Kashmir Reader

WASHINGTON: Democrats have retaken control of the U.S. Senate, delivering a decisive rebuke of Republican control of governance in Washington and ushering in a new era of congressional resistance to President Donald Trump. The midterm elections that came to a close Tuesday channeled voters deep frustration with high prices, the war in Iran and concerns []

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in case FIR No. 44/2026 under Sections 318(2), 336(3) and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Pulwama, against Mushtaq Ahmad Yatoo S/o Ali Mohammad Yatoo R/o Chanpora, Rajpora, Pulwama. In a []

New Delhi: Countrys largest paramilitary force CRPF has recorded a significant milestone with no operational fatality of its troops over the last one year, a development registered after 47 years, the force chief has said. CRPF Director General (DG) G P Singh said this on Sunday on X, adding the development was specially significant as []

Srinagar: Two persons were killed after a massive fire engulfed around 80 temporary shelters at Durbal, Bemina in Srinagar during the intervening night of Nov 3-4, officials said. Officials said that the fire broke out at around 12:23 AM, engulfing approximately 80 makeshift shelters constructed from tarpaulin and wood. An empty poultry farm and a []

Accuses NC leadership of compromising J&Ks rights for power, calls for new political movement Budgam, Nov 03: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to part ways with the party and called for a new political movement, accusing the NC leadership of compromising the dignity and political rights of the []

Srinagar, Nov 03: In the strongly worded statement, the National Conference (NC) termed Aga Ruhullah Mehdis speech at Budgam a manifestation of his mental and moral bankruptcy, and an example of his self-obsession. While invoking the Holy Quran and the divine message of dignity and respect for human beings, Ruhullahs speech was full of derogatory, []

Srinagar, Nov 03: Now we know why Ruhullah didnt have one word to say against the BJP, the National Conference said on Tuesday in a cryptic comment after BJP national vice-president Ram Madhav said the rally at which the Shia leader announced his resignation from the Lok Sabha and the party in Budgam had the []

Emphasises timely completion of work, adherence to quality standards Jammu, Nov 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inspected the ongoing construction of the New Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu and reviewed the progress of the prestigious project, stressing the need for its timely completion while ensuring the highest standards of quality. During the inspection, the []

Jammu, Nov 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday distributed appointment letters to 17 candidates appointed in the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department here at the Civil Secretariat. The appointment letters were distributed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Anil Kumar Singh, Director Finance, []

Seeks action plan within 15 days Srinagar, Nov 03: Following directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high-level committee of specialists and stakeholders to oversee the implementation of prescribed guidelines for the organisation and delivery of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services across the Union Territory. According []

Special Judge says prosecution failed to prove recovery beyond reasonable doubt Points to missing inventory, untested bottles, absent malkhana record Srinagar, Nov 03: In a significant ruling, the Court of the Special Judge (NDPS Cases), Srinagar, has acquitted a Srinagar resident, Abdul Hai Bhat, of charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act []

NEW DELHI: An Indian sailor was killed in an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah in Oman on Monday evening, triggering strong condemnation by India. The vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, had 14 Indian nationals, 13 of whom have been rescued, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. We condemn the attack on []

Srinagar: National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday resigned from the party, declaring that he had set myself free from the NC. Ruhullah, who won the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, asked Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of Tutail Mattoo, who was killed in 2010 in alleged police []

Srinagar: Chief Minister today inspected the progress of construction work on the new Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu. During the inspection, the CM reviewed the pace of execution and emphasized its time-bound completion. Officials said the six-level complex will house a modern Assembly Hall, Central Hall, visitor and press galleries, committee rooms and advanced building []

Srinagar: A 50-year-old carpenter died after falling from a height at Rawalpora area of Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the man, who was working as a carpenter, sustained injuries after falling from a height at a house in Rawalpora. He was shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar, where doctors declared him brought []

Ramban: A man was killed and two others injured after a Tata Sumo skidded off the road near Chaka Sarbagni Bus Stand in Ramban on Tuesday morning, officials said. An official said that the vehicle met with an accident and skidded off the road while negotiating a curve, resulting in the death of one person []

WASHINGTON: Americans will vote on Tuesday in one of the most consequential elections in recent times, widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trumps presidency that has been marked by a prolonged war in Iran, rising inflation, trade wars and deep divisions in society. The polling will decide whether President Trumps Republican Party retains control []

Jammu, Nov 02: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed ministers to fast-track ongoing development works, strengthen public grievance redressal and ensure adequate winter preparedness. He also called for a comprehensive review of the governments manifesto commitments to assess progress and identify further steps required for fulfilment. Abdullah was chairing an introductory []

