Kashmir Reader

Budgam: The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir arrived at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the return phase of Hajj-2026 operations. The inaugural flight carried 144 pilgrims, who were received at the airport by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Budgam []

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the necessity of playing all five verses of Vande Mataram at the beginning and end of official events, labelling the practice unnecessary and burdensome for audiences. Speaking to reporters here on Monday amid the controversy over the singing of the national song in Kerala, Tharoor said everyone respects []

Srinagar: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has written to a broad spectrum of political and civil society leaders across Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to come together for a joint and coordinated outreach to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In a statement,the PDP said that Mehbooba Mufti has reached out to []

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar International Airport will suspend all flight operations for 15 days starting October 1 to undergo crucial runway maintenance and repair work, officials said on Tuesday. The two-week shutdown is expected to deal a massive blow to Jammu and Kashmirs tourism sector, as it directly clashes with the peak Durga Puja holiday season. []

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday said talks were continuing with Iran at a rapid pace, as fresh strikes by Tehran appeared to hit the fragile ceasefire. Talks are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The nominal ceasefire between Iran and []

Preserve sanctity of items with deep religious significance Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to facilitate the timely and concurrent transportation of baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir from Saudi Arabia. In his communication, the Chief Minister []

Srinagar: Authorities have changed check-in baggage weight requirements for Haj pilgrims returning to Srinagar international airport as there are temporary runway length restrictions and payload limitations due to a NOTAM issued for runway maintenance work at the airport. The return journey of Haj pilgrims operated by Akasa airlines to the Srinagar Embarkation Point has been []

Srinagar: The return phase of Hajj-2026 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir will commence tomorrow, June 02, with the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims scheduled to land at Srinagar International Airport. J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi said the Hajj return operations for pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will continue []

Leads Drug-Free J&K Padyatra in Kulgam, calls for remaining steadfast Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday led Drug-Free J&K Padyatra in Kulgam and addressed a public meeting. He said that this peoples movement has connected every heart across Jammu Kashmir with a shared purpose to make their village, their town drug-free. This campaign belongs []

Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed the availability and stock position of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir with a particular focus on petroleum products, LPG and other critical supplies required for public consumption and the upcoming peak tourism and pilgrimage season. The review meeting besides ACS, APD; Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA and Commissioner []

Amit Sharma launches House Listing operations, seeks public cooperation to enumerators, supervisors Jammu: The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as the leading Union Territory and 8th among states in the country in Self-Enumeration under Census 2027, with more than 6.67 lakh households voluntarily submitting their Census details through the official Self-Enumeration portal. []

Kashmir Reader expresses condolence Srinagar: Alhaj Nazir Ahmad Zargar, father of API News Editor-in-Chief Basharat Nazir Zargar and Managing Director Ishrat Nazir Zargar, passed away on Monday morning following a prolonged illness. He was 72. Family sources informed that Zargar had been unwell for a considerable period and breathed his last at AIIMS, New Delhi. []

Srinagar: Several public representatives and delegations on Monday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his Public Services and Outreach Office (Raabita) here and discussed a range of constituency-specific and sectoral issues. Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Ladakh, Haji Mohammad Hanifa, called on the Chief Minister along with delegations representing employees of the Power []

Same parcel sold to multiple buyers via registered deeds Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet before the Honble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar in FIR No. 03/2024 under Sections 420, 468, 167, and 120-B RPC against three accused persons for their alleged involvement in a []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to ensure that the baggage of Haj pilgrims is transported along with them on the same flights returning to Jammu and Kashmir. Official sources said that the Chief Minister, in a letter to the Union Minister, []

NEW DELHI: (Jun 1) Gold prices on Monday dropped Rs 1,084 to Rs 1,59,827 per 10 grams in futures trade amid a fall in spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold contracts for the August delivery traded lower by Rs 1,084, or 0.67 per cent, at Rs 1,59,827 per 10 grams in a business []

Srinagar: The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on Monday issued a clarification regarding the baggage restrictions imposed on Haj pilgrims returning to Srinagar, stating that the measures were necessitated by runway maintenance and operational limitations at Srinagar Airport. In a post on X, the Ministry said that a NOTAM issued for Srinagar Airport, coupled []

