REGIONAL

Jammu Kashmir's Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo Tuesday voiced strong opposition to the rule that ties financial assistance for marriage to a girl’s educational background. She assured that the government will soon review the order that made passing the 8th standard a prerequisite for receiving marriage aid. Speaking to reporters, the minister stressed that marriage is a personal and sacred matter and should never be linked to someone’s academic achievements. “A rule like this creates unnecessary hurdles for underprivileged girls. We objected to it when it was introduced, and we still believe it goes against the spirit of welfare,” Itoo said. The contentious rule, introduced two years ago under the LG-led administration, required girls to have passed the 8th standard in ord...

The dead body of a Kashmiri youth was found on Monday evening at Dharamgund village in Tral, triggering shock and concern in the area. The deceased has been identified as Surjeet Singh Shanty, son of the late Foja Singh, a resident of Dharamgund. On Tuesday morning, the family staged a protest demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death. Neighbours also joined in, urging authorities to take immediate action to ensure transparency and accountability. “This incident has left us disturbed. We only want the truth to come out,” said a relative of the deceased. Residents have called on senior officials to visit the village and oversee the inquiry. The administration has yet to release an official statement.

In a major ruling highlighting human rights concerns amid national security operations, the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered the repatriation of Rakshanda Rashid, a woman deported to Pakistan earlier this year during Operation Sindoor, the government’s crackdown following the Pahalgam massacre. Justice Rahul Bharti issued the direction while hearing a writ petition (WP(C) No. 1072/2025) filed by Rashid’s husband, Sheikh Zahoor Ahmed. He challenged her deportation, arguing that she had been living in Jammu and Kashmir for years and held a Long-Term Visa (LTV), which should have protected her from expulsion. The court expressed deep concern over Rashid’s health and humanitarian situation, noting that she had no family or support in Pakistan. Justice Bharti emphasized ...

Amid a growing political row over reports suggesting that the Centre may restore Jammu Kashmir’s statehood with "terms and conditions," the ruling National Conference (NC) has reacted sharply, calling it a deliberate attempt to create confusion and undermine the public mandate. According to multiple media reports, the Centre is considering two options for restoring statehood. First, that statehood would be granted after the current government completes its five-year term, and fresh elections would then be held for a state legislature. The second option being considered is the restoration of statehood by August 2025, but only after fresh elections are conducted, as the current Assembly was elected under the framework of a Union Territory. Reacting to the reports, NC chief spokesper...

Two persons sustained injuries, one of them critically, after a vehicle hit a road divider at SIDCO Pulwama on Monday afternoon. Official sources told GNS that a Mahindra Bolero bearing registration number JK13E-0711 lost control due to over speeding and rammed into the divider, resulting in injuries to both occupants. The injured have been identified as Shabir Ahmad Mir, son of Gh. Mohd Mir, resident of Prichoo Pulwama, and Mushtaq Ahmad Bajran, son of Kallu Bajran, resident of Kathahalan Keller, Shopian. They said Mushtaq Ahmad Bajran was critically injured in the mishap and was referred to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for advanced treatment. The condition of Shabir Ahmad Mir is stated to be stable. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and further investigation is underw...

After more than two decades of legal proceedings, a Bandipora court on Saturday acquitted three individuals accused of carrying out a deadly attack on a police party in 2002, citing the prosecution’s failure to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. Principal Sessions Judge Bandipora, Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, announced the acquittal of Ayaz Ahmad Pir alias Mitha, Shawkat Pir—both sons of Ab Ahad Pir—and Mymoona, wife of Ab Ahad Pir, all residents of Garoora Bandipora. The court observed that the prosecution evidence fell short of meeting the legal standard required for conviction. According to the case details, on November 20, 2002, a group allegedly comprising Showkat Ahmad Peer, Ayaz Ahmad Peer, and others reportedly opened fire on a police party with illegally acquired weapons....

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners United Front on Monday held a peaceful protest in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, demanding immediate redressal of their long-pending issues, including restoration of benefits under the 8th Pay Commission and an increase in medical allowance. Scores of elderly pensioners assembled and raised slogans urging the government to address their grievances. The protesting retired employees, many of whom served the government for over three decades, said they feel neglected and forgotten after retirement. “We demand the restoration of all benefits due under the 8th Pay Commission. The government must also enhance the meagre medical allowance from Rs 300 to at least Rs 1000,” said one of the protesting pensioners. “Rs 300 in today's time is a j...

Suhail Dar Just a few months ago, the streets of Pahalgam wore a deserted look following the deadly April 2025 attack that shook the region and brought its already fragile tourism industry to a near standstill. Hotels remained empty, shop shutters rarely opened, and the silence along the Lidder River was broken only by uncertainty. But today, that silence has been replaced with the hum of activity. Crowded streets, packed hotels, and bustling markets suggest a revival — not from foreign or national tourists just yet, but from Kashmiris themselves. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited the area on Sunday, remarked on the contrast. "The last time I was in Pahalgam I cycled through a market that was all but deserted. Today I came back to a Pahalgam that was bustling with activity...

People's Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti on Saturday raised alarm over a growing irrigation crisis in south Kashmir, warning that the districts of Anantnag and Kulgam are “staring at an acute irrigation crisis” due to prolonged dry spells that have severely affected paddy transplantation. “Farmers are on the brink of despair & desperation,” she wrote on social media, appealing to Deputy Commissioners of both districts to expedite measures to manage the worsening water shortage. On the ground, her concerns are echoed by farmers across the region, particularly in villages that depend on the Bringi and Jhelum rivers for irrigation. In areas like Brinty, Hakura, Palpora, Ara Koshipora in Anantnag, the crisis has reached alarming levels. “We have lost hope,” says Mohammed Juna...

Firdous Qadri A young police official in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district died after suffering a sudden heart attack, sending shockwaves through the region and the police fraternity. Identified as DySP (Probationary) Aamir Amin Bhat, the officer was a resident of Bhat Mohalla, Ujroo Langate, and had been appointed to the post in 2024 under Government Order S.No. 17, official sources told The Kashmiriyat  He was the son of Mohammad Amin Bhat. His untimely demise has left colleagues and locals stunned, with locals recalling his dedication, humility, and potential as a young officer. A large number of people, including senior officials, attended his funeral prayers at his native village to pay their last respects.