Kashmir Reader

MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank on Friday expectedly kept interest rates unchanged for the second time in a row as it weighed the impact of rising energy prices and supply disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. The policy decision comes amid a three-month long conflict in West Asia that has disrupted energy supplies, leading to []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that Article 370 was never responsible for the lack of development in the erstwhile state, asserting that its abrogation had not led to any extraordinary economic transformation in the region. Speaking at The Hindu Huddle, Omar, said that Jammu and Kashmirs developmental and economic []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday proposed suspending party identities and launching a collective democratic movement for restoration of rights of the rights of people of Jammu & Kashmir. Speaking at The Hindu Huddle, the CM Omar said If everyone is sincere, let us suspend political parties and stand together on one movement platform. []

Ganderbal: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has evolved into a peoples movement, asserting that the administration will continue its crackdown until drug smugglers and narco-terrorists are completely eradicated from the Union Territory. Addressing a gathering during an anti-drug campaign programme in Ganderbal, []

Srinagar: Police on Friday said that continuing its sustained crackdown against narcotics trafficking under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan , Srinagar Police has attached immovable and movable properties worth over 4 crore belonging to individuals involved in drug trafficking, in separate actions carried out by Police Stations Lal Bazar and Khanayar under []

Presides mega public outreach programme at Srinagar Calls for responsive, timely redressal of public grievances SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday presided over a Mega Public Outreach Programme at Banquet Hall here during which scores of public delegations, individuals and representatives of civil society organizations projected []

Essential to effectively address challenges confronting Muslims across world SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Thursday emphasized the need for greater unity, justice and equality among Muslims saying that collective solidarity and adherence to these fundamental principles are essential to effectively address the challenges confronting Muslims across the world, particularly []

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of noted scholar, physician, writer and public intellectual Dr. Javid Iqbal. In a post on X, the Mirwaiz said that in the demise of Dr. Javid Iqbal, Kashmir has lost one of its finest minds whose wisdom, humility and commitment to []

Urges depts to resolve public issues promptly, complete schemes within deadlines SRINAGAR: In a series of high-level reviews, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Thursday directed officials to expedite ongoing development projects and ensure their timely completion across Baramulla and Sonawari constituencies. These meetings aimed to []

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan on Thursday visited Markazi Imambara Yousuf Abad, Bemina, to assess preparations for Muharram-ul-Haram. He inspected facilities and interacted with residents, religious leaders, and management to address their concerns. Local representatives highlighted issues such as repairing damaged roads on Mirgund Bemina Road, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, improving water availability, strengthening []

SRINAGAR: Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the Shutdown of 33 kV Chasmashahi-TRC Rajbagh Line will be observed due to which power supply to Rajbagh, Gogjibagh, Zero Bridge and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11 June 2026. Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Awantipora Line will be observed []

KULGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Thursday chaired a comprehensive meeting with officers to review and finalize the arrangements for the smooth conduct of Mela Kheer Bhawani at Manzgam and Mata Tripur Sundari, Khanbarni, Devsar. The meeting focused on key aspects including security arrangements, availability of essentials, accommodation facilities, traffic management, medical services, []

NEW DELHI: Lavkesh Bajaj, the arrested owner of the Malviya Nagar hotel in South Delhi where a blaze killed at least 21, including foreign nationals, has reportedly told the police that day-to-day operations of the property were being handled by another person and that he did not have time to personally manage or oversee the []

NEW DELHI: Riyazuddin Mansuri, a local mattress trader who pulled out everything in his shop to help those trapped in the Malviya Nagar hotel blaze, has asked the government for Rs 2 lakh compensation for losses incurred during the rescue operation. Mansuri and his son Arman, who joined the rescue efforts after being alerted by []

NEW DELHI: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd on Thursday launched Indias first flex-fuel car, Wagon R, engineered specifically for ethanol-blended fuel compatibility. A flex-fuel car gives the flexibility to customers to run on any blend of ethanol and petrol from E20 to E100. The car comes with advanced ECU calibration capable of adapting to any ethanol []

LEH: In a major push to expand employment opportunities for youth in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday launched the Integrated Job Portal Ladakh, a first-of-its-kind digital platform aimed at connecting job seekers and employers through a centralized and transparent recruitment system. The portal (https://jobportal.ladakh.gov.in) has been developed following proactive intervention and vision []

