REGIONAL

Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sharply criticized the dual governance model in the Union Territory, describing it as a "recipe for disaster." He urged the Centre to honor its commitment to restoring statehood to the region without delay. In his first interview since assuming office in October, Abdullah expressed cautious optimism about the Centre’s repeated promises to restore statehood. However, he noted that these promises, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during election campaigns, have yet to materialize. “Having two power centres anywhere is a recipe for disaster. No organization works well with multiple leaders. You don’t have two captains for a sports team or two prime ministers in the government of India. Most of India has on...

Senior CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami on Saturday strongly criticized the central government’s push for the “one nation, one election” proposal, describing it as a move against the foundational principles of India’s federal structure and diversity. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Tarigami said, “In our opinion, the ‘one nation, one election’ concept is against the spirit of the idea of India and its federal structure, which gives protection to the country’s immense diversities.” He emphasized that India's strength lies in its diverse cultures, identities, and faiths, which have historically unified the nation against external and internal challenges. “These diversities are the real face and real strength of India that helped thwart all attempts in the past to disintegrate the country. T...

Police on Friday attached a residential property in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district where four militants were killed in an encounter in July, an official spokesperson said. The single-storey house was attached under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. “In a significant move to counter militancy, police in Kulgam have attached a property under Section 25 of the UAPA,” the spokesperson said. The property is registered in the name of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chenigam, Frisal. The property was attached as its owner allegedly provided shelter to the four terrorists who were neutralised in the house on July 6, 2024, he added. The attachment was executed in the presence of a duly constituted police team and the executive magistrate, ensuring full compliance with leg...

In a heartwarming display of communal harmony and bravery, Shia and Sunni youth joined forces to combat a devastating fire incident in Wani Mohalla, Botakadal, Srinagar. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, highlighted the unwavering spirit of brotherhood among the two communities. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out in the densely populated Wani Mohalla around 8 PM. Within minutes, the flames had engulfed a residential house, threatening to spread further. However, before the fire and emergency department could arrive, local youth sprang into action, armed with buckets of water and whatever they could find. The brave youngsters, mostly Sunni youth from nearby localities, formed a human chain to combat the inferno. "Their selfless efforts and determination to...

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the importance of unity among the youth to counter destabilizing forces during his address at the Annual Day function of KC International School. The event took place at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu, where he congratulated the school’s management, teachers, and students for their achievements. Encouraging students to dream big and pursue their goals with determination, the LG said, "I admire the energy and commitment of young people. Our youth are driving change and aspire for a society free from fear, corruption, and backwardness." He urged the audience to stand against elements aiming to disrupt the country and called for collective efforts to foster unity. The LG also highlighted the need for India to reclaim its po...

Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has alleged that he was placed under house arrest for the second consecutive Friday, preventing him from offering congregational prayers at Jama Masjid in Srinagar's Nowhatta locality. The authorities have not issued any statement regarding these claims. In a post on X, the Mirwaiz expressed his frustration, stating, "Once again, I have been disallowed from going to Jama Masjid on a Friday. Raising people’s issues and concerns from the pulpit is my duty, but it appears to unsettle the authorities, so they lock me up!" He criticized the approach, saying such actions would neither erase the issues nor alter the realities on the ground. "An authoritarian mindset cannot think beyond suppression. I strongly condemn my house arrest and th...

Jammu Kashmir has made significant progress in implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, which recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers. According to the government’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, 6,020 titles have been distributed so far, including 429 individual rights and 5,591 community rights. In the Jammu region, Rajouri topped the distribution with 2,852 titles, followed by Poonch with 1,902. Udhampur, Kathua, and Ramban distributed 14, 42, and 10 titles, respectively. Some districts, like Samba and Jammu, saw recognition of community rights but no individual titles. In Kashmir, Anantnag led with 325 titles, followed by Shopian with 220 and Budgam with 181. Srinagar district reported no title distributions, highlighting uneven imp...

An event titled "International Pheran Day" is being observed in Srinagar, aiming to promote Kashmir's traditional winter attire, the Pheran, among the younger generation. The auditions for the event, widely covered by sections of the media, attracted modeling aspirants from across the region on Thursday. While the initiative aimed to highlight Kashmiri culture, it drew sharp criticism for failing to reflect the essence of the tradition as none of the participants were seen wearing Pheran. The main event is scheduled for December 21, coinciding with the onset of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period in Kashmir. Videos from the auditions have gone viral on social media platforms, with prominent news organizations sharing clips and engaging millions of viewers. Despite the...

Danishwar Hameed  A tragic accident occurred in Kulgam district on Thursday evening when a vehicle, bearing registration number JK03P 0505, overturned and crashed into a local shop and an electric transformer. Locals told The Kashmiriyat that the crash resulted in critical injuries to two individuals, who were immediately rescued by Kulgam Police & local residents. Despite the quick response and efforts from the Kulgam Police & locals to help the victims, both individuals tragically succumbed to their injuries and were declared dead by hospital authorities after being transported to the district hospital. The identities of the deceased have been confirmed as Mukhtar Ahmad Itoo, son of Mohammad Rajab Itoo, and Reyaz Ahmad Rather, son of Mohammad Rajab Rather, both reside...

The icy conditions have deepened across Kashmir, with several regions reporting sub-zero temperatures during the intervening night. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -2.0°C on Friday, while Sonamarg emerged as the coldest place in Kashmir, freezing at -12.5°C. In Anantnag, the minimum temperature was -2.3°C, while Khudwani recorded -1.5°C and Ganderbal -3.7°C. Pahalgam and Gulmarg remained bitterly cold, registering -9.4°C and -9.6°C, respectively. Kupwara noted -2.5°C, Kokernag -1.8°C, and Qazigund -1.4°C. Pulwama reported -3.0°C, Bandipora -4.1°C, and Baramulla -1.3°C. Kulgam and Shopian both recorded -4.7°C, with Larnoo at -4.2°C. In the Jammu region, Jammu recorded a low of 4.5°C, while Banihal noted 3.0°C and Batote 1.8°C. Bhaderwah experienced -3.0°C, Rajouri 0.9...