Srinagar, Nov 02: All eyes will be on Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi tomorrow as he is set to announce his decision to resign from the Lok Sabha during a rally in central Kashmirs Budgam district. Ruhullah said he would resign from the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. I will resign from the Lok Sabha []

Jammu, Nov 02: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday visited the fire-ravaged Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station and took stock of the damage caused by a massive blaze that recently gutted dozens of shops, reducing a bustling commercial stretch to rubble. The chief minister assured the affected shopkeepers that his government []

Srinagar, Nov 02: Inspector General of Police Kashmir (IGP) Zone Sujit Kumar on Monday reviewed the security grid in Srinagar city, a police spokesperson said. He said Srinagar citys security grid will be further strengthened in line with the winter security strategy. The IGP Kashmir chaired a comprehensive review meeting on the Srinagar City Security []

Jammu, Nov 02: A Village Defence Group (VDG) member and his wife died of gunshot injuries under mysterious circumstances at their residence in a remote village of Jammu and Kashmirs Reasi district on Monday evening, officials said. Preliminary investigations suggest that both were hit by bullets fired from the VDG members weapon at their residence []

Assures time-bound redressal of grievances JAMMU: Reaffirming the governments commitment to responsive governance and people-centric administration, Minister for Revenue, Power Development Department (PDD), Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), and Elections, Ali Mohammad Sagar on Monday held an extensive public interaction at Jammu, meeting several deputations and individuals who apprised []

Swift action leads to safe recovery BARAMULLA: Demonstrating prompt response, effective coordination and strong police-public cooperation, J&K Police in Baramulla successfully traced a missing minor girl within just two hours of receiving information about her whereabouts. Today, PCR Baramulla received a police signal regarding a minor girl, reported missing from Barolia, Uttar Pradesh, with her []

JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday undertook a comprehensive review of the overall health sector scenario across Jammu and Kashmir, taking stock of the functioning of healthcare institutions, availability of medical facilities, manpower position, infrastructure development and delivery of patient-care services across the Union Territory. The meeting []

BENGALURU: Sarposh, an award-winning Kashmiri restaurant and culinary experience centre based in Bengaluru, is seeking to source native and traditional ingredients directly from farmers, growers, harvesters and foragers across Kashmir. The initiative aims to build direct relationships with local producers and bring high-quality Kashmiri ingredients to the restaurant. Sarposh is particularly interested in exceptional produce, []

Over 100 screened SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Monday inaugurated a Special Health Check-up Camp at the premises of the DC Office Complex, with the objective of promoting health awareness and facilitating access to essential healthcare services for employees and visitors. The camp was organised by the District Red Cross Society, Srinagar, []

InauguratesSabat Complex, lays foundation stone for dev works at Khanqah-e-Faiz Panah, Tral TRAL: Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, on Monday visited the historic Khanqah-e-Faiz Panah at Tral, where she laid the foundation stone for various developmental works, including a modern Wudhu Complex and a Conference Hall. She also []

Holds maiden interaction with districts journalists Calls for stronger media-administration coordination PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Monday held his first formal interaction with the districts media fraternity since assuming charge. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the administration and media and ensuring that information about public initiatives reaches residents effectively. []

SRINAGAR: Shaleen Kabra, a 1992-Batch IAS Officer on Monday assumed charge as Director General, Jammu & Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (J&K IMPA&RD). Following the assumption of charge, Shaleen Kabra held an introductory meeting with the officers, faculty members and staff of the Institute. He discussed various administrative and institutional matters []

Russia, China concerned NEW DELHI: US conservative commentator and journalist Tucker Carlson has claimed that the Trump administration could soon launch a nuclear strike on Iran under pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu The target would be Pickax Mountain in central Iran, where Israeli intelligence claims the Iranian government has restarted its nuclear enrichment []

Sees Rs 20 lakh cr opportunity NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India will seek to add 500 GW of new non-fossil power generation capacity over the next 10-11 years, signalling an acceleration of the countrys clean energy ambitions as global energy disruptions underlined the importance of reducing dependence on imported fossil []

Hajin (Bandipora: In a tribute to exceptional courage, valour and supreme sacrifice, the bust of Lt Col Shanti Swarup Rana, Ashoka Chakra (Posthumous), was unveiled today at Rana Army Goodwill School, Hajin, by his wife, Mrs Savita Rana, Veer Nari*. The ceremony was organised by the Indian Army on the *30th anniversary of the officers []

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said that a complete ban on firecrackers is not only facilitating illegal sale but also preventing people from purchasing legitimate green crackers which have been tested at established facilities. The top court, which allowed the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) from 6 to 7 am []

