Kashmir Reader

SRINAGAR: A vibrant and high-spirited Tiranga Rally was organised on Saturday from the Srinagar International Airport Drop Gate to the Headquarters of 35 Bn CRPF, under the leadership of Mahesh Chandra Thwal, Commandant, 35 Bn CRPF. With unyielding devotion to the Motherland, all Supervisory Officers, Subordinate Officers, and brave Jawans of 35 Bn participated with []

BANDIPORA: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great fervour, patriotic spirit and enthusiasm across Bandipora district on Saturday, with the main function held at Government Higher Secondary School, Nadihal. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Ms Indu Kanwal Chib, hoisted the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and an impressive ceremonial parade. MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat, []

KATHMANDU/SINGAPORE: Indias global partners, including the US, UK, France, Russia and Iran, on Saturday extended greetings to the country on its 80th Independence Day, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among leaders []

Functions held at district, sub-division, tehsil headquarters SRINAGAR: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor and unity across Kashmir division, marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, impressive parades, cultural programs, and community participation at district, sub-division, and tehsil levels. The celebrations underscored the collective spirit of patriotism, progress, and commitment to national ideals. Srinagar: []

SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Saturday celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at its Main Campus and satellite campuses, commemorating the countrys freedom struggle and paying tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who made Indias independence possible. Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan presided over the flag-hoisting ceremony []

Hoists National Flag on I-Day AWANTIPORA: On the eve of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, hoisted the National Flag at a ceremony held on the University campus. The ceremony was attended, among others, by Prof Sheikh Aijaz Bashir, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, Mr. Sameer Wazir []

University celebrates I-Day with patriotic fervour SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) celebrated the 80th Independence Day with great patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at its Shalimar Campus on Saturday. The National Flag was ceremonially hoisted by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, in the presence of University officers, Deans, []

Institutes 10 NCC girl cadets participate in Bakshi Stadium parade SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, with the Institute leadership calling upon students, faculty and staff to uphold the values of freedom, integrity, innovation and service to the nation. In-Charge Director Prof. (HAG) []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah_paid tributes at Balidan Stambh in Pratap Park here on Saturday on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. The Chief Minister laid a wreath and observed silence to honour the memory of the martyrs. On the occasion, DGP J&K, IGP Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, DIG Central Kashmir, and SSP Srinagar_were []

CM Omar to lead main function in Srinagar Dy CM Choudhary to preside over at Jammu Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to celebrate 80th Independence Day on Saturday with elaborate arrangements in place across the Union Territory and heightened security to ensure peaceful and incident-free functions. An official said that the civil administration []

Srinagar: Accusing Pakistan of sucking the blood of Jammu and Kashmir by denying it the right to use its river resources, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched an attack on Islamabad for staking a claim over waters originating from the region, asserting that the neighbouring country cannot be selective in its sympathy for Kashmiris. []

Srinagar: On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday delivered a strong message to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of unity, peace, and collective effort in driving the regions development. In his Independence Day address, LG Sinha paid homage to the leaders, fighters, and martyrs []

Urges restoration of J&K statehood to uphold democratic, federal ideals of freedom struggle Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday extended warm greetings to the people of India, particularly the people of Jammu and Kashmir, on the occasion of 80th Independence Day. In his message, Dr Farooq said Independence Day []

Distributes prizes to winners of Insta Reel, photography, painting competitions Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday felicitated 12 winners of various competitions organised during the Tulip Show and Badamwari Spring Festival, recognising their creativity, artistic talent and innovative use of digital media in promoting J&Ks iconic spring gardens and floral heritage. The winners, who []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday met several public representatives, delegations and individuals at Raabita here and discussed various issues pertaining to different areas and sectors. Member of Legislative Assembly from Inderwal, Pyare Lal Sharma, and MLA from Akhnoor, Mohan Lal, called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of various developmental issues concerning []

Srinagar: A Special Anti-Corruption Court in Srinagar on Friday convicted a former Executive Engineer of Rural Engineering Wing (REW), Ganderbal, and an orderly in a bribery trap case, sentencing both to four years simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 on each count. In a statement, spokesperson said the Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, convicted []

