REGIONAL

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...

Jammu  Kashmir has witnessed a staggering rise in drug-related crimes over the past two decades, with cases and arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPSA) more than doubling, according to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs. In 2004, 985 cases led to 1,380 arrests, while 2023 saw 2,149 cases and 3,072 arrests. The surge reflects the growing prevalence of drug abuse and trafficking in the region, sparking concerns over the effectiveness of current measures to tackle the crisis. The data was shared in response to a parliamentary query by MP C Ve Shanmugam, revealing a steady year-on-year increase: 1,543 cases and 2,217 arrests in 2021, 1,885 cases and 2,755 arrests in 2022, culminating in the peak of 2023. Earlier, MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi raised ...

A severe financial crisis in Jammu Kashmir’s government treasuries has left employees, contractors, and pensioners struggling to cope with delayed payments. Pensioners awaiting retirement benefits, including gratuity and leave salary, and government employees waiting for their General Provident Fund (GPF) payments, have been hardest hit. Contractors working with key departments such as Roads and Buildings and Jal Shakti also face months-long delays in payments for completed projects. “I have been waiting for my GPF payment for over six months now,” said one government employee. “It’s affecting not just me but my entire family.” Similarly, contractors reported financial and legal challenges as post-dated cheques began bouncing due to non-payment. “This is forcing many of us o...

Amid ambiguity over salaries of newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has sought clarification from Jammu Kashmir Government on the matter. Sources within the J- K government disclosed that the Speaker has written to the administrative secretary, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs over the matter due to confusion in the legal provisions regarding salaries of MLAs. “The Speaker has asked the government to clarify in light of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, whose section 31 states that LG should determine salaries of MLAs till Jammu & Kashmir Assembly enacts law over the matter. However, the law regarding salaries of MLAs in erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir was protected under the Reorganisation Act,” they said. Unde...

As winter tightens its grip, several areas in Kashmir woke up to a white blanket of snow on Thursday morning. Light snowfall was observed in some plains during the early hours of the morning, while the higher reaches experienced heavy accumulation. The change in weather has brought both joy and challenges to residents, with picturesque landscapes contrasting with potential travel disruptions. In terms of accumulation, the higher altitudes recorded significant snowfall. Zojila received over 10 inches, while Sonamarg witnessed 8–10 inches of fresh snow. Plains in districts like Budgam and Kupwara saw moderate snowfall, with Khan Sahib and Hachmarg recording 2 inches each. Meanwhile, light snow graced the plains of Bandipora and Vailoo in Kokernag, offering a subtle winter charm. ...

In an apparent case of suicide, an Army personnel allegedly shot himself dead using his service rifle in the Rajouri district of Jammu Kashmir, officials said. Havaldar Indesh Kumar was on sentry duty inside his camp at the Anjanwali village in the Manjakote area when he fatally shot himself late Tuesday, the officials said. They said the reason behind the extreme step was not known immediately. Police have started inquest proceedings into the case, the officials added.–(PTI)

An old and rusted explosive device was detected and destroyed in Kashew area of Zainapora in south Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a joint team of CRPF, and Army's Rashtriya Rifles detected the old and rusted explosive in Kashew area. He said that as the device was found, a bomb disposal squad was called in, while road was closed for traffic movement. "The device was later destroyed," he said—(KNO)

A new Western Disturbance has begun impacting Jammu Kashmir, with snowfall expected today in the higher altitudes, particularly in Ganderbal and Bandipora, according to Kashmir Weather. The system is predicted to intensify overnight, raising the likelihood of snowfall in the plains during the night or early morning tomorrow. While there is a 40% chance of light snowfall in the plains, a few areas may see moderate snow, with a 20% probability. The Jammu region, however, is not expected to experience significant weather changes. Parts of Kargil district might see light to moderate snowfall over the next 36 hours. The Meteorological Department forecasts predominantly dry weather in Kashmir until December 18, though isolated areas in higher reaches might witness light snowfall on W...

A report from a Jammu-based newspaper has revealed that 152 Rohingya women have married locally in Jamm Kashmir, while 158 refugees have managed to secure Aadhaar cards. The issue of Rohingya refugees has once again stirred political controversy in the region. According to Daily Excelsior, 38 Rohingya women married local men in the Jammu region, and 124 married in the Kashmir Valley. The newspaper also alleged that many Rohingyas have illegally obtained ration cards, voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, and even Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) to establish permanent residency in Jammu and Kashmir. The report further claimed that four Kashmir-based NGOs have been providing financial and material support to the refugees. It also stated that 61 Aadhaar cards were issued to Rohingya...

Danishwar Hameed/ Meer Irfan As the chill intensifies in Kashmir with temperatures plunging below freezing, the valley continues to grapple with power shortages, although recent steps have been taken to address the issue. Despite frequent and unscheduled power cuts, which have frustrated residents in both urban and rural areas, the Power Development Department (PDD) has made efforts to improve the situation this winter. According to official reports, the power supply to the valley has increased by 100 MW compared to the same period last year. Between November 16 and November 30, the average power supply stood at 1489 MW, a 101 MW increase from 1388 MW last year. From December 1 to December 4, the supply rose to 1525 MW, marking a 60 MW increase from 1465 MW last year. Between Dece...