REGIONAL

The National Conference has strongly criticized the authorities for disallowing the Namaz-e-Janazah (funeral prayers) of Dr. Sibtain Masoodi at Jama Masjid, Srinagar, calling it a deeply regrettable and wrongful decision. The party said such actions are not only regressive but also expose the hollowness of the administration’s claims of normalcy in the region. "It is precisely these kinds of steps that reveal the lack of trust the authorities have in their own assertions of peace and stability," the party stated. The NC further lashed out at the police for what it termed a "short-sighted approach," arguing that restricting fundamental religious rights only serves to further erode the people's trust and goodwill. Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party also condemned the move, ...

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri Thursday said the administration is fully prepared for the holy month of Ramadan with a high-level meeting scheduled tomorrow to finalise preparations. Speaking with reporters in Srinagar, Kumar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said unscheduled power cuts are a concern, but the situation has remained stable. "Even during inclement weather, power supply was satisfactory, and authorities expect smooth power supply in Ramadan too," he said. On being asked about weather alert, he said that much-needed rainfall has not significantly impacted power supply with 90% supply lines operational. "Air and railway transport are running smoothly, while national highways remain open, except for border areas," he said—(KNO)...

The recent spell of precipitation has reduced the rainfall deficiency by 14 per cent, bringing it down from 83 per cent last week to 69 per cent as of Wednesday. Significant precipitation has been recorded at Kargil station in Ladakh, as well as in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu division over the past week. After receiving no rainfall in the first 50 days of this year, Kargil recorded 16.4 mm of rainfall against the normal precipitation of 25 mm over the last 57 days of 2025. The precipitation deficit in Rajouri and Poonch districts has decreased from over 70 per cent to 50 per cent, according to data. Across Jammu and Kashmir, the overall rainfall deficiency has dropped to 69 per cent, compared to 83 per cent last week. As per official data, against the normal precipita...

Shabir Khan Three people sustained injuries after a thunderstorm, accompanied by strong winds and lightning, hit Chandoosa in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district late Wednesday night. Officials said that the storm caused significant disruption, leaving three individuals injured. "The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable," the official said. Kashmir has been experiencing continuous rainfall and snowfall over the past two days, with higher reaches witnessing fresh snowfall since Tuesday afternoon.

The latest spell of precipitation has reduced Jammu Kashmir’s rainfall deficiency from 83 per cent last week to 69 per cent as of Wednesday. Significant rainfall was recorded in Kargil, Ladakh, as well as Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Jammu division over the past week. Kargil, which had seen zero rainfall in the first 50 days of 2025, recorded 16.4 mm against a normal of 25 mm over the last 57 days. In Rajouri and Poonch, the precipitation deficit has dropped from over 70 per cent to 50 per cent, according to data accessed by KNO. Overall, Jammu Kashmir received 65.8 mm of rainfall from January 1 to February 26, against a normal of 215.5 mm. Despite the improvement, many districts—including Srinagar—continue to experience severe deficiencies, ranging from 60 per cent to 84 per ...

The District Floriculture Office has refuted reports of illegal tree felling in Ranibagh, Anantnag, stating that only authorized pruning of dried and hazardous branches of old Chinar trees was conducted to ensure public safety. In an official statement, the department said that the process followed due authorization and was carried out transparently. The pruning was conducted through an open auction on January 9, 2025, under the supervision of the District Floriculture Officer. Authorities emphasized that all procedures adhered to existing regulations. The statement urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to seek clarification from official sources before sharing claims about alleged illegal activities. This clarification comes amid growing concern...

An army vehicle came under fire by militants in Sunderbani area in Rajouri district, an official said on Wednesday afternoon. The official told news agency Kashmir Bulletin that militants opened fire on a moving army vehicle in a dense forest area in Sunderbani. "Soon after, the area was cordoned off and a widescale manhunt launched to nab the militants," the official said, adding "As of now there has been no report of any injury on either side." More details awaited. (KB)

The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to reduce toll charges across the Union Territory, citing unjustifiably high fees at several toll plazas. The court has given the ministry a deadline of four months to revise and lower the toll rates, ensuring that the public is not overburdened. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary ruled that toll collection at Lakhanpur and Bann plazas must be slashed to 20% of pre-January 26, 2024, rates until the Lakhanpur-Udhampur section of the national highway is fully operational. The directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking exemption from toll charges along the Jammu-Pathankot Highway until the Delhi-Amritsa...

The much-awaited rainfall, since Tuesday afternoon, has brought relief and joy to Kashmiris across sections. With the winter months recording an alarming 87% rainfall deficit, this spell of precipitation comes as a blessing, replenishing water sources and easing concerns over a looming drought. Srinagar received 7.8 mm of rain, while Qazigund recorded 12.2 mm. Pahalgam saw 20.8 mm, and Gulmarg, blanketed in fresh snow, recorded 33.0 mm of precipitation, translating into 33.0 cm of snowfall. Kupwara received 20.3 mm of rain with 1.5 cm of snow, while Sopore and Bandipora witnessed 32.0 mm and 26.5 mm of rain, respectively. Nowgam Handwara recorded the highest rainfall in the valley at 36.4 mm. The rains extended across south Kashmir, where Anantnag received 3.0 mm, Kokernag 6.4 ...