Kashmir Reader

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Tuesday ahead of Sen Lindsey Grahams funeral, with the two leaders discussing ways for Ukraine to produce its own powerful weapons and other ideas that could help in its ongoing war against Russia. The sit-down in the Oval Office, which was closed to the media, []

Addresses 77th State-Level Mega Job Fair; hands over appointment letters Advocates regular campus recruitments, stronger startup ecosystem Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reaffirmed his governments commitment to expanding employment opportunities for the youth, saying that while government jobs alone are not the solution to unemployment, it is the governments responsibility to create more []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting on Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) at the Civil Secretariat here and directed all departments to significantly accelerate the pace of expenditure, emphasizingthat timely utilization of available funds is critical for infrastructure development, public service delivery and sustained economic growth. The Chief Minister underscored the []

Addresses 77th State-Level Mega Job Fair in Srinagar Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday addressed aspiring youth and representatives from leading industries at the 77th State-Level Mega Job Fair, held at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. Organised by Desh Bhagat University, Punjab & Cluster University, Srinagar in collaboration with NIELIT, Nations Development Association (NDA) and []

LG visits SKIMS, meets injured pilgrims CM Omar deputes Sakina Itoo to oversee treatment Gund (Ganderbal): At least 39 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims were injured after a bus carrying devotees skidded off the road near the S-Mode at Hariganiwan in the Gund area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway on []

Srinagar: A fresh batch of 3,029 Amarnath pilgrims, including 30 foreign male devotees, reached the Baltal base camp on Tuesday after departing from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu under tight security arrangements, officials said. The 21st batch left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 2:45 am in a convoy of 151 vehicles, comprising 57 buses, []

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday apologised for her remarks made at Jantar Mantar that appeared to be justifying the use of force against Kashmiris, saying she meant to say that security forces have an excuse in the valley due to militancy. If the remarks have hurt the people, I apologise, []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday slammed PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti for not apologising for her remarks at Jantar Mantar, where she allegedly justified the use of force against Kashmiris. Earlier this week, Mufti appeared to defend past usage of pellet guns in the Valley, saying it was different in Kashmir []

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday announced that her party would hold peaceful protests at district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 to press for the restoration of Article 370 and resolution of the Kashmir issue. The Centre revoked J-Ks special status by abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution []

Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the concerned Administrative Secretaries to review the progress achieved under the next phase of the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) programme and assess the implementation status of the identified deregulation and compliance reduction reforms across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was convened to evaluate []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said those who claimed for five days that PDP president Mehbooba Muftis controversial video was AI-generated should also express regret, saying she herself had now clarified that the remarks were made by her. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Omar,said there was a []

Baramulla: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir has directed all educational institutions and offices in North Kashmir to install complaint boxes to strengthen transparency and grievance redressal. As per a circular issued, by the Office of the Joint Director North, a copy of which lies with GNS states that all Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education []

Srinagar: National Conference chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday accused PDP president Mehbooba Mufti of attempting to deflect criticism over her recent remarks by throwing her own MLA under the bus, and demanded an unconditional apology from her to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a post on X, Sadiq,, alleged []

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has summoned Metas global head of public policy after the social media company removed Prime Minister Narendra Modis Facebook post addressed to the youth, sources said on Tuesday. According to sources, the global head of public policy of Meta (Facebook and Instagram) has been summoned []

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed regret for her remarks at Jantar Mantar during Cockroach Janta Party(CJP) protests , clarifying that she had intended to say Bahana Banta Hain but instead slipped and uttered only Banta Hain. Addressing the media here, the former Chief Minister expressed regret over the comments []

Baramulla: Baramulla Police on Tuesday said they have arrested two men for allegedly gang raping a young woman and recording the assault on video, following a sustained investigation that relied on technical evidence and human intelligence. Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh, said the survivor approached Police Station Baramulla []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmirs youth are the architects of Indias future and that skills, innovation and confidence, not degrees alone will determine success in the rapidly changing world. Addressing students during the Mega Job Fair at Amar Singh College here, the Lieutenant Governor, said the initiative was an []

