Kashmir Reader

Outsourcing framework created during PDP-BJP rule, not us: CMs Advisor Srinagar: National Conference-led Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday dismissed the allegations of malpractices in recruitment, saying the process of outsourcing for jobs was started before they came to power. We did not start this outsourcing process. We got it in legacy, just like they []

Baghdad: Irans top diplomat warned Sunday that any attempt to bypass the Strait of Hormuz routes agreed with the United States would increase tensions in the Middle East, as the countries traded attacks and accusations of violating a fragile ceasefire in the region. During a visit to Iraqi capital Baghdad, Abbas Araghchi also called for []

Rain relief likely from July 1 Srinagar: Srinagar recorded the hottest day of the season on Sunday as the mercury touched 33.8C, amid a sharp rise in temperatures across the Kashmir Valley over the past two days. An official of Meteorological Department said that generally dry weather is likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir []

Urges Iran, US to demonstrate wisdom, statesmanship Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday expressed concern over the rapidly escalating tensions in West Asia, describing the unfolding situation as a grave threat to regional and global peace, security, and stability, and stressed that dialogue, diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday conducted a high-level review of preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 during a detailed meeting at Baltal in Ganderbal. The meeting, attended by senior officials and stakeholders, focused on infrastructure, security arrangements, amenities, and eco-friendly initiatives to ensure a smooth, safe, and environmentally sustainable pilgrimage. The []

Will interact with voters, BLOs, stakeholders Srinagar: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Gyanesh Kumar, on Sunday arrived in Srinagar on a three-day official visit to Jammu and Kashmir. During the visit, the CEC will undertake various programmes across the Valley, aimed at engaging with the voters, electoral stakeholders and field-level election machinery besides reviewing []

Kashmiri scientist delights international audience with art, poetry on neurology Geneva: In a spectacular historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar-born Ph.D. researcher Safiya Mehraj has taken the international stage by storm, captivating a global audience of medical elites at the prestigious EAN Neurology 2026 congress in Geneva, Switzerland. Safiya, a clinical biochemistry researcher from []

Jammu: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch on Sunday registered an FIR into an alleged fraud of more than Rs 68 lakh in Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank after an internal vigilance inquiry uncovered suspected fake loan accounts, unauthorised transactions and diversion of funds. The case was filed under sections 420 and 120-B []

Mendhar/Jammu: A 31-year-old Pakistani intruder was apprehended by Indian Army troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch on Sunday, the third such incident in the district this month, officials said. Rayees Khan, a resident of Pakistan-held Kashmir, was taken into custody from Balakote sector shortly after he crossed the LoC []

Highlights tourism, sports, anti-drug push at D2CIA conclave Industry-Govt collaboration key to J&Ks economic transformation: Wani SRINAGAR: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, on Saturday attended the D2CIA first National Conclave 2026, where the Jammu and Kashmir Chapter []

Shehr-e-Khaas suffered decades of neglect; residents live in dilapidated conditions; unemployment pushing younger generation into hopelessness SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has strongly demanded a comprehensive economic and housing package for the people living in Srinagars old city. He said that the historic city has suffered decades of official neglect, leaving its []

SRINAGAR: On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah called for a united and sustained societal movement against the growing menace of drug abuse, saying the battle cannot be won by the government alone. Dr. Farooq said that tackling substance abuse []

Highlights spiritual significance of Ashoora, sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq addressed a large gathering on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashoora at Astan-e-Aaliya Alam Sahib, Narwara, Srinagar, where many people, including women, participated in the traditional gathering. Speaking on the significance of Youm-e-Ashoora, Mirwaiz said the day holds great importance []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President (Kashmir), Adv. Showkat Ahmad Mir on Saturday asserted that despite operating within the constitutional and administrative constraints of a Union Territory and in the absence of restored statehood, the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government has consistently delivered transparent, people-centric, inclusive, and accountable governance over the past []

Reviews dev works, assesses public grievances BUDGAM: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Saturday visited the revered Ziyarat of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani at Dreygam in Budgam district to review the ongoing and proposed development works and interact with the local residents. During the visit, the Speaker listened to the public demands []

KULGAM: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Saturday visited Sailkhanen village in Kulgam district and held a public darbar to directly engage with the people and listen to their grievances and developmental aspirations. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to people-centric []

