Kashmir Reader

Srinagar: The J&K Government on Tuesday appointed retired IAS officer Shantmanu as the State Election Commissioner. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, Liuetenant Governer has appointed Shantmanu as State Election Commissioner. He will serve for five years or until he turns 70, whichever is earlier, reads the order. []

Baramulla: The two-day Range-Level Training Programme on Field Intelligence and Inter-Agency Coordination concluded on Monday at District Police Lines Baramulla. The programme, inaugurated on February 16 by DIG North Kashmir Range Maqsood-ul-Zaman, was attended by SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh, SSP Police District Sopore Iftikhar Talib, Additional SP Baramulla Hariprasad K.K, along with guest speakers []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that complete satisfaction among the people of Jammu and Kashmir would only come with the restoration of statehood, asserting that sustained dialogue with the Centre was ongoing and expressing hope for a positive outcome soon. He also welcomed the reopening of 14 tourist destinations and criticised the []

DHAKA: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman is all set to be the Prime Minister of the country after his partys Members of Parliament elected him as leader of the parliamentary party, making it official. The development came even as all the newly elected members of parliament from across the parties took []

rinagar: Underscoring the critical role of Tele-Law in easing pressure on courts and ensuring timely justice, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said, justice delayed is justice denied and the efforts must be made to ensure that only cases requiring judicial hearings reach the courts, while others can be resolved through technology-driven legal aid []

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that there has been no significant increase in human-wildlife conflict incidents across the Union Territory in recent years, even as over 15,600 cases, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, were reported during the past two []

DHAKA:Bangladeshs right-wing Jamaat-e-Islamis newly elected Members of Parliament on Tuesday refused to take the oath of office after the victorious BNPs denial to take the pledge as members of the Constitution Reform Council. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasirudin administered the oath of office to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) MPs inside the Jatiya []

Jammu: The government on Tuesday informed the House that 1,64,665 youths have been trained under various skill development schemes during the last three years. Replying to a query by MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, the government, said the trainings were conducted through different programmes of the Department of Skill Development. As per official data, []

Jammu: Uproarious scenes were witnessed in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday over BJP MLA Vikram Randhawas remarks that Kashmiris have encroached land in Jammu. As soon as Question Hour ended, Congress MLAs Irfan Hafiz Lone and Iftikhar Ahmad stood up, demanding that Randhawa apologise for his remarks. []

Srinagar: The Government on Tuesday informed the House that over 17.27 lakh kanals of state land have been encroached across Jammu and Kashmir, of which over 14.29 lakh kanals have been retrieved so far. Replying to a question tabled by MLA Sham Lal Sharma regarding the status of encroached and []

JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Israel on a two-day visit from February 25 to 26, sources said on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first broke news of Modis visit while addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations on Sunday. Parliament address on the anvil. Whos []

NEW DELHI: Grand Mufti of India Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Monday as the two held discussions on wide-ranging issues. In a post on X, PM Modi said he had a very good interaction with Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Sahab, Grand Mufti of India. We exchanged views on a []

Initiative aimed to equip students with technological competencies, create tech-enabled learning environment: DC Labroo SRINAGAR: With an aim to enhance digital learning facilities, improve classroom environments and provide better resources to students and teachers, the District Administration Srinagar on Monday distributed computer systems along with necessary furniture to 114 Government Schools of District under the []

JAMMU: The 1st edition of the Fingerprint Bureaus Magazine of Jammu & Kashmir Police was formally released on Monday by Sujit Kumar-IPS, Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch), at a function attended by senior officers of the Crime Branch. IGP Kumar released a booklet on the Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures for Field staff to []

SRINAGAR: In a major boost to farmer collectivisation in Jammu & Kashmir, five newly formed Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were formally provided registration certificates during a high-level Farmer Organisations Conclave hosted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar campus. The conclave was organised under the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and []

SRINAGAR: Director Tourism kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajjad on Monday conducted a surprise visit to the Tourist Reception Centre, Nowgam Srinagar to oversee facilities for the general tourists including Yartis of upcoming Shri Amaranth ji Yatra 2026. Joint Director Tourism Kashmir, Waseem Raja and AD Tourism, Nisar Ahmed accompanied the Director during the on-spot appraisal visit. []

BARAMULLA: In a step towards improving sports infrastructure in Baramulla, the District Administration Baramulla on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) at the office chamber of Deputy Commissioner Baramulla. The MoU signing ceremony was held in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, SDM Uri, Prince []

SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir hosted a high-level Farmer Organisations Conclave at Shalimar campus. Organised by SKUAST-K under the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in Jammu & Kashmir (JKCIP) an initiative supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) the event served as a []

GANDERBAL: The 10-day workshop on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Kashmiri Crafts, organised by the Design Innovation Centre (DIC), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), for the artisans, culminated at the Tulmulla Campus here on Monday. Addressing the valedictory function, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, expressed satisfaction at the progress demonstrated by participants within a short span []

Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday underscored the need for timely and effective relief to disaster-affected families while chairing the 4th meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R). Emphasizing the vulnerability of disaster-hit communities in Jammu & Kashmir, the Chief Secretary observed that []

Drawing on Surah Ar-Rum, Prophetic teachings, and Supreme Court judgments, this article argues that sustainable solutions require mediation, economic security, and justice that restores families rather than merely dissolves them Advocate Mudasir Khan Kashmir is witnessing a rise in matrimonial disputes, signalling a profound shift in the Valleys social fabric. Family courts across Srinagar and []

I have stopped saying Always Here. Were taught to be kind, helpful, and giving, but never when to stop. Eyram Hamid Khan In response to people thanking me for my assistance, I have recently ceased replying Always Here. We say things like that all the time, so Im sure most of you wont think much []

The Wular Bird Festival reminds us that safeguarding this wetland means safeguarding lifes most beautiful drama Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat In the grand valley of Kashmir lies Bandipora, a district known for Ilm, Adab, and Aab (knowledge, culture, and water). Encircled by snow-clad peaks on three sides and embraced by the vast Wular Lake on the []

Jammu: Two Pakistani nationals were among three inmates who escaped from a Juvenile Observation Home in RS Pura sector of Jammu after allegedly assaulting police personnel on guard duty on Monday evening. Officials said that at around 5:05 pm, information was received that three inmates fled from custody after attacking and injuring two police []

Srinagar: As part of move aimed at reviving tourism and reinforcing public confidence, the administration on Monday announced the reopening of 14 tourist destinations across the Kashmir and Jammu divisions following a comprehensive security review. According to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, a post from his office on X, stated that the []

Budgam: A 10-year-old girl lost her life while her mother sustained critical injuries after they were allegedly hit by a motorcycle in the Chadoora area of Budgam district on Monday, officials said. An official said that the mother and daughter were struck by a motorcycle in Chandoora area of Budgam. He said, both []

WEST PALM BEACH: President Donald Trump said Sunday that members of his newly created Board of Peace have pledged USD 5 billion toward rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza and will commit thousands of personnel to international stabilisation and police forces for the territory. The pledges will be formally announced when board members gather in Washington on []

Nazur-ul-Islam calls for stability in academic calendar, end to frequent circulars SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) on Sunday held an important meeting under the chairmanship of Baba Nazur-ul-Islam to deliberate on pressing issues concerning the private school sector in Jammu and Kashmir. At the outset, Baba Nazur-ul-Islam extended greetings on []

Calls for unity, character building, respect for religious rights SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, while addressing an Isteqbal-e-Ramazan conference at Budgam attended by prominent ulema, imams, and khateebsincluding Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi and Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam,said that the blessed month of Ramazan presents a significant opportunity for religious scholars and preachers. He noted that []

SRINAGAR: An FPO Conclave was organized on the second day of GONGUL 2026-the 11thAgriTech Mela of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) at the Main Campus, Shalimar. The programme featured an engaging panel discussion comprising senior officials and experts including representatives from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), []

JAMMU: The Department of Science and Technology is endeavouring to chart out futuristics roadmap for biotechnology, including the UT Policy for Biotechnology. In this regard, Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting wherein senior officers presented findings from their extensive study visits to Indias premier biotechnology clusters []

SRINAGAR: On the eve of Herath, Inam Un Nabi, Chief Spokesperson of the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), visited Kashmiri Pandit colonies across North Kashmir to greet families and extend his greetings on the auspicious occasion. Interacting with community members, Inam Un Nabi said that Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims are each others heart and soul, bound []

BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, on Sunday extended warm greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri (Herath) and joined them in the festive celebrations. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with members of the community and enquired about their well-being and the arrangements made for the []

BANDIPORA: Under the Swachhata Action Plan, a series of awareness activities were conducted at PALAASH and PAREESHA CCI for Boys and Girls, Bandipora, to promote environmental responsibility and reduce the use of Single Use Plastics (SUP). The programme focused on encouraging students to adopt sustainable alternatives in their daily lives. They were motivated to use []

