Kashmir Reader

NEW DELHI: India ushered in its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a grand display of its cultural diversity, economic growth, and military prowess that included missiles, warplanes, newly-raised units and lethal weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor. President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, []

SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said that the Republic Day should not be limited to parades and speeches, but should also ensure the upholding of the Constitution of the country. Republic Day must be more than parades and speeches. 15 August 1947 gave us freedom from colonial rule, but 26 January 1950 gave []

Jammu: Asserting that Naya Savera (new dawn) has broken out in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday reiterated the governments commitment to establish peace and make region prosperous. Addressing the main Republic Day function in Jammu, LG Sinha, paid rich tributes to martyrs and victims of terrorism, natural calamities, and tragic []

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the nation on the 77th Republic Day. In a post on X, he said, Best wishes on Republic Day. May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat. At the 77th Republic Day celebrations on the Kartavya Path, []

Visits Integrated Command, Control Centre HMT Assesses progress on SeerbaghSempora Bridge SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister today visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), HMT Srinagar, to take stock of ongoing snow clearance operations and restoration of essential services across the Kashmir Valley. Reviewing the post-snowfall situation, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need for []

Div Com Kashmir, DC Srinagar felicitate BLOs, distribute EPICs among newly enrolled voters SRINAGAR: On the occasion of 16th National Voters Day celebrations, a grand function was organized by the District Election Office, Srinagar here at Government College of Education, M A Road to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, established []

Seeks UT govts intervention as major stakeholder in J&K Bank SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has reiterated its long-standing demand for immediate intervention by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate a one-time, structured and humane resolution of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and stressed accounts of sick MSMEs, most of which []

BUDGAM: Budgam District has been conferred with the Best District Election Award for its outstanding performance in the conduct of the recent By-Elections. The award was presented by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir at a function convened at the Convention Centre, Jammu. The award recognizes the district administrations exemplary planning, efficient execution, and strict []

SRINAGAR: The Indian Buildings Congress (J&K Chapter) organised a technical discussion to mark the National Tourism Day, focusing on the importance of safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure for strengthening the tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, Er. Irfan Shafi Parray, Honorary Secretary, IBC J&K Chapter, said that tourism is a key driver []

Expresses concerns over passport denial, academic coercion SRINAGAR: Dr. Nazrul Islam Baba, President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSA J&K), has expressed grave concern over the distressing situation faced by Indian students stranded in Iran, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir, and has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take []

SRINAGAR: During the ongoing Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2026 at New Delhi, SUO Arpun Deep Kour of 3 J&K Bn NCC from Baramulla has been awarded with the prestigious Raksha Mantri Padak by Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh for exemplary duty, service and discipline displayed during Operation Sindoor. During the operation, she Kour executed []

BUDGAM: Police in Budgam responded promptly to two medical emergency calls from remote areas of Sub-Division Khansahib, ensuring the safe evacuation of two women patients whose conditions had turned critical. Police Station Khansahib received a distress call from BatporaShekhpora regarding a woman suffering from severe pain. Swiftly, a police team led by SHO PS Khansahib, []

SUMBAL (BANDIPORA): The 16th National Voters Day was observed on Sunday at Dak Bangalow Sumbal in north Kashmirs Bandipora district. The occasion was marked by a grand function, with Electoral Registration Officer Murtaza Ahmad Sheikh serving as the chief guest. Several dignitaries attended the event, including theTehsildar Hajin, BLOs and newly enrolled voters were also []

Vehicles seized, registrations suspended SRINAGAR: Police in Sopore have secured convictions in three cases of underage driving, reinforcing strict enforcement of traffic laws and accountability of parents and guardians. Three motor vehicles bearing registration numbers JK05P-5708, JK05N-1830, and JK05K-2552 were found being driven by minors without valid driving documents. The vehicles were seized by Police []

Baramulla,:Range Police Headquarters (RPHQ), Baramulla, observed the 16th National Voters Day with a solemn ceremony reaffirming its commitment to democratic values. On the occasion, all officers and officials took the Voters Pledge, emphasizing the importance of free, fair, and peaceful elections in strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation. The pledge, which calls upon citizens []

Sumbal: The 16th National Voters Day was observed on Sunday at Dak Banglow Sumbal in north Kashmirs Bandipora district. The occasion was marked by a grand function, with Electoral Registration Officer Murtaza Ahmad Sheikh serving as the chief guest. Several dignitaries attended the event, including the Tehsildar Hajin,BLOs and newly enrolled voters were []

