Kashmir Reader

DUBAI: President Donald Trump said the US forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to get around a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the first such interception since the blockade of Iranian ports began last week. He said a US Navy guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman []

ACB received 23,798 complaints, sent 214 cases, got 27 convictions Jammu: A conviction rate of just 12.6 per cent in corruption cases over the last six years has put a spotlight on the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Jammu and Kashmir, which sent 214 cases to various courts in the last six years but could manage only []

Srinagar: Two US nationals were detained at Srinagar Airport in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday after security officials discovered a Garmin satellite phone in their luggage during a routine security check. The individuals, identified as Jeoffrey Scott from Montana and Haldar Kaushik, were questioned by airport security personnel and subsequently handed over to authorities for []

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on the occasion of World Heritage Day called for the preservation and protection of the regions rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of not only visiting heritage sites but also understanding their historical and cultural significance. In a press statement issued from the party []

Jammu: J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday alleged that the Centres policies are widening the gap between the government and the people in the Union territory. Karra cited the failure of the Centre to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the growing unemployment problem in the UT as key concerns. Leading a []

Directs hospital to provide best medical care Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Sunday visited SMHS to inquire about the health condition of the ailing father of Member of Parliament, Sheikh Abdul Rashid (Engineer Rashid). MLA Hazratbal, Salman Sagar; Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah; Medical []

Faculty present cutting-edge research on sustainable mobility Srinagar: In a major boost to its global academic standing, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar made a strong impression at the prestigious SAE World Congress 2026 held in Detroit, Michigan, USA, with its faculty presenting cutting-edge research on sustainable mobility and advanced automotive systems. Representing the []

Jammu: A five-day Civil Defence air raid and blackout mock drill scheduled to be held in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir from April 20 has been cancelled, officials said on Sunday, without assigning any reason for the decision. Routine mock drill (20-24 Apr) by Civil Defence and SDRF cancelled. No cause []

VP Vance to lead delegation; wide gap remains between sides Washington: President Donald Trump said US negotiators will head to Pakistan on Monday for another round of talks with Iran, raising hopes of extending a fragile ceasefire set to expire by Wednesday even as Washington and Tehran remain in a standoff over the Strait of []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday took over the management of 58 schools associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in the valley, officials said. The schools were directly or indirectly affiliated with the JeIs Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), they said. The government took over the management of 58 FAT schools in different parts of the []

Rajouri: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined Padyatra and addressed a public rally in Rajouri under Drug-Free J&K campaign. He observed that border district Rajouri is sensitive and prone to cross-border drug smuggling. But we are determined to crush these challenges, dismantle the drug trade and liberate society from addiction. From April 11, J&K []

New facility to augment healthcare infrastructure, provide advanced, high-quality care for women and newborns SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday inspected the ongoing construction of the Extension Block at Government Lalla Ded Hospital and conducted a comprehensive review of the projects progress, execution strategy and infrastructure development. The upcoming facility, being developed at the []

Srinagar: Authorities spent Rs 73548 on conducting the Rajya Sabha elections in the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory in October 2025. According to official documents, the J&K Election Department had transferred Rs 1 lakh for the exercise, out of which Rs 73548 was utilized to make necessary arrangements for polls to four vacant Rajya Sabha []

For centuries, Kashmiri (Koshur) has been the soul of the Valley its medium of everyday life, faith, philosophy, and the essence of Kashmiriyat. Today, it faces multiple pressures: globalisation, the dominance of English and Urdu, and a decline in everyday use, particularly in urban areas. A tree cannot flourish by severing its roots. A []

For the first time in decades, the trajectory of history is no longer bending in Israels favour Ramzy Baroud A ceasefire in Lebanon was announced on Thursday by US President Donald Trump, but its reality tells a very different story. The ceasefire was not the product of American diplomacy, nor Israeli strategic calculation. It was []

Lays foundation stones for key dev projects in Kulgam Inaugurates 100-bedded Girls Hostel, Ayush Dispensary Witnesses final match of Shaheed Wali Muhammad Itoo Memorial Cricket Tournament KULGAM: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Saturday laid foundation stones for several key developmental projects in Kulgam district and also dedicated []

