REGIONAL

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed deep concern over the severe impact of climate change and irregular weather patterns on Kashmir’s economy, urging immediate action to safeguard both environmental and economic interests. "Jammu and Kashmir is facing a severe water crisis this year," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned. "This situation has developed over several years, and there must be accountability for those responsible for managing our resources." KCCI highlighted that recent climate-related disruptions have severely affected multiple sectors. As the region approaches summer, the drying of springs and diminishing water bodies has raised serious concerns about water availability. "Negligible rain and snowfall, combined with the rapid melting of glaci...

Shabir Khan A man from Sopore has gone missing in Delhi, leaving his family in distress. Family members said that Shabir Ahmad Shah, son of Late Ghulam Nabi Shah, a resident of Neharpora, Sopore, has been missing for the past week. The family has urged the general public to share any information about his whereabouts and requested anyone with details to contact them or the nearest police station. Contact numbers: 9419431746 or 6005191534.

A large number of students in Jammu Kashmir are calling for the rescheduling of the JKAS preliminary exam, which is set for February 23, 2025, as it coincides with the AFCAT examination. However, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) has ruled out any possibility of a date change. With unemployment already a major concern in the region, aspirants argue that missing either exam could cost them valuable career opportunities. They are urging authorities to reconsider, emphasizing that every attempt matters in their struggle for stable employment. "This is an extremely unfair situation," said Manjeet Singh, an aspirant for both the JKPSC and AFCAT exams. "We have worked hard to prepare, only to be forced into a choice we shouldn't have to make. I personally met the Gove...

The footpath along Srinagar’s Dal Lake is facing severe erosion, with a major portion of the path near Ghat Number 17 collapsing on Tuesday. Local residents and frequent visitors have raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the walkway, blaming an unchecked rat infestation for weakening the soil and causing cracks along the Boulevard stretch. Locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that rats have burrowed deep into the soil from Ghat Number 1 up to Ghat Number 17, creating thousands of holes and cracks in the pathway. The rodent population has surged due to the availability of leftover food and waste that people discard along the footpath. The persistent burrowing has led to soil erosion, making the ground weak and unstable. “The soil is already fragile, and the pa...

Sheikh Nadeem  A pall of gloom has descended over Palpora, Dialgam, as news broke of the untimely demise of Malik Khalid Saifullah, a young nursing specialist working in Saudi Arabia. Khalid, son of Saifullah Malik, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday morning while working at ABHA Saudi Rehabilitation Center. A resident of Palpora Dialgam, he had pursued his education at Crescent School, Dialgam, and later completed his BSc Nursing from Desh Bhagat University. A cousin of the deceased, speaking to The Kashmiriyat, said, “His sudden death has left the entire family and our locality in shock. We are struggling to come to terms with this loss.” Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer in absentia) will be held at 11:00 am at Palpora Ground, where relatives and community ...

A pregnant lady died at GMC Rajouri during labour pain even as family alleged medical negligence. Reports reaching news agency JKNS said that a young woman died in GMC Rajouri this morning and family alleged medical negligence behind the incident. The patient name witheld resident of Mandargala, Rajouri was admitted in the hospital on 18th February. Family members are protesting alleging negligence by GMC doctors and investigation in this regard. Meanwhile, an official from GMC Rajouri told news agency JKNS that the patient was admitted on February 18. She was already confirmed as an IUD, and in such cases, a wait-and-watch approach is followed. The concerned doctor did the same to check whether she would deliver the baby in good condition. Around 2 a.m., the patient complaine...

Prominent political activist Waqar Hussain Bhatti has been booked by the Jammu Kashmir Police for derogatory language against a particular religion. According to the copy of the FIR, accessed by The Kashmiriyat, Waqar Hussain Bhatti has been booked under Section 299 (outraging religious sentiments), Section 196 (promoting animosity between two groups), Section 351 (criminal intimidation), Section 352 (insulting with intent to breach peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Waqar, who is also a member of Altaf Bukhari's Apni party, was arrested from his home in Rajouri on February 17 and lodged in the Rajouri police station. Roohi H Bhatti, Waqar's wife, confirmed his arrest to The Kashmiriyat, stating that he was pulled away from home in an inhumane manner. She alleged that th...

On 17th February, 2025, Police Station Bemina received an information through reliable sources that an unidentified male dead body was lying in flood spill channel near Darul-uloom, Bemina. Upon receipt of this information, police team of PS Bemina reached on the spot alongwith FSL Mobile unit of DPL Srinagar and Crime photographer of PCR Srinagar. Relevant exhibits were recovered on the spot and proceedings under provisions of 194 BNSS were initiated. Upon preliminary enquiry, prima facie culpable homicide not amounting to murder was established. Accordingly, case FIR No 13/2025 u/s 105, 238, 241 BNS was registered in PS Bemina and investigation was set into motion. During the course of investigation, two alleged accused persons namely Imtiyaz Ahmad Machloo son of Ali Mohammad...

Danishwar Hameed A 19-year-old girl has gone missing from her home in Kulgam district, leaving her family in distress. Family members told The Kashmiriyat that Nasreena Jan, daughter of Manzoor Ahmad Bakerwal, a resident of Nageenpora, Nard Kund, has been missing since the afternoon of February 18, 2025, Tuesday. After searching for her everywhere, the family has urged the police and the public to help them locate their missing daughter. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is requested to contact the family at 7051510670.

Bulbul Nag, a centuries-old spring in Pulwama’s Newa area, has completely dried up, leaving thousands of residents in distress. For decades, this natural spring supplied drinking water to 39 villages, producing nearly six lakh gallons of water daily. However, with the ongoing dry spell, the spring now yields barely one lakh gallons—far too little to sustain the 20,000 to 30,000 people who depend on it. “The water reduced last year as well, but then came back to normal with the rainfall,” said a local resident. “This year, there is no rain, and the spring has dried completely. Now even the bedrocks are easily visible.” This crisis is not isolated. Just days ago, Achabal, one of Kashmir’s largest springs, also ran dry. According to the Meteorological Department, January 2025 recorde...