SRINAGAR: As the countdown to the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, continues, full dress rehearsals have been successfully conducted across various districts of Kashmir, showcasing vibrant displays of patriotism, cultural heritage, and developmental achievements. These rehearsals serve as vital preparations to ensure a grand, secure, and memorable celebration of Indias republic. Srinagar In []

Says issues can be resolved when intent exists; presses for rationalisation of reservation policy SRINAGAR: Er. Ehtisham Khan,a prominent social and student-rights activist, on Saturday welcomed the notification issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) announcing the conduct of a physical round of counselling to accommodate the 50 MBBS students []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar Saturday lauded the proactive and committed role of the Omar Abdullahled government for swiftly restoring essential services across Kashmir in the aftermath of the recent heavy snowfall. In a press statement issued from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said the governments war-footing response []

Jagmohan Singh Raina,otherspay heartfelt tributes to legendary litterateur SRINAGAR: Chairman of the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC), Jagmohan Singh Raina, along with a galaxy of eminent social, religious, and academic figures, has expressed deep anguish over the demise of legendary litterateur, scholar, and cultural stalwart S. Paramjit Singh Bali, popularly known as Kanwal Kashmiri. []

SRINAGAR: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, on Saturday visited the Floriculture Development Scheme, kitchen garden, and entomology sections at Lalmandi, Srinagar, to assess the damage caused by severe gusty winds during the intervening night of January 22-23, 2026. The strong winds, triggered by a broader weather disturbance across the Kashmir Valley, led to uprooting []

SRINAGAR: Police in Baramulla successful facilitated the Tourist Movement amid heavy snowfall and slippery road conditions in Tangmarg Sub-Division. Amid snowfall, large number of tourists and visitors found themselves stuck on either side of the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road which was witnessing hazardous and life-threatening conditions. In a coordinated and swift response, Police facilitated the safe movement []

Accused arrested, stolen property recovered SRINAGAR: Police in Sopore have solved a burglary case within 24 hours of its reporting, leading to the arrest of the accused and recovery of stolen property. Police Station Sopore received a written complaint from Akash Ahmad Wani son of Hafeezullah Wani resident of Nowhamam, Sopore, stating that during the []

MUMBAI: High courts need to be more proactive and alert to systemic failures in the rule of law, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Saturday while asserting that justice delayed is not only justice denied but it is justice destroyed. He also emphasised the need to encourage mechanisms of mediation and reconciliation. The []

NEW DELHI: The United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent today hinted at the removal of the additional 25% tariffs imposed on India, citing a drastic drop in Indias purchases of Russian oil following the tariff hike by US President Donald Trump. His remarks came during his visit to Davos, amid shifting geopolitical dynamics around US []

CHENNAI: Sharpening his attack on Governor RN Ravi and the BJP, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Saturday debunked the Sangh Parivar claim to patriotism saying no one need to teach us patriotism, the people know very well that it is they who are anti-nationals. They are not qualified enough to []

Srinagar at 1.4C, Gulmarg coldest at 12C Chilla-i-Kalan nears end Another wet spell likely from tomorrow Srinagar: After a day of widespread snowfall, gusty winds and rain, the weather improved in Kashmir on Saturday even though night temperatures were seen below the freezing point across the valley, officials said. Some areas, especially []

Invites public, especially school children, to join open event at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar: Kashmir Police chief V K Birdi on Saturday said strict, multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place to ensure peaceful Republic Day celebrations across the valley, and appealed to people to become a part of the event. Inspector General of Police []

Reiterates commitment to balanced, inclusive, equitable dev across J&K Srinagar: As part of the ongoing pre-budget consultations for the Budget Session 202627, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday continued his engagement with Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from South and North Kashmir districts at the Civil Secretariat here. The meeting was attended []

Srinagar: The upcoming budget session of Jammu & Kashmir is expected to be stormy, with opposition parties, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party, set to challenge the National Conference-led government on a range of issues, from its pre-election commitments regarding freebies to what they describe as governance failures. In a clear indication that the BJP will []

New Delhi: As the world is going through a period of uncertainty, Indias youths must remain strong and be prepared to take on every challenge, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. In an address to a group of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, he also spoke of Indias befitting reply following the Pahalgam terror []

Jammu: Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan on Saturday hosted the grand celebrations of Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day at Jammu. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh. He paid homage to the great luminaries, freedom fighters, and revolutionaries from the state and recalled []

JAMMU: Massive road clearance operations were underway to restore traffic on the SrinagarJammu National Highway and other key roads which remained closed for the second day on Saturday due to slippery conditions at different stretches following snowfall, officials said. Hundreds of commuters were evacuated to safety and provided food and shelter by the Army, police []

Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday ordered the transfer of two IPS officers serving in the Jammu and Kashmir segment of the AGMUT cadre to Puducherry. According to the official order, Divya D, serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) at the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir, and Raghav S, posted as []

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP-ruled Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has imposed a fine on the party and lodged a police case over the installation of flex boards on footpaths in the city in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, officials said on Saturday. Based on a complaint filed by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation secretary, the Cantonment police registered a []

Srinagar: A day after snowfall disrupted air traffic and grounded several flights, normal operations resumed at the Srinagar airport today morning, officials said. However, several flights to and from Delhi airport were cancelled due to airspace closure in view of the Republic Day celebrations . An official said that six flights to and from Delhi []

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said reports of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu flagging concerns over the VB-G RAM G Acts funding pattern are politically significant and have implications for Centre-State relations. These concerns assumed importance as they come from a key ally of the BJP whose support is critical to the []

Srinagar: A guesthouse was damaged in a fire mishap near the Dal Gate in Srinagar on Saturday morning, while a civilian was also injured in the incident, officials said. An official said that fire broke out from the guest house following which fire tenders rushed to the spot. He said that after strenuous efforts fire []

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy late Friday that chastised US allies to take control of their own security and reasserted the Trump administrations focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a longtime goal of countering China. The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, []

Calls for public procurement overhaul, MSME revival, policy reforms to ensure growth SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), the Valleys apex industrial chamber, has presented a substantive pre-budget memorandum to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, flagging deep regional and sub-regional imbalances in industrial infrastructure and seeking urgent interventions to revive MSMEs, entrepreneurship, []

SRINAGAR: In response to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, lightning, strong winds, and thunderstorms, police authorities across various districts in the region have established dedicated 247 emergency helpline services to assist the public and ensure safety. Ganderbal Police in Ganderbal have set up an emergency helpline to facilitate residents facing weather-related issues. []

SRINAGAR: Demonstrating unwavering commitment to public service and humanitarian duties, the Jammu &Kashmir Police have actively provided timely aid to tourists, patients, and local residents stranded due to the ongoing heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions across Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam, and Kargil districts. Ganderbal Despite challenging conditions, police teams on the ground at Gund and []

HAJIN: The Municipal Committee (MC) Hajin on Friday cleared snow from interior link roads across the town following the recent snowfall. Officials said sanitation staff were pressed into service to remove snow from backlanes, narrow streets and interior areas where mechanical equipment could not be deployed. The exercise was aimed at ensuring pedestrian movement and []

Dr. Ghulam Rasool Hami expresses grief SRINAGAR: The eminent Islamic scholar and teacher of scholars, Ustad al-Ulama, Sheikh al-Hadith, Hazrat Sheikh Habib Al-Umar Al-Jilani, bid farewell to this mortal world during his journey from Jordan to Indonesia. and returned to his True Lord. His scholarly and spiritual services to the world are as evident as []

DC, Commissioner SMC distribute sanction letters, credit cards to street vendors SRINAGAR: In a major boost to financial inclusion and livelihood support for street vendors, the Prime Minister of India on Friday launched a dedicated credit card facility and disbursed loans to one lakh beneficiaries across the country under the PM SVANidhi Scheme, during a []

Visits old Bus Adda, District Hospital BUDGAM:Extensive snow clearance operations across Budgam district were on spot reviewed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, to ensure smooth connectivity and uninterrupted essential services during the ongoing winter conditions. The DC highlighted that all major and minor roads, including those leading to khag, Khanshaib []

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched various developmental projects and flagged off new train services in Kerala and said that a new realisation has emerged among the people about the Centres efforts for the states development. Speaking after launching the projects and flagging off the trains, Modi said the day marks a new []

Srinagar-Jammu highway closed Gulmarg gets over two feet snowfall Power, transportation services disrupted Authorities deploy machinery for snow clearance Srinagar: Most parts of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, including the seasons first in Srinagar city, leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, and cancellation of over 20 flights here, officials []

Srinagar: Amid inclement weather conditions following widespread snowfall, gusty winds and snow storms, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday evening chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat here to review the overall situation across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Minister Satish Sharma; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; []

Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the UPI-linked PM SVANidhi Credit Card in Kerala to empower street vendors through accessible and interest-free digital credit. The initiative, launched during his visit to the state, marks a step forward in the governments ongoing efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and support informal sector workers. Speaking at []