REGIONAL

The Delhi High Court made a decisive statement by refusing to grant former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a divorce from his estranged wife, Payal Abdullah. Headed by Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, a division bench upheld the family court's verdict, which deemed Omar Abdullah's claims insufficient to warrant a divorce. The court meticulously assessed Omar Abdullah's appeal and concurred with the family court's judgment, highlighting the vagueness of the allegations of cruelty against Payal Abdullah. Despite Omar Abdullah's assertions, the court concluded that there was an absence of concrete evidence to substantiate any acts of cruelty—be it physical or mental—committed by Payal Abdullah. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, with the bench emphasizing the lack of mer...

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court annulled the Public Safety Act (PSA) charged against Kashmiri reporter Asif Sultan. Justice V C Koul, in overturning Sultan's detention, ordered the Manoj Sinha-led JK administration to set him free from preventive custody, unless necessary for another case. Sultan, detained since 2018, received the John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award from the National Press Club of America in 2019. Despite being granted bail in 2022, he remained incarcerated and was later re-apprehended and charged under the PSA.

Authorities have announced the commencement of chemotherapy services at every district hospital to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and enhance accessibility to crucial cancer care in the Kashmir division. An official from the health department informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that this decision is part of the government's commitment to address the growing burden of cancer and ensure that patients, regardless of their location, have access to vital treatment options. He said the move aims at decentralising cancer care and bringing it closer to communities and minimising the need for patients to travel long distances for chemotherapy. “The government is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of its citizens, and the initiation of chemothera...

The Supreme Court's Constitution bench delivered a verdict on petitions challenging the removal of Article 370 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. The court supported the government's decision to revoke Article 370, urging the assembly elections to be held by September 30 next year. Additionally, the reorganization of Ladakh as a Union Territory was upheld. Justice Chandrachud highlighted that Article 370 was a temporary measure during wartime in the former state. The five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, passed the judgment after a 16-day argument period, with the decision being reserved on September 5. The Court's findings regarding Article 370 and subsequent legal aspects are nuanced: 1. Internal Sovereignty: Despite Mahar...

A man died in a road mishap in Kulgam district on Monday afternoon. An official told news agency Kashmir Scroll that a person namely Junaid Abbas Parray, son of Ali Mohammad, was hit by a vehicle at Agari Kalan Magam, resulting in his on spot death. Confirming it, a police official told Kashmir Scroll that they have taken cognisance of the incident. (KS)

Inhabitants of Chatterhama village of Hazratbal here in Srinagar outskirts in a written complaint to authorities have demanded action against Patwari Chatterhama and sought his immediate suspension. The inhabitants have alleged that Patwari Chatterhama (name withheld) has created a group of touts and brokers who have been demanding bribes for the issuance of revenue extracts from prospective buyers of land. In the letter, the inhabitants have alleged that Patwari in question doesn’t meet people and does every work through his favorite brokers (names withheld). Pertinently, the said Patwari has been holding three additional charges. The locals have appealed to the Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to take cognizance...

Jammu Kashmir National Conference and People's Democratic Party on Monday claimed that the leaders of both parties were placed under house arrest, a claim denied by LG Manoj Sinha. Earlier, PDP in a tweet said, "Even before Supreme Court judgement is pronounced, Police has sealed the doors of the residence of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and put her under illegal house arrest." National Conference posted a tweet stating that Early this morning, JKNC VP  Omar Abdullah had been locked up inside his house. Responding to this, Jammu Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said neither any one has been arrested nor anybody placed under house arrest. “Some people are trying to spread rumours about house arrest and arrests of people. I am stating this with full responsibility...

Four years following the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu Kashmir, the Supreme Court is gearing up to review challenges to this decision on Monday, December 11. Leading this review is a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and the proceedings will begin at 1030 A.M. In Jammu  Kashmir, extensive preparations are underway to handle potential escalations in tensions during the Supreme Court hearing. Simultaneously, political leaders in Kashmir have stated that they would continue their fight for the restoration of Article 370, if the court rules against the petitioning party. They remain staunch in their push for the reinstatement of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Former chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir,...

In a heated session at the Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Harnath Singh Yadav introduced the Waqf Repeal Bill 2022, aiming to repeal the Waqf Act, 1995. The move sparked strong opposition from multiple parties, including Congress, TMC, DMK, CPI, CPI (M), and RJD. The bill's introduction was eventually approved, with 53 members in favor and 32 against, as reported by PTI. During the session, Elamaram Kareem of CPI (M) voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the vital role of the Waqf Board in managing religious sites and orphanages nationwide. Kareem expressed concerns that altering such a sensitive issue could potentially lead to communal division among the people and advocated for the rejection of the bill. John Brittas, another member of CPI (M), as...

Danishwar Hameed In a heart-wrenching incident, a government teacher from Anantnag faced a fatal heart attack while on duty overseeing the JKSSB exam at Al-Sarwat Convent Sr. Sec. School in Anantnag. Official told The Kashmiriyat that Mr. Dar was diligently fulfilling his responsibilities during an exam duty at Al Sarwat school on KP road Anantnag, when he suddenly fell ill, prompting immediate action by those present. He was swiftly rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC), where medical professionals worked fervently to revive him. However, despite their efforts, doctors sadly declared his passing. This sudden loss has deeply impacted the educational community and those who knew Mr. Dar. Colleagues remember him as a committed educator whose dedication to his professi...