Kashmir Reader

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K, has filed a chargesheet against Fayaz Ahmad Zarger for allegedly cheating multiple job aspirants of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of providing employment in Bahrain through forged documents. In a handout, the CBK said that the chargesheet in FIR No. 67/2021 under Sections 420, []

Srinagar: The first batch of devotees set off for the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji from Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam on Friday, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage from the traditional route. Officials said that simultaneously, the first batch of pilgrims was flagged off from Baltal-Domail base camp in Ganderbal by []

Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Army to pay rent to owners of land taken over by it in Sopore and rendered unusable due to security concerns reported Press Trust of India (PTI). Upholding a trial court order, Justice Sanjay Dhar asked the Army to pay rent for []

If NC brings statehood from Jantar Mantar, well welcome them from Lakhanpur SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Thursday questioned the National Conferences proposed Jantar Mantar protest over the restoration of statehood, saying decisions on such important political issues should emerge through consultations among all political parties rather than being taken unilaterally. Speaking to []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday inspected the under-construction SeerbaghSempora Bridge in Srinagar and directed the executing agency to expedite the remaining works to ensure the project is completed and dedicated to the public at the earliest. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the progress and quality of the ongoing construction []

BUDGAM: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather on Thursday inaugurated a newly installed Laparoscopy Machine and a Digital X-ray Machine at Sub-District Hospital, Charar-i-Sharief, marking a significant step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the area. Speaking on the occasion, the Speaker said that the installation of these advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities []

Reviews arrangements for death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Womens Wing President Adv. Shameema Firdous Thursday reaffirmed the partys unwavering commitment to empowering women in governance, politics and public service, underscoring the National Conferences long-standing vision of fostering inclusive and progressive leadership at every level of []

SRINAGAR: Srinagar District Administration on Thursday welcomed the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims at Byepass, Pantha Chowk, as the annual pilgrimage commenced amid a spirit of devotion and enthusiasm. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, along with Senior Superintendent of Police, Sundeep Chakravarthy, received the pilgrims on their arrival and conveyed best wishes []

SRINAGAR: Continuing its relentless campaign against drug trafficking as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, J&K Police have detained two habitual drug peddlers under the provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, one in Sopore and the other in Anantnag. In Sopore, the []

Warns of disruption to commerce, tourism, industry SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has formally submitted a detailed representation to the Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, raising substantive objections to key provisions of the Draft Jammu & Kashmir Lease Policy, 2026 and the Draft Jammu & Kashmir []

HAJIN: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) division Entomology on Thursday organised a one-day Mass Awareness-cum-Farmer-Scientist Interaction Programme on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner at the Town Hall, Municipal Committee Hajin. The programme was organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, under the Minimisation of Pesticide Use in Agriculture []

NEW DELHI: India and Japan on Thursday expanded their strategic partnership by signing a series of agreements spanning artificial intelligence, defence, healthcare, critical minerals and clean technology, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing technology cooperation as the next major pillar of bilateral ties. The agreements, announced after the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi, []

Says usernames will be optional NEW DELHI: WhatsApp has said users will not be required to create usernames when the feature is introduced later this year, as the Meta-owned messaging platform sought to address concerns over impersonation, scams and unsolicited messages amid scrutiny from the Centre. The clarification comes after the government asked Meta to []

4,822 pilgrims arrive 670 CAPF companies deployed Advanced security, AI monitoring in place Srinagar: The 2026 Amarnath Yatra officially kicked off on Thursday, with the first group of 4,822 pilgrims leaving Jammu for Kashmir amid tight security. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the convoy from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, wishing the devotees a safe []

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu, today. He extended best wishes to all the yatris embarking on the holy pilgrimage. Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets []

Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu & Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat on Thursday visited the Nunwan Base Camp and Frisking Point at Pahalgam to review the security and facilitation arrangements put in place for the smooth and safe conduct of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. During the visit, the DGP conducted a comprehensive inspection []

Asks why J&K leaders peace calls invite criticism Vows action against sale of substandard pesticides damaging apple industry Shopian: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday advocated dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying the two neighbouring countries should work towards resolving their differences through peaceful engagement and improving bilateral relations. Speaking to reporters here after chairing []

