Kashmir Reader

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that the war with Iran is close to over, asserting that if he pulled up stakes right now, it would take Tehran 20 years to rebuild the country. The presidents comments come hours after the US Central Command said it has successfully blocked all traffic to and from []

Srinagar: Police on Wednesday said that in continuation of sustained action against elements involved in disrupting a recent student protest at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Sopore Police have arrested five more miscreants during night-long raids. In a handout, the police said that the miscreants had infiltrated a peaceful protest by students and created []

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday suggested degressive proportionality in the Lok Sabha to balance population with federal equity and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold extensive consultations with all parties and states before rushing into a hasty delimitation process that leaves core underlying issues unaddressed. The MP from Thiruvananthapuram said it []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take strict action against those behind the death of a Ramban youth, to send out a strong message that jungle raj will not be tolerated in the Union Territory. We want the atmosphere to remain good, but there are []

Says spring symbolises new beginning for J&K Inaugurates Jashn-e-Amad-e-Bahar on Baisakhi Bijbehara: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated Jashn-e-Amad-e-Bahar, the Spring Festival on the occasion of Baisakhi, at Jablipora in Anantnag. Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister described spring as a symbol of renewal and hope, stating that the festival []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for their support and approval of the SudhmahadevDranga and SinghporaVailoo tunnel projects on NH-244. The Chief Minister said that these vital infrastructure projects will significantly strengthen connectivity, ensure all-weather access, and []

Srinagar: Baisakhi was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in Kashmir on Tuesday, with the devotees thronging different gurdwaras to offer prayers. The main function was held at Gurdwara Chati Padshahi in the Rainawari area of the city, which was attended by a huge number of Sikh devotees. Senior officers of police and civil administration []

Rs 5,000 crore property saved in 2025 Srinagar: The Fire Service Day was observed on Tuesday at the headquarters of Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Batamaloo, here, with the launching of the week-long Fire Service Week to be held across the Union Territory from April 14 to 20, 2026. Led by Director Fire & Emergency []

Lays foundation for four-lane connecting road, bridge Jammu: On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated Tawi Riverfront Project (Phase-I), developed at a cost of Rs 156 crore, to the public. In Phase-1 of Tawi Riverfront Project, Jammu Smart City Limited has developed promenades on the left bank, right bank, and the []

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the ceremony marking the upgradation of Apna Bhojanalaya at Government Medical College Jammu. The community kitchen is run by Sewa Bharti and supported by J&K Bank along with other donors. The Lieutenant Governor lauded the noble initiative and partook in a meal at Apna Bhojanalaya. He said []

Addresses Axis Bank Senior Management Confluence in Srinagar Srinagar: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, on Tuesday hosted the Tourism Promotion and Expansion Plan Meet in Srinagar, reaffirming its long-term commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable economic development in Jammu & Kashmir. The event was attended by the Chief Minister []

Budgam: The J&K Police in Budgam have registered an FIR against an individual for operating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of SSP Budgam. Police Station Budgam received reliable information that a person, namely Sameer Ali Bhat, son of Ghulam Muhammad Bhat from Pallar, Budgam, was sharing screenshots of chats through a counterfeit WhatsApp []

PATNA: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is set to be the states first CM of the Bharatiya Janata Party after he was elected the BJP legislature party leader on Tuesday. The BJP, the single largest party in the 243-strong assembly with 89 MLAs, elected Choudhary as its legislature party leader soon after Nitish Kumar, []

Anantnag: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the government wont allow jungle raj in Jammu and Kashmir and that no body would be allowed to disturb peace here. Speakign with reporters in Bijbhera, CM Omar, said that the government aims to begin a new phase in Jammu and Kashmir, to make a fresh start, []

Says next three months will sow seeds for lasting change in J&K Jammu: A drug-free Jammu Kashmir will emerge not from one person, but from collective action. Society must realize that drugs dont just kill individuals-they erode entire villages, wards and cities honor and destiny. Lets build a J&K where our youths energy illuminates the []

Srinagar: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr Sandeep Chakravarthy on Monday said that a strict zero-tolerance approach against drugs will dismantle the narcotics ecosystem in the district within the next 100 days. Speaking at a function held at Amar Singh College here, the SSP said the initiative is part of a focused 100-day action []

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy meets Chief Minister in Gulmarg Gulmarg: A study group of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy on Monday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during its visit to the region. During the interaction, the Committee apprised the Chief Minister of the objectives of their visit and deliberated on key issues pertaining []