SRINAGAR: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb on Saturday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing Council Hall project at the SMC Headquarters to review the progress of the vital infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening the Corporations institutional capacity and enhancing public service delivery. During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the status of []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) today organized a high-impact mentorship session at its Sempora Main Campus, bringing together industry leaders, technology experts, academicians, startups, students and aspiring entrepreneurs to promote innovation, strengthen entrepreneurial capacities and foster collaborative growth within the startup ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir. The programme was attended by Mohammad []

SHOPIAN: As part of the ongoing drive to ensure the availability of quality agricultural inputs to farmers and to curb the sale of unauthorized and substandard pesticides, the Director Agriculture Kashmir conducted a surprise inspection of various pesticide dealers in District Shopian. During the inspection, stocks of pesticides and related records maintained by dealers were []

Srinagar: A strong earthquake tremor was felt in several parts of Kashmir on Saturday. As per details, the earthquake of magnitude 6.2.on Richter scale was felt in Srinagar and other districts at around 7:04:51 IST. According to Local meteorological department here, the epicentre was Afghanistan at Latitude 36.442 North and Longitude 70.67 East with a []

Sumbal: Traffic Police on Saturday issued an advisory notifying traffic diversions on the SrinagarSumbalBandipora road in view of the 12th Muharram procession from Dangerpora to Shahtalpora tommorrow. According to the advisory, traffic movement on the road stretch will remain affected from 12:30 pm to 10 pm, and commuters have been advised to avoid the route []

Baramulla: A man was killed after an old unexploded shell detonated near Asha Post in the Sumli Wali Dhok area near Gulmarg in north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Saturday afternoon, officials said. A senior police officer said that the explosion occurred when the victim was allegedly handling the old shell. The officer said the exact []

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday said it has attached multiple movable and immovable properties, including a residential house, land parcels and gold ornaments, belonging to a former Naazir in the Deputy Commissioners Office, Srinagar, in connection with a disproportionate assets case. In a statement, a spokesperson said the attached assets []

Reasi:In a swift inter-state operation, Reasi Police on Thursday apprehended a couple wanted in a murder case in Uttarakhand. The duo was traced to a hotel in Katra and later handed over to Uttarakhand Police for further legal action. A Police officer said that the Katra Police Station received inputs from Police Station Dhanya, District []

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged all party leaders to support the students movement launched by its youth wing, as well as the NSUI, against the present education system of oppression and extortion. In a letter, Gandhi urged all party general secretaries, state in-charges and chiefs of all state, district and city []

Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday filed a supplementary chargesheet against three additional accusedincluding an absconding prime conspiratorin connection with the devastating November 2025 car bomb explosion near the historic Red Fort, which claimed 11 lives. In a handout, the NIA said that the supplementary chargesheet, filed before the NIA Special Court at []

Srinagar: Former Sadr-e-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Karan Singh, on Saturday reiterated his support for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the Centre has already made a commitment and should fulfil it. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an Interfaith Dialogue at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here, Dr []

Srinagar: Describing Kashmir as the crown of India, former Sadr-e-Riyasat Dr Karan Singh on Saturday recalled Mahatma Gandhis famous observation that the Valley represented a ray of hope during one of the darkest chapters in the subcontinents history, saying Jammu and Kashmir must continue to uphold its centuries-old legacy of communal harmony, coexistence and shared []

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for Seychelles on a three-day visit during which he will attend the golden jubilee celebrations of the National Day of that country and have bilateral discussions with President Patrick Herminie to further strengthen the friendship. In his departure statement, the prime minister said Seychelles is a []

Srinagar:The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Saturday carried out multiple raids at different locations across the Valley in connection with an ongoing investigation. Officials said that a CIK team from Srinagar raided the residence of Riyaz Ahmad Beigh, son of Noor Mohammad Beigh, originally from Dalal Mohalla, Maharaj Gunj, Srinagar, and presently residing at Hokarsar []

Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi to participate in funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran SRINAGAR/BUDGAM: Under the auspices of Anjuman Sharie Shian Jammu and Kashmir, solemn religious commemorations marking Youm-e-Ashura were observed across the Kashmir Valley with deep reverence and devotion, with scores of Zuljanah processions taken out in different parts of the Valley drawing []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Friday joined the Ashura procession at Zadibal, where he paid homage to the unparalleled sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. The Minister participated in the procession alongside thousands of mourners, reflecting []

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday met former Governor of Jammu & Kashmir N. N. Vohra, in Srinagar. The meeting was marked by a warm and engaging interaction, during which the two exchanged views on a range of issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir. The discussions drew upon Shri Vohras vast administrative experience and his []

