Kashmir Reader

NEW DELHI: The government has slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre, averting a pump price hike that had become necessary because of soaring global oil prices. The cut in special additional excise duty on petrol from Rs 13 a litre to Rs 3 and the same on diesel from []

Srinagar: An 18-year-old fruit vendor was injured after being stabbed by an another person in the Soura area of Srinagar on Friday, officials said. An official said that the youth sustained injuries after being attacked with a sharp-edged weapon near Jinab Sahib in Soura. He was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment. He has []

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir assembly was adjourned for half an hour on Friday as a pandemonium broke out soon after the budget session resumed after a five-week recess. Members from both the treasury and the opposition benches stood up, raising slogans and disrupting the Question Hour despite Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly asking the legislators []

Leh: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was given a traditional welcome in Ladakh on Friday, with representatives of various local tribes participating in the reception. Officials said the CJI was briefed about the regions tribal diversity and was given a guard of honour on arrival. During the visit, Justice Kant is scheduled to inaugurate []

LG Sinha, CM Omar thank PM Modi, HM Shah, FM Sitharaman Srinagar: The Centre on Thursday approved additional central assistance of Rs 5000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at supporting infrastructure development and easing fiscal pressures in the Union Territory. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, []

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has recommended the introduction and consideration of a private member bill moved by PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, seeking a statutory framework for reorganisation of administrative divisions, districts, sub-divisions and tehsils in the Union Territory. According to an official order, issued in pursuance of sub-section (1) of Section []

Unveils Jammu Marathon Expo at Gandhi Nagar Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the Jammu Marathon2026 Expo at Dussehra Ground, Gandhi Nagar. The Chief Minister formally opened the exposition by cutting a ceremonial ribbon, followed by the launch of a signature campaign. The expo marks the final phase of preparations for the much-anticipated []

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called for immediate de-escalation and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint. He said that the continuation of hostilities poses a serious threat to regional stability, global peace. Dr. Farooq appealed to the nations and international mediators engaged in facilitating dialogue to []

High-level meeting charts roadmap on medical edu expansion, tech integration, public health initiatives Jammu: A high-level meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo to take assessment of the steps taken by the Department of Health & Medical Education (H&ME) as part of an ongoing and sustained process to chart a comprehensive and transformative roadmap []

Srinagar: As part of sustained action against the terror ecosystem, Police in Sopore attached the immovable property of an absconding accused in connection with an E&IMCO case registered at Police Station Panzalla. The attached property comprises land measuring 1 Kanal 12.5 Marlas under Survey Nos. 15 min and 17 min, situated at village Fidarpora, recorded []

WASHINGTON: Without offering a specific threat, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said on Truth Social that Iranian leaders should engage before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NOT TURNING BACK. The post comes a day after Trump insisted a deal is near. He said again Thursday that Iran is begging []

JAMMU: The second leg of the Jammu and Kashmir Assemblys budget session is expected to begin on a stormy note on Friday, with opposition parties gearing up to corner the government over its poll promises and the restoration of statehood. During the 18-day-long first half of the session, which began on February 2, Chief Minister []

Srinagar: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed in Ramban district on Thursday after huge rocks fell on the road, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides, officials said. An official said that the highway remained blocked due to large boulders and a landslide between Karol Bridge and Chanderkot, halting vehicular movement. Traffic from Jammu []

JAMMU:Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has recommended the introduction and consideration of a private member bill moved by PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, seeking a statutory framework for reorganisation of administrative divisions, districts, sub-divisions and tehsils in the Union Territory. According to an official order, issued in pursuance of sub-section (1) of Section 36 []

Srinagar: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Thursday conducted raids at multiple locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation into a transnational terror module, officials said. An official said that searches are being carried out at 10 locations across three districts, including six in Ganderbal, three in Shopian and one in Srinagar. []

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of Crime Branch J&K, today conducted house searches at three different locations in the districts of Srinagar and Budgam in connection with FIR No. 11/2026 registered under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B IPC, read with Section 66-D of the IT Act, at Police Station Economic Offences []

