KashmirLife

SRINAGAR: Security forces on Thursday night recovered and defused an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Janbazpora area of Baramulla district, officials said. A senior police officer said that the explosive device was detected during routine patrolling, following which the area was immediately cordoned off to ensure public safety. A bomb disposal squad was promptly []

SRINAGAR: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed Chief Electoral Officers of several States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, to fast-track preparations for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. An official communication stated that the exercise is scheduled to begin in April 2026 in the concerned regions. []

SRINAGAR: The Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that employees engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir are working on a contractual basis and are paid a consolidated honorarium as per approved norms. Replying to a question tabled by MLA Surinder Kumar, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo []

SRINAGAR: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a Head Constable posted at Gharota Police Station on Friday for allegedly accepting a bribe, officials said. The accused, identified as Ashok Kumar, was caught in a trap laid by the agency following a complaint that he had demanded money from an individual in connection with a []

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, under the Jammu Kashmir Crime Branch, has filed a chargesheet against four individuals for cheating and criminal conspiracy in connection with medical college admissions in Bangladesh. The chargesheet, lodged under FIR No. 20/2025 and Sections 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, has been submitted before the []

SRINAGAR: The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has accepted a private members resolution introduced by PDP MLA Waheed-Ur-Rehman Parra, condemning hate crimes against minorities and urging strict law enforcement. The Pulwama legislator moved the resolution in response to a rise in reported attacks and harassment of Kashmiri students and traders across different []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has announced scheduled power outages across multiple areas of the city on February 20 and 21 due to maintenance work. According to the Chief Engineer (Distribution), Jammu, electricity to Receiving Station Basant Garh will be suspended on February 20 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Similarly, residents []

SRINAGAR: Slamming Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for failing to provide employment to youth, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi saved the lives of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, but the Omar Abdullahled government is taking away their jobs. Speaking during the grants of departments under the []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir experienced a sharp rise in maximum temperatures on Thursday, adding to concerns over the regions ongoing precipitation shortfall. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar reported that Kashmir division has recorded a 56 percent rainfall deficit so far this season, while Jammu division is facing a 35 percent shortfall. Weather officials forecast mainly []

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced that all tourist destinations closed following the Baisaran Pahalgam terror incident will be reopened by May this year. Winding up the discussion on grants for departments under his charge in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government has decided to restore public access to the []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday informed the House that no final decision has yet been taken on reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), even though such reservation is envisaged under the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, recently enacted by Parliament. Replying []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today approved grants totalling Rs 6,67,873.58 lakh for multiple departments, including the General Administration Department (GAD), Power Development, Finance, Housing, Tourism, and Disaster Management, following extensive two-day deliberations. In addition to the main budget, the House passed 19 supplementary grants amounting to Rs 3,52,341.28 lakh. Chief Minister Omar []

SRINAGAR: The government of Jammu and Kashmir will initiate the process of regularising daily-rated, ad hoc, and other temporary employees in a legally and financially sustainable manner in 2026, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Replying to discussions on departmental grants and cut motions, Abdullah acknowledged that the issue of temporary []

SRINAGAR: An attempted infiltration by militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri was successfully prevented by alert Indian Army troops on Thursday, the White Knight Corps said. Based on intelligence inputs and sustained surveillance, troops detected suspicious movement in the Nathua Tibba area of the Sunderbani sector along the LoC during the early []

SRINAGAR: The blacktopping and upgradation of the road from Sua number 1 to Pargwal in Akhnoor will be undertaken by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Replying to a question from Legislator Mohan Lal, Choudhary said the road is proposed to be formally handed over []

SRINAGAR: Thirteen land patches totalling 4,142.43 kanal have been transferred to the Industries and Commerce Department for the establishment of industrial estates in Anantnag, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary told the Legislative Assembly. Replying to a question from Legislator Abdul Majeed Bhat, he said the land parcels are located at Pahalgam, Bijbehara, Dooru, Shangus, Mattan, []

