Kashmir Reader

Srinagar: Mosques and Eidgahs across Jammu and Kashmir are being prepared to host thousands of worshippers for the special Eid prayers on Saturday morning, as the region gears up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan. The Eid congregations in the Valley are expected to take place at Asar-i-Sharif at []

Srinagar: A mixture of joy and sorrow filled the air across Jammu and Kashmir on the last Friday of Ramadan, as thousands gathered in mosques and shrines, not just in prayer, but in farewell too. Afsoos, Azee Govham Juddaa, Aai Maah-e-Ramadan Alwada (O beloved month you are departing, O Ramadan, Good-bye), whispered many, as the []

Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir gears up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Ajaz Ahmed Bhat has appealed to the people to follow traffic advisories and ensure safety of the children. Talking to the reporters here, SSP Bhat, said, Arrangements for the major Eid congregation at the Dargah on city []

Srinagar: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday said that the war between Iran and the US-Israel coalition needs to come to an end quickly, as it could have massive repercussions for the global economy. It (war) will have severe consequences not only for the Indian economy but for the world economy, Dr Abdullah []

Srinagar: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, in his message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, extended greetings to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the Muslim Ummah. He prayed that Allah Almighty accepts our fasts, prayers, and all acts of ibadaat performed during the blessed month of Ramadan. Mirwaiz said that while Eid is []

Good news for crops Srinagar: After experiencing an unusually warm winter, Kashmir is now witnessing below-normal daytime temperatures due to recent rains and snowfall, which could augur well for crops and flowering plants, officials said on Friday. Since Sunday, most parts of the valley have seen intermittent rains, while many areas at higher elevations received []

Two fish sellers stories reveal a society that has failed its most vulnerable women Sayeesa Shaban In Kashmir, the plight of elderly widows is a pressing concern, with hundreds living in abject poverty and pathetic conditions. These widows, who once ruled their families like queens, are not only denied their rightful share of inheritance but []

He chose silence, sincerity, and Aakhirah over wealth Dr Fazal Wani In a world that runs after fame, applause, and recognition, there once lived a man who chose silence, sincerity, and Khidma over everything else. A man whose work is seen by millions every year, yet whose name remains unknown to manyDr Muhammad Kamal Ismael. []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the efforts of the Election Commission to gerrymander will not change the results in West Bengal Assembly elections, expressing confidence that Trinamool Congress will emerge victorious. No amount of effort by the Election Commission to gerrymander will change the results. Come counting day Mamata []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullahextended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr. In his message, Dr. Farooq Abdullah prayed for the acceptance of prayers and fasting and urged people to share the joy of Eid by supporting the underprivileged. Among others, General Secretary Ali []

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday highlighted Islamabads track record of clandestine nuclear proliferation after a US report flagged new risks regarding Islamabads nuclear payload and missile programmes. New Delhis remarks followed the US intelligence report that named Pakistan as one of the few nations developing advanced missile systems capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional []

Srinagar: A visible excitement and last-minute rush gripped markets across Kashmir on Thursday as shoppers thronged bazaars for last-minute Eid purchases. From early morning, markets in Srinagar and other districts witnessed heavy footfall, with people, young and old, making a final dash to buy clothes, bakery items, footwear and essentials ahead of Eid. Despite intermittent []

Srinagar: Banking activity across Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a sharp spike during the Eid-ul-Fitr shopping period, with digital platforms leading the surge as thousands of people turned to cashless modes for festive purchases. Notably, trends from the Eid-ul-Fitr rush indicate a decisive shift towards digital payments across the region. As per official data of J&K []

Srinagar: Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam has announced that the crescent was not sighted anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Saturday. The announcement ended suspense across the Valley following Maghrib prayers. Speaking to KNO, he said no credible reports of moon sighting were received by the official moon-sighting committee. With []

Srinagar: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has announced that, in view of the inclement weather conditions, the Eid-ul-Fitr congregational prayers will be offered at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar at 10:00 AM. The Anjuman informed that the Eid sermon will be delivered by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq at 9:00 AM. People are requested []

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the Union territory holds potential for a dynamic and flourishing future, growing into a vibrant centre of culture and advancement through steady progress. Achieving this vision ultimately depends on the younger generation. I sincerely hope that our youth will draw strength from the wisdom []

