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...