Srinagar:The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet before the Honble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar in FIR No. 03/2024 under Sections 420, 468, 167 and 120-B RPC against three accused persons for their alleged involvement in a land fraud case. In a handout, the CBK said that []

BENGALURU:Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar and outgoing CM Siddaramaiah will leave for New Delhi on Monday to finalise the new cabinet with the Congress high command, party sources said. According to their travel itineraries, both leaders are scheduled to land in Delhi in the afternoon, with their return journeys left open-ended as high-stakes discussions []

MLA Farooq Shah calls for stronger alumni engagement, investment in education SRINAGAR: The third edition of the global alumni reunion, SANGAM-3.0, concluded at Gulmarg on Sunday with a special networking and interaction session, bringing to a close three days of celebrations, discussions and renewed engagement between alumni and their alma mater. The event was organised []

SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Sunday lashed out at former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, saying that teachers in Jammu and Kashmir do not need seasonal sympathy tweets but deserve consistency, dignity and honesty in public life. The AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi reacted to Mehbooba Muftis recent statement []

Equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, 247 CCTV, AC halls, power backup, individual LED lights; open 5 AM to 11 PM Kangan: In a major boost to educational infrastructure in the area, the IS Library Self-Study Centre was formally inaugurated at Hariganiwan Gund on Saturday by SDPO Kangan Rajeev Raina, SHO Gund Rayees Ahmad, and SHO Kangan []

JAMMU: Natrang, the premier cultural institution of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, marked World No Tobacco Day by organizing a thought-provoking exhibition of cartoons aimed at creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The event was held as part of Natrangs continued commitment towards social responsibility and public awareness initiatives. The []

Stresses foolproof security arrangements KATHUA/SAMBA: To review security and facilitation arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, accompanied by DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil; DC Kathua Rajesh Sharma; SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma; SO to IGP Jammu SSP Rajinder Singh and other senior officers, conducted an extensive review []

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the CBSE OSM row, saying he had the time to speak about mangoes during his monthly radio address, but not about 18.5 lakh children whose answer sheets were scanned with phones. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha []

ANANTNAG: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Sunday visited Mattan and attended the ongoing Holy Adhikmas Kumbh 2026 alongside the representatives of Shri Martand Tirath Trust (SMTT) and a large congregation of devotees. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Tariq Ahmad Malik, Tehsildar Mattan, senior officers of line []

Srinagar: In a significant political development, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called a meeting of National Conference (NC) legislators on Wednesday to deliberate on what he has referred to as matters of collective importance and issues concerning public welfare. Sources said that the Chief Minister has personally invited all party MLAs to attend the meeting. []

Inaugurates third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival in Srinagar, urging writers on shaping positive discourse through fiction, non-fiction and other creative forms and inspire people because writers craft lives not only in words, but in the pulse of people. Addressing []

Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has termed the demographic changes in border districts as the most serious challenge before the country, and called for strict monitoring and reporting of these developments. Shah, who chaired a security review meeting at Bhuj in Gujarats Kutch district located along the India-Pakistan border on Friday, also stated that []

Demand restoration of 40 kg allowance; official cites Srinagar runway repairs, says remaining baggage to reach by road from Ahmedabad Srinagar: As the return phase of Hajj-2026 approaches, the Jammu & Kashmir pilgrims in Mina have voiced resentment over fresh baggage restrictions, demanding restoration of the traditional 40-kilogram luggage allowance. They questioned the decision to []

Pulwama: Cabinet Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday assured that concerns of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will be thoroughly examined. The minister also launched a sharp attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming it for the political developments that unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Speaking to reporters after the []

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of remaining silent on the TET issue, while other states are fighting to protect their teachers by filing review petitions before the Supreme Court. In a post on X, Mufti said thousands of teachers in J&K face uncertainty, anguish, []

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said it will file a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) issue, assuring the protection of teachers interests. Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that the review petition has been prepared and will be filed before the apex court in the coming []

Minister Sakeena Itoo directs immediate assessment, relief measures Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Saturday expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by a recent hailstorm that severely impacted orchards and agricultural lands across several areas of Kashmir division, including D.H. Pora in Kulgam district. The []

