Tuesday, December 16Latest news and updates from Kashmir

Pune resident found dead in Srinagar hotel

Pune resident found dead in Srinagar hotel

REGIONAL
Meer Irfan A 43-year-old man from Pune, Maharashtra, was found unconscious in a hotel room in Srinagar on Tuesday evening and later declared dead at a hospital, officials said. Police said the deceased has been identified as Adarsh Kumar, son of Shurgun Prasad, a resident of Pune. He was staying at Hotel President in Sonwar, where he was discovered in an unconscious state. He was rushed to Paras Hospital, Sonwar, where doctors declared him brought dead. Later, his body was shifted to SMHS Hospital for medico-legal formalities, police added.
‘Too late for the family’: Muslim chicken seller acquitted four years after custodial death in terrorism case

‘Too late for the family’: Muslim chicken seller acquitted four years after custodial death in terrorism case

INDIA
At Jaripatka Qabrastan in Nagpur, community members, rights activists, and relatives gathered on Sunday to honor the memory of Kamal Ahmed Ansari, a man who spent 16 years in prison on terror charges before being acquitted posthumously. Ansari died behind bars in 2021, four years before the Bombay High Court cleared his name in connection with the 2006 Mumbai train bombings. The commemoration was marked by grief and quiet defiance. Portions of the July 21 High Court verdict that exonerated him were read aloud at his grave, an act participants described as a symbolic restoration of dignity. “He had always said he was innocent. Today, even the law affirms it,” said Dr Abdul Wahid Shaikh, General Secretary of the Innocence Network, who led the tribute along with Jamiat-e-Ulama Nagpur presi...
Locals claim cracks on newly built Ramban flyover, DC says structure safe

Locals claim cracks on newly built Ramban flyover, DC says structure safe

REGIONAL
Heavy rainfall across Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday fueled safety concerns after locals claimed that visible cracks had surfaced on the Ramban flyover, a key structure on the Srinagar–Jammu highway that was opened for traffic less than two years ago. Some residents said the flyover, which eases congestion around Ramban town, showed worrying signs of damage. “We noticed lines on the surface that looked like cracks. With this much rain and shooting stones around, it is natural for us to worry,” said Bashir Ahmed, a commuter. Another local, Shabir Hussain, added, “The structure is new, but if it gets damaged so quickly, it will put thousands of lives at risk every day.” However, officials denied the claims. Deputy Commissioner Ramban said no cracks have developed on the flyover. “I have spoken ...
‘Fruit growers suffer losses due to highway closure’: Mehbooba Mufti appeals for dedicated train service

‘Fruit growers suffer losses due to highway closure’: Mehbooba Mufti appeals for dedicated train service

REGIONAL
Peoples Democratic Party President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said that fruit growers in the valley are once again bearing huge financial losses due to the frequent closure of Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44). “Fruit growers have been facing severe financial losses every year due to the closure of NH-44. Unfortunately, this year, the road has once again been closed, leaving hundreds of fruit-laden vehicles stranded, resulting in inevitable losses,” Mufti wrote in a post on X, as per news agency JKNS. She appealed to the Union Railway Minister to introduce a dedicated train service between the valley and Delhi, stating that such a step would mitigate the recurring challenges faced by fruit growers and bring much-needed relief to all stakeholders in the tra...
Authorities issue flood alert in Udhampur

Authorities issue flood alert in Udhampur

REGIONAL
Authorities sounded a flood alert in Udhampur on Tuesday after the water level of river Tawi surged past the danger mark. Officials said the current water level has risen to 18.315 feet, crossing the alert threshold of 15 feet, and inching close to the danger level of 20 feet. People living along the low-lying areas of the river have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid venturing close to the water body. Rescue teams and emergency services have been put on standby to respond in case the situation worsens. [KNT]
Pulwama’s Ratnipora turns into a waterlogged zone after every rainfall

Pulwama’s Ratnipora turns into a waterlogged zone after every rainfall

REGIONAL
  Danishwar Hameed In Ratnipora village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, clogged drains have turned rainfall into a nightmare. The drainage system, blocked with silt, mud and minor encroachments, has left the locality facing frequent waterlogging and damaged roads. The situation is worst along the Ratnipora–Gulbagh stretch, where pedestrians and vehicles struggle through stagnant water. Locals say the recurring flooding has made life unbearable. “Even a short spell of rain cuts us off. Children miss school, shopkeepers close their shutters and patients cannot reach hospitals on time,” said Farooq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Banimpora mohalla. Another local, Rafiqa Bano, pointed to the health concerns. “Stagnant water is breeding mosquitoes and foul smell spreads across...
Shopian man battling for life following dog bite, Succumbs

Shopian man battling for life following dog bite, Succumbs

REGIONAL
A man lost his battle on Tuesday after fighting for his life for the past few days in Srinagar hospital. Officals told news agency Kashmir News Corner --- KNC that the deceased has been identified as Imtiyaz Abdullah, son of Mohd Imtiyaz Wani and a resident of Chowgam, Shopian, who passed away on Tuesday, days after being bitten by a dog. They said the deceased had been undergoing treatment at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital following the dog bite. Despite medical care, he succumbed to his injuries today morning. (KNC)
Thousands of fishes poisoned to death at Shopian fish farm

Thousands of fishes poisoned to death at Shopian fish farm

REGIONAL
Meer Irfan Panic gripped a south Kashmir village on Tuesday after nearly 3,500 fishes were found dead in a private fish farm in Shopian district, allegedly after unidentified persons mixed poison in the water. Locals told The Kashmiriyat that the incident took place in Ganowpora Balpora, where the fish farm owned by Bilal Ahmad Lone was targeted during the night. By morning, the entire pond was littered with dead fishes, leaving the owner devastated. Officials estimated the financial loss at around four lakh rupees. The locals, terming the act as deliberate sabotage, expressed outrage and demanded that the culprits be identified and punished. “This is not just about one man’s loss; it is an attack on livelihood and the environment,” a resident told The Kashmiriyat. Police confi...
60-hour wet spell ahead, heavy showers may raise Jhelum level in Kashmir

60-hour wet spell ahead, heavy showers may raise Jhelum level in Kashmir

REGIONAL
Jammu Kashmir is bracing for a fresh spell of widespread rainfall over the next 60 hours, with authorities cautioning residents about possible floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. According to Kashmir Weather, the Jammu region is likely to see heavy to very heavy showers, leading to a sharp rise in water levels of rivers and streams. Officials warned that in some places, the flow may even cross the flood alarm mark. In Kashmir division, rainfall is also expected, though with lesser intensity compared to Jammu. However, higher reaches of Kulgam, Shopian, and Anantnag, as well as the Pir Panjal mountains, may witness heavy showers. The water level in the Jhelum is predicted to rise noticeably. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are possible at intervals across both regions....
Anantnag Police carries out drive to destroy wild Bhang in Batengoo

Anantnag Police carries out drive to destroy wild Bhang in Batengoo

REGIONAL
Suhail Dar In a concerted effort to curb the illegal cultivation of narcotic substances, Anantnag Police today conducted a wild bhang destruction drive in coordination with the Excise Department. The drive was jointly led by SHO Police Station Anantnag and In-charge Police Post Khanaba, covering the areas of Batengoo and Khanabal. During the operation, approximately 20 kanals of wild bhang (cannabis) cultivation were destroyed on the spot. This initiative is part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign launched by J&K Police to eradicate the menace of narcotic substances from society and promote a drug-free environment in the district. The local population has appreciated the efforts of Anantnag Police and the Excise Department in tackling this pressing issue. The police have ...