Unveils 76 crore development package for district; dedicates 13 key projects Shopian: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of District Shopian to assess the progress of developmental works, implementation of key government schemes and the overall delivery of public services, while reiterating his governments commitment to ensuring balanced and equitable []

Immense honour, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti is set to travel to Iran to pay final tributes to the countrys slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after receiving an official invitation to attend his funeral. Mohseen Qummi, Director of the International Relations Department at the office of the Supreme Leader []

Srinagar: Rainfall across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir brought relief from the recent heatwave on Thursday, with maximum temperatures settling at or below normal in most places. According to data, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 29.1 degrees Celsius, 0.5 degrees below normal, while Jammu registered 34.5 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees below normal. Other []

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended One Day Capacity Building Programme organised by Bharti Airtel Foundation, State Council of Educational Research and Training, J&K and School Education Department. The event served as a formal platform for the launch of instructional resources jointly developed by the three institutions aimed at strengthening the professional capacities []

Srinagar: In a bid to protect apple orchards from pest infestations and ensure sustainable fruit production, the Directorate of Extension at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has issued an important advisory for apple growers across the region. The guidelines emphasize the safe and effective use of pesticides, highlighting dos and donts []

Srinagar: Ahead of the proposed cabinet reshuffle-cum- expansion, Jammu & Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday said the party will stay out of the cabinet until the restoration of J&Ks statehood. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Karra said ministerial berths were not an issue for the Congress. Our issue is statehood. We have []

Srinagar,: The Indian National Congress on Wednesday suspended two leaders from Jammu and Kashmir from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect over alleged anti-party activities. According to a communication issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved the suspension of AICC members Mohd. Anwar Bhatt and Bashir []

JAMMU: The Kishtwar district administration on Thursday issued a weather advisory of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flash floods and landslides till Sunday in the region, urging people, particularly those living near riverbanks, to remain cautious and avoid vulnerable areas. According to the advisory issued by the Office of the Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner, the area is likely []

Bandipora: A 23-year-old youth lost his life after his tractor plunged into a water canal in the Watrina area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Thursday, officials said. An official said that the youth allegedly lost control of the tractor, causing it to plunge into the canal. He said locals and rescuers rushed to the []

Hajin: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) division Entomology on Thursday organised a one-day Mass Awareness-cum-Farmer-Scientist Interaction Programme on Apple Blotch Leaf Miner at the Town Hall, Municipal Committee Hajin. The programme was organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, under the Minimisation of Pesticide Use in Agriculture []

Handwara: Peoples Conference staged a protest in Handwara on Thursday, accusing the NC-led government of disempowering the institution of the MLA. PC workers organized a massive protest gathering against what they described as the weakening of the MLAs role by the incumbent regime. Chanting pro-PC slogans, party leaders criticized the government for keeping Lone out []

Srinagar: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, has summoned the representative of a local news portal over allegations that it interviewed and recorded a minor without obtaining informed consent from the childs parent or legal guardian and without the knowledge or permission of the concerned school authorities. According to a summons, the Committee has directed []

Srinagar:The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against four persons for allegedly securing government appointments in the Health Department using fake and forged educational testimonials. In a handout, the CBK said that the chargesheet in FIR No. 16/2014 was produced before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, under []

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday flagged off the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. Officials said that the batch, comprising hundreds of devotees from across the country, left amid tight security arrangements and religious fervor. Chanting of hymns and prayers marked the occasion as []

Applauds doctors dedication, sacrifice on National Doctors Day SRINAGAR: Senior leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference today met Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah at his residence in Gupkar, Srinagar, to review and finalize arrangements for the partys proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. During the meeting, it was resolved that all constituent []

SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said that lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue between the Government of India and the people of the region. Stressing that peace is the cornerstone of progress, he said, Peace is utmost essential for the development and prosperity []

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz has signed the appeal for IndiaPakistan Dialogue and Lasting Peace because he believes that dialogue between India and Pakistan is not only desirable but necessary for peace in the region and for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciates the initiative taken by Mr. O. P. Shah, Chairman of the Centre for []

