Page 3 - Jammu And Kashmir

Severe cold wave hits India: North freezes, Delhi chokes on 'severe' AQI

India shivers under a cold wave as freezing temperatures grip the north, while Delhi's air quality worsens to 'severe', prompting Grap Stage IV restrictions

Dynasty politics not lifelong ticket to success: Omar's advice to sons

Pooh-poohing the BJP's criticism of dynasty politics, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that political lineage is not a lifelong ticket to success and questioned why the ruling party doesn't raise the issue with its allied parties which can also be accused of perpetuating dynasties. Abdullah was responding to a question during an exclusive interview on Friday with PTI whether his family's fourth generation will go into politics, and if that would expose him to fresh criticism of perpetuating dynastic politics the way the Congress party and other opposition parties have been. Abdullah's two lawyer sons have recently made forceful political commentaries, especially on the issue of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that took away Kashmir's special status, an emotive issue among Kashmiris. They also campaigned extensively with their father during the September Assembly elections. "Whatever space they choose to carve out, they will have to make for .

Govt approves subsidised helicopter service for Jammu-Mendhar route in J-K

The Centre has approved a new subsidised helicopter route connecting Jammu-Poonch-Mendhar with an additional option of Jammu-Mendhar-Jammu route, an official said. The decision follows a proposal submitted by Jammu and Kashmir Civil Aviation Department secretary Mohammad Aijaz Asad for connecting the remote area of Mendhar directly with the winter capital Jammu, the official said. Subsidised helicopter services are already operational in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kishtwar-Sounder-Navapachi-Ishan-Kishtwar, Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch-Jammu, Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar-Jammu, Bandipora-Kanzalwan- Dawar-Niri-Bandipora, and Kupwara-Machil-Tangdhar-Keran-Kupwara. Quoting a communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the official said it has given its approval to the proposal to operate the subsidised helicopter services on the new route of Jammu-Poonch-Mendhar with an additional option of Jammu-Mendhar-Jammu. The Union Territory has been advised to claim the subsidy from the .

NIA files chargesheet in case of terrorist attack on pilgrim bus in J&K

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday filed a charge sheet against an accused in the case related to the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori, Ransoo to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.In its charge sheet presented before the NIA Special Court in Jammu, the agency has charged and arrested the accused, Hakam Khan, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).Notably, the attack took place on 9th June 2024, when unidentified terrorists had opened indiscriminate firing at the bus when it reached Kanda near Jhandi Morh.Eight pilgrims as well as the bus driver were killed and 41 pilgrims were seriously injured in the attack, aimed at unleashing terror among the general public and those visiting the state of Jammu & Kashmir for pilgrimage. The firing had caused the bus driver to lose control after he was hit on the head with a bullet. The bus then rolled into a deep gorge, ...

HM Shah to chair high-level security meeting on J-K on December 19

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha will also attend the meeting

Terror hideout busted in J-K's Reasi, huge cache of weapons recovered

The security forces remain vigilant and urge citizens to report any suspicious activity to the authorities

India evacuates 75 nationals from Syria after fall of Assad's regime

All Indian nationals have safely crossed over to Lebanon and will return by available commercial flights to India

Providing water, power to Rohingyas our duty till they are in J&K: Farooq

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said it is responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide basic amenities like water and electricity to Rohingya refugees residing in the region. The Government of India brought the refugees here. We did not bring them. They have settled them here, and as long as they are here, it is our duty to provide them with water and electricity. This is our responsibility", Abdullah told reporters during a visit to Kathua. His remarks come a day after the BJP termed the settlement of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in Jammu city a major "political conspiracy" and demanded a CBI probe to identify those involved in facilitating it. Hitting out at the National Conference (NC) government over remarks on granting water and power connections to them in Jammu, the BJP had also alleged it was done to protect them as they belong to a particular community. According to government data, more than 13,700 foreigners, most of them Rohingy