NEW DELHI:Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed to US President Donald Trump that the war in West Asia must end soon as it is hurting everyone, the Government told an up-in-arms Opposition at an all-party meeting on Wednesday, terming Pakistan a dalaal (broker) nation in reference to its reported mediation in the conflict. There is []

DUBAI: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his government has not engaged in talks to end the war, and we do not plan on any negotiations. His remark came during an interview with the Iranian state TV on Wednesday. The Islamic Republic dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East and []

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will travel to China on May 14 and 15 for a rescheduled summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the White House announced on Wednesday. Trump, who was earlier scheduled to travel to Beijing by the end of this month, postponed his trip due to the war in Iran. Announcing []

Highlights importance of soft skills, research, industry collaboration Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday directed the stakeholders to prioritise collaboration and create an environment where a strong professional community is built through networking, best practices, national and international exposure, and joint training programmes. Todays challenges are complex and multi dimensional. Their solution is possible []

Urges public to rely on official information Warns action against misinformation Srinagar: Dismissing rumours about a possible lockdown, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday said there is no such proposal under consideration. He urged people not to panic and assured that stocks of essential commodities are sufficient and being closely monitored. Speaking []

Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to assess the current status and expedite the updation of Recruitment Rules (RRs) across various departments of the Union Territory, with a strong emphasis on ensuring transparency, efficiency and employee welfare in public administration. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, ARI & []

Jammu: About a dozen universities in Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with a severe faculty shortage, with around 40 per cent teaching posts lying vacant, according to official data. Figures provided by the Higher Education Department show that more than 3,300 teaching posts are sanctioned across nine public universities and two central universities functioning under []

Srinagar: The J&K cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday evening in Jammu to take up several matters. Sources said that a number of proposals are on the agenda for meeting. There is a possibility the cabinet will also give its goahead for introducing a few government bills, they said. (KNO)

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have conveyed their heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. In his message, the Chief Minister described Shri Ram as the embodiment of righteousness, virtue and exemplary conduct. Underscoring the timeless relevance of Shri Rams life []

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for reviewing the life sentence of separatist Asiya Andrabi and reducing it to the earlier provision of 14 years. This life imprisonment till the person is alive should be abolished in the whole country. It should be 14 years like it used to be []

Srinagar,: As the Union Government is contemplating an increase in the strength of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats across states and Union Territories to implement political reservation for women ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, the plan, if implemented, will significantly overhaul politics in the Union Territory. The Centre is toying with []

DUBAI: President Donald Trump says the United States is in talks with Tehran to end the war, even as both sides kept up intense barrages and Iran denied negotiations were underway. The Islamic Republic fired a dozen missile salvos at Israel on Tuesday and rocket attacks by Lebanese militants killed a woman the first []

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran agreed never to have a nuclear weapon and sent a significant prize related to the Strait of Hormuz even as he declared victory in the three-week war. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump claimed Iran was keen to make a deal and indicated that []

Urges Team India approach, warns against hoarding, black-marketing New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the constitution of seven empowered groups to deal with potential long-term impacts of the West Asia war and urged states to work with the Centre in a Team India approach to ward off the crisis. Flagging serious side []

Supply being monitored for fair allocation Jammu: The stock position of fuel and LPG across Jammu and Kashmir remains stable, with sufficient availability to meet current demand, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Commissioner Secretary, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Saurabh Bhagat said petrol stocks are sufficient for approximately 9-10 days, diesel []

Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the availability and distribution of petroleum products across the districts of the Union of J&K. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners; senior officers of the Legal Metrology and []

Says no patient should be left behind Jammu: On World Tuberculosis Day, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called upon the health department, district administrations and citizens to ramp up testing, help in identifying TB-sensitive areas, and spread awareness door-to-door. He said every family must be informed that testing for TB symptoms and treatment are free, []

New Delhi: A special NIA court on Tuesday sentenced hardline separatist Aasiya Andrabi to life imprisonment for conspiring to wage war against India, observing that any leniency for the Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief would only infuse fresh vigour into her efforts to secede Kashmir. Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh also handed down 30-year prison sentence to []

