Kashmir Reader

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 []

No other country has locus standi to comment New Delhi: India on Tuesday strongly rejected unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan, reiterating that the Union Territory and Ladakh have been, are and will remain an integral part of the country and that no other nation has []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. In his message, the CM conveyed his heartfelt felicitations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. He said that Eid-ul-Adha symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, generosity and obedience to []

Calls for enhanced surveillance, crowd management for peaceful celebrations Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Nalin Prabhat (IPS), on Tuesday chaired a meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir to review security arrangements for upcoming Eid-ul-Adha and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY-2026), emphasizing the importance of peaceful celebrations and robust security management. The meeting witnessed []

Such elements have no place in civilised society Budgam: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday visited the family of the minor girl who was brutally murdered on Sunday morning. He visited the bereaved family at their residence in Galwanpora village of Budgam district and offered words of comfort and solidarity during this hour of immense []

Budgam: Police on Tuesday revealed the name of the person arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a minor girl from Galwanpora village, after completing all required medico-legal, forensic, and evidentiary procedures linked to the case. In a statement, Budgam Police said the accuseds identity was withheld initially because several key legal steps []

SSP Budgam directed to register FIRs against violators Budgam: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam on Tuesday directed all social media platforms to immediately remove photographs of the minor victim in the recent Budgam rape and murder case, warning of strict legal action against violators. According to an order issued by the Secretary/Sub Judge, []

Srinagar: Valleys apex industrial body, the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), has urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry to recommend a single, comprehensive and adequately funded industrial policy framework for Jammu & Kashmir to ensure parity in incentives for all categories of enterprises. FCIK expressed serious concern over the growing imbalance created []

Calls for youth cultural engagement Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting of the Central Committee of Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), at Lok Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary []

Srinagar: With Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated tomorrow, health and environmental experts in Kashmir have expressed serious concern over the improper disposal of animal waste during the festival, warning that unhygienic practices could trigger public health crises, contaminate water sources and damage the fragile environment. They have called for scientific waste management, coordinated municipal action and greater []

Budgam: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam on Tuesday directed all social media platforms to immediately remove photographs of the minor victim in the recent Budgam rape and murder case, warning of strict legal action against violators. According to an order issued by the Secretary/Sub Judge, DLSA Budgam, authorities observed that photographs of the []

Srinagar: Following the technical snag in the Gulmarg Gondola service, Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad, who also holds the additional charge of Managing Director of the J&K Cable Car Corporation, on Tuesday said the Gondola operations will remain suspended for around a week to ensure the safety and security of tourists. He said a []

Mecca: The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, officially began Monday. More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the country, Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said Friday. The faithful have been pouring into the country for the Hajj against the backdrop []

NDRF, SDRF, Army, Police jointly evacuate 65 cabins; heavy rain hampers rescue; CM orders enquiry into technical fault Srinagar: Over 300 tourists were left stranded mid-air for hours inside 65 cabins of the famous Gulmarg Gondola cable car after a major technical snag halted Asias highest ropeway, causing panic among the holidayers before they were []

SIT continues probe; our focus now to prepare strong case file, secure conviction in heinous crime: Police Budgam: Police on Monday arrested one of the accused in the rape and murder case of a minor girl in central Kashmirs Budgam district within 36 hours, while efforts are underway to nab other persons involved in the []

Says J&K united against drug menace; leads massive padyatra in Bandipora Bandipora: In a strong message against drug abuse and narco-terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday led a massive Pad Yatra in SK stadium Bandipora, as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from political leaders, students, youth, []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the sacred Hazratbal Shrine to review the preparations for the upcoming auspicious festival of Eid ul-Adha. He was accompanied by Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; Mufti Reyaz ul Haq, Chief Imam Hazratbal Shrine; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Dr. GV []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday sanctioned a special one-day casual leave for employees of the Union Territory on May 29, marking the third day of Eid-ul-Azha. An order to this effect was issued by the General Administration Department. Sanction is hereby accorded to the grant of one day special casual leave on 29th []

Assures expeditious disposal of pending cases Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday handed over appointment orders to beneficiaries under SRO-43 and the J&K Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS) at the Civil Secretariat here, reaffirming the governments commitment towards supporting families who have suffered irreparable personal loss. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Food, []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday handed over regularisation orders to Contingent Paid Workers (CPWs) of the School Education Department at Civil Secretariat function here. Minister for School Education Sakina Itoo was present on the occasion. Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Special Secretary School Education Ghulam Rasool Mir, Director School []

Srinagar: Reaffirming that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs special constitutional status remains the foremost and unwavering objective of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Monday said that the party will persist in its principled political struggle under all circumstances until this historic injustice is reversed. Addressing a gathering, Dr. []

Discusses higher edu, regional dev, constituency issues, healthcare, infra projects Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday met legislators, Vice Chancellors and various delegations at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed a wide range of issues concerning regional development, public welfare, higher education, healthcare and infrastructure. A delegation of Members of the Legislative Assembly comprising []

Srinagar: A rescue operation launched after a technical snag halted the Gulmarg Gondola service on Monday concluded successfully, with all stranded tourists evacuated safely, officials said. Officials said that around 400 tourists were stranded mid-air after the cable car service developed a technical fault, forcing suspension of operations at the famous ski resort in north []

Srinagar: Director General of Police, J&K, IGP Kashmir and other top officials have reached Gulmarg to oversee the rescue operations after over 300 tourists were stranded mid-air following a technical issue that halted Gulmarg Gandola service in the afternoon. An official said that rescue operations were underway to assist the stranded tourists in one of []

Srinagar: Police on Monday arrested one of the accused persons in Budgam rape and murder case of a minor girl, officials said here. A top police official said that one of the accused persons, identified as Mudasir, has been arrested within 24 hours of the incident. Efforts are underway to arrest the other accused as []

Srinagar: Police on Monday said that certain misleading and false information is being circulated on Social Media platforms regarding alleged damage or desecration of copies of the Holy Quran in some parts of Srinagar city. In a handout, the police said that in this regard, Srinagar Police clarifies that no such incident has taken place []

Srinaga: The body of a 20-year-old youth from Bemina, who had allegedly jumped into river Jhelum from Budshah Bridge in Srinagar earlier this week, was retrieved from the river near Shalteng Bridge on Monday, officials said. An official said that a police party spotted the body floating in the river and subsequently shifted it to []