REGIONAL

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...

Anantnag Police have successfully solved a hit-and-run case on KP Road, leading to the arrest of the accused. The incident involved a 17-year-old girl, Zainab Jan, daughter of Mohd Yaseen Bhat from Sarnal, Anantnag, who was struck by a recklessly ridden motorcycle. The rider fled the scene immediately after the accident. Following the complaint, a case was registered under FIR No. 26/2025 at Police Station Anantnag. The police launched an investigation, working diligently to trace the culprit. Their efforts led to the arrest of Fida Shafi Mawafarosh, a resident of Sarnal, Anantnag. The accused has been taken into custody. Anantnag Police reiterated their commitment to public safety and warned of strict action against traffic violators and those endangering lives.

Delhi High Court has granted custody parole for two days to MP Engineer Rashid, allowing him to attend Parliament. Engineer Rashid, an independent MP from Jammu Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency, has been in jail since 2019 in connection with a terror funding case. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly receiving funds from Pakistan-based entities to fuel militancy in the region. Despite his prolonged detention, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and won. Custody parole is a temporary release granted to an inmate under police escort for specific purposes, such as attending court proceedings, funerals, or important personal events. Unlike regular parole, the prisoner remains in custody ...

Among all states of India, Jammu and Kashmir education sector has second highest ‘Untrained Teachers’ at Pre-Primary and Upper Primary levels. Besides, the Union Territory has 4th highest untrained teachers at primary level as well. The recent official figures reveal that the highest numbers of untrained teachers were reported in Tamil Nadu followed by Jammu and Kashmir wherein only 22.3 percent of teachers at Pre-Primary levels (Kindergartens) were trained to teach the students. According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the official figures also reveal that only 16.4 percent male and 25.2 percent teachers at both government and private sectors were trained to teach the students at Pre-Primary levels. It also states that the Upper-Primary level schools in Jammu ...

A massive fire broke out in the Palpora area of Noorbagh in central Kashmir's Srinagar on Monday morning. An official told news agency JKNS that the fire started from a residential structure in the Rakh Colony area of Palpora Noorbagh.  Around 4-5 structures are engulfed in flames, while teams from the Fire and Emergency Services have rushed to the spot and are trying to douse the fire, official said. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and further details are awaited.— (JKNS)

Sheikh Nadeem A Heartfelt Initiative for Health and Well-being in Gund Darvesh Shopian, Feb 09: In a beautiful display of community spirit and compassion, We The Kashmir Foundation, in collaboration with Smile Foundation Srinagar, organized a Free Medical and Health Check-up Camp in the remote area of Gund Darvesh, located in the Shopian district. This initiative aimed to provide essential healthcare services to those who often face challenges in accessing medical facilities. The camp was set up to offer free consultations, health screenings, and medications to the local community, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to receive the care they needed. The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with families from far and wide gathering to avail themselves of the services provide...

A non-local youth who last year embraced Islam has testified in court that he converted of his own free will and without any pressure or coercion. His statement comes after police registered a case against a religious cleric under allegations of unlawful conversion. The case, filed under FIR number 55/2024, was registered at Nigeen Police Station under Sections 188, 153, and 153A of the Indian Penal Code. The accused, religious cleric Kamal Farooqi, had been booked on the insistence of the Jammu & Kashmir Wakaf Board after he publicly announced the conversion at the Hazratbal Shrine. Subsequently, the Board removed him from his position. Appearing before the Judicial Magistrate Incharge 1st Additional Munsif, the convert, now known as Muhammad Abdullah, son of the late Radhe S...

Danishwar Hameed  A 23-year-old youth, Naseer Ahmad Dar, son of Nasir Ahmad Dar, was found unconscious at his home in Kulgam district and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him "brought dead. Authorities have conducted a post-mortem examination, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death. "The incident has left the local community in shock as they await further details from the ongoing inquiry," officials told The Kashmiriyat.