Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 11: PDP Senior Leader and Spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo tuesday expressed serious concern over the growing use of road dividers and barricades across Srinagar, particularly those that are difficult to see at night due to inadequate lighting, warning signs and reflective markings. In a statement issued, Tramboo said the tragic death of a young girl in an accident at Brane Crossing yesterday is a painful reminder that poorly visible road obstructions can have devastating conseq

Jammu, Aug 11: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday expressed solidarity with students protesting in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities, corruption and paper leaks in recruitment examinations, and accused opposition parties of maintaining double standards on student issues. Addressing a press conference here, Sharma said the ongoing student agitation was a struggle for justice, transparency and accountability, and reiterated his demand for an impartia

Srinagar, Aug 11: Jammu and Kashmir Police has booked BJP's Pulwama president Showkat Gayoor for allegedly making an extortion demand from a contractor through intimidation, officials said on Tuesday. The BJP, reacting to the development, suspended Gayoor with immediate effect from all party posts and responsibilities and initiated disciplinary proceedings against him. The FIR was registered Monday night at Newa police post in Pulwama on a complaint by Mohammad Yaseen Ganie, who also alleged tha

Srinagar, Aug 11: Minority employees working in Kashmir have been directed to work from home following two back to back terror attacks in south Kashmir and online terror threat named Kashmir Pandits. The security agencies have come across online threats with the names of Kashmiri Pandits, who are working in the Valley as government employees, The New Indian Express reported. The report stated that the directives follow two terror attacks that broke the calm in Kashmir last month. On June 22, 202

Jammu, Aug 11: J&K power employees will go on strike from August 13 against the suspension of PDD engineers and employees by MD JPDCL without inquiries and withholding of salaries for alleged inaction against the habitual offenders in terms of power theft and execution of Surya Ghar scheme. J&K Power Employees and Engineers Coordination Committee (JKPEECC) convener Sachin Tickoo, in a press conference at Jammu while giving an ultimatum of 48-hours to Managing Director JPDCL, announced that the s

Srinagar, Aug 11 : Veteran student leader Anwar Ashai, a prominent figure in Kashmir's political history, passed away on Tuesday morning. According to a statement issued by his colleagues and acquaintances, Ashai breathed his last at around 10 am. His Namaz-e-Janazah will be offered at 5:45 pm on Tuesday at his residence in Rajbagh, Srinagar. Veteran Kashmir student leader Anwar Ashai passes away Photograph: (Facebook) Ashai was the son of noted educationist and freedom fighter late Ghulam Ahm

Nissans latest SUV, the Tekton, was unveiled in Jammu on Monday, marking the vehicles entry into the local market and strengthening the Japanese automakers presence in the region. The launch event brought together business leaders, media representatives, public figures and automobile enthusiasts. The vehicle was showcased as Nissans latest offering in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, with emphasis on its design, technology and performance. Ufair Ajaz, Director of Kitab Mobility, Nissan, was

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp escalation in the value of banking and financial fraud despite a steep decline in the number of reported cases, with frauds involving Rs 322.31 crore recorded across scheduled commercial banks and financial institutions during the three financial years from 2023-24 to 2025-26. The latest data furnished by the Union Ministry of Finance in the Lok Sabha on August 3, compiled from Reserve Bank of India records, show that 868 fraud cases were reported in Jammu

The body of a two-year-old boy was recovered from a river at Sansooma village of Achabal in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Monday after he drowned, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the boy accidentally fell into the river, following which locals launched a search operation. He said the body was later retrieved from the water and handed over to police for further proceedings. The deceased was identified as Abuzar (02), son of Ishtiyaq Ahmad Shi

The Group of Concerned Citizens, J&K (GCC) has expressed sorrow at the passing away of a GCC stalwart , Ghulam Hassan Kangoo-- former Principal Chief Conservator Forests. Describing GH Kangoo as one of the foremost forest conservation experts of J&K and a highly dedicated social activist, GCC recalled Kangoo's contribution to the working of GCC and his strong commitment to public welfare and public interest. Kangoo sahib will be greatly missed in GCC as in society at large, said a statement is

National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (IFS) Ghulam Hassan Kangoo. Dr Farooq visited the residence of Ghulam Hassan Kangoo at Rajbagh to offer his condolences to the bereaved family. Kangoo, a native of Sopore, passed away on Saturday. Dr Farooq Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the family, particularly his sons, Ajaz Ahmed Kangoo a

Former Cabinet Minister and Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir on Monday said that the Apni Party is keen to engage with the younger generation, as young people are key stakeholders and the future of society. He said that the youth must be taken on board and actively involved in the process of shaping a better and brighter future for themselves. Mir made these remarks today while addressing a party event at its headquarters in Srinagar. The event was organised to welcome a large

Massive traffic congestion affected large parts of Srinagar on Monday as the reopening of schools and offices after the weekend triggered heavy vehicular movement across the city. Commuters called for better traffic management and stricter action against roadside parking and encroachments. Long queues of vehicles were witnessed during peak morning and evening hours in several areas, including Nowhatta, Khanyar, Nowpora, Nallahmar Road, City Centre, and adjoining localities. Traffic movement rema

Jammu, Aug 10: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu Joginder Singh on Monday flagged off a Tiranga bike rally from District Police Lines (DPL), Jammu, marking the spirit of patriotism, national unity and pride ahead of Independence Day. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation of Police personnel carrying the tricolour with pride and spreading the message of unity, integrity and devotion to the nation. The rally covered the area of Satwari, Gandhinagar, Channi Himmat and nearby loca