RAJOURI: Reaffirming the administrations zero-tolerance approach to narcotics, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Friday led a massive anti-drug campaign in Nowshera held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The Department of Social Welfare, under the overall supervision of the district administration Rajouri, organised a Walkathon, Signature Campaign, and []

Development story of shrine a testament to Waqf Boards holistic vision SHAHDARA SHARIF (RAJOURI): Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, on Wednesday inaugurated the state-of-the-art Grand Mosque at Shahdara Sharif, along with a new Guest House equipped with modern facilities and a Security Barrack at the shrine campus, describing []

ANANTNAG: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, J&K Police in Anantnag conducted a specialised Sniper Response Mock Drill at Batangoo along the Yatra route as part of its comprehensive security preparedness for the annual pilgrimage. The exercise was aimed at assessing the operational readiness, precision engagement capabilities, and swift response of specially []

SRINAGAR: The ruling National Conference (NC) suffered a major setback on Friday in the Natipora area of the Chanapora constituency as dozens of its prominent leaders, workers, and activists resigned from the party en masse and joined the Apni Party. On this occasion, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari extended a warm welcome to []

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) participated in a high-level seminar on Protection of the Natural Environment of J&K organised by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), J&K, under the chairmanship of Khursheed Ahmad Ganai (Retd. IAS), with Dr. Karan Singh, former Sadr-e-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir, eminent scholar, and distinguished []

SANJY-2026: NDMA conducts mock exercise to test emergency preparedness along Baltal Axis GANDERBAL: As part of the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday conducted a comprehensive multi-agency mock exercise along the Baltal axis to assess emergency preparedness, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure swift []

SRINAGAR: On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, J&K Police in Baramulla organized a meaningful awareness and counseling programme at the Police Drug De-Addiction Centre, Baramulla. The event witnessed the participation of recovered patients and their family members, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in overcoming substance abuse. During []

Srinagar: A 16-year-old boy was injured after accidentally sustaining a gunshot injury at his residence in Anwarabad Salkoot area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Friday. An official said that the incident occurred when the teenager was accidentally hit by a shot fired from a licensed bore gun kept at home. He said the injured []

Srinagar: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, while speaking at the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar on Youm-e-Ashoora, said that the tragedy of Karbala is not merely a chapter of history, but an eternal lesson in truth, patience, justice and sacrifice. Mirwaiz said Imam Hussain (RA) was not in search of war or confrontation. []

Srinagar: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, VK Birdi, on Friday said elaborate multi-tiered security and traffic arrangements have been put in place for the 10th Muharram (Ashura) procession from Gulshan Abad to Zadibal to ensure the safe and smooth movement of mourners. Speaking with reporters, the IGP Kashmir, said mourners from different parts of []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday joined the Youm-e-Ashura procession at Zadibal in Srinagar, where he paid rich tributes to the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. The Lieutenant Governor participated in the solemn procession and was presented with a black armband by mourners as a mark of respect during the []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday strongly refuted allegations by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti regarding 25,000 alleged irregular appointments, accusing her party of hypocrisy and citing past instances of backdoor recruitments during previous regimes. Speaking with reporters in Zadibal, CM Omar,, invoked a Hindi saying ulta chor kotwal ko daante []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed hope that the Youm-e-Ashura procession would soon be restored to its original traditional route, saying his government would continue its efforts to ensure its full restoration. Speaking to reporters after joining mourners at Zadibal, Omar, said the month of Muharram, particularly the 10th day, Youm-e-Ashura, holds immense []

Pulwama: A 25-year-old labourer from Uttar Pradesh died after allegedly falling unconscious while working at a brick kiln in the Zadoora area of south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Friday. An official said that the labourer was working at the brick kiln in Zadoora when he suddenly fell unconscious. He was immediately rushed to District Hospital []

Srinagar: On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called for renewed resolve to protect youth and realize the vision of a Nasha Mukt J&K. In a post on X, the LG said, On Intl Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, lets reaffirm our resolve to protect youth []

Srinagar: Ahead of Muharram, the Srinagar police have issued a public advisory urging people to observe the procession with peace, dignity and discipline. In a handout, the police said that maintain peace, discipline and communal harmony throughout the procession. Follow all directions issued by the administration and police authorities.Cooperate with traffic police and volunteers for []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and MP Chowdry Muhammad Ramzan Wednesday claimed that PDP continues to survive on the political patronage of the BJP and functions as an instrument to fragment the collective voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a party convention of the Tral Constituency, organised []