REGIONAL

The Jammu Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that there are 32474 vacancies in different departments. In a written response to question of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who happens to be minister in-charge, General Administration Department informed the House that there are 32474 vacancies in different departments as on January 31, 2025. As per the reply, there are 2503 gazetted vacancies, 19214 non- gazetted vacancies and 10757 multi-tasking staff vacancies. According to the government, 3727 vacancies have been referred to Jammu & Kashmir Service Selection Board and Public Service Commission since October 16, 2024 when the elected government led by Omar Abdullah took oat...

A 20 year-old boy was killed while as a pillion was seriously injured in a road accident at Anzwalla area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday. Officials told GNS that a scooty and a auto collided with each other near Anzwalla resulting on spot of death of scooty rider and serious injuries to it's pillion who was shifted to GMC Anantnag where from he was referred to SKIMS Srinagar was advanced treatment. The deceased have been identified as Owais Reyan Khan (20) son of Reyaz Ahmad resident of Shirpora and the injured has been identified as Usman Khan resident of Anwalla. Meanwhile, police have registered a case in this regard and investigation has been taken up.(GNS)

Observing that the medical profession has been increasingly influenced by "greed and rivalry," the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has directed that a plea regarding alleged medical negligence be treated as Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to monitor healthcare facilities across Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani, while hearing a petition filed by a man from Arihal Pulwama whose daughter died following surgery at a private nursing home in south Kashmir, remarked, “The profession is presently being practiced as a commercial job. The doctors ought to keep in mind that they are entrusted with the most valuable and precious belonging i.e. the life itself.” The court noted that the woman, an M.Sc. Biochemistry graduate set to pursue a Ph.D., developed severe com...

Rayees Shah A severe drinking water shortage has triggered protests in Hajin town of north Kashmir's Bandipora district, where residents accuse authorities of failing to address the crisis despite repeated assurances. Locals from Mir Mohallah, Danger Mohallah, Bonikhan, Parray Mohallah, and several nearby areas gathered on Monday, briefly blocking the market road to demand immediate restoration of water supply. Women and children also participated in the protest, highlighting the growing frustration among residents. The water crisis, which residents say has worsened during the holy month of Ramadan, is causing significant hardships. “We are observing fasts and have no water even for basic needs. This is unacceptable,” said one of the protesters. Residents said officials had pro...

Meer Irfan Authorities in south Kashmir's Shopian district have attached a residential property under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), as per an official notice issued by the District Police Shopian. According to the officials, the residential house belonging to Ilyas Ahmad Dar, son of Mohammad Ashraf Dar, a resident of Wandina Melhoura, Shopian, has been attached under Section 25 of the UAPA. "The property, falling under Khasra No. 115 at Wandina Melhoura, was seized following approval from the Director General of Police, Jammu Kashmir, through order number 619 of 2025 dated February 20, 2025," the official told The Kashmiriyat. The police have informed the general public that the said property cannot be sold or transferred without prior permission from the des...

A religious cleric has been booked under various legal provisions for allegedly making a speech that could incite sectarian disharmony in south Kashmir's Shopian district on Monday. A police officer told news agency JKNS that Police Station Zainapora received credible information that a local cleric, a resident of Babapora Shopian, had delivered a speech with "malicious intent" using electronic means. The speech allegedly contained content that insulted, spread hatred, and caused emotional harm to another sect, thereby posing a risk of sectarian discord, he said. "Taking cognizance of the matter, the police have registered a case against the cleric while investigations have been set into motion," the officer added.—(JKNS)

Shah Basit A pedestrian was killed and another injured after an unidentified vehicle hit them near Mir Baba Haider Khanqah in Tullamulla Ganderbal on Sunday. According to officials, the accident occurred when a Brezza car, whose registration number remains unknown, struck the two pedestrians and fled the scene. The victims were identified as Abdul Rashid Dar, son of Abdul Ahad, a resident of Mesherpora Tullamulla, and Abdul Qayoom Sheikh, son of Ali Mohammad, from New Colony Tullamulla. Both were rushed to District Hospital Ganderbal for treatment, officials told The Kashmiriyat. However, they said, "Abdul Rashid Dar succumbed to his injuries, while Abdul Qayoom Sheikh is undergoing treatment." Authorities have launched an investigation and are working to trace the driver...

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the resolution on Article 370, which was passed by assembly was expected to get rejected, but still exists. While speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the Budget Session as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar said, "We have done what we needed to do in the first session. All parties, including the PDP, supported the bill, which was passed by the House." He further added, "It is the same bill that everyone expected to be rejected, but it was passed by the House. Today, the resolution still exists, and that is a big thing." Responding to a question on the speculation of a National Conference (NC)-BJP alliance, Omar said, "There are no talks about any alliance with the BJP, nor is there any need or scope for it. Our thoughts do not ...

MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad on Monday staged a protest inside the central hall of Legislative Assembly when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha began his address. The legislator protested over deaths that occurred in Baramulla and Kathua last month. According to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) as soon as the LG began his address, Khursheed, carrying placards, sought justice for the families of two men killed in Baramulla and Kathua. As he tried to disrupt the proceedings, he was taken out of the House by Marshals—(KNO)