REGIONAL

An army jawan was critically injured during an ongoing operation against terrorists in the Gujjarpati area of Sopore north Kashmir on Monday. Reliable sources told news agency JKNS that the army jawan was critically injured during an ongoing operation that began yesterday when terrorists opened fire on a search party of security forces. "As the troops moved closer to the suspected hideout, they came under heavy fire, which was retaliated effectively," the officer said, adding that two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to prevent the terrorists from escaping, and the operation continues. More details will follow. (JKNS)

MBBS and BDS Interns in Jammu Kashmir are still grappling with a modest monthly stipend of Rs 12,300, despite the recommendations made by a committee formed in June 2023. The committee had proposed an increase in the stipend to Rs 26,350, which would align it with half the basic pay of a Medical Officer in the region, in accordance with NMC guidelines. However, over a year later, no action has been taken, and the matter remains stalled in the Finance Department. The committee, which included the Director of Finance in the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, the Principals of Government Medical Colleges in Jammu Srinagar, and the Directors of New Government Medical Colleges, submitted its report in August 2023. Yet, despite its recommendations, the Finance Depart...

An Army soldier died by suicide at the Ragni post in North Kashmir's Kupwara district on Sunday late night. Official sources told news agency JKNS that the soldier died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound using his service weapon. He was immediately evacuated to the hospital for treatment, but doctors declared him brought dead. Meanwhile, the police have registered a case, and an investigation is underway. (JKNS)

Under the influence of a Western Disturbance, light to moderate rain and snow showers are expected across parts of Jammu Kashmir from late Monday afternoon to Tuesday evening, Kashmir Weather reported. The weather activity is set to begin in the higher reaches of Kashmir before potentially spreading to some plains by night. North Kashmir’s higher elevations are likely to witness the most significant activity, while the majority of the region is expected to remain predominantly dry during this period. A second Western Disturbance may bring isolated rain and snow activity in a few areas through Wednesday, though no strong disturbances are anticipated in the region until at least January 28. Meanwhile, a cold wave is forecasted to return starting January 24, bringing a sharp dip i...

Gunshots heard during cordon and search operation in Gujjarpati Sopore area of North Kashmir Baramula district on Sunday. A top police officer told JKNS that on a specific input a cordon and search operation was launched in Gujjarpati Sopore by a joint team of Police and army on Sunday afternoon. He said that during searches, some gunshots were heard following which cordon was tightened around the area. He said that search operation is underway in the area.(JKNS)

Jammu Kashmir Police have released photographs of four active terrorists operating in Kishtwar district, urging the public to provide any credible information about them. A reward of ₹5 lakh has been announced for information leading to the apprehension of each of the identified individuals. The suspects have been identified as Saifullah, Farman, Adil, and another individual believed to be Basha. The poster, published in both Urdu and English, appeals to the general public for cooperation and assures that the identity of informants will remain confidential. The initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts to counter militancy in the Jammu region, where Pakistan-based handlers are reportedly attempting to destabilize peaceful areas. Kishtwar and surrounding districts witnessed...

Calls to halt the installation of smart water meters in Kashmir have intensified, with local business owners and political groups once again voicing their strong opposition to the government's decision. The chief engineer of the concerned department had earlier told The Kashmiriyat that the duration and mode of payment for the billing process would be decided soon. “It can be monthly or quarterly, depending upon the feasibility and other factors. However, the final would be taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Water Regulatory Authority,” he said. Opposing the move, Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has particularly raised alarms, urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and suspend the initiative, citing significant economic difficulties faced by the business community. The KTA's co...

Srinagar Police carried out an anti-smoking drive in the Lal Chowk area, imposing fines of Rs 200 on individuals smoking in public places. Police Station Kothibagh led the drive under the supervision of SHO Manzoor Ahmad. Focused on curbing smoking in public spaces, the initiative saw officers issue fines as part of efforts to enforce the ban. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the health risks of smoking and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and visitors alike. Speaking to media persons, SHO Kothibagh Manzoor Ahmad said, “Smoking is prohibited in public places, and we must avoid it. It is harmful to health, and refraining from it is a better option.” Srinagar Police has urged the public to comply with the law and refrain from smoking in restricted areas. ...

A conflict over the proposed conversion of a section of a graveyard into an Eidgah in Aloosa village, located in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, escalated into a violent confrontation, leaving at least five people injured. Tensions brewed after a faction of villagers erected a pulpit in an effort to designate a portion of the graveyard for Eid prayers, Greater Kashmir reported. Opposing this initiative, another group lodged a formal complaint with Tehsildar Aloosa, seeking intervention. Following the complaint, the Tehsildar advised the dissenting group to approach the local police. Despite these steps, the situation took a volatile turn on Friday night when an attempt was made to repaint the pulpit. The action provoked members of the opposing faction, who sought police int...

Tensions flared near Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Thursday as members of the Hindutva group Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena staged protests demanding the removal of alleged encroachments on a 125-year-old Shiva temple in Shamshad Market. The group, led by state president Gyanendra Chauhan, issued a one-week ultimatum to the district administration to clear the encroachments and restore the temple premises, warning that they would reclaim the site if no action is taken. The temple, located at Gokula Square in Shamshad Market, is claimed to have been built in 1899 by the ancestors of Abhishek Khandelwal. According to Khandelwal, the site originally included a dharamshala (rest house) and an ancient well, now allegedly fenced off and occupied by others. “My ancestors’ names are inscrib...