REGIONAL

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...

Kashmiri legislator, Sajad Gani Lone has submitted a resolution in the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly secretariat condemning the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in the strongest terms. The resolution demands the restoration of the pre-5 August 2019 constitutional position of Jammu Kashmir. Sources said that Lone, who has criticised the National Conference-led government’s resolution from the previous session as ambiguous and insufficiently clear in rejecting the 5 August 2019 decisions, has submitted a fresh resolution addressing the matter. “The resolution brought by Lone condemns all actions of 5 August 2019 in the strongest terms and seeks the restoration of the pre-5 August 2019 constitutional position,” sources confirmed, adding that the document has been formally ...

Rayees Shah A woman from Markundal Sumbal died shortly after giving birth at Hajin Hospital in North Kashmir, raising questions about the medical care she received. Although she delivered a healthy baby, her condition worsened soon after, leading to her death. Her grieving family has accused the hospital staff of negligence, demanding a detailed investigation to determine the cause of her sudden death. “She was fine before the delivery. We don’t understand what went wrong,” said a relative, fighting back tears. “We want justice for her and her newborn.” The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with many supporting the family's call for accountability. “This is not the first time such an incident has happened here. Authorities must ensure proper medical facilities,”...

The Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly has released the provisional calendar for the second session in 2025. The session is set to begin on March 3 with the Lieutenant Governor's address, followed by discussions on the Motion of Thanks from March 4 to 6. On March 7, the presentation of the Annual Financial Statement of Expenditure for the year 2025-26 and the Supplementary Statement for 2024-2025 will take place. General discussions on the budget are scheduled from March 8 to 11, followed by demands for grants from March 12 to 13 and March 15 to 19, with holidays on March 9, 14 (Holi), and 16. The session will continue with further discussions on grants from March 17 to 19, followed by Navroz holiday on March 21 and another break on March 23. The demands for grants will resume on ...

In a meeting with a delegation led by Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah discussed the pressing challenges faced by Kashmir’s fruit growers. The delegation presented a memorandum outlining key demands, urging the government to intervene in support of horticulturists and traders. Among their requests was the introduction of a crop insurance scheme specifically for horticulture, along with the revival of the market intervention scheme to facilitate the purchase of lower-grade apples. They also pressed for the establishment of a horticulture estate modeled after industrial estates. The growers emphasized the need for subsidies and a simplified approval process for setting up cold storage units, juice plants, and canning factories. Additionally, they called for a...

In a shocking case of procedural misconduct, three Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) inspectors (names withheld) in Jammu and Kashmir managed to obtain heavy motor vehicle (truck) licences under their own supervision. The irregularity has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the licensing process. As per the documents available with the news agency Kashmir News Trust, each of the three inspectors conducted their own driving trials, supervised themselves, and subsequently approved their own success in the test documents. One of the inspectors secured his truck licence in Kulgam, another in Kathua, and the third in Bandipora. An insider said that he is shocked at how such a blatant violation of procedure could go unchecked. “This is a clear conflict o...