J-K CM Omar Abdullah reaffirms support for revival of industrial sector

Acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by the industrial sector in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his government's commitment to supporting local industries in overcoming these difficulties. Abdullah also highlighted the positive impact of the now-defunct 'Darbar Move' on Jammu's vibrancy, assuring people that the government will resume the practice in the future. Darbar Move is the bi-annual practice of shifting the seat of power between Jammu and Srinagar during winters and summers, respectively. Speaking at an event organised by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) here, where he was felicitated for assuming office as chief minister, Abdullah underscored his administration's dedication to reviving the industrial sector. "There is no shortage of issues. If I were to claim that these problems have only emerged in the past decade, it would be misleading. These challenges are not new, nor are they solely the result of Jammu a

Real challenge in J&K is to manage complex web of public expectations: PDP

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has said that governing Jammu and Kashmir requires a "delicate dance" with the Centre. "Governing J&K effectively requires a delicate dance with New Delhi, as acknowledged by the new government (in Jammu and Kashmir)," the PDP said in its monthly newsletter 'Speak Up' The party said its late patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed knew that for J-K's larger interest, unconventional paths must be explored, urging the BJP to adopt a more conciliatory approach akin to that of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "So, even with BJP's limited local influence, strategic engagement is necessary to leverage what rightfully belongs to J&K. Recent arbitrary dismissals of two employees, even with a popular government in place, raise questions. For now, all eyes are on the new government," the party said. The PDP said in Jammu and Kashmir, winning an election might be the simplest part of the political journey. "The real challenge is managing the complex web of public .

Two policemen found dead with bullet injuries in J&K, fratricide suspected

Two police personnel were found dead with bullet injuries in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district early Sunday, with officials suspecting it to be a case of fratricide. The slain policemen were travelling from north Kashmir's Sopore to the Subsidary Training Centre (STC) Talwara in Reasi district of Jammu region, the officials said. The bullet-riddled bodies of the cops were seen lying inside a police van near the Kali Mata temple in Rehembal area of Udhampur around 6.30 am, the officials said. They said a police party rushed to the scene and shifted the bodies to the district hospital for postmortem. "Today at about 6.30 am, Police Station Rehembal received an information that two policemen from Sopore travelling towards STC Talwara in a department vehicle have suffered bullet injuries due to firing. "Initial investigation reveals that it is a case of fratricide and suicide. Senior police officers have reached the spot and investigation is underway," the police said in a ...

Indian Army, J-K police conduct search in Tral after terrorist attack

According to sources, the jawan, who was on leave and had returned home, sustained a gunshot wound

Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Kashmir's Srinagar

One terrorist was killed during an encounter with security forces in Srinagar's Dachigam forest on Tuesday, police said. The Operation is in progress.The encounter started on December 2, based on specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army & J & K Police at Harwan, Srinagar. During search initial contact was established. Further information is awaited.Earlier on November 23, Baramulla Police, in a joint operation with security forces, busted a terror hideout in the Kunzer area of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.A joint operation was launched in the forests adjoining the village Malwa, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kunzer, by Baramulla Police, Budgam Police, and 62 RR.According to the police, based on credible leads generated during the investigation, a joint operation was conducted. During the search operation, the police recovered arms and ammunition, and it also destroyed the hideout, thwarted any possible ...

Uber Shikara testament to ways technology can enhance heritage: J-K LG

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated all stakeholders of the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir on the launch of Uber Shikara services in Srinagar, describing it as a testament to the creative ways technology can enhance cultural heritage. "The launch of Uber Shikara services will provide visitors with a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides," the LG said in a post on X on Monday evening. Commending Uber for its futuristic vision, he reiterated that the Uber Shikara in Srinagar reflects innovative methods of blending technology with cultural heritage. "The launch of Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to the creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage," he said. Sinha said that this offering, in the upcoming tourist season, will provide visitors with a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides, a hallmark of J&K's beauty. "I commend Uber for its futuristic vision, enabling convenient access to serene ...

