REGIONAL

In a recent forecast, the IMD anticipates light snowfall and rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, courtesy of a western disturbance at 55 degrees. Additionally, central India is bracing for thunderstorms and hailstorms until November 26-27, all attributed to an oncoming western disturbance. Understanding the role of western disturbances, which are extratropical storms originating from the Mediterranean or Caspian Sea, is crucial. These disturbances bring non-monsoonal rainfall to northwest India and usher in sudden winter rain in the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, often accompanied by snow and fog. Looking ahead to November 24-25, dark clouds are expected to gather over Northwest India, indicating a dynamic weather scenario in the region.

Former chief minister of erstwhile Jammu Kashmir State and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that government employees, who were terminated from their services, should have been given a chance to defend themselves. Speaking with reporters during the workers' convention in Beerwah Budgam, according to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Omar stated that terminated employees should have been given the opportunity to clear their pint, even if the law grants them the same right. “Everyone should be given the chance to fully defend themselves, but I am unable to determine whether the accusations made against these people are true or false based on the information available. You are innocent until and unless proven guilty, but sadly, there is a tr...

In Rajouri, Jammu Kashmir’s Baaji Maal area of Kalakote, a tense situation unfolded, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including two army captains and Hawaldars of the Indian army, during an ongoing encounter with militants. Captain Shubham Gupta from the Army’s 9 Para, Captain MV Pranjal from 63 Rashtriya Rifles, along with two Hawaldars, lost their lives. The confrontation ignited when militants opened fire on an army search team in the forested terrain. This prompted an intense exchange of fire, resulting in the fatalities and injuries among the security forces. Confirming the incident, an unnamed defense official revealed, "Two army officers, including a Captain of Rashtriya Rifles, a Captain of Special Forces, and two Hawaldars have lost their lives in the e...

An army trooper died in an accidental firing incident along Line of Control in Poonch district on Thursday, officials said. They said an accidental gun shot hit a soldier, Rifleman Madhu Singh of Jodhpur, near fence at Phagwari Gali in Mendhar Sector, resulting in his on the spot death. Confirming it, a police official told that more details are awaited. It was not known immediately if the accidental fire happened in the soldier own rifle or that of any colleague. (GNS)

Three more soldiers were killed in an ongoing encounter in the Kalakote area of Rajouri district, taking the toll to 4. Reliable sources told News Agency Kashmir Scroll that four soldiers received martyrdom in the Kalakote encounter. They said earlier in the day, a major-ranking army officer was killed while three other soldiers were injured, and after being hospitalized, both succumbed to their injuries. They further said that the operation in the area is on, and two militants are believed to be trapped in the woods. (KS)

One more army trooper has been killed, in the  ongoing encounter between the government forces and militants broke out in Baji Maal area of Rajouri district, taking the death toll to two. Official sources said that security forces were on search operation in Baji Maal forest area when contact was established with hiding militants. He said that in the ensuing encounter, an army trooper was killed, while three troopers were injured. The injured troopers were rushed to the hospital for treatment, where one of them succumbed to his injuties. As per the latest reports, the operation was going on.

An army trooper was killed, three others injured during the encounter between the government forces and militants broke out in Baji Maal area of Rajouri district. Official sources said that security forces were on search operation in Baji Maal forest area when contact was established with hiding militants. He said that in the ensuing encounter, an army trooper was killed, while three troopers were injured. The injured troopers have been rushed to the hospital for treatment while operation was going on.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Wednesday said the power scenario in the Valley is expected to improve within a week. Talking to reporters, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Bidhuri said that it is a fact that the power schedule announced earlier is not being adhered to as the demand has abruptly gone high due to the early onset of winters in Kashmir. "We are expecting an improvement in the power scenario as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary have constituted a committee over the issue of power purchase and a decision in this regard is expected soon," he said. He added that the government is aware of the sufferings of people as the unscheduled power cuts are more painful, but the administration is focused on improving th...

Police in Budgam have solved a blind murder case by arresting the accused brother in Beerwah. In a statement, a police spokesman said that Police station Beerwah has successfully cracked the blind murder case of Sameer Ahmad Rather, aged 18/19, a labourer from Sail Beerwah. On November 20, 2023, Budgam Police received information about Sameer’s lifeless body spotted behind his residence. In a swift response, an investigation was initiated, involving the police station Beerwah and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams Several suspects were called in for questioning including the family members of the deceased. On questioning the family members, Aqib Ahmad Rather, Sameer’s brother, confessed to his involvement. He said, Aqib revealed a confrontation between the brothers took...

Jammu Kashmir Police on Wednesday claimed to have recovered arms and ammunition from two Kupwara residents in central Kashmir's Srinagar district. A top police officer told GNS that arms and ammunition, including eight grenades and two pistols, were recovered from two Kupwara residents during a checking at Bemina bypass. A case has been registered in this regard at the nearest police station for further investigations, the officer added. (GNS)