REGIONAL

Transport Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, announced that the fare for e-rickshaws has been fixed at Rs. 10 per person per kilometer. Speaking to the media as per news agency JKNS Mahajan clarified that e-rickshaws are restricted to designated routes and cannot operate beyond six kilometers. “Any violations will be dealt with strict legal action,” he said. Mahajan emphasized the need for petrol autos to have functioning meters installed. “If any auto is found running without a meter, strict action will be taken as per the law. Rates are already fixed by the RTO or Motor Vehicles Department,” he added. Urging passengers to play an active role in ensuring compliance, Mahajan said, “Passengers have a responsibility to report non-compliance, and violators will ...

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting with key officials from AIIMS Awantipora, Health & Medical Education, PWD, Jal Shakti, and CPWD to expedite the completion of the AIIMS Awantipora project, a significant healthcare facility in the region. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the physical infrastructure, workforce deployment, and timelines for project completion. He instructed the executing agency to increase the number of laborers after the winter season to accelerate the work. The Jal Shakti Department was directed to finish the first phase of the water supply scheme, including three bore wells, by May 2025, ensuring adequate water supply for the hospital’s operations. Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, Dr. Sachidanan...

A civilian from Haryana lost his life after a fire broke out in an Army canteen inside the Badami Bagh Cantonment area of Srinagar. Sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the canteen, operated by a civilian, caught fire during the intervening night, resulting in damage to the goods stored within. During the incident, Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Haryana, sustained critical burn injuries. He was immediately shifted to the 92 Base Army Hospital for medical attention. However, despite the efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while the extent of the damage is being assessed. [KNT]

A man was injured after being assaulted in the Balhama area of central Kashmir's Srinagar, while accused were arrested on Friday late night. Officials told news agency JKNS that unknown persons assaulted the man in Balhama, Srinagar. On receiving the information police team immediately rushed to the spot and the injured was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. The injured was identified as Harsh Bhat, Son of Vinod Bhat, a resident of Balhama, Srinagar. Accused persons were grabbed by civilians at the spot and were later arrested by police The case has been registered under relevant sections of law. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the assault, officials added. (JKNS)

Police on Friday said that it have arrested two drug Peddlers including a Special Police officer in Miran Sahib area of Jammu district. In a handout to GNS, the police said that In a significant action against drug trafficking under Operation Sanjeevani, Jammu Police apprehended two drug peddlers including one SPO posted at DPL Poonch and recovered 12 grams of heroin-like substance (Chitta) during a late-night operation near Balol Bridge, Ring Road, Miran Sahib. According to spokesman, a police team from Police Station Miran Sahib, intercepted a vehicle traveling from Samba towards Akhnoor. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended. The arrested individuals have been identified as Irfan Hussain(SPO posted at DPL Poonch)S/O Matlo...

The old Kawaki Bazar bridge in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, dismantled four months ago, has seen no progress, leaving residents of over ten villages in hardship. Locals alleged that the concerned authorities have taken the work for granted, and the temporary footbridge has also been closed, further adding to the sufferings of people, especially the elderly. According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Kawaki Bazar bridge at Qaimoh area was dismantled on October 21st last year due to its narrow structure, which caused traffic congestion. A temporary footbridge was erected to provide convenience to the people. Locals told KNO that the bridge is crucial as it connects almost ten villages to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Unfortunately, no work has been c...

Peoples' Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said Friday the transfer of an Anti-Corruption Bureau official, who was probing a case, exposes a "nexus" between the corrupt and most powerful, and raises questions about the Jammu Kashmir government's commitment to justice and accountability. The government has ordered the repatriation of ACB SSP Abdul Wahid, designated as Assistant Inspector General (AIG), to the Home Department as part of a rejig in the anti-graft body. Wahid was investigating alleged corruption in the Srinagar Smart City Project and recently booked two of its senior officers in disproportionate assets (DA) cases. "The removal of Abdul Wahid & his colleagues from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) highlights the risks faced by officials who challenge corruption....

Srinagar Police have swiftly solved a burglary case, arresting a non-local maid accused of theft and recovering stolen jewellery from her possession. The case came to light when a lady Aimen Akhzar, a resident of Umerabad, Srinagar, filed a complaint at Police Station Shaltang. She reported that during the night, unknown thieves broke into her house while her parents were away performing Umrah. The intruders reportedly stole jewellery items from the residence. Following the registration of case under relevant sections of the law, the police initiated an investigation. Several suspects were called in for questioning, during which the involvement of one suspect, Janatul Begum—a maid working in the household—was established. The maid, originally from Bihar, currently residing in H...

The death toll in Badhal, Rajouri, climbed to 16 on Friday after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to an unexplained illness at GMC Rajouri. An official told news agency JKNS that the 60-year-old woman was shifted to GMC Rajouri after falling ill yesterday evening. The deceased, identified as Jatti Begum, 60, wife of Mohammad Yousuf, succumbed to her condition within 12 hours of admission at GMC Rajouri, the official said. Mohammad Yousuf is also among the persons affected by the unexplained illness and is battling for his life at the hospital. Authorities are continuing their efforts to address the situation and assist the affected families. The first death was reported on 7th December after a family of seven fell ill following attendance at a function, with the illness predomi...

The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura authorities have expressed serious concern over employees proceeding on leave without prior approval despite an acute staff shortage. In a communication issued by SKIMS authorities—while directing adherence to norms—the authorities noted that some employees proceed on leave without prior sanction from the competent authority and leave the station without approval for such leave. “This has been taken very seriously by the authorities as it is unbecoming of a Government employee, violates service rules, and warrants disciplinary action against the defaulting employees,” the communication stated. The authorities also pointed out that Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Sectional Heads are recommending leaves for employees wi...