in shock after realizing that the wrong tooth had been removed during his dental procedure. KNT had reported t...

Police have arrested five young men for engaging in a violent altercation in the Kadi Kadal area of Srinagar, disrupting public order. According to officials, the group was involved in a street fight, exchanging blows, kicks, and verbal abuses, causing chaos in the area. A police team from Nowhatta Station intervened and took them into custody, registering a formal case against them. A police official confirmed the arrests, stating that the individuals were booked for disturbing public peace He said all these accused have been booked under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which is about affray – a public fight that disturbs the peace. Meanwhile, local residents have appreciated the swift police action.[KNT]

In a continuation of its crackdown on employees allegedly involved in anti-India activities, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has terminated the services of three government employees linked to militancy-related cases. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the dismissal of police constable Firdous Ahmad Bhat, teacher Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, and forest department orderly Nisar Ahmad Khan. Official sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the three employees in question are currently lodged in different jails for their alleged involvement in activities deemed prejudicial to the security of the state. The administration has invoked Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India to carry out the terminations, which allows for the dismissal of government employees without ...

Rayees Shah A man from Srinagar has accused a doctor at Dental College Srinagar of extracting a healthy tooth instead of the infected one he sought treatment for, sparking allegations of medical negligence. Nadeem Ahmad, 27, said he visited the hospital for severe pain in his lower eighth tooth but was shocked when the dentist removed his upper eighth tooth, which was completely healthy. “I went to get relief from pain but ended up losing a perfectly fine tooth,” he said, expressing his frustration. Following the allegations, Principal Dental College Dr. Aijaz stated that an inquiry has been initiated under the supervision of Head of the Department, Dr. Irshad Misgar. “If the investigation confirms negligence, appropriate action will be taken,” he assured. The incident has rai...

Police on Friday reported the attachment of property under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Sopore, North Kashmir. Police stated that they attached a single-storied house, a single-storied poultry farm, and two kanals of land under Survey No. 529/1 in the estate of Rakhi Sultanpora Sumbal. A police spokesperson further stated that this action, taken under Section 25 of the UAPA of 1967, is linked to Case FIR No. 307/2023 from the Sopore Police Station. The attachment was conducted in the presence of a duly constituted police team and the Executive Magistrate, ensuring strict adherence to all legal protocols. This action marks a critical step in the ongoing investigation of unlawful and subversive activities in the region, underscoring the police’s commitment to c...

The Meteorological Department has predicted dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir until February 18, with no significant changes expected in the current weather pattern. According to the forecast, the region will experience dry conditions on February 14 and 15. However, by the evening of February 16, partly cloudy skies are anticipated, with a chance of light rain or snow in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir. From February 17 to 18, brief spells of light rain are possible over the higher altitudes, although the overall weather is expected to remain largely stable. Looking ahead, cloud cover may increase between February 19 and 20, with light rain likely in isolated areas. On February 21 and 22, partly cloudy conditions are expected, along with chances of light rain or...