4,704 pilgrims to depart Srinagar: Hajj flights from Srinagar are scheduled to commence from April 18 and continue till May 20, with a total of 4,704 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir set to undertake the pilgrimage this year. Executive Officer of the Hajj Committee, Dr Shujat Ahmed, informed KNO that 3,990 pilgrims will depart via []

Banihal/Jammu: A 25-year-old man has been reported to be missing after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of unidentified assailants and is believed to have fallen into a stream in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta visited the site near Makarkoot []

Srinagar: Weather across Jammu and Kashmir will remain generally dry from April 13 to 15, with no significant activity expected across most places, Metrological Department said on Monday. A MeT official said, On April 16, the weather will remain generally dry, with a brief spell of light rain or thundershowers likely at a few places []

Jammu: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives presented by IIT Jammu aimed at bringing transformational reforms in the School Education and Health sectors across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday extended warm greetings to the people on the joyous occasion of Baisakhi, highlighting the festivals cultural and spiritual significance. In his message, the Chief Minister said that Baisakhi marks the harvest season and symbolizes prosperity, hope and new beginnings. He noted that the []

PM Balen Shah has no land, lists social media followers as main income source KATHMANDU: Just 17 days after the Nepal government led by Balen Shah came into power, cabinet members publicly revealed their assets, and the disclosures read like a dramatic mix of riches, family inheritances, and surprisingly ordinary possessions. From crores worth of []

US tops with 989 billionaires; India ranks third with 229 billionaires NEW DELHI: The world has never had more billionaires. Forbes has counted a record 3,428 10-figure fortunes across the globe this year, spread across 80 countries and territories. This number keeps climbing as technology, markets and geopolitical shifts continue to concentrate wealth at the []

SRINAGAR: Commissioner State Taxes Department, P.K. Bhat on Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the performance and progress of the department in the Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioners State Taxes (Adm. & Enf.) Kashmir, Parveez Ahmad Raina and State Taxes Officers of all Circles of Kashmir Division. The meeting []

SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmirs (KU) School of Law, in collaboration with the Department of Students Welfare (DSW), organised a programme to mark the launch of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan at the Main Campus. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and to promote []

Gain hands-on training at health camp BANDIPORA: In a heartening display of compassion and community-based learning, students of PM Shri Government High School Laharwalpora took centre stage at a free health screening camp for senior citizens by bringing their grandparents for medical check-ups. The camp was organised at the Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Sub Centre), Laharwalpora, []

ANANTNAG: Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo-IPS, chaired a comprehensive review meeting on crime and UAPA-related cases at the Conference Hall of DPO Anantnag. The meeting was attended by SSP Anantnag, Amod Ashok Nagpure-IPS, along with SP North Camp Aishmuqam, Rameez Raja, SO to DIG SKR Shri Syed Afaq, besides []

Call for swift, transparent investigation into incident SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association on Monday expressed deep anguish over a disturbing incident near Makarkoot in Ramban district, where a 25-year-old youth, Tanveer Ahmad Chopan; son of Abdul Salam Chopan and a resident of Pogal in Ukhral tehsil has gone missing under highly suspicious circumstances []

GANDERBAL: Central University of Kashmirs (CUKashmir) OBC, SC/ST/PwD cell in collaboration with the Dean, Students Welfare Monday organised a special lecture on B. R. Ambedkar and the Moral Foundations of Indian Democracy: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity as Social Ethics as part of the ongoing celebration of the 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar []

AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology organized a one-day sensitization-cum-awareness programme on drug addiction under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The programme was hosted by the Centre for Mental Health and Wellness and witnessed participation from faculty members, university officers, Heads of Departments, coordinators, proctorial staff, and wardens. The program featured expert insights []

Sopore: Authorities on Monday ordered suspension of classwork in the educational institutions in Sopore following protests over allegations of harrasment of a girl student by a senior lecturer. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S A Raina said that academic activities at Government Higher Secondary School, Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Degree College Sopore will remain []

Srinagar: The Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Kashmir Monday announced that the Tulip Garden in Srinagar will be closed for the general public from April 16. According to a notice, the decision has been taken on the recommendation of the Tulip Committee. It was opened for the public on March 16 this []

Srinagar: A Special Anti-Corruption Court in Srinagar on Monday convicted former Patwari in a 2007 bribery case, sentencing him to one year of imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 10,000 for accepting a Rs 3,000 bribe to process a land mutation. In a statement a spokesperson said the special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court Srinagar, []