SRINAGAR:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday hit out at Pakistan for staking claim over water from rivers of Jammu and Kashmir, saying Islamabad should not be selective in expressing sympathies with people on this side of the Line of Control (LoC). Abdullahs criticism came while responding to a question about Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs []

Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Friday said that no order has been issued asking PM package employees to work from home, urging people to rely only on authentic information shared through official government and administration channels. Responding to reports that employees appointed under the Prime Ministers Package had been verbally asked to work []

CHANDIGARH: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the LoP in Lok Sabha feels hes born to rule, and alleged that his frustration was clearly visible. Joshis remark came after the conclusion of the Monsoon Session of Parliament that saw relentless protests by the opposition over the police action []

Srinagar: As many as 51 Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel have been selected for gallantry and meritorious service medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2026, according to the official honours list. The awardees include 38 recipients of the Medal for Gallantry (GM) and 13 recipients of the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). Besides, one []

WASHINGTON: The US lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper surveillance and strike drones during the war with Iran, The Washington Post reported on Thursday quoting unnamed officials. According to the Post, the number of drones lost constitutes roughly 25 per cent of the US military fleet, potentially costing the taxpayer more than USD 1.3 billion. []

Chairs security review meeting ahead of Independence Day Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, Nalin Prabhat on Thursday chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to assess security preparedness and arrangements ahead of the Independence Day celebrations across the Union Territory of J&K. The meeting was attended by Spl DGP Coordination J&K, ADGP []

New Delhi: Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday, drawing curtains on a stormy Monsoon session which saw relentless protests by the opposition on the police action on student protesters and alleged theft of Ram temple donations, and passage of several key bills without a debate. Amid the opposition protests and disruption, the lower []

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha recorded one of its lowest productivity levels in more than two decades during the Monsoon session that ended on Thursday, with only two Parliament sessions since 2004 showing lower functioning, according to data compiled by PRS Legislative Research. The figures over the past 22 years show wide swings in parliamentary []

Rains lash J&K parts; MeT forecasts intense showers from Aug 16 to 19 Srinagar: Two persons were killed and two others injured in a lightning strike in South Kashmirs Anantnag District on Thursday as rain lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with the Meteorological Centre predicting spells of heavy rain and thundershowers across the []

Jammu: Railway Police (GRP) Jammu has arrested Altaf Hussain Sheikh, an absconding militant wanted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), after a 35-year-long chase, officials said. They said Sheikh, son of Nazir Ahmed Sheikh from Marhama-Bijbehara, Anantnag, had gone underground and lived with a concealed identity for decades. He was involved in []

Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is an indispensable first step towards rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring the constitutional and democratic rights of the people. Abdullah made these remarks while addressing a gathering here. The three-time chief minister described the restoration of statehood []

SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and urged the Centre to take steps so that such vulnerable figures are not targeted. It is a very unfortunate thing. He has been attacked several times, and I understand that there is some []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal inside a gurdwara in Maharashtras Nanded town, saying such attacks have no place in a democracy. Badal was injured in a kirpan (ceremonial dagger) attack by a member of the Nihang order inside []

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said the central government must approach the Supreme Court to get all FIRs registered during the students protests over NEET-UG exam paper leak quashed. His statement comes days after the Supreme Court clarified that its earlier order would not prevent respective state governments from taking steps []

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea filed by a Rajya Sabha lawmaker challenging the alleged deployment of facial recognition technology and other biometric surveillance measures by Delhi Police during the recent student protest at Jantar Mantar here. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and []

UNITED NATIONS: The Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi in November last year has been officially attributed to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), according to a new report from a UN Security Council body monitoring counter-terrorism sanctions. A deadly and high-intensity explosion had rocked the Red Fort area in New Delhi, killing about []

Srinaga: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Thursday invited people from across Kashmir to attend the Union Territory-level Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar and celebrate the occasion with a lot of enthusiasm. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of full dress rehearsal at Bakshi Stadium, Garg said all arrangements for the August 15 []

Uri: Police have arrested the accused involved in a hit-and-run incident in Salasan, Boniyar, hours after a labourer was critically injured, officials said. The accused has been identified as Mohd Amin Ganie, son of Abdul Rasheed Ganie, a resident of Larri, Boniyar. The vehicle used in the accident has also been seized, officials said.. The []