CHENNAI: MK Stalins Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday announced that it will skip the June 8 INDIA alliance meeting in New Delhi, citing the betrayal by the Congress party after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. In view of the sentiments of DMK cadres, who continue to feel deeply hurt by what they consider the []

Srinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its National General Secretary and J&K & Ladakh in-charge, Tarun Chugh, as a candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The polls are scheduled for June 18, 2026. Chugh has been nominated as BJPs candidate from Madhya Pradesh where his win is certain Born []

LEH/JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday launched an integrated job portal in Ladakh, a dedicated online platform aimed at connecting job seekers and employers through a single-window digital interface and enhancing employment opportunities across the Union Territory. The portal has been developed to provide a centralised employment ecosystem that brings together job opportunities []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said India has consistently emphasised unity in diversity and shown respect to every faith that emerged thousands of years after Sanatan Dharma. Addressing the Rishiwar Inter-Faith Conference 2026 here, Sinha said the idea of respecting all faiths has been woven into the fabric of Indias philosophy for millennia. []

MLAs, MPs, allies united; CM Omar chairs off-site meet at Dachigam Srinagar: Upping the ante, the ruling National Conference (NC) on Wednesday announced that its legislature party will launch a protest in New Delhi on the first day of the forthcoming Monsoon session of Parliament to press for the immediate restoration of statehood and constitutional []

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi on June 8, in the run-up to the annual Amarnath Yatra, sources said. The meeting assumes significance as it comes days before the commencement of the pilgrimage, which draws thousands of devotees to the Himalayan []

Flags off World Bicycle Day Cyclothon Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday flagged off a Cyclothon at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) here to mark World Bicycle Day, reaffirming the governments commitment to promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and sports culture among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The event, organized by the Jammu []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a fire incident in Delhi. A massive fire broke out in a hotel in a congested bylane in south Delhis Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, including foreigners []

TFR 1.8, institutional deliveries 93.6%, C-sections 51%, health insurance 96.3% Srinagar: The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) for 2023-24 indicates notable progress in several health and maternal care indicators across Jammu and Kashmir, although certain demographic concerns, including fertility levels and child marriage rates, have shown a marginal rise. Data from the survey reveals []

RMC to cover J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Jammu: Union Minister and Member Parliament (MP) Udhampur Dr Jitendra Singh will formally declare the establishment of a new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Jammu on June 5, marking a major step towards strengthening weather forecasting and disaster preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. This was []

Mentoring officer for each hostel to monitor progress Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a meeting to assess the status of hostels constructed by various departments across Jammu and Kashmir and to devise a roadmap for making all such assets functional and beneficial for the intended beneficiaries at the earliest. The meeting was []

Anantnag: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and the illegal narcotics network, police in Anantnag attached a two-storey residential house worth approximately 60 lakh belonging to a notorious drug peddler under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The attached property comprises a two-storey concrete residential house constructed over six marlas of land, belonging to []

Srinagar: In a landmark initiative aimed at positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a vibrant destination for cinema, culture and creative industries, the Government has accorded sanction for the organisation of the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held at SKICC Srinagar and other prominent destinations from September 7 to []

Srinagar: MLAs of the ruling National Conference as well as independent legislators supporting the government gunned for Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam here on Wednesday, accusing him of biased allocation of funds in the key Roads & Buildings Department headed by him. Contrary to []

Srinagar: The National Conference on Wednesday announced it will hold a protest in New Delhi on the first day of Parliaments upcoming Monsoon Session, pressing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood and constitutional guarantees. The decision was taken during a crucial meeting of the party leadership, ministers, and legislators chaired by Chief Minister []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday chaired a crucial meeting of party office-bearers and grassroots functionaries at Bachi Darwaza, Makhdoom Sahib. The meeting witnessed an extensive review of pressing public issues, developmental priorities, civic grievances, organisational affairs, and the partys ongoing outreach initiatives. Addressing the []

Chairs Governing Body Meeting to approve Action Plan for 2026-27 SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired the Governing Body Meeting of the J&K AYUSH Society under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM), during which the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) 2026-27 was approved for onward submission to the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. []