Srinagar: The 50 paisa coins are out of circulation, but one such coin fetched Rs 17,000 at an auction held here on Tuesday during a donation drive to raise funds for the war-hit Iran. The donation drive launched on Sunday in Kashmir continued for the third day as emotional scenes were witnessed at the Mir []

Srinagar: Shia organisation Anjuman Sharie Shian on Tuesday formed a panel of lawyers who will provide legal help to persons facing legal proceedings due to their participation in anti-US and anti-Israel protests in Kashmir earlier this month. The panel of lawyers was formed after a meeting chaired by its president, Aga Syed Hassan, in Budgam. []

Jammu: A senior Army officer on Tuesday visited Romeo Force headquarters to review the prevailing security environment and reinforce the counter- terrorism grid in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. General Officer Commanding of Jammu-based White Knight Corps Lt Gen P K Mishras visit to Romeo Force []

NEW DELHI: India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday after he held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump that focused on securing the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping. The call was initiated by the US president, a day after []

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday registered an FIR against a former Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) posted in Reasi district and other officials for allegedly misappropriating excess ration and siphoning off transportation funds, causing significant losses to the government exchequer, officials said here. In a statement , a spokesperson said []

NEW DELHI:A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist and Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment following her conviction in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case. Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh announced the verdict on Andrabi after concluding the arguments on the quantum of sentence. The court also sentenced two associates of []

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the governments Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 is a brazen attack on the constitutional rights and identity of transgender people, and asserted that his party is strongly opposing the proposed legislation. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha termed the bill regressive []

NEW DELHI: Hours before Chief Minister Rekha Guptas scheduled budget presentation, the Delhi Legislative Assembly received a bomb threat on Tuesday morning, police said. Police said nothing suspicious has been found so far after the assembly premises were checked, while adding that searches are still underway. The threat was received via an email to the []

TOKYO: Asian benchmarks mostly rebounded Tuesday, echoing cautious relief that swept through Wall Street after President Donald Trump said the United States has talked with Iran about a possible end to their war. Japans benchmark Nikkei 225 added 1.1 per cent in morning trading to 52,093.02, recovering some of the losses it suffered the previous []

New Delhi: The serious situation the world is going through now is extremely worrisome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday and asserted that with the united efforts of 1.4 billion Indians, the country is moving forward while facing every disaster. Addressing the TV9 Network Summit, Modi also said that even in the current circumstances []

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that appointment letters have been issued to 438 terror-victim families since 2025, describing the figure not merely as a statistic but as shattered worlds that lost loved ones to violence. Addressing a gathering here, Sinha said each such case represented homes where laughter was []

Stocks up to 15 days available Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Monday said there is no shortage of fuel or LPG in the Valley, asserting that adequate stocks are available and the situation is under close monitoring at multiple levels. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner said the domestic LPG supply []

Jammu: Waheed Para, a legislator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has introduced a private members bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly seeking to establish a statutory framework for the reorganisation of administrative divisions, districts, sub-divisions, and tehsils across the Union Territory. The proposed legislation, titled The Jammu and Kashmir Territorial Administrative Reorganisation []

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency on Monday conducted extensive searches at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with its probe into the Red Fort car bomb blast case. The NIA, which is pursuing various leads in the case, searched nine locations across six districts of Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu, Kulgam, Ganderbal and Handwara. []

Srinagar: A case was registered against a hotel in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam tourist resort on Monday, for allegedly concealing the stay of 23 foreigners, including 19 British citizens, police said. Officials said an FIR was registered against the Hotel Misty Mountains Laddi at Pahalgam, in the south Kashmirs Anantnag district, for violating Sections 8 []

Srinagar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached Rs 16.86 lakh in a digital arrest cyber fraud case involving impersonation of law enforcement agencies to extort money from a victim, officials said on Monday. In a statement ,a spokesperson said the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Srinagar Zonal Office, has attached proceeds of crime amounting []