Srinagar: Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the road accident at Gund in Kangan area of Ganderbal, in which several Amarnath pilgrims returning to Srinagar after performing the Yatra were injured. Taking note of the incident, the CM directed that the injured be provided the best possible medical care. He has also deputed Health []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited SKIMS Soura to enquire about the health of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims who were injured in a bus accident in Ganderbal district earlier in the day. The Lieutenant Governor, interacted with the injured pilgrims and their attendants, enquired about their condition and wished them a speedy recovery. []

*Sheikh Anees* Gund:- Around 30 Amarnath pilgrims were injured after a Yatra bus carrying nearly 50 devotees skidded off the road at the S-Mode near Hariganiwan in the Gund area of Ganderbal district along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway on Tuesday morning, officials said. The pilgrims, hailing from Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh, were []

Stresses creation of comprehensive digital health records for every citizen SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday chaired a meeting in Srinagar to review the progress of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus was on key components such as digital health solutions, their adoption, and impact on grassroots healthcare []

Announces Rs. 529 lakhs new Academic-cum-Library Block for College SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Monday announced the construction of Academic Block with Library at GDC (Women) Zakura at an approximate cost of Rs. 529.02 lakhs. The Minister made this announcement during her visit to Government Degree []

To ignite social entrepreneurship in J&K SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, through its Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE), joined hands with the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) to organise Spark Social, a high-impact outreach seminar under the 14th Tata Social Enterprise Challenge (TSEC) 2026. The event, held at SKUAST-K []

Mehboobas remarks unmask PDPs mindset SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha Member Parliament Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan Monday said the JKNC will continue its peaceful democratic movement until the Centre fulfils its promise of restoring statehood. Interacting with party leaders and office-bearers at the party headquarters, he said the []

To strengthen international academic collaboration AWANTIPORA: Expanding its efforts to strengthen international academic collaborations, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir, on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paderborn University, Germany. The collaboration has been established between the Department of Philosophy, IUST, and the Centre for the History of Women Philosophers []

Imposes Rs 62,000 fine under Food Safety &Standards Act SHOPIAN: The Court of adjudication under the Food Safety and Standards Act was convened today by the Adjudicating Officer (Additional Deputy Commissioner) Shopian, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz during which 12 cases related to violations of food safety norms were disposed of. During the proceedings, a total []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Monday chaired the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce, Marketing and Processing Corporation (JKHPMC) at the Civil Secretariat, here. The Annual General Meeting unanimously adopted the audited accounts of the Corporation []

SRINAGAR: The Agriculture Department Kashmir, under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), organised a One-Day Training Programme at the Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir, Srinagar, to strengthen technical capacity and ensure effective implementation of project interventions. The programme was hosted by Chief Agriculture Officer, Srinagar, Ajaz Ahmad Mir, and []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah can take a decision on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The decision on restoration of statehood can be taken by only two persons the prime minister and the home minister. That is []

It should empower boatmen, pony owners, artisans, homestay families, local youth Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday addressed the Ethical Tourism Conclave organized by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, J&K, underscoring the imperative of developing a tourism model that is responsible, sustainable, and inclusive. In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor extended heartfelt congratulations []

NEW DELHI: BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned as Union education minister following students protests over NEET row, was welcomed by some BJP leaders in the Parliament complex on Monday with a traditional cap and stole amid slogans like Pradhan Zindabad. Opposition MPs at the same time shouted slogans like Chor Chor, Paper Chor and []

NEW DELHI: Opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, protested in the Parliament House complex on Monday over alleged police brutality against student protesters during the agitation on the NEET paper leak issue and demanded Home Minister Amit Shahs apology. Carrying placards and a large banner, several MPs protested in front []

Srinagar: The annual Amarnath Yatra has crossed the 4.22 lakh pilgrim mark, with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Ashul Garg, on Monday saying that over 4.22 lakh devotees had paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine, while the pilgrimage continues through the Baltal route as restoration work on the Pahalgam track is underway. Addressing reporters in Srinagar, []

