Kashmir Reader

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the Union Cabinets approval of eight railway projects worth more than Rs 20,000 crore, saying these will ensure stronger connectivity, faster passenger movement and lower logistics cost. The cabinet approved five multitracking projects covering 17 districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, increasing the []

Jammu: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, has apprehended a drug trafficking accused who had fled from NCB custody in Jammu, officials said. An official said that the accused fled Jammu and travelled towards Jalandhar via the Pathankot route. He allegedly took shelter in a []

Budgam: Sixteen sheep were killed and 17 others injured after a leopard attacked a flock in the Chadoora area of Budgam district during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. Imtiyaz Ahmad Chopan, owner of the flock,said that he believed a leopard had attacked his sheep, though the animals identity is yet to be confirmed. []

Srinagar: A labourer who was critically injured in an accident at NHPC Uri-I Stage-II Project site has succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura. The deceased has been identified as Javid Ahmed Batla alias Javid Khan, resident of Pringal, Boniyar. He was working with Max Infra Company at the tunnel site when he was critically []

Says funds should not be constraint for impactful interventions SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Wednesday held detailed deliberations with the stakeholders of the Manthan platform of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), Government of India to deliberate upon the roadmap and institutional framework for implementing RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) across Jammu []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah in his message on the occasion of International Literacy Day said that education and literacy are the foundations of any civilized, progressive and dignified society. He said that only an educated society can better understand its rights and responsibilities and while meeting the challenges []

SRINAGAR: The J&K National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq Wednesday distributed two electric scooters, computers, laptops, hearing machines and an electric wheelchair among deserving and needy individuals of his constituency at a function held in Doonipora, Zadibal. Speaking on the occasion, Tanvir said that it has always been his endeavour to stand []

SRINAGAR: Under the supervision of Controller, Legal Metrology, J&K, Shiv Kumar Gupta, the Legal Metrology Department (LMD) has intensified enforcement and compliance activities across the Union Territory. As per the consolidated progress report for August 2026, the Department has realised approximately Rs 44.55 lakh as revenue and 9.10 lakh through composition. The Department has also []

KULGAM: In preparation for the upcoming two-day Veshaw Literary and Trade Festival-2026, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Wednesday convened a meeting of senior officers and concerned stakeholders at the DC Office, Kulgam to finalize the arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival. The meeting was attended by ADC Viqar Ahmad Giri, ACR Reyaz []

JAMMU: To celebrate Teachers Day and recognize the vital role of educators in society and nation-building, the Rotary Club Jammu Tawi, in collaboration with the Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu, organized a grand felicitation ceremony at the college auditorium. During the event, six distinguished educators received the prestigious Nation Builders Award 2026 []

JAMMU: Social activist and Chairman of Samvedna Society, Keshav Chopra on Wednesday organized the Societys 110th Free Eye Screening and General Health Check-Up Camp at Co-operative Public School, Talab Tillo, Jammu, in collaboration with K.D. Multispeciality Hospital, Jammu, under the guidance of Dr. J.P. Singh. The camp was inaugurated by Kuldeep Sharma, Deputy Secretary, Jammu []

SRINAGAR: Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Anvy Lavasa on Wednesday called on Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, at the Civil Secretariat here. Lavasa was recently assigned the additional charge of the Tribal Affairs Department. During the meeting, the Minister and Secretary discussed key issues concerning the department and []

Srinagar: Cinema returned to the spotlight in Kashmir as Mai Wapas Aaunga is set to premiere at INOX Srinagar during the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), with leading film personalities highlighting the Valleys rich storytelling tradition, vibrant music culture and renewed opportunities for filmmakers and artists. Speaking at a joint media []

SRINAGAR: Tensions appear to be growing within Jammu and Kashmirs ruling alliance, with the National Conference pushing back against ally Congress on Wednesday over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an official state event. The National Conference (NC) said it was a statutory obligation to play the full national song at a state event []

Srinagar: Spanish filmmaker and producer Anna Saura Ramon on Wednesday described Kashmir as an ideal destination for filmmaking, praising its scenic landscapes, lakes, natural light and hospitality while calling for stronger cinematic ties between India and Spain. Speaking to reporters on the third day of the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) []

