REGIONAL

The higher reaches of the Kashmir on Friday morning experienced a fresh spell of snowfall, while the plains received rains, leading to a significant drop in the maximum temperature. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the higher reaches of the Valley including Razdan Pass, Pir Ki Gali, Zojjila Pass, Sinthan Top, Sonamarg and Gulmarg experienced snowfall, while plains saw heavy downpour. He said that due to continuous snowfall several roads including Razdan, Zojjila, Kishtiwar-Anantnag and Mugal road have been closed for traffic movement. Meanwhile, rains lashed other parts of the Kashmir Valley, resulting in considerable dip in the maximum temperature. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted gradual decrease in precipitation from late af...

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated ‘Igniter’ the biggest Start-up festival of Jammu and Kashmir at the University of Jammu. Stating that the university and college campuses are known as liquid platforms of ideas, LG Sinha said that an environment for the realisation of great ideas has to be created. “I strongly believe Start-Ups reflect the force shaping the economy in the networked age.” The Lt Governor said for an ideal entrepreneurial climate, it is important to provide facilities like cross-campus collaboration, dedicated workspace, mentorship programs, industry collaboration and vehicles for innovation. Such enabling environment and challenges will ignite new innovations and solutions, he added. “A great idea will always survive in the long run, if the e...

The health sector in Jammu and Kashmir is facing threats from new communicable diseases as well as the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, according to officials. The rising drug abuse among the young population is also leading to multiple health issues. A Vision Document 2047 from the Health Department, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), highlights the threat of new communicable diseases/variants such as EBOLA, Bird flu, Swine Flu, Zika, and Coronavirus, which are emerging at an unprecedented rate. It also mentions the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases like anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Officials said 25 percent of people have stomach cancer followed by colorectal (16%) and lung cancer (13.2%) which are more com...

Snowfall and rain has been predicted for parts of Jammu Kashmir on Thursday afternoon, Kashmir weather reported. The independent weather forecaster reported that a western Disturbance is set to impact Jammu Kashmir from today (Thursday) afternoon onwards. "Until evening, minor activities of rain/snow are possible, especially over higher reaches," the weather report said. Towards night or early morning tomorrow, heavy rain/snow showers are possible, starting from north Kashmir and the weather system will impact most parts of Jammu region as well, said the report. It said that the chances for plains for various districts is as follows; Shopian, 50- 60 per cent, Pulwama and Kulgam 30 per cent, and Anantnag = 20 per cent and for the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Srina...

One militant was killed during a nocturnal encounter in the Kathohalan area of Shopian district. An official quoted by local News Agency Kashmir Scroll that security forces recovered incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition. The search operation is currently underway, he said. He identified the slain as Maysar Ahmad Dar, a recently recruited militant affiliated with TRF, hailing from Veshro in Shopian.(KS) Further details awaited

The saffron fields of Pampore have become a centre of attraction for hundreds of tourists as they throng here to see the bloomed flowers. With the recent saffron bloom, tourists have flocked to the saffron town to witness the maroon, yellow, and purple hues of the famed flowers. Ghulam Rasool, a local resident, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that tourists have been visiting the fields for the past week and capturing the mesmerising scenery through photographs. He said the recent rainfall has played a pivotal role in the blooming of saffron fields which are attracting an increasing number of tourists each day. “Similar to the way tourists capture the beauty of Dal Lake, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and other popular spots, the saffron fields have become a must-visit destina...

Anantnag Police have taken control of a shop in Zirpora owned by Umer Amin Thoker. Thoker is a suspect in the murder of Deepak Kumar, a circus worker from Udhampur. The property seizure is related to FIR number 171/2023 and involves various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Police stated. In a press release, Police said, on the evening of May 29, 2023, near the Amusement Park in Ashajipora, militants opened fire on a migrant laborer, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The victim was identified as Deepak Kumar, also known as Deepu, son of Mashu, hailing from Thial-Panchayat Deot Bilaspur in Udhampur. Deepak Kumar sustained severe injuries and, regrettably, succumbed to his wounds at the Government Medical College in Anantnag. The assailants managed...

The family of a missing youth from Bijbehara has made an appeal asking people to help them trace their kin. Identified as Mushahid Hussain, son of Nazir Ahmad Nazmi, a resident of Bijbehara Ahanger Mohalla,  has been missing home since yesterday. The family member told The Kashmiriyat that Mushahid left home yesterday at 11:30 a.m. and had not returned. He added that Mushahid is a patient with depression. "If anyone has any information they can contact 9906561361," the family has appealed to the general public

Jammu Kashmir High Court has quashed the detention of a North Kashmir labourer under the contentious Public Safety Act (PSA). Senior Advocate Bashir Ahmed Tak representing the incarcerated student informed that the detention of 22-year-old labouer Muhammad Iliyas Dar, a resident of Rahpora Khudwani village of Kulgam was quashed by the court of Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul nearly over a year after he was arrested on charges of allegedly indulging in anti-national activities in May 2022 and simultaneously booked under the PSA. The accused was put behind bars in an old FIR lodged against him by Kulgam police in 2021. He is currently languishing at Haryana jail in Gurgaon. The court of Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul after hearing the arguments of Advocate Bashir Ahmed Tak directed autho...

Kashmir recently experienced a shortage of rainfall, leading to hot and humid conditions, leading to the persistent water scarcity crisis in many areas across the valley including the Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The officials here told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the reduced rainfall has resulted in a deficit in water supply. They said the areas under the water supply scheme Shrakwara in Kreeri, located about 15 kilometres from Sopore town, are currently facing severe water shortages. However, officials are optimistic about the resolution of the crisis with the implementation of the AMRUT-2 scheme. A senior official from the Jal Shakti Department told KNO that the town's water scarcity issue would soon be resolved through the AMRUT-2 scheme...