REGIONAL

Shabir Khan The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday carried out coordinated raids at six locations across Jammu Kashmir, targeting areas in Srinagar, Budgam, and Sopore, as part of its probe into the recent killings of non-local residents in the region. In Sopore, searches have been launched at the residences of Javid Ahmad Sheikh of Upper Ashipeer, Abdul Rashid Shalla of Sadiq Colony, and Nisar Ahmad Bukita of Check Roadi Khan. These operations aim to gather crucial evidence and dismantle any networks linked to the targeted killings. Further details on the findings or outcomes of the raids are awaited.

The Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has raised an urgent concern regarding the illegal construction activities proliferating in the ecologically sensitive zones of the renowned tourist destination, Pahalgam, reported Greater Kashmir. In a formal communication to the Union Territory government, the PDA has requested immediate intervention to prevent these violations, which pose a significant threat to the region's fragile ecology. According to sources, quotes by the Srinagar-based newspaper over 300 unauthorized constructions, including large hotels, guesthouses, and huts, have emerged across various areas within the jurisdiction of the development authority. These structures are not limited to Pahalgam’s main town but extend to surrounding villages like Ganshibal, Sarabal, La...

In a unique gesture, Jammu Kashmir police in Anantnag engaged with street vendors to ensure pedestrian safety while respecting their right to earn a livelihood. In a video which has gone viral on social media, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Headquarters Anantnag, Muhammad Ayub Rather, accompanied by SHO Sadar Anantnag, Rashid Ahmad, is seen advising vendors to organize their carts in an orderly manner. The officials emphasized the need to keep footpaths clear for pedestrians and ensure smooth traffic flow, all while addressing the vendors with respect and understanding. “Please arrange your carts in a way that pedestrians can walk freely, and traffic remains unhindered,” DSP Rather is heard saying in the video. He also reminded the vendors of the importance of keeping th...

Four soldiers were injured in an Army vehicle accident at Gantar Mor in the Sawjian area of Poonch on monday afternoon. Officials told news agency JKNS that an army vocal accident at Gantar mor Sawjian led to injuries to soldiers. The accident occurred around afternoon and the injured personnel were immediately shifted to the Army headquarters in Sawjian for first aid, they said. Official further added that the condition of all the four soldiers is stable. (JKNS)

Jammu Kashmir will experience generally dry weather conditions until the evening of January 29, 2025, according to the latest forecast from the MET Centre in Srinagar. However, a fresh spell of light rain and snow is anticipated to begin on the night of January 29 and continue into the morning of January 30, with scattered precipitation in various parts of the region. The weather will remain cloudy with light rain or snow at scattered locations on January 31, while February 1 and 2 are expected to see generally cloudy skies, with light rain or snow occurring at scattered to fairly widespread places. Higher reaches of the region may witness isolated snowfall on February 3. From February 4-5, the region will continue to experience cloudy conditions, with light rain or snow at sca...

Organophosphorus poisoning is likely behind 17 "mystery" deaths that occurred in the Badhaal village of Rajouri, officials said on Monday. A top doctor told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have administered an antidote - atropine injection - to patients who are admitted in hospital and it worked well. Atropine injection is used to treat poisoning caused by organophosphorus nerve agents, including organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides. He said that official report from top laboratories is yet to come. "We have used the hit and trail method, it worked well. We administered atropine to two patients for other purposes to increase the heart rate, they survived and are recovering well," he said. He added that as atropine has shown positive result so it is likel...

The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has expressed concern over an alleged stone pelting incidents on the houses of minority Sikh members at Saidpora village in south Kashmir's Pulwama. The committee has demanded a thorough probe in the matter so that the truth comes out. In a statement, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said that some unscrupulous elements are pelting stones on houses during night hours to terrorise the Sikh minority in Saidpora village over the last few days. He said the miscreants tried to put one of the houses on fire thus leading to damages to the Kitchen of the house. The APSCC Chairman said that one of the youth identified as Ashu Singh son of Late Pappu Singh sustained grievous injuries in the incident following which he was shifted to ...

The School Education Department of Jammu Kashmir has issued a circular prohibiting students and staff, including teachers, under its jurisdiction from participating in political programs, rallies, or events organized by any political party or organization. The circular, addressed to Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, and Heads of Institutions, emphasizes that no permission or direction should be granted to students or staff for participation in such activities. It also directs Chief Education Officers to ensure strict compliance and monitor any instructions issued by district authorities to ensure they align with this directive The order mandates that any deviations must be immediately reported to the Director of School Education for further instructions. Violatio...

fresh Western Disturbance is expected to affect the Western Himalayan regions of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh starting the night of January 29, bringing cloudy skies and snowfall at scattered locations. Weather expert Sonam Lotus confirmed that weather activity is anticipated from January 29 onward, with both Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh likely to experience snowfall due to the disturbance. The Western Disturbance, which often causes weather changes in the region, is expected to impact both plains and upper areas, bringing cold conditions and disrupting normal activities. [KNT]

Ranbir Singh Pathania, BJP spokesperson and MLA from Udhampur East, has strongly criticised the National Conference (NC) for what he described as “discriminatory and vindictive” land reforms in Jammu Kashmir. Addressing a gathering of the Nayak/Jatav/Khatik/Bagri Samaj in Ballimaran, Delhi, Pathania accused NC founder Sheikh Abdullah of using land reforms to advance political interests rather than ensuring equitable land distribution. “The land reforms initiated by Sheikh Abdullah were selective and deeply biased,” Pathania said. “They failed to address the welfare of the landless and instead targeted the Dogra community in Jammu under the guise of social justice.” Referring to the Big Landed Estates Abolition Act and the Agrarian Reforms Act, Pathania alleged that these policies ...