Srinagar: National Health Mission (NHM) employees across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday launched a 72-hour strike, seeking redressal of their demands related to pay parity, job and social security benefits. Scores of NHM employees staged a protest across districts and blocks to deman revision of their pay structure in the line with NHM employees of []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday administered the oath of office to Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. LG Saxena- who has been appointed to discharge the functions of J&K LG during Manoj Sinhas leave -administered the oath at the Shalimar auditorium []

Says protecting J&K peoples exclusive rights over land, jobs wasApni Partys biggest contribution after 2019 SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a critical phase, describing August 2019 as a major turning point when the Centre revoked the erstwhile states special constitutional status and []

Agencies stress inter-agency coordination, financial investigation to combat drug trafficking in both regions SRINAGAR: The 2nd UT Level Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) Meeting on Narcotics Control for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was held at Police Control Room, Srinagar, under the chairmanship of DDG (NWR), NCB and IG Crime/ANTF Head of []

HC directs threat assessment within six weeks JAMMU: The high court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed authorities to consider the plea of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik seeking restoration of his security cover, including escort vehicle, and take an appropriate decision within six weeks. Justice Sanjay Dhar passed the directions on Monday while []

Two arrested SOPORE: Police in Sopore has seized a load carrier carrying approximately 200 litres of diesel without valid documents and arrested two persons in connection with the case. During naka checking at Chijhama, Rafiabad, in the jurisdiction of Police Post Watergam, a Tata Load Carrier bearing Registration No. JK16A-5144 was intercepted and subjected to []

BARAMULLA: As part of its continued efforts to strengthen community engagement and promote awareness among the younger generation, Police in Baramulla organised awareness programmes at Govt. Model Higher Secondary School, Boniyar and Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chandoosa. At Boniyar, an awareness programme was conducted by Police Station Boniyar under the overall supervision and directions of []

Srinagar, Sep 08: The second day of the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK-2026) witnessed an engaging policy dialogue on the prospects of building a sustainable cinematic ecosystem in the Union Territory, with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasising the need to create an enabling environment for local talent, filmmaking, film education and []

Srinagar, Sep 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed the relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures being undertaken for people affected by this years floods and took stock of the ongoing restoration efforts across Jammu Division. Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures being undertaken across []

Reviews progress of construction of mini-secretariat buildings for all district hqrs Srinagar, Sep 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the progress of languishing projects under the Revenue Department across Jammu and Kashmir, with particular focus on expediting the completion of mini-secretariat buildings and addressing bottlenecks []

Wildlife Dept issues advisory Pampore, Sep 08: The annual arrival of migratory birds in the wetlands of Pampore is expected during the coming migratory season, with the Wildlife Protection Department issuing a detailed advisory urging the public to ensure the safe arrival, protection and undisturbed stay of these winged visitors. The wetlands of Pampore, including []

Srinagar, Sep 08: In a significant step towards strengthening the rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration ecosystem for persons affected by substance abuse, the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Tuesday dedicated to public the Rehabilitation Centre for District Srinagar at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar. Those who were present on this occasion includes []

Srinagar: Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali on Tuesday said Kashmir has many untold stories, characters and cultural traditions that can provide rich material for filmmakers, while expressing hope that the regions growing connection with cinema would create more opportunities for local talent. Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the second day of the International []

Doda: A 45-year-old shepherd died after he accidentally slipped from a rugged mountainous track and fell into a deep gorge in the Kal Jugasar area of Doda district, officials said. An official said that the shepherd was near his temporary shelter at Lakabar Dhar when he accidentally slipped from the mountainous track and fell into []

Srinagar: A fresh delegation of intern doctors from Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to meet Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday to again raise their demand for enhancement of the monthly stipend and seek a formal government order on the issue. The development comes amid the continued agitation by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu []

AUCKLAND: New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has opted for a casual contract instead of a formal central deal with New Zealand Cricket to pursue an opportunity in the Australian Big Bash League but will remain available for the upcoming home series against India. New Zealand Cricket announced Chapmans decision with a statement on Tuesday. Black []

Jammu: A dead body was found near a bus stand shed in the Balicharana area of Jammu on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the body was noticed near the bus stand shed, following which police were informed. He said police reached the spot and initiated necessary proceedings to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the []