SRINAGAR: Adequate compensation or ex-gratia relief is provided for human injury or loss of life arising from humanwildlife conflict under the prevailing policy framework in the Union Territory, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana informed the House. Replying to a question from Legislator Sajad Shaheen, the Minister []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly that the department is prioritising consolidation and strengthening of existing healthcare facilities across Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with IPHS-2022 norms to improve service delivery. Replying to a question raised by Altaf Ahmad Wani, the Minister said the planning of health institutions []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary told the Legislative Assembly that preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed 8-km tunnel at Razdan Pass in Bandipora district will commence shortly. Replying to a question from legislator Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi), he said the tunnel project is intended to provide all-weather connectivity to the []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly that 28,186 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are currently operational across Jammu and Kashmir. Replying to a question raised by legislator Arjun Singh Raju, the Minister said 26,937 of these centres are functioning from rented premises. She told the House that the construction of permanent buildings []

SRINAGAR: A 24-year-old Agniveer allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself with his service rifle at an Army camp in the Nagrota area of Jammu, officials said on Thursday. According to officials, the soldier, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, was on guard duty at the Nagrota garrison when the incident occurred during the intervening night. []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley with dignity and security remains a firm commitment of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the release of the book Kashmir: Nativity Regained, authored by Prof Ashok Kaul, Sinha said attempts had been []

SRINAGAR: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the issue of establishing a National Law University in Jammu, alleging discrimination against the region. Speaking to reporters, Sharma said the Chief Minister has the prerogative to establish an NLU campus in Jammu but has failed to []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday informed the Assembly that the JK State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank (JK SCARD Bank) has not been declared bankrupt, but liquidation proceedings have been initiated due to prolonged financial and operational distress. Replying to clubbed starred Assembly questions by MLAs Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, Vikram Randhawa, []

SRINAGAR: Security forces arrested a man and recovered arms and ammunition from his possession in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir late on Wednesday night, officials said. A senior police officer confirmed that a joint patrolling party of the police and the Armys 54 Rashtriya Rifles apprehended the suspect, identified as []

SRINAGAR: District Magistrate Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), has issued a detailed order regulating and monitoring the collection of donations during the holy month of Ramadan2026, mandating that no individual or organization shall collect charity without prior authorisation from the competent authorities. As per the order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha []

SRINAGAR: A man from Jammu and Kashmir has been arrested in Delhi for allegedly impersonating an officer of a central agency and cheating economically vulnerable families by promising jobs, according to multiple national media reports. The accused, identified as Mudassar, a resident of Pulwama, was intercepted during patrolling by a team from Kotwali Police Station. []

SRINAGAR: Open Merit appointments in Jammu and Kashmir have averaged just above half of total selections over the past six years, even as reserved categories have expanded their numerical footprint across both Gazetted and Non-Gazetted recruitments, according to official data. The current reservation framework in the Union Territory was notified through SO 176 dated March []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the House that the bifurcation of ration cards remains suspended. Responding to a question raised by Zafar Ali Khatana, the government said the process was halted under Government Order No. 85-CAPD of 2016 dated May 4, 2016. It added that the Administrative Department, through a communication issued on []

SRINAGAR: Former Director of All India Radio Srinagar and ex Ranji cricketer Syed Himayun Qaiser has termed Jammu and Kashmirs entry into the Ranji Trophy final a landmark achievement, stating that the teams rise is the result of sustained consistency, improved facilities and growing self belief. Recalling his playing days, Qaiser said the team earlier []

SRINAGAR: With the holy month of Ramadan beginning tomorrow, Srinagars markets are buzzing as shoppers and vendors gear up for the festivities. Stalls are alive with a vibrant variety of dates, a staple for breaking the fast. Traders said that this years selection includes both locally grown dates and premium imports from multiple countries, ranging []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday asked how protest banners surfaced inside and outside the Assembly. Talking to reporters here, Choudhary said, How did the banner come there? This is being planted, he said, alleging that BJP leaders were orchestrating protests in cases related to National Law University, daily wagers and other issues. []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday confirmed that pensions to former legislators elected from areas now part of Ladakh will continue, citing provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. In a written reply to a cut motion moved by Sajad Gani Lone, the []

SRINAGAR: As the holy month of Ramdan commenced, prices of fruit and other essential items witnessed a sharp hike in Srinagar markets. Shoppers said that prices of several fruits are already touching the sky making it difficult for families to manage daily purchases. I came to buy oranges and bananas, but the prices are too []