Uber rolls out India's first water transport service with shikara bookings

Ride-hailing app Uber has launched its first water transport service in India, with a booking of a shikara at Dal Lake in Srinagar through its app, a senior company official said on Monday. The company introduced the first service of its kind in Asia. "Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition to give a seamless experience to travellers for their shikara ride. We are proud to create this iconic experience enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir," Uber India and South Asia, President, Prabhjeet Singh said. An Uber spokesperson confirmed that Uber's water transport service in India is also the first in Asia. Uber offers water transport booking in some of the European countries including Venice in Italy. In India, the company has initially onboarded seven shikaras and plans to gradually expand the fleet based on the service's traction. Uber users will be able to book shikara at government-determined rates. Th

Ravinder Raina calls Mehbooba Mufti's 'India-Bangladesh' remark 'treason'

Raina assured that all religious communities in India are safe, urging legal action against Mufti for her remarks

BSF deploys 2 more battalions in Jammu to check Pakistani infiltration

The Border Security Force (BSF) has completed the deployment of two fresh battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, in the Jammu region to better plug infiltration from across the Pakistan front and check the recent spurt of terrorist activities in the area. Officials in the security establishment told PTI that the new troops of these units have been deployed "in depth areas" as the "second line of defence" just behind the BSF border deployment along the international border (IB) with Pakistan. These two BSF battalions were recently withdrawn from the anti-Naxal operations theatre of Odisha and have now been deployed fully in the Jammu region. This was a task to be accomplished before the onset of winters when securing the IB against infiltration from Pakistan becomes challenging, the sources said. The personnel of the new units have been deployed around the Samba area, some other vulnerable patches in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir and along the Punjab boundary that

Nearly 3,500 projects completed including 217 bridges under PMGSY in J-K

Nearly 3,500 projects, including 217 bridges, have been completed under the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) over the past two decades in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. The information was given at a meeting chaired by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Amit Shukla here to conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of the PMGSY in the Union territory. The review focused on expediting project completion, ensuring adherence to quality standards and enhancing rural connectivity across the region, the officials said. The PMGSY was launched in Jammu and Kashmir during 2001-02 with the aim to provide all-weather connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas with a population of more than 250 as per the 2001 Census. A total of 3,742 projects, including 305 bridges, having a road length of 20,801 kilometres have been sanctioned for J&K since the inception of the PMGSY. Besides this, 2,140 habitations having a ...

Over 559,000 aspirants apply for 4,002 police constable posts in J&K

More than 5.59 lakh job aspirants are slated to appear in an examination for 4,002 vacancies of police constables in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. The test is scheduled to commence across the Union Territory from Sunday. A group of youngsters, meanwhile, staged a demonstration here, reiterating their demand for age relaxation and rescheduling of the examination. "A total of 5,59,135 candidates are scheduled to appear in the exams for 4,002 posts of constables (home department) to be held on December 1, December 8 and December 22," Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) Chairperson Indu Kanwal Chib said at a meeting here. The meeting of the civil administration and police department was convened by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to take stock of the preparations made by the deputy commissioners to conduct the exams. Chib said the exams for the posts of constable (executive/armed/SDRF) are going to be held on December 1 at 856 centres across 20 ..

Congress slams govt over 're-exploration' of J&K lithium reserves

The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at the Centre over the Geological Survey of India reportedly asked to conduct a re-exploration of the lithium reserves discovered in Jammu and Kashmir, saying this is typical of the way the "headline-obsessed" Modi government functions. Congress general secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said it was a case of premature celebration. "Aap yeh chronology samajhiye: On February 13, 2023 the Modi government announced 'in typically grand fashion' the discovery of what it called one of the world's largest known lithium reserves in J&K. In November 2023, first auctions were conducted. The minimum requirement of three bids was not met and the auction was cancelled," Ramesh said in a post on X. In March 2024, a second round of auctions was announced but in July 2024 it was revealed this had not attracted even a single bid, he pointed out. In October 2024, the Geological Survey of India was directed to conduct a re-exploration of what had ..