Poonch: A motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Kalai area of Poonch district on Tuesday morning. Officials said that an unknown vehicle hit a motorcycle near Kalai, between Khanetar and Kalai, resulting in on-spot death of the rider. The deceased has been identified as Mehmood Ahmed, son of Abdul Latief, resident of Khanetar, []

Urges govt to rope in mental health professionals, experts to identify causes, formulate response SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday expressed grave concern over the frequent incidents of suicide in J&K and called for a coordinated effort involving mental health professionals, experts, and key stakeholders to understand the root causes and []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq Monday said the restoration of statehood, the reservation policy and the release of Jammu & Kashmir youth languishing in jails were raised by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. He said that these important matters were forcefully []

SRINAGAR: Axis Bank on Monday inaugurated its new branch at Lal Bazar, Srinagar, marking the launch of its 61st branch in Jammu & Kashmir. The branch was inaugurated by Shri Shailendra Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) & Head of Finance Department, in the presence of Group Head Branch Banking & TASC business Mr. []

SRINAGAR: Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Srinagar, will organise a one-day educational and reformative Seerah Seminar on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Auditorium of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar, from 10:00 am. The seminar, titled The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Challenges Facing Todays Youth, will focus on the relevance of the Prophets []

Himalayan region particularly vulnerable to climate change: KU VC SRINAGAR: The Department of Botany, University of Kashmir (KU), Monday inaugurated a two-day international conference on Plant Resilience in a Changing Climate: From Molecules to Ecosystem, bringing together scientists, academicians, researchers and young scholars to deliberate on the growing challenges posed by climate change to plants, []

Inaugurates 1st International Film Festival of J&K Highlights J&Ks film policy, single-window clearance, incentives Filmmakers from over 30 countries participating 130+ films to be showcased over four days Srinagar, Sep 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), []

Srinagar, Sep 07: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Monday formally raised the curtains on the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026 here at INOX Multiplex marking a significant new chapter in the Union Territorys engagement with the world of cinema. Being held under the theme of Rang-e-Cinema, the festival brings together filmmakers, cinema []

Addresses IIT (BHU) Global Alumni Meet in Chicago Says technology must serve collective well-being of people Srinagar, Sep 07: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday discussed how Artificial Intelligence will drive economic growth by combining human potential with machine intelligence, and called for Responsible AI. Addressing the IIT (BHU) Global Alumni Meet in Chicago, Illinois, []

Srinagar, Sep 07: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to hold a dialogue with protesting medical interns and to stop allegedly intimidating them. Dear Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MBBS interns in J&K are on hunger strike for their rights. Instead of engaging with them, college authorities are now []

Srinagar, Sep 07: The government on Monday appointed Dr Twinkle Suri as Director Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir for a period of two years. The government in an order said that the appointment was made on the recommendation by the selection committee and as per approval of the competent authority. As recommended by the selection []

Lessons of 2014 must translate into concrete preventive action Srinagar, Sep 07: On the 12th anniversary of the devastating September 2014 floods, the Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to ensure that a comprehensive, time-bound flood mitigation and preparedness plan is firmly in place to protect lives, livelihoods, businesses and []

Nature never speaks with words, but its message is clear. It teaches patience through trees, perseverance through rivers, humility through mountains, and hope through every new spring. Planting trees, protecting rivers, reducing pollution, and using natural resources wisely are small steps that can make a big difference. If we respect its laws and live in []

We reserve our loudest, most visceral anger for the criminal who is easy to see. But our moral outrage goes strangely quiet when the offender possesses a respectable surname, an impressive office, or a powerful friend. A degree does not make a person honest, just as a powerful chair does not make them worthy. When []

We have more educational resources than ever before, yet we seem to have less time for education. We live in a world where knowledge is available at our fingertips, yet many of us struggle to devote even a reasonable portion of our daily lives to serious study. Education should not be something we do when []

Literacy is not merely a book placed in a persons hands, but a power that gives him or her the wisdom and ability to determine the direction of life independently. In 2026, the theme of International Literacy Day is Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity. This makes it clear that today literacy does not []

Srinagar: Amid the ongoing protest by MBBS interns demanding a stipend hike, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the matter rests with the Health Department and that no other department can take a decision. Speaking with reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar, said he would like this matter to be resolved as soon as possible []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he remains in continuous communication with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over several issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including the restoration of statehood and business rules. Speaking with reporters, CM Omar said there are many issues between Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre. Be it about statehood []