SRINAGAR: Vacancies across government departments and public sector undertakings in Jammu and Kashmir have run into tens of thousands even as nearly 3.50 lakh unemployed youth remain registered with employment exchanges across the Union Territory. Official data shows that in Administrative Departments, vacancies under direct and promotion quotas span Gazetted, Non-Gazetted and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has announced scheduled power outages in several areas of Kathua district next week. According to the Superintending Engineer (Distribution), JPDCL, OM Circle Kathua, electricity supply to Mawa, Rehain, Gurah and surrounding areas will be suspended on February 19 and 21 from 8 am to 1 pm. Power []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the long-planned Sri Shankaracharya Temple in Katra, a Rs 31.51 crore project fully funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The temple is expected to become a major spiritual destination complementing the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor announced []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau on Wednesday arrested Mohd Saleem Banday, a Girdawar posted in Halqa Judda, Tehsil Arnas, after he was allegedly caught accepting a Rs 10,000 bribe for carrying out land demarcation, officials said. The Bureau registered FIR No. 04/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 at []

SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmirs total liabilities and debt stock have risen to Rs 1,60,200 crore as on March 31, 2025, after factoring in Rs 23,133 crore in off-budget borrowings contracted by power and infrastructure entities, the Legislative Assembly was informed. As per figures tabled under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) []

SRINAGAR: Acting on directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Food Safety Organisation, Jammu Division, seized and destroyed 5 quintals of decomposed meat and about 6,000 kg of raw fish during a surprise inspection at a warehouse in Jammu, officials said on Wednesday. The enforcement action, carried out at the premises of M/s India Fish []

SRINAGAR: Rs 71 crore allocated for the development and decongestion of Downtown Srinagar have lapsed, prompting the government to approach the Finance Department for revalidation of the funds. The disclosure was made by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdary during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. Responding to queries raised by legislators, the []

SRINAGAR: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and members of the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday congratulated the Jammu Kashmir cricket team for reaching the final of the Ranji Trophy 2026 for the first time after defeating the West Bengal cricket team in the semi-final. Rather praised the players, coaching staff and support team for their dedication and []

SRINAGAR: Over two dozen nursing students from Kashmir enrolled at Mewar University in Gangrar area of Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan, have sought urgent intervention from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging assault and intimidation following a campus protest over the institutions recognition status. The students claimed that tensions erupted after they came to know []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that 219 of the 877 ventilators installed across hospitals in the Union Territory are currently non-functional, indicating gaps in critical care capacity. Responding to a question from MLA Shamim Firdous, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that 658 ventilators are operational []

SRINAGAR: The Court of the Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, has ordered framing of charges against two former Chairmen and several officials of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd. in connection with alleged illegal appointments of Bank Attendants and Assistant Bank Associates. Special Judge Anti-Corruption Tasleem Arief held that sufficient prima facie material exists to proceed against []

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Government on Wednesday said that the issue to enhance the upper age limit for candidates appearing in the Jammu Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination (JKCCE) is under examination. In response to cut motion of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister in-charge General Administration Department said that issue is under examination to assess []

SRINAGAR: A fire broke out in the Lalbazar area of Srinagar on Wednesday, damaging multiple residential structures before being brought under control by the Fire and Emergency Services Department. Officials said a distress call was received at the State Fire Control Room in Batamaloo, following which fire tenders from Nowshahra, Hazratbal and MR Gunj fire []

SRINAGAR: Tanvir Sadiq, MLA for Zadibal, on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of discriminating against the people of Jammu and called for an investigation into the utilisation of funds by a Member of Parliament from the region. Speaking to reporters outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sadiq alleged that the party had failed []

SRINAGAR: The government on Wednesday informed the House that the proposal for constructing a new bridge near Convent School and the General Post Office (GPO) in Srinagar is currently under review by the Public Works (R and B) Department. Responding to a question by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, officials said the department is examining the []

SRINAGAR: Unemployment among agriculture and forestry graduates dominated discussions as the three-day Gongul Kisan Mela concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir), Shalimar on Monday, with scholars raising concerns over limited job absorption despite years of specialised education and research. The mela []