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday insisted that the blockade gives US control of Strait of Hormuz. Claiming the US has total control of the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said Wednesday: I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Trumps social media post referred to the US blockade of Irans ports. A vital route []

NCs history is not just political struggle, but public welfare movement: Provincial President Showkat Mir SRINAGAR: The Youth National Conference today organised an impressive function at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah Complex on the occasion of International Youth Day. The programme was presided over by Provincial Youth President Mushtaq Mir, while Provincial President of the Jammu []

HANDWARA (KUPWARA): In a series of high-level inspections and strategic meetings, the DIG North Kashmir Range, Vinod Kumar IPS, assessed the security arrangements in Handwara district ahead of the Independence Day-2026 celebrations. The reviews aimed to ensure a peaceful, safe, and incident-free national holiday for residents and visitors. During his visit to Police District Handwara, []

ANANTNAG: DIG South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo, chaired a comprehensive security review meeting at District Police Office Anantnag to assess the prevailing security scenario and review preparedness ahead of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, CAPFs and Police, including SSPs of all districts of South []

Inaugurates New Academic Complex at Chest Diseases Hospital Jammu JAMMU: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday visited the SMGS Hospital, Shalamar and Chest Diseases Hospital, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu were she inaugurated key healthcare and academic infrastructure projects aimed at further strengthening medical services and facilities for the []

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Wednesday visited the house of the bereaved Ashai family to offer condolences on the sad demise of Anwar Ashai. Mirwaiz said that he was saddened by his passing away, as he had met Ashai Sahib on many occasions and found him to be a concerned and committed []

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved a 5.15 crore project for the comprehensive development of the historic Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib at Bakhta in Kathua district. The project envisages the construction of a new Langar Hall and Prayer Hall, besides provision of modern civic amenities for devotees visiting the revered shrine. The initiative marks []

SRINAGAR: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar on Wednesday organised a one-day capacity building programme for artisans and weavers under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme. As many as 100 artisans participated in the workshop, which focused on branding and aesthetic packaging []

PULWAMA: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir National Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKNRLM), organised two six-day Entrepreneurship Development Programmes at Abhama, Pulwama, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme. The programmes were designed to equip rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills in business []

Reasi: A 17-year-old boy was swept away by strong water currents while attempting to cross a nallah in the Malikote area of Chassana in Reasi district on Wednesday, officials said. An official said that the incident occurred when the boy was crossing the Ommi Nallah near Sanglikote, where he slipped and was swept away by []

BANDIPORA: The Bandipora Police have intensified security arrangements across the district ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, with enhanced surveillance and checking measures being implemented at key locations. Additional nakas have been established along important roads, entry and exit points, and other strategically significant locations to ensure foolproof security and maintain law and order. Police []

Srinaga: Parts of Jammu and Kashmir received significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, with Pulwama recording the highest at 57.5 mm. Poonch recorded 53 mm, Awantipora 47.8 mm and Rajouri 44 mm, the Meteorological Department said. An official of MeT Centre Srinagar told GNS that a spell of light to moderate rain and thundershowers []

Poonch: An unidentified female body was recovered from the river in Mora Bachhi area of Surankote in Poonch district on Wednesday. Officials that a police team immediately reached the spot after being informed about the body floating in the river. The identity of the deceased could not be ascertained. Police said the body will be []

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will resolve the issue arising out of the threat of US tariffs on Indias purchase of Russian oil, a senior White House advisor said on Tuesday. The remarks by White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro came days after the US Senate passed a bill authorising the []

Surprise checking, frisking in Lal Chowk, other areas Night checkpoints, area domination intensified Srinagar: Multi-layered and robust security arrangements have been put in place across Kashmir for the peaceful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations, the valleys police chief, V K Birdi, said here on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after reviewing the preparations at the []

Inspects preparations at Bakshi Stadium SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Tuesday visited Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, to inspect the ongoing preparations for the Independence Day celebrations at the venue. During the inspection, the Divisional Commissioner took stock of various arrangements, including seating arrangements, functioning of the Public Address System, overhead covering of the stands []