COIMBATORE (TAMIL NADU): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his governments womens reservation bill was a noble effort that got derailed due to the DMK and Congress which made it a target of hatred and petty politics. Especially targeting the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and the Congress over the amendment bill being defeated []

NEW DELHI: BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Friday slammed Congress and its allies over the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, accusing them of adopting an anti-women stance and betraying women of the country. Addressing the media in the Parliament House complex, Nabin said the day could have been []

JKIMPARD gets special Award for Excellence JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir has secured the third rank nationally under Mission Karmayogi during SDHANA Saptah, marking a major milestone in institutionalising continuous learning and competency-driven governance among the civil servants. The recognition reflects the Union Territorys structured implementation of reforms under the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah along with Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday paid rich tributes to party stalwart, former treasurer and former legislator from Zadibal, Sadiq Ali on his 15th death anniversary. Recalling his astute political acumen and distinguished literary contributions, Dr. Farooq said, Late Sadiq []

SRINAGAR: A Hajj training programme was organized jointly by Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam and Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar at the Central Hall Auditorium of Islamia Higher Secondary School. The programme was attended by male and female pilgrims scheduled to undertake the sacred journey of Hajj this year. It is noteworthy that, as in previous years,Haj Program []

SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of the progress on the 60 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Noorbagh, along with other major ongoing projects being executed by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) in Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Chief Engineer, KPDCL; []

Says allowing son to be with is ailing father would be humane, dignified gesture SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to consider the release of incarcerated Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, as his father, Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, is battling []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo has expressed deep grief and sorrow on the sad demise of Senior Lecturer of HSS Bomai, Tariq Ahmad Matta. In her condolence message, the Education Minister said that the Late Tariq Ahmad was a dedicated educator, whose demise is a great loss to []

SRINAGAR: Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), GMC Srinagar, today successfully conducted the first UT-level Virtual Medical Board Meet in Psychiatry. The academic meet witnessed an overwhelming participation of around 200 delegates, including senior faculty members, consultants, postgraduate scholars and trainees from all medical colleges across []

DC oversees exercise in presence of applicants ANANTNAG: To ensure fair and transparent allotment of tents and shops for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 at various identified locations on Pahalgam Axis, a draw of lots was conducted on Friday at Dak Bungalow, Khanabal. The exercise was jointly carried out by a designated committee []

BARAMULLA: District Youth Services and Sports Baramulla continues to energize the district with a powerful blend of sports excellence and social awareness under the ongoing Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions and the Nasha Mukt J&K 100 Days Campaign. In an inspiring display of commitment towards a drug-free society, multiple zones across Baramulla actively participated in both []

DC visits shrine, takes stock of arrangements ANANTNAG: The annual Urs of the revered saint Hazrat Baba Hyder Reshi, popularly known as Reshmol Sahab (RA), commenced on Friday with religious fervour at the Ziyarat Sharief in Anantnag. As per long standing tradition, the Urs will be observed for a period of six days, attracting a []

BEIRUT: Iran said Friday it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but US President Donald Trump said the American blockade on Iranian ships and ports will remain in full force until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear programme. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that []

LUCKNOW: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered an FIR be filed against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with an alleged dual citizenship controversy. The bench permitted the state government to hand over the probe to any central probe agency after registration of the FIR. The order was passed by []

SIVAGANGA (TAMIL NADU): Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Friday asserted that the proposed delimitation bill will be defeated in Parliament. Addressing reporters here, he said, Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, and Akhilesh Yadav will ensure its defeat, and added that the bill cannot be passed if all opposition leaders unite. Describing the []

Srinagar: Addressing the faithful at the historic Jama Masjid today, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that as Hujjaj begin their blessed journey to Baitullah from tomorrow, prayers are with them for a safe journey and acceptance of their Hajj This year, their journey comes at a time when the world especially the Middle East, is []

NEW DELHI: Delimitation will turn out to be political demonetisation, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Friday while slamming the government for linking womens reservation with the expansion of Parliament. Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendments in the womens quota law and setting up a []

New Delhi: No state big or small, north or south, east or west will be discriminated against in the delimitation of constituencies linked with the implementation of women quota law, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday while strongly backing implementation of the reservation in 2029 and warned that those who oppose this []