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Polices Counter Intelligence Wing (CIK) has busted a highly sophisticated international cyber fraud racket by arresting seven persons here, officials said on Thursday. The CIK-CID received several technical and credible inputs regarding the operation of covert call centres involved in fraudulent online activities targeting both foreign and local nationals. The []

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Wednesday extended greetings on the occasion of Navratri, saying the festival reflects the spirit of unity, brotherhood and communal harmony in the Union Territory. Choudhary described Navratri as a spiritual occasion that connects different communities. Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Maa []

An untold story of sacrifice, storms, and the seafarers who keep us alive Sahil Hassan Bhat There is a quiet truth about the world we live inone that most of us rarely pause to consider. Every morning, as we wake up in the comfort of our homes, switch on the lights, check our phones, wear []

Srinagar : Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has announced that, in view of the inclement weather conditions, the Eid-ul-Fitr congregational prayers will be offered at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar at 10:00 AM, InshaAllah. The Anjuman informed that the Eid sermon ( ) will be delivered by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq at 9:00 []

Srinagar: In a major success, Counter Intelligence Kashmir busted a highly sophisticated international cyber fraud racket and arrested seven suspects in Srinagar. An official said that CIK-CID received various technical and credible inputs, regarding the functioning of covert call centres engaged in fraudulent online activities targeting foreign/ local nationals. CIK promptly constituted specialized teams []

WASHINGTON: The U.S. governments top intelligence official told lawmakers Wednesday that Irans regime appears to be intact but largely degraded yet repeatedly dodged questions about whether President Donald Trump had been warned about the fallout from the weeks-old war, including Irans attacks on Gulf nations and its effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz. []

Wet spell persists in Valley Srinagar: A few areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while rain lashed most parts of the Valley on Wednesday, leading to a drop in temperature, officials said. Reports of fresh snowfall were received from Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road in Shopian district, and from []

Committee calls for eco-tourism push, better facilities at emerging destinations Srinagar: A parliamentary panel has observed that the increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Jammu & Kashmir reflects growing international confidence in it as a tourist destination. In its report, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed satisfaction over tourist []

Calls for humanitarian aid to Iran Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Wednesday voiced grave concern over the rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia, urging global powers to act with urgency and responsibility to prevent a deeper crisis that could destabilize the world order. In his statement, Dr Farooq appealed []

Srinagar: To ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations of the forthcoming religious festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr, Navroz and Navratra, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of officers to review the preparedness and arrangements being put in place across the Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by all Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner SMC, SSP []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri. In a message, the Chief Minister said that Navratri marks the beginning of the New Year and symbolizes the triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil. On this auspicious occasion, I []

Welcomes Education Ministers reform push Srinagar: The Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has welcomed the recent stand of the Education Minister to introduce corrective measures aimed at improving educational standards across Jammu & Kashmir. The Association termed the initiative as timely and forward-looking, particularly in the context of evolving global educational demands and []

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have issued a public notice seeking information, video recordings, and photographs from people who attended a marriage function where an assassination attempt was made on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here. Police on Sunday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent incident of firing at Abdullah []

Srinagar: Continuing its sustained crackdown on narcotics-related activities, police in Shopian have seized a vehicle (Swift car) bearing registration number JK13J-3347, valued at approximately 6,80,960/- belongs to Ishfaq Ahmad Koka son of Abdul Majeed Koka resident of Melhura Zainapora. The vehicle was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal sale of []

Hajin: An Iftar gathering was organised at Manasbal Army Camp on wednesday, bringing together local residents and representatives from different sections of society. The event was held during the holy month of Ramadan with the aim of strengthening ties with the local population and understanding their traditions and concerns. Despite inclement weather, a large []

KOLKATA: The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered a fresh round of reshuffle of senior officers in poll-bound West Bengal, appointing 13 IAS officers as DMs-cum-DEOs and posting five IPS officers as deputy inspectors general (DIGs). The IAS officers were appointed as district magistrates (DMs) who will also serve as district election officers (DEOs), placing them []