BANDIPORA: A one-day recreational tour and fun-filled activity programme for senior citizens of Sub Division Sumbal was successfully organized by the Social Welfare Department Bandipora. The programme aimed at promoting active ageing, social engagement, and emotional well-being among elderly citizens. Senior participants were taken to a scenic spot where they participated enthusiastically in various light []

BUDGAM: Continuing its drive against drug trafficking, Police in Budgam have arrested a drug peddler and recovered contraband substance from his possession. A police team from Police Station Budgam at a checkpoint established at Bathar crossing near the Railway Footbridge, intercepted a suspicious individual. He has been identified as Rayees Ahmad Mir of Mohanpora Ompora, []

Urges private sector to step in more aggressively New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the latest Budget and a spate of global trade deals signed by his government as foundations for Viksit Bharat, and urged the private sector to step in more aggressively and boldly now. In a wide-ranging interview with PTI, []

New Delhi: Calling productive spending a hallmark of his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the just unveiled Union Budget deliberately avoided short-term populism and instead channelled record capital outlays into infrastructure to drive jobs and sustainable growth. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Modi said his government has used its years in []

Our shared duty to eliminate economic gaps, social division Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday urged the people to harness power for societal transformation and craft a blueprint for a prosperous India that lights the worlds path. He was speaking at the commemorative event on the occasion of 508th Nirvan Diwas of Sant Kabir, []

Srinagar: Dr Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), on Sunday reiterated that social justice and equitable development form the cornerstone of the partys ideology. He affirmed that the government led by Omar Abdullah is steadfastly working in the same spirit to ensure inclusive growth and people-centric governance across Jammu and []

New Delhi/Srinagar: The white-collar terror module recently busted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police indicates that the doctors arrested in the case had been radicalised since 2016 and formed a new organisation named Ansar Interim to carry out subversive activities in the Union Territory as well as in the hinterland, officials said on Sunday. The []

Bhaderwah/Jammu: An avalanche blocked the Bhaderwah-Pathankot inter-state road in Doda district of the Union Territory on Sunday, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded, a police officer said. Bhaderwah Superintendent of Police Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma said the avalanche struck between Thanthera and Guldanda, around 18 kms from Bhaderwah town, around 5 pm. No casualties were reported. Guldanda []

Jammu: The Indian Youth Congress on Sunday organised a half marathon here for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, a party spokesperson said. Hundreds of enthusiastic youth from across Jammu completed in 5 km, 10 km and 21 km races after assembling at Maulana Azad Stadium, pledging to stay away from drugs and motivate others as []

Will enhance public safety, strengthen emergency response mechanisms Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday dedicated six emergency response support system (ERSS) Dial-112 vehicles in hilly Doda district to enhance public safety and strengthening emergency response mechanisms. Doda Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mehta flagged off the vehicles from district police lines and urged citizens []

Demands immediate conduct of Panchayat, ULB polls; calls for creating employment opportunities, revision of reservation policy SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday urged the Centre to restore dialogue with the people, especially the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, for confidence-building and to end the negative environment. He said that this is []

Emphasizes optimal utilization of released funds to augment facilities for pilgrims SRINAGAR: To ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage of Yatris during SANJY-2026, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to review arrangements at base camps along the route to the Holy Cave. On the occasion, The Div Com issued []

JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma, on Saturday met R K Mishra, Chief of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and held comprehensive discussion on key developmental priorities in border regions, with particular focus on Chhamb Constituency. The meeting []

HAJIN: The Armys Manasbal Rashtriya Rifles Battalion on Saturday organised the Sehat-e-Bakshibal Camp at Bakhchibal village in Hajin tehsil of Bandipora district to provide basic health facilities to people residing in rural areas. A large number of locals, including children and the elderly, visited the camp and consulted doctors. The genuine medical needs of the []

SRINAGAR: Zero Academy (Communication & Life Skills), in collaboration with Ignited Minds IAS Academy, successfully organized the Future Leaders of Kashmir Debate Competition on Saturday at Sarovar Portico, Srinagar Airport Road. The debate was held on the theme Employment-Driven Education System vs Traditional Degree-Based Education System, encouraging students to critically examine the evolving relationship []

Emphasises uninterrupted essential services, market regulation, public convenience PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, on Saturday chaired a meeting at the Administrative Complex Pulwama to review and finalise arrangements aimed at facilitating the smooth observance of the Holy month of Ramadan. Addressing the meeting, the DC highlighted the need for coordinated and comprehensive measures []