IFFCOs Women Farmers Conference at Srinagar Stakeholders must grant women farmers, entrepreneurs recognition, resources, agency to work on their terms Srinagar: Without women farmers, every plate would be empty, leaving humanity starved. They sustain the world, work harder than their male counterparts and their strength anchors food security, planting seeds of prosperity for families and []

Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, on Thursday filed its charge sheet in a significant terrorist conspiracy case involving a covert module commonly referred to as the Doctors Terror Module. The charge sheet has been filed against ten (10) accused persons in connection with an FIR registered at Police Station Nowgam, Srinagar. The case []

Gusty winds damage rooftops, electricity poles, other infra Srinagar: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Thursday forecast generally cloudy conditions with intermittent spells of light rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir till April 19, with a possibility of gusty winds and hailstorms at isolated places. An official of the MeT department told KNO that from []

Seeks release of Baramulla MP Srinagar: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Thursday expressed deep anguish over the worsening health condition of Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of jailed Member of Parliament from Baramulla Er Rashid who has now been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a further deterioration in []

Directs depts, officers to ensure safe, comfortable pilgrimage Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), attended by senior officers from the Civil Administration and Police department to review the comprehensive arrangements being made for the smooth, safe, and successful conduct of the Shri Amarnathji []

Srinagar: Asias largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar closed for the season on Wednesday, capping a successful run with total footfall nearing 3.9 lakh and revenue surpassing Rs 3.66 crore, officials said. Assistant Floriculture Officer In-charge Tulip Garden Srinagar, Imran Ahmad said that the garden recorded 3,82,297 visitors till the last day, with the final figure []

DIPR, Tourism Dept join hands under Nasha Mukt J&K campaign Srinagar: In a unique initiative, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), in collaboration with the Tourism Department, organized a mega anti-drug Shikara rally on the iconic Dal Lake under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. The initiative was a part of []

SRINAGAR A man lost his life while four others were injured after the truss of an under-construction cold storage unit fell down due to strong winds in Lassipora area of south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Thursday, officials said. An official said that due to strong winds the under construction cold storage unit collapsed []

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal urged Delhi High Court judge Swarana Kanta Sharma on Thursday to take on record his additional affidavit claiming that the judge has a direct conflict of interest in continuing to hear the CBIs petition against his discharge in the liquor-policy case. Justice Sharma directed the registry []

JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel and the US share identical goals in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Israeli prime minister on Wednesday said the US has been keeping Israel updated on its contacts with Iran and reiterated that both nations seek the removal of enriched material, an end to Irans enrichment []

SAO PAULO: Brazils President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV should be defended from powerful people who have recently criticised him. The leftist leaders comments come amid a tense exchange of attacks between the pontiff and US President Donald Trump. Earlier Wednesday, during his trip to Cameroon, the first []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the INDIA bloc must collectively decide the oppositions response to the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2026. Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of Know Your Artisan initiative here, Abdullah said a meeting of the INDIA bloc has been scheduled at 3 pm on Wednesday at []

Inaugurates Know Your Artisan under Soulful Kashmir initiative at Kashmir Haat Invites people to witness world-class crafts shaped by magical hands Srinagar: In a major boost to promote Kashmir craft sector, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated the Know Your Artisan programme at Kashmir Haat here, under the Handicrafts and Handlooms ongoing Soulful Kashmir []

Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan Highlights societys role in fight against menace, calls for collective action JAMMU, APRIL 15: Drug abuse isnt just a law & order issue but a social cancer requiring every part of society to fight. I urged for Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. I believe when the governments []

Offices to reopen in Srinagar on May 4 Srinagar: The administration on Wednesday ordered the annual Darbar Move, directing government offices to move from Jammu to Srinagar for the summer season. An order issued by the General Administration Department reads offices observing a five-day work schedule will close in Jammu on April 30, while those []

Srinagar: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said that the government is prioritising employment generation, having referred nearly 30,000 posts and facilitated recruitment of around 15,000 through various agencies over the past year in Jammu and Kashmir. The Deputy Chief Minister informed this while addressing a large public gathering at Kunzar in the Gulmarg []