Jammu: Jammu Police have successfully solved the Balbir Singh murder case with the arrest of two accused. In a handout , the police said that the accused duo has been identified as Ravinder Singh S/o Amrik Singh R/o Govind Pura, Chatha and Davinder Singh S/o Nain Singh R/o Bhor Camp, Ward No. 1. Police []

DUBAI: Israel killed two senior Iranian security officials in a major blow to the Islamic Republics leadership as it faces its greatest test in decades, and Iran responded Wednesday with renewed missile and drone attacks on its Gulf Arab neighbors and Israel. Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, was considered one of []

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said Tuesday NATO and most other allies have rejected his calls to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, grousing that he has been unable to rally support behind his war of choice in Iran that he insists hes conducting for the good of the world, even if it doesnt appreciate his []

DUBAI: (Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official and a conservative force within Irans theocracy, was killed in an Israeli strike, Iranian authorities confirmed Tuesday. He was 67. Larijani was widely believed to be running the country following the killing of its supreme leader in U.S. and Israeli strikes late last month that sparked a []

Attends Passing Out Parade of J&K Police Constables at STC Talwara Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that any individual or group that seeks to threaten the peace, law and order, or the safety of innocent civilians in Jammu Kashmir will have to pay a very heavy price. Addressing the Passing Out Parade []

Emphasizes unity, compassion Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday hosted Iftaar at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center here, bringing together people from different walks of life in the spirit of harmony and togetherness during the holy month of Ramadan. The Iftaar was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmad []

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the domestic production of LPG is being ramped up to ensure cooking gas supply to households during turbulent times amid the West Asia crisis. Replying to a debate on the second batch of supplementary demands for grants in the Rajya Sabha, the finance minister also said []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday sought the urgent intervention of External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to facilitate the safe evacuation of around 200 Indian students including Kashmiri stranded near the AzerbaijanIran border amid the ongoing escalation and war-like situation in the region. National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said []

Ehsaas Foundation extends congratulations SRINAGAR: Ehsaas Foundation has extended its heartfelt congratulations to eminent Kashmiri poet Ali Shaida on being honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 in the Kashmiri language category for his acclaimed poetry collection Najdavaneky Pot Aalav. In an official statement, the foundation described the recognition as a proud and defining []

New Delhi: Using only one mobile phone which will always remain switched on, not leaving Delhi without the trial courts permission and not commenting in the media about the case were some of the conditions imposed by the Supreme Court on Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah while granting him bail in a terror funding []

WASHINGTON: The director of the National Counterterrorism Centre has announced his resignation, saying he cannot in good conscience back the Trump administrations war in Iran. Joe Kent said on social media Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its []

JERUSALEM: The Israeli defence minister said on Tuesday that the Israeli military killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike. Israel Katz made the announcement. The Israeli military also announced it killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guards all-volunteer Basij force.

NEW DELHI:A man allegedly shot himself in the chest while his friend was recording a video of him loading a pistol in east Delhis Dallupura, police said on Tuesday. According to police, the incident was captured on camera, even though the person filming appeared unaware of his friend Pawans intentions. In the video, Pawan can []

Srinagar: A hotel and a vehicle were damaged after a massive fire broke out in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmirs Anantnag district late Monday evening, officials said, adding that a man also died after being hit by a reversing fire truck during firefighting operations. An official said that the fire engulfed Asal Resort late []

New Delhi:Bihars longest-serving chief minister Nitish Kumar and new BJP president Nitin Nabin were elected to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar as the ruling NDA swept the elections held in three states for 11 seats of the Upper House on Monday. Of the total 37 vacancies of Rajya Sabha, elections were held for only []

Reviews stock position of LPG, petrol, essential commodities Asks administration to keep public regularly informed Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position of essential commodities and petroleum products in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the upcoming festivals of Eid and Navratras and the prevailing geopolitical []

Srinagar: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, IT, Youth Services & Sports, Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, on Monday said that the government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the supply of essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir remains smooth and uninterrupted despite global disturbances. Addressing the media, the Minister []

Festival showcases 1.8 million tulips across 75 varieties Promises boost to tourism, regional prosperity Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the annual Tulip Festival2026 here at the iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan, marking the arrival of the spring season in the Kashmir Valley. With the []