THE KASHMIRIYAT

The hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing dozens of patients complaining of irritation, redness, swelling and itching in their eyes. The doctors from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that more cases of conjunctivitis, popularly known as eye flu, are on the rise. They, however, said there is no need to worry as it goes in around one to two weeks for whoever gets affected. The people need to take precautions, they added. Director Health Services Jammu Dr Rajeev Kumar Sharma told KNO that 9,127 cases of conjunctivitis were reported in hospitals coming under the control of the Directorate. Spokesperson of the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir Dr Mir Mushtaq said that so far, 5,320 cases of 'Eye Flu' have been reported in...

Herpora, a sub village of Authwatoo area in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, has craved road connectivity for decades, residents complained here on Thursday. "Even though it's the 21st century, there are no roads to our village. It's strange that we have to go through thick forests on foot or horseback just to get there. No one has come to the village for 60 years, and we don't have basic facilities here," the locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). "We've been waiting for decades for a road to be built from Authwatoo to our village, but it seems like nobody is paying attention to our pleas," said Mohammad Jabar, a senior resident. "In the past, our numerous attempts at representation fell on deaf ears, and we were informed that obtaining permission from the fo...

Director General of Police, Dilbagh Singh Friday remarked that militancy was in its last stage in Jammu Kashmir with only a two-digit number active militants present in the UT. Adding further he said that the drug menace still remains a challenge for the law-enforcement agencies to tackle. The top cop made the remarks on his visit to frontier north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Talking to the media on the sidelines of ‘Meri Matti Mera Desh’ event, DGP Dilbag Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards peace and journey. "A significant progress has been made in curbing militancy so far, thereby reducing the number to only a two-digit number of active militants”, Singh said adding “these remaining militants will also be neutralized soon.” “There is however a challenge posed...

Kuthar area of the Anantnag Forest Division in south Kashmir has become a hotbed of illicit timber smuggling, with Compartment No. 77K to 84K turning into a haven for jungle smugglers. Boldly conducting their illegal activities in broad daylight, these criminals have managed to evade authorities, raising serious concerns about the potential environmental fallout. The audacity of these timber smugglers has left local residents alarmed and dismayed. Despite the daylight heists taking place, authorities have struggled to put an end to the ongoing looting of the area's precious green gold. Local residents have united in their appeal to the authorities to take swift and stringent action against those responsible for the wanton destruction of this vital natural resource. The local resid...

As the Keran sector along the Line of Control is emerging as a new favorite destination for tourists in the Kupwara district, the Tourism department has set a target of 200 home stays in the area to overcome accommodation issues. Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the aim is to promote eco-friendly home stays in Keran. “We have set a target of 200 home stays in Keran of which 40 has been achieved and we are sure to achieve the target this year only,” he said. He also said that Keran is beautiful part of Himaliyan ecology, alongside its promotion they have to preserve this place for future generations, so eco-friendly home stays and guest houses will be promoted. He said that Keran is emerging best tourism destination in the Kashmir Valley ...

Amid massive backlash and protests against smart metres, the District administration of Srinagar has granted magisterial support for installation of smart metres. Responding to a directive from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has issued an order requiring Tehsildars of District Srinagar to provide magisterial support during the installation of smart electricity meters within their respective jurisdictions. This directive builds upon a previous order dated December 15, 2022, which aimed to foster cooperation between administrative and police authorities. The designated Tehsildars have been ordered to collaborate closely with the respective Superintendent of Police in their zones, ensuring seamless magisterial assistance during the ins...

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday said curbing air pollution could reduce deaths from antibiotic resistance. “Controlling air pollution could play a major role in combating the rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant bugs,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). Dr Hassan said according to a new study published in Lancet on Monday, air pollution was found to be a significant contributor to the rise of antibiotic resistance. Researchers have found that air pollutants harbour antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistant genes which can be transferred between environments and inhaled directly by humans, he said. He said antibiotic resistance resulting from air pollution was responsible for an estimate...

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Aijaz Asad on Thursday said that the main Independence Day function will be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will hoist the Tricolour. Talking to reporters here, Aijaz Asad as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that all arrangements are in place for the Independence Day function. He said that the main event will be held at Bakshi Stadium where LG Manoj Sinha will hoist the Tricolour. DC Srinagar also urged the people to participate in the Independence Day function—(KNO)

Joint forces claimed to have arrested three persons working for the banned militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. A spokesperson said that police and soldiers from 62 Rashtriya Rifles made these arrests from Khansahab area of the district. The trio has been identified as Qaisar Nabi Dar of Kremshora, Tahir Nabi Dar, and Aqib Rashed Ganie, both residents of Wagar village of Budgam. The spokesperson said claimed that incriminating materials including one Chinese hand grenade, two magazines, and 57 live rounds have been recovered from their possession. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation while a formal case stands registered at Police Station Khansahab. [KNT]

The Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari on Tuesday said they have decided to seize the two-wheelers of those who are found riding their vehicles without crash helmets. He also said that checking squads will be constituted soon to check the bike stunt activities and immediate action in this regard. Talking to a selected group of reporters here, RTO Kashmir as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, they have observed that the people in Srinagar are riding two-wheelers without crash helmets. “In this regard, a specific drive was carried and we have also suspended driving licences of some of the violators and have also initiated a fine of Rs 1000. And now I would like to request especially the youth to wear a helmet before riding a two-wheeler...