SRINAGAR: The J&K Allied and Healthcare Students Association (JKAHSA), the healthcare wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the reported Absolute Freeze on the creation of new posts, expansion of healthcare manpower, and restrictions on emergency hiring in the health sector. JKAHSA President Musa Yousuf, in a statement []

SRINAGAAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Tuesday chaired a meeting at the DC Office to assess the progress of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan 2.0 under the Jal Shakti Abiyans Catch the Rain Campaign. The meeting focused on advancing water conservation efforts across the district. Participants included Additional District Development Commissioner Rifat []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar on Tuesday asked the administration to make adequate arrangements and facilitate the smooth observance of the Urs of Hazrat Ameer-ul-Momineen Syeda Usman-e-Ghani Zun Noorain (RA) particularly at Asar-e-Sharief Dargah Hazratbal. Sagar emphasized the immense religious significance of the occasion and called upon []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review developmental issues and ongoing works pertaining to the Assembly Constituency Trehgam represented by MLA Mir Saifullah. The meeting was convened to assess the progress of various infrastructure and public []

SRINAGAR: Continuing sustained drive against illegal mining and unauthorized extraction of minerals, J&K Police in Shopian and Pulwama districts conducted multiple operations, resulting in the seizure of 15 vehicles/machines and registration of six FIRs against those involved in illegal mining activities. In Shopian, police teams from Police Station Shopian and Police Post Keegam seized 06 []

PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom on Tuesday chaired the 33rd meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Circuit House Pulwama to review the progress achieved under the ongoing anti-drug campaign and assess the implementation of various measures aimed at curbing drug abuse and illicit cultivation in the district. At the outset, []

BUDGAM: As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) , a series of awareness, outreach, pledge-taking and enforcement activities were organized across various parts of District Budgam with active participation from government departments, educational institutions and local communities. Awareness programmes were conducted in several areas of the district to educate people, particularly youth []

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on oversight of artificial intelligence Tuesday, less than two weeks after postponing a White House ceremony over his concerns that a similar policy could dull Americas technological edge. The order establishes a framework for the federal government to vet the national security risks of the most advanced []

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday categorically rejected unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint press communique issued by Pakistan and the European Union, asserting that the region is an inalienable part of the country. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said those who have no locus standi on the matter should desist from []

Writes to CM Omar, LoP, Tarigami, Sajad Lone, Er Rashid, others Says genuine unity can restore rights, dignity If Ladakh could do it, so can we Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should come together for a joint outreach to the Centre for initiating []

Srinagar: A call for political unity in Jammu and Kashmir devolved into a public spat on Tuesday after PDP president Mehbooba Mufti claimed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ignored her meeting requests, a charge Abdullah swiftly denied and accused her of misrepresenting facts to score political points. In a letter posted on social media addressed to []

Srinagar: All eyes are on the crucial meeting of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with National Conference MLAs and MPs, and five independent MLAs supporting his government. Sources told KNO that all NC MLAs, four MPs, and the five independent MLAs have been invited to the meeting, which will be chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah []

Extends warm welcome to Hujjaaj returning from holy pilgrimage Srinagar, June 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday received the first batch of Hujjaaj returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after performing Haj-2026 at Srinagar International Airport. The first incoming Haj flight landed at Srinagar Airport carrying 144 pilgrims, including 74 men and 70 []

Should have validity till Dec 31, 2027; dont leave Surname/Last Name field blank Srinagar: The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has issued an advisory for intending pilgrims, asking them to keep their passports ready ahead of the official announcement for Haj-2027 (1448 Hijri). According to a circular issued by the HCoI under the Ministry of []

Man killed in Anantnag, woman dies in Doda; crops ravaged Srinagar: As hailstorms, intense rainfall and gusty winds caused widespread damage to crops and orchards across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, a man was killed and his wife critically injured after a tree fell on them in South Kashmirs Anantnag district, while []

Chairs 9th Governing Body meeting of Royal Springs Golf Course Reviews RSGC development plan, calls for better facilities Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired the 9th Governing Body Meeting of the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) at SKICC, where a comprehensive review of the functioning, infrastructure, finances and future development plans of the []

Jammu: In the first 50 days of Jammu and Kashmirs campaign against drug trafficking, 176 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and 202 accused persons were arrested or detained, police said on Tuesday. The polices zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, backed by intelligence gathering, enforcement measures, community participation and legal []