Jammu: Following the reopening of offices in the winter capital, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inspected the Civil Secretariat Jammu to review administrative readiness and facilities for the public and employees. During the inspection, the Chief Minister visited ministerial chambers, officers rooms and clerical halls and interacted with officials, staff and visiting citizens. The Chief []

Anantnag: Anantnag Police has taken cognizance of the stone pelting incident at Pehroo Sherbagh and detained four miscreants. In a handout, the police said with reference to the incident at Pehroo Sherbagh, it is clarified that an altercation took place over offering of prayers in a house converted into a place of worship. Some miscreants []

Public can meet SSP between 2 pm and 4 pm to raise grievances Bandipora: District Police Bandipora has introduced designated public interaction hours to facilitate direct engagement between the general public and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bandipora, and ensure timely redressal of public grievances. As per a public notice issued by the district []

SRINAGAR: National Conference MLA Hilal Akbar Lone on Sunday dismissed speculation of a rebellion within the party, asserting that no force, temptation, or desire for a position could shake his loyalty to the party and its leadership. His remarks come amid speculation of discontent within the ruling NC following Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs expansion of []

Srinagar, Nov 01: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah has said the party remains a united and solid wall that has weathered countless storms, faced difficult trials and overcome numerous challenges throughout its political history. The partys strength, he said, lies in its unbreakable bond with the people, its pro-people policies and []

Seeks end to naming and shaming of distressed borrowers Srinagar, Nov 01: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged J&K Bank to adopt a uniform, evidence-based and non-discretionary methodology for valuing mortgaged properties, saying subjective land assessments are restricting MSMEs access to credit and impeding compromise settlements. FCIK, in a statement issued []

Seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumars ouster New Delhi, Nov 01: Calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars removal, warnings of legal action over alleged vote chori and sharp attacks on the BJP dominated the INDIA blocs Chalo Dilli rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, as Opposition leaders sought to turn growing anger over the Special Intensive []

Calls for strengthening mutual respect, people-to-people connections Srinagar, Nov 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Keralam, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu on their Foundation Day. Addressing a commemorative programme []

Jammu, Nov 01: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday evening hosted a farewell dinner in honour of Atal Dulloo, who retired as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir on October 31. The Chief Minister acknowledged Atal Dulloos distinguished service to Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated his contributions during his tenure as Chief Secretary. He extended []

New Delhi, Nov 01: Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal, a fighter pilot with a flying experience of over 3,200 hours on a number of aircraft, assumed charge on Sunday as the new air officer commanding-in-chief of the Eastern Air Command, officials said. The air officer is a specialist in strike aircraft and air defence roles, []

Eighth Srinagar edition of Festival of Childrens Literature celebrates stories, imagination SRINAGAR: The magic of books, storytelling and imagination came alive at Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar, Athwajan, on Sunday as the eighth Srinagar edition of Bookaroo Festival of Childrens Literature witnessed an enthusiastic participation of around 5,000 children, parents, teachers and literary enthusiasts []

SRINAGAR: National Conference General Secretary and Minister Advocate Ali Mohammad Sagar has lauded the ongoing initiatives of the Omar Abdullah-led government aimed at providing relief to the people, accelerating development, addressing unemployment and ensuring access to essential daily necessities and basic amenities. He said the present government is continuously working to fulfil public expectations and []

BARAMULLA: Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA), Baramulla, held a district-level meeting of its members and Zonal Presidents under the chairmanship of Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, District President JKTA Baramulla, to discuss key issues concerning the teaching fraternity and organisational strengthening. The meeting deliberated on important issues, including restoration of OPS for erstwhile ReT teachers []

ANANTNAG: SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure-IPS convened a comprehensive operational and crime review meeting at DPO Anantnag to evaluate the prevailing security scenario, assess policing measures and take stock of the progress achieved in ongoing investigations. The meeting was attended by ASP North Camp Ashmuqam Rameez Raja, all SDPOs, SHOs and In-Charges of Police Posts. []

BARAMULLA: Demonstrating prompt response, effective coordination and commitment to public safety, J&K Police in Baramulla swiftly responded to a fire incident at KP Payeen, where a fire broke out in a single-storey residential house belonging to Ghulam Mohammad Dar son of Ghulam Hussain Dar, resident of KP Payeen. Upon receiving information, Police personnel immediately reached []

Calls for strict action against absentees PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Sunday conducted a surprise inspection of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Pampore to assess the functioning of the healthcare facility, staff attendance and the availability of medical services. During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner found that only one doctor was present on []