Jammu, Aug 10: Jammu Division Railway on Monday stated to have set a new benchmark for efficiency within Indian Railways with highest-ever single-day punctuality record for Mail and Express trains on July 31. Adding a historic chapter to Indian Railways' operations, Jammu Division has achieved its highest-ever single-day punctuality record for Mail and Express trains. On July 31, 2026, the division recorded an exceptional punctuality rate of 94.12 percent, marking a golden milestone in its opera

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig Monday launched a sharp attack on the functioning of the Jal Shakti Department, questioning the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in J&K saying the government must find a way to give the dead body a new life. During a joint review meeting called by MLA Baramulla and MLA Uri Dr Sajad Shafi, Javid Hassan Baig urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ascertain what had happened to the scheme in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six

Banihal, Aug 10:Dozens of prominent workers and activists associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Gool on Monday joined the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) in Banihal, reaffirming their faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the people-centric development agenda being pursued by the NC-led government. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, senior National Conference leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, as per a statement, said that t

Ramban, Aug 10: Three teenagers from Doda district have been missing since August 1 after they were reportedly last seen together in the Jammu area, prompting their families to appeal to the general public for help in tracing them. The missing teenagers have been identified as Aqib Ali Danish (19), son of Mohammad Lateef, resident of Kahara Bitola, Thathri; Sameer Ahmed (17), son of Asif Muneer, resident of Kahara Trankhal, Thathri; and Saib Arfat (16), son of Yasir Arfat, resident of Kahara Tra

Jammu, Aug 10:Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday stated that the government would order a probe into the cause of the mini-bus accident on August 9 night in Jammu, leaving around 34 persons, including over 25 girls, injured. Meanwhile, the Police on Monday arrested the driver, who had gone absconding after the accident and the owner of the vehicle. The matter needs to be investigated as to how the NGO which brought young girls, not st

Bandipora, Aug 10: Once described as Asias largest freshwater lake, Wular is now battling decades of neglect, siltation, sewage inflow, encroachment and pollution. The present condition of the Lake has raised serious concerns over the survival of one of Kashmirs most important natural flood channels. Wular Lake is spread across parts of Bandipora and Baramulla districts plays a critical role in regulating floodwaters in Kashmir. However, unchecked human intervention and the absence of sustained

Baramulla has a divine connect with Kashmir. It was here that Rishi Kashyapa, described by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Dasam Granth as an incarnation of Brahma and remembered for his authority on Vedas, drained the lake Sati Sar by cutting through the mountains near Khadniyar. One gets a majestic look of these mountains whilst entering Baramulla at the point of headquarters 19 Division. Founded in the year 2306 BC by Raja Bhimsina, Baramulla first got its name from Sanskrit words for Boars Molar (Va

Kashmir is entering a new phase of tourism development. For decades, destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg have attracted visitors from across the country and abroad. Today, many lesser-known valleys, forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and mountain peaks are also being promoted as new tourist destinations. Improved roads, ropeway projects, eco-tourism initiatives, homestays, adventure tourism, and better public facilities are helping visitors explore these untouched areas. The Govern

Higher education stands on three pillars: merit, academic excellence, and equal opportunity. In an era where Indias higher education landscape has expanded significantly with private universities now educating a substantial share of the countrys postgraduate and doctoral students it is time to revisit an important policy question that touches the careers of thousands of young academics in Jammu & Kashmir. This is not an abstract or merely academic question. It shapes who gets shortlisted, how

Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a cultural crisis that deserves far greater public and governmental attention. The irony is that the crisis is not caused by a lack of talent. This land continues to produce accomplished singers, musicians, composers, actors, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, writers and traditional artists, many of whom have dedicated their entire lives to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. Yet today, a large number of genuine and deserving artists are str

As new technological inputs revolutionise agriculture, more and more people are now gravitating towards seriously taking up agriculture as core economic activity. The way horticulture is shaping up in a valley like Kashmir, and the way youth now turn towards professional agricultural activities, it is moment of satisfaction, yet studded with grave concerns. The element of satisfaction engenders from the fact that our young graduates and post graduates, even the ones who have enjoyed professional

Srinagar, Aug 10: A court here has acquitted two persons in a case registered against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Budgam in 2022. The Special Judge (NDPS Cases) Srinagar, Vinod Kumar, acquitted Shahnawaz Qadir Ganie, and Muhammad Ayoub Sofi of Hyderpora after holding that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged contraband was recovered from their conscious and exclusive possession. The court acquitted the duo of offences un

Srinagar, Aug 10: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday presented a charge-sheet against 10 accused, including nine public servants and a private contractor, in a case involving alleged misappropriation of government store material, fraudulent release of security deposit, forgery and abuse of official position in connection with the construction of the Lastiyal-Kalaroose bridge in Kupwara. The accused include former Executive Engineers Muhammad Sultan Sheikh and Ajit Sin

Srinagar, Aug 10:Jammu and Kashmirs forest cover rose by 224.39 sq km between 2019 and 2023 to 21,346.39 sq km, the Centre told the Lok Sabha on Monday. Forest Survey of India data showed the cover at 21,122 sq km in 2019. It rose to 21,346.39 sq km in the 2023 India State of Forest Report. Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh gave the figures in response to a question on funds sanctioned and utilised for afforestation. J&K received Rs 10.99 crore unde

Srinagar, Aug 10:Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has arrested two persons in connection with an investigation into the dissemination of radical and anti-national content through social media platforms, two days after the agency conducted searches at five locations across Kashmir. The arrests were made on Sunday, August 9, following searches conducted by CIK on Saturday, August 8, in connection with FIR No 03/2023 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar. The case has been registered under Se

Srinagar, Aug 10:Unprecedented multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The heightened measures have been particularly intensified around the venues of the main Independence Day functions, with security agencies carrying out extensive anti-sabotage checks, area domination exercises, surveillance and frisking operations to prevent any attempt to disrupt the celebrations