REGIONAL

Firdous Qadri A government school teacher and a peon have been arrested over the charges of exploiting a minor student in the Srinagar district of central Kashmir. The incident came to light following a complaint filed at the Chatterhama Police Post, sources told The Kashmiriyat. "Acting swiftly, the police arrested both accused—one employed as a teacher and the other as a peon at a government school in the area," they said. According to official sources, who spoke to The Kashmiriyat, the case has been registered under FIR No. 23/2025 and relevant sections of the Penal code. Authorities have assured that a thorough probe is underway, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure justice is delivered. The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with many dema...

A well-known YouTuber from Jammu was arrested on Friday for performing high-risk motorcycle stunts on public roads, endangering lives and drawing widespread concern over the glorification of such acts online. Jatinder Sharma, who goes by the name ‘Jannu’ on his YouTube channel “Moto Vlogger Jannu Stunts,” was taken into custody by Traffic Police City Jammu for repeatedly carrying out perilous stunts on his KTM 390 Duke motorcycle (registration number JK02DG3400), particularly on the Sidhra Flyover stretch. Hailing from Gandhi Nagar, Sharma had gained considerable attention on social media for his stunt videos, amassing nearly 2 million subscribers. However, authorities say his actions not only put pedestrians and motorists at risk but also encouraged impressionable viewers to mimic t...

Shabir Khan The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday carried out raids at several locations in central and north Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected terror-related activities. Sources told The Kashmiriyat that the searches were conducted in Sopore, Baramulla, Handwara, Ganderbal, and parts of Srinagar. The operation is believed to be part of a broader crackdown on networks suspected of aiding or abetting militancy in the region. As of the time this report was filed, no arrests or recoveries had been confirmed. Further details are awaited.

Mohammed Mustakeem Faridi, a beloved and well-known shopkeeper in Anantnag town, passed away, with his Namaz-e-janaza scheduled at Sherbagh at 10 am. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Mustakeem came to Kashmir in the 1990s and set up a shop near Sherbagh, where his samosas and pakoras quickly became famous for their unmatched taste and affordable price. Over the years, his name became a household one across Anantnag. As his popularity grew, so did his ventures. He expanded his business. His sons later carried his legacy forward, expanding their presence to Mattan and Pahalgam, where the business continues to flourish. Mustakeem leaves behind a large family, including grandchildren. Today, his sons too are recognised across the town by his name — a mark of the respect he earned thr...

Bilal Bhallesi Two children drowned after falling into a river near the Drabshalla Police Post in Kishtwar district on Friday afternoon, officials told The Kashmiriyat. The deceased have been identified as Mohd Irfan, son of Atta Mohammad, and Tehseen Ahmed, son of Noor Hussain—both residents of Pianallha village in Tehsil Drabshalla. Soon after receiving information about the incident, a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Red Cross rushed to the site and began a rescue operation. The bodies of both children were later retrieved from the river, officials confirmed. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

A powerful windstorm swept through Raiyar Gogathaji village in the Khansahib area of Beerwah, Budgam, on Thursday evening. The storm caused substantial damage to the rooftops of several homes, masjids, and imambaras, particularly impacting the poor and marginalized residents of the area. Locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that, the sudden windstorm tore off rooftops and damaged property, creating panic in the village. Many families, especially those from economically weaker sections, have been left struggling to cope with the destruction of their homes. "We have never seen such a storm in recent times. Our rooftops were blown away, and some homes are no longer livable. Even places of worship like masjids and imambargahs have been affected," said a local resident while ...

Suhail Dar A special court in Anantnag has sentenced five individuals, including a married couple, to ten years of rigorous imprisonment after they were found guilty of trafficking a commercial quantity of Charas, a potent form of cannabis. The sentencing, delivered on May 7 by Principal Sessions Judge Manzoor Ahmad, also imposes a fine of ₹1 lakh on each of the convicts. Those sentenced include Mohammad Rafiq Bhat, his wife Mubeena Banoo, Anayat Ullah Bhat, and Aijaz Ahmad Bhat—all from Soaf Shali in the Kokernag area—as well as Sajad Ahmad Ganie from Hangal Gund, Kokernag. The case dates back to an FIR (No. 63/2022) registered at Police Station Kokernag, following the seizure of five kilograms of Charas, categorized under the NDPS Act as a commercial quantity. During the p...

Police on Thursday issued an advisory urging people not to share or circulate any pictures or videos related to the encounter that took place in Nadar Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. In a statement issued to news agency JKNS, police spokesperson said, “General Public are advised not to upload, share, or circulate pictures, videos etc related to the encounter that took place at Nadar Tral on 15 May 2025, it reads. Sharing such content can unintentionally promote extremist propaganda. It may affect ongoing investigation process. Circulating un-verified information can spread fear/panic. If you come across such content, do not engage with it,” it reads. The police further said that people should avoid visiting the encounter site, it reads. “Awantipora Police request...

Schools in five border districts of the Jammu region reopened on Thursday after an eight-day closure triggered by Indo-Pak tensions, bringing relief to students, teachers, and parents. However, institutions located close to the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border remain shut as a safety measure. According to officials, schools resumed in selected zones of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch based on local security assessments. The reopening was marked by peace-themed assemblies and emotional reunions among students. “We were confined indoors during the shelling. Returning to school feels like a return to life,” said Rita Khera, a student from Jammu. Teachers echoed the sentiment, stressing that offline classes offer better engagement. “It’s a relief to be back...