Meets number of public, individual delegations following Eid Ul Azha SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Friday said that the unwavering trust and continued support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain the driving force behind the National Conference government. Dr Farooq made these remarks while interacting with members []

SRINAGAR: Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq expressed deep concern over the continued restrictions on Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid and warned against the growing normalisation of what he described as abnormal circumstances. Addressing Friday prayers at Jama Masjid, Mirwaiz said that this year, as []

Contraband seized; illicit poppy cultivation destroyed, case registered SRINAGAR: Continuing its sustained drive against drug menace under Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, police in Ganderbal apprehended a drug peddler and recovered contraband substance from his possession in the jurisdiction of Police Post Nagbal. A police party of Police Post Nagbal at a checkpoint established []

SRINAGAR: S. Surinder Singh Channi, Senior Congress Leader called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday and projected various issues related to development of Tral and employment opportunities for the local youth. Goverdhan S. Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), also called on LG Sinha. A delegation of Kashmir []

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh on Friday inaugurated Indias first SkyCast System here at Indira Gandhi International Airport, calling it the beginning of a new era in Indian aviation. The Minister informed that only 18 such advanced systems exist worldwide so far. India []

NOWSHERA: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday conducted an extensive tour of Nowshera, inspecting various developmental works and healthcare facilities in the region. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister met several delegations and individuals who apprised him of various public issues, development needs and local concerns. He also visited Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Nowshera []

JAMMU: Healthy Youth, Prosperous Nation Ek Sankalp NASHA MUKT BHARAT, an awareness program, was successfully organized by Science Clubs, Utsaah, jointly with the Department of Zoology in collaboration with, the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Department of Science and Technology (DST), UT of J&K on May 29th, 2026 at the []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said writers, poets and scholars play a greater role in shaping civilizations than institutions, as he inaugurated the two-day Kashmir Literature Festival-2026 at SKICC Srinagar. Addressing writers, researchers, historians, academicians and literary figures during the inaugural session, the Lieutenant Governor welcomed all guests who had arrived in Jammu []

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump held a White House Situation Room meeting with his advisers on Friday but has not yet made a decision on whether to move forward with a deal to extend the Iran ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said the agreement has not been finalised. Ahead of the meeting, []

Saudi Arabia reaffirms commitment to serving Islam, Muslims Makkah: Saudi Arabia announced on Friday the successful completion of this years Hajj season, saying an integrated system of security, organization, and services enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind. The announcement was made by Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, deputy []

Swiss Ambassador to India Maya Tissafi calls on Omar Abdullah Cooperation in areas of sustainable development, inclusive growth discussed Srinagar: The Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to India, Maya Tissafi, today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation. The meeting explored opportunities for the exchange of best practices []

Bhuj: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the government was considering expansion of the BSFs operational mandate by assigning it new sectors, and announced that a new paradigm of territorial security will be added to complement conventional border security. Addressing BSF personnel on a visit to Gujarats Kutch district to review border []

Closing date June 19, 2026 Jammu: The Press Council of India is a statutory quasi-judicial authority constituted by an Act of Parliament i.e. the Press Council Act, 1978, with the mandate for preserving the freedom of the press and maintaining and improving standards of press in India. The 14th term of the Press Council of []

Srinagar: Amid growing incidents of online fraud and digital scams, the Jammu and Kashmir Cyber Crime Department has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against cyber criminals using fake calls, phishing links, OTP fraud and suspicious online requests to target unsuspecting users. The advisory comes as cyber-related complaints continue to emerge across []

The ultimate challenge of our age is not merely to answer these questions intellectually but to embody them personally and collectively. These are humanitys deepest inheritance and its most urgent responsibility. Shabeer Ahmad Lone Among the countless subjects that occupy human attention-wealth, status, politics, technology, entertainment, conflict, ambition-three questions remain sovereign because they quietly govern []

Srinagar : Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq expressed deep concern over the continued restrictions on Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid and warned against the growing normalisation of what he described as abnormal circumstances. Mirwaiz said that this year, as on previous occasions, Eid prayers []