Anantnag: Two unidentified bodies were recovered in the Kamad area of south Kashmirs Anantnag on Monday, officials said. An official said that two unidentified bodies were spotted by locals in the Kamad area of Anantnag. He said locals informed the police after spotting the bodies, following which police reached the spot. FSL teams have also []

NEW DELHI:Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita has attended a mourning ceremony for Irans late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremony was organised by the Iranian embassy on Sunday to pay respect to the departed leader on the 40th day (Chehelum) of his demise. Khamenei was killed in an Israel-US strike on []

Srinagar:The President of PSAJK, Baba Nazrul Islam, today addressed a press conference highlighting concerns regarding attempts by certain individuals to disrupt the democratic election process within the association. He strongly criticized the role of self-styled members acting beyond their mandate and urged the Apex Central Executive Committee to take immediate disciplinary action to preserve []

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it is imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are conducted with womens reservation in place and asked all political parties to come together in one voice to pass the amendments to the womens reservation law. In a letter to the floor leaders of Lok []

Negotiations failed over trust issues Iran rejects US terms on nuclear Strait of Hormuz stability at risk Talks marked first since 1979 Global energy markets affected by failure Islamabad: The US and Iran failed to reach a peace deal at their historic 21-hour talks in Pakistan, leaving the fate of a tenuous two-week ceasefire in []

Says move could impact process to normalise ties New Delhi: India on Sunday said Chinas move to assign fictitious names to Indian territory to manufacture baseless narratives cannot alter the reality but could impact ongoing efforts to normalise bilateral ties. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi categorically rejects any mischievous attempts by []

Advance registration to commence on April 15 via both offline, online modes Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday announced that Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence this year on 3 July 2026 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August 2026, spanning a total of 57 days. The Pratham Puja, to invoke the blessings of []

Highest in three years Jammu: In a sign of a boom in the tourism sector in J&K, up to 415 building permissions were issued by tourism development authorities (TDAs) in 202526, exceeding the combined total of the preceding two financial years. Overall, 807 building permissions were granted between 2023 and 2026 in the Union territory, []

Jammu: A massive search operation was launched after suspicious movement of two individuals was reported in a village near the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. The joint search operation by police, Army and Border Security Force (BSF) is underway in Pangdour, SIDCO forest and adjoining areas, including []

Jaipur: An ex-serviceman from Rajasthan has amassed as many as 138 degrees, diplomas and certificates, far exceeding the usual count of one to five qualifications held by most individuals. Dashrath Singh, a resident of Jhunjhunu district, was recently awarded his latest qualification at the convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) after he completed []

Sumayah (RA) first martyr. Safiyah (RA) fought with a spear. Umm Umarah (RA) defended the Prophet (SAW). Aisha (RA) carried the wounded. Men and women are equal in reward, punishment, human rights, and responsibility. Rutba Banday Islam, the religion of FAITH, STRENGTH, and PROSPERITY, never limited women tojustmere households. While the youth have been brainwashed []

The morning assembly is not a mere formalityit is the fountain from which all-round development springs. Yet teachers discuss family issues during assembly. A single student anchors all year. Houses exist only on paper. If your own heart is a volcano, how can you expect flowers to bloom in your hands? Muntashir Kifayat The schools []

Administration to confiscate property, revoke licenses, passports, Aadhaar, freeze bank accounts of those involved Jammu: Spearheading a decisive battle against the drug menace, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Saturday launched the historic mass movement for a Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir from MA Stadium in Jammu. The LG flagged off Padyatra and joined the public []

Says breakthrough to boost livelihoods in rural, mountainous regions Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) for achieving a significant scientific breakthrough in the research and advancement of Morel (Gucchi) mushrooms. The Chief Minister, who is also Pro-Chancellor of the university, []

Govt not keen on early Panchayat elections Srinagar: Even though the State Election Commission has initiated the process of revising Panchayat electoral rolls, the chances of holding local body elections in the near future appear bleak. Sources told the news agency KNO that the elected government is not keen on conducting Panchayat polls anytime soon. []

Srinagar: The Congress on Saturday termed the prolonged delay in restoring statehood for Jammu and Kashmir as unacceptable and said the party would continue its fight to safeguard peoples rights. The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) held a review meeting at its office here, attended by coordinators and district presidents from across Kashmir. []