Support Independent Media - Page 23 of 2685

Oct82025 by News DeskNo Comments

Prisons overcrowded, Conviction rates low in Jammu Kashmir: Data

REGIONAL

Jammu Kashmir’s prisons continue to face severe overcrowding, low conviction rates, and operational challenges, according to data accessed by The Kashmiriyat from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 report. At the end of 2023, the Union Territory housed 5,400 inmates across central, district, and sub-jails, while the total prison capacity was only 3,629, reflecting an overall occupancy rate of 148.8 percent. Sub-jails were the most overcrowded, operating at 261.5 percent occupancy, followed by district jails at 161.2 percent and central jails at 125.4 percent. These figures are significantly higher than the national average for district jails of 136.6 percent, indicating persistent systemic strain. During 2023, 10,085 inmates were admitted into Jammu Kashmir prisons. Thi...

Oct82025 by News DeskNo Comments

FIR lodged against Facebook user for circulating ‘misleading’ post in Handwara

REGIONAL

Handwara Police have registered a case against a social media user for allegedly spreading false and misleading information through Facebook, with the intent to create public unrest and malign reputations. According to officials, the action followed a complaint received at Police Station Handwara regarding a Facebook post uploaded by one Mohammad Yousuf. The post reportedly contained fabricated allegations aimed at tarnishing the image of a local setup and inciting public disorder in the area. Taking cognizance of the matter, the police registered FIR No. 232/2025 under Sections 353(1) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Handwara. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the facts and identify any additional persons involved in spreading th...

Oct82025 by News DeskNo Comments

‘NC misleading people defaming BJP in Jammu Kashmir’, says LoP Sunil Sharma

REGIONAL

Leader of Opposition in Jammu Kashmir and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the National Conference and Congress, accusing them of misleading people and being responsible for the eruption of militantcy in the Union Territory. Addressing a press conference, Sharma said militancy in Jammu and Kashmir took root during the rule of the National Conference and Congress. “During the Omar Abdullah government, there were over 7,000 law and order incidents. In contrast, during our tenure, only 18 such incidents occurred. This itself shows how peace has returned under BJP rule,” he said. He urged the people of Jammu Kashmir to “look at the BJP through the prism of positivity,” adding that schools are functioning normally, businesses are thriving, and p...

Oct82025 by News DeskNo Comments

Massive search operation underway after exchange of gunfire in Rajouri

REGIONAL

A search operation has been launched in the Beeranthub area under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kandi in Rajouri district following an exchange of fire between militants and security forces last night. Officials said that the encounter broke out when security forces were conducting a cordon and search operation based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area. The exchange of fire continued for some time before the militants reportedly fled into the nearby dense forests. The operation was suspended due to darkness and resumed at first light on Tuesday morning. Reinforcements from the Army and police were rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and prevent the militants from escaping. "The operation has been reinitiated with full intensity. S...

Oct72025 by News DeskNo Comments

Budgam by-poll: Numbers, cadre, and legacy-Who will come out on top?

WRITE-UPS

Political circles in central Kashmir’s Budgam district have begun to stir again as the stage sets for a high-stakes by-election, one that could redefine local loyalties and re-establish the National Conference’s traditional hold over one of its strongest bastions. ALSO READ: Rare enthusiasm grips Kashmir ahead of elections The seat fell vacant after Omar Abdullah, who had won from both Ganderbal and Budgam in the 2024 Assembly elections, opted to retain his ancestral constituency, leaving Budgam open for a by-poll. In the 2024 contest, Abdullah polled 36,010 votes (54.52 %), defeating PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, who secured 17,525 votes (26.53 %). The voter turnout stood at 52.27 %, one of the highest in central Kashmir. The notification for the by-polls will be issued on October 13,...

Oct72025 by News DeskNo Comments

Weeks after flood damage, Government reopens Brazloo bridge in Kulgam

REGIONAL

Danishwar Hameed Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kulgam, Dr. Showkat Ahmad Bhat, on Tuesday issued an advisory announcing the reopening of the Brazloo Bridge for light motor vehicles (LMVs). The bridge had remained closed for traffic since September after suffering damage due to recent floods. Repair work has now been completed, paving the way for the resumption of light vehicle movement. Dr. Bhat said the decision was taken after detailed deliberations and a joint inspection with the concerned departments. He confirmed that the bridge is now safe for the movement of LMVs. However, he clarified that the movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will continue to remain strictly prohibited until further orders. The ARTO also directed the Traffic Department Kulgam to ens...

Oct72025 by News DeskNo Comments

Tobacco crackdown in Handwara: Two shops near schools sealed, products confiscated

REGIONAL

Police, in collaboration with the Executive Magistrate Handwara, on Tuesday carried out a special drive in town, sealing two shops and seizing a substantial quantity of tobacco products. The operation was launched as part of an ongoing campaign to enforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which strictly prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of educational institutions. Officials said the joint team inspected several shops situated close to schools and colleges to ensure compliance with the law. During the inspection, two shops were found violating COTPA norms and were immediately sealed. The authorities also seized a large cache of tobacco products from the premises. The action was carried out in the presence of the Executive Magistrate ...

Oct72025 by News DeskNo Comments

U.P: 13-year-old loses eyesight after alleged custodial torture, family approaches NHRC

INDIA

A disturbing case of alleged custodial torture has emerged from Muzaffarnagar, where a 13-year-old boy reportedly lost vision in one eye after being allegedly beaten while in police custody. The boy’s father, Showkat Ahmad, said the incident occurred after his son made an announcement at a local mosque about the reopening of their chicken shop, which had been closed for two weeks. “He went to the mosque and told people that chicken would be sold at ₹140 per kg. Someone complained, and he was picked up by police,” he said. Neighbours later informed the family about the boy being taken away, a claim supported by nearby CCTV footage. “When I went to the police station, my son was behind bars with his feet tied. The police told me it was a small matter and asked us to return later,” the fath...

Oct72025 by News DeskNo Comments

Medical report confirms Zainapora woman died of heart attack, rules out involvement of ‘in-laws’

REGIONAL

Meer Irfan The mystery surrounding the death of a 27-year-old woman from the Takibal Reban area of Zainapora in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, which had sparked tension and allegations of foul play in August, has now been clarified after the medical report confirmed that she died of a heart attack. The deceased, identified as Urfi Jan, wife of Showkat Ahmad Lone, was brought to Yaripora Hospital in an unconscious condition on the night of August 21. Doctors declared her brought dead, prompting the police to initiate legal proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to ascertain the cause of death. At the time, The Kashmiriyat reported that the family of the deceased alleged she had been murdered by her in-laws, demanding a fair and transparent probe...

Oct72025 by News DeskNo Comments

Right-wing voices celebrate shoe attack on CJI in Supreme Court

INDIA

On Monday, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai narrowly escaped an attack in the Supreme Court when a lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, approached the dais, removed his shoe, and attempted to strike him. The incident took place during hearings related to the restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol. Security personnel intervened immediately, preventing the assault. Kishore reportedly declared that insults to Sanatan Dharma “will not be tolerated,” framing the act as a protest in defense of Hindu religious sentiments. Prime Minister Modi condemned the incident as an "utterly condemnable" act that "angered every Indian." He expressed his appreciation for CJI Gavai's composure during the incident, stating that it highlighted his commitment to the values of justice and the Constitution. PM Modi al...