REGIONAL

At least three troopers have been wounded in an IED planted by suspected militants in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu. According to reports, IED planted by militants exploded in Akhnoor sector of LoC in Jammu. "3 jawans injured, 2 critical. Injured shifted to Army hospital," the report added. This is a breaking news. The details may change as we receive more updates.

A massive fire in Rakh Ara Noorbagh area of Srinagar yesterday gutted at least five residential houses, with locals blaming the incident on a short circuit caused by poorly installed smart meters and electric poles. Residents alleged that the installation of smart meters close to second-storey windows has become a fire hazard, as these meters frequently develop snags and short circuits. They claimed the meters and poles were installed in haste, without a proper safety assessment or planning, putting lives and property at risk. “All the poles in the affected locality are dangerously close to residential houses. These installations were done without taking necessary precautions into account,” an elderly person Ghulam Rasool Shah told the news agency Kashmir News Trust, expressing frust...

The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has expressed strong displeasure over inadequate healthcare facilities in both Union Territories, particularly in rural areas. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary criticized the failure to file a response to 14 healthcare improvement suggestions submitted by Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed on behalf of petitioner Balwinder Singh. The court noted that many medical officers posted in rural health institutions secure urban transfers, leaving remote areas underserved. It also highlighted the acute shortage of medical staff, revealing 664 vacancies for Medical Officers and 2,489 for Para Medics in Jammu Division alone. Similar shortages persist in Kashmir Division. Advocate Ahmed emphasized that no ...

Danishwar Hameed  In an overnight burglary attempt, thieves targeted a cash-laden ATM machine in Arreh village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials reported on Tuesday. According to authorities, the culprits used a cutter in an attempt to steal money from the ATM. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the stolen cash remained safe "The ATM has sustained some damage, but fortunately, the cash is secure," an official stated. Police have swiftly taken cognizance of the incident, and an investigation is now underway. A forensic team has been dispatched to collect evidence, and CCTV footage from the area is being thoroughly examined.

Two youth were injured after being attacked with a sharp-edged weapon by unidentified persons near Baghat in central Kashmir’s Srinagar district on Monday evening. A police officer told news agency JKNS that two youth were injured after being attacked with a sharp-edged weapon by unidentified persons near Baghat Srinagar. the victims, aged 17 and 21, sustained injuries in the attack and were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Both are residents of Baghat, official said. Meanwhile, a senior police officer told JKNS that an FIR has been registered in this case, and further investigations are underway. (JKNS)

Two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) assigned to Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, have been suspended. Mehbooba criticized the move, calling it "ironic and unfair." In a post on X, she alleged that the officers were punished solely because Iltija managed to reach Kathua despite being "confined to her home like a criminal." She also questioned the lack of action against those responsible for the deaths of Waseem Mir in Sopore and Makhan Din in Bilawar. Accusing the ruling National Conference (NC) government of failing its promises, Mehbooba said that despite assurances of security and dignity for the people, the administration remains a silent spectator, effectively legitimizing such actions. [KNT]

A wanted criminal was arrested here on Sunday after a two-year hunt, police said. Surjan Sansi, a resident of Rehal village of Bishnah, is a history-sheeter and his arrest is a major success for police in its drive against gangsters, a police spokesperson said. He said Sansi was evading arrest for the past two years and was wanted in connection with the killing of a man identified as Akshay Kumar in Ramgarh area of Samba district in December 2023. A police party from Bishnah police station arrested Sansi from his hideout in Jammu.

At least two dozen sheep were killed by leopard in Chakoora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday. Locals told the news agency JKNS that a leopard attacked and killed 25 sheep of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat who is a resident of Chakoora Pulwama. Family members of the victim have demanded compensation from the government. Meanwhile locals have requested the wildlife department to take steps so as to capture the wild beast so as to avoid further damage.—(JKNS)

Kishtwar, home to several major hydroelectric projects, has become the center of the Mission Bijli Free movement, as residents demand free electricity in a district that produces thousands of megawatts of power. On February 9, a large protest erupted at Kishtwar’s Chowgan Ground, with demonstrators chanting slogans like "Hamari bijli humko do, muft do, muft do," On Monday, the district administration imposed Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting gatherings of five or more people. Citing concerns over public order and upcoming religious festivals, the administration warned that violators would face legal action under Section 223 of the BNSS. However, locals see this as an attempt to silence their rightful demands rather than address them. For years, K...

Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed concern over recent deaths in Kathua and Baramulla, warning that such incidents could further alienate the local population. He stated that he has raised these matters with the central government, urging for time-bound and transparent investigations. In Kathua’s Billawar area, a 26-year-old man, accused of militancy links, allegedly died by suicide on Wednesday night after reported harassment by the police. The incident has prompted both the police and administration to launch separate inquiries. Meanwhile, in Baramulla, a truck driver was shot dead by the Army on the same day after allegedly ignoring warnings to stop at a security checkpoint in Sangrama Chowk. Officials stated that the checkpoint had been set up follo...