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday said it will see what the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered task force formed by the government suggests on the online conduct of the NEET examination. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said some out-of-the-box suggestions are needed especially when transition is made from the physical mode []

Udhampur: A fresh landslide in the Dewal area of Udhampur district disrupted traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Monday, stranding around 1,700 trucks and scores of passenger vehicles, officials said. An official said that traffic stranded between Udhampur and Banihal is being cleared through a single carriageway while restoration work on the damaged stretch []

NEW DELHI: Crude oil price fell by Rs 419 to Rs 8,185 per barrel in the futures trade on Monday amid weak global trends. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil futures for the August delivery slipped by Rs 419, or 4.87 per cent, to Rs 8,185 per barrel in a business turnover of 10,482 []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti should apologise instead of claiming that the video of her remarks at Jantar Mantar was AI-generated, saying the comments appeared to justify the misuse of power in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar, said the remarks sought []

Rajouri: A 60-year-old man who had been missing was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Khawas village of Koteranka area of Rajouri, officials said on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Khan Mir, son of Juma, a resident of Khawas. According to locals, the body was recovered under suspicious circumstances, triggering grief and concern []

Srinagar: Schools across the Kashmir valley reopened on Monday after a 21-day summer vacation. Students were seen returning to classrooms amid usual rush in the morning hours, marking the end of the break announced by the School Education Department earlier this month. Notably, the summer vacations were extended beyond the initial schedule due to prevailing []

Jammu: The JammuSrinagar National Highway NH-44 has been blocked at Dewal in Udhampur due to a landslide, an official said. Officials said that restoration work is currently going on at the site. In view of the risk of further landslides and shooting stones, commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on the highway until the []

CAIRO: The United States paused its attacks on Iran for a second straight day Sunday and Tehran said it had done so too, as efforts continued to bring the countries back to negotiations on an interim ceasefire deal largely undermined by recent exchanges of fire. It was not clear why the US has paused after []

Defence Minister says no talks with Islamabad except PoK Dras/New Delhi: India on Sunday recalled the valour of the armed forces in the 1999 Kargil war with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticising Pakistan for making terrorism a part of its state policy, saying there will be no talks with the country other than on PoK. []

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is emerging as a trusted global defence partner and the country continues to strengthen its defence capabilities. Addressing his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, he also paid rich tributes to the Indian soldiers who fought the Kargil war. Despite harsh weather and the []

Scripted golden history Dras: Kargil Vijay Diwas is an eternal symbol of the Indian Armys indomitable courage, commitment, and supreme sacrifice, Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth said on Sunday. The nation on Sunday marked the 27th year of Indias victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief []

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the objective of the Viksit Vibrant Village (VVV) programme, under which youths visit border villages and live with local communities, is to give opportunities to youngsters to step onto the ground to understand and connect with India instead of relying on virtual means. Interacting with the []

Addresses Harbah Festival at Anantnag Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday attended the sacred Harbah festival at Anantnag and paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi. He also extended greetings to all the devotees who participated in the annual Hawan. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Harbah festival is a profound moment []

New Delhi: The Parliament is gearing up for a heated debate as the government introduces the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. This legislative move is a direct response to the ongoing examination crisis that has shaken the country, culminating in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra []

Kargil looked like a ghost town; life and death were just metres apart Srinagar: Kashmiri video journalist Tariq Lone, who was among the first journalists to reach the conflict zone and cover the Kargil War in 1999, has recounted his extraordinary and dangerous journeyhow he risked his life to capture some of the very first []

Srinagar: The Amarnath Yatra this year achieved a significant milestone on Sunday as the total number of pilgrims who paid obeisance at the south Kashmir cave shrine crossed the four-lakh mark. By Lord Shivas divine grace, the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed a remarkable milestone, and more than 4 lakh pilgrims have already []

Tehran: Iran said on Sunday it has halted retaliatory attacks against US allies in the Middle East after Washington stopped its strikes on the country for the past two nights. The Iranian declaration came after Washington paused a war nearing its fifth month and reports emerged that concerns over dwindling munitions were restraining plans for []