Calls for holding intense awareness camp regarding welfare schemes SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and School Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess developmental issues and public service delivery in the Khansahib, Hazratbal, Pampore, Sopore and Zainpora Assembly constituencies. The meeting was attended by the MLAs []

Stresses timely completion, quality execution SRINAGAR: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of development works being executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department in district Budgam, with special focus in his constituency, Charar-i-Sharief. During the meeting, the department made a detailed []

Reviews operational readiness of water tankers, sprinkler fleet SRINAGAR: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb, on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Corporations Tattoo Ground Yard, Batamaloo, to review the operational readiness, maintenance standards, and deployment of the water tanker fleet and sprinkler units for ensuring efficient delivery of essential civic services []

GANDERBAL: In continuation of its efforts to ensure robust safety and security arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Police in Ganderbal, in coordination with CAPFs, SDRF, Health Department and other stakeholder departments, conducted a comprehensive mock exercise on landslide and rockfall management along the Barari Marg to Waterfall near Y-Junction Barari []

Releases policy paper SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday concluded a two-day workshop on Harassment Prevention at the Workplace, organized by the Women at Workplace Central Committee of the university. Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai presided over the inaugural session and reaffirmed the universitys commitment to []

Calls doctors pride of society SRINAGAR: On the occasion of Doctors Day, Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Minister Sakeena Itoo visited Children Hospital Bemina to extend her greetings and appreciation to the medical fraternity for their unwavering commitment to patient care and public health. Interacting with doctors, healthcare professionals and hospital staff, []

Inspects SANJY-2026 arrangements at Nowgam, Pantha Chowk SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday inspected the arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)- 2026 during an extensive visit of the Yatra Facilitation Centre at Nowgam Railway Station and the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk. The Divisional Commissioner was accompanied []

Srinagar: Mirwaiz has signed the appeal for IndiaPakistan Dialogue and Lasting Peace because he believes that dialogue between India and Pakistan is not only desirable but necessary for peace in the region and for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciates the initiative taken by Mr. O. P. Shah, Chairman of the Centre for []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the cabinet reshuffle and expansion would take place around the partys Jantar Mantar protest. In an interview with Gulistan News channel, the CM , said that cabinet expansion is his responsibility and would take place around the Jantar Mantar protest, either before or after it. The []

Baramulla: An elderly man died after being hit by a moving train in the Zangam area of Pattan in north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. An official said that the incident occurred in Zangam when the elderly man was struck by a moving train. He said the victim sustained critical injuries and []

NEW DELHI: Prices of commercial LPG, the one used in hotels and restaurants, were cut by Rs 183.50 per 19-kg cylinder on Wednesday the first reduction in rates this year. Commercial LPG now costs Rs 2,930 per 19-kg cylinder, oil companies said. Commercial LPG rates hit an all-time high of Rs 3,113 per 19-kg []

Sopore: The Cyber Police Station in Sopore has registered an FIR against individuals allegedly facilitating cyber fraud through the use of mule bank accounts, officials said on Wednesday. An official said that the action is part of an intensified drive to crack down on cyber financial crimes and networks that enable fraudsters to route or []

Kupwara: A six-year-old girl was killed after being hit by a dumper in the Vodhpora area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Wednesday, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred when a dumper bearing registration number JK02CR-6027 hit the six-year-old girl, who sustained critical injuries and died on the spot. The deceased was []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday extended greetings on National Doctors Day and Chartered Accountants Day, praising both professions for their service to society and the nation. In a post on X, the LG expressed his deepest gratitude to medical professionals for their selfless service, compassion & tireless dedication to keeping the society healthy. []

Srinagar: Five persons were injured in a road accident involving three vehicles near Zangam Petrol Pump in Pattan on Wednesday. Officials said that the collision occurred between a car bearing registration number JK15-9826, a dumper JK15B-0013, and a Scorpio JK15C-8800. All three vehicles carry Bandipora registration numbers. Of the five injured, two were referred to []

Doda: Heavy rainfall triggered two cloudbursts in the Kalalgisar area of Bhalessa in Doda district on Wednesday, causing flash floods and debris flows that blocked several roads, officials said. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as continuous heavy rain continues to impact the region, raising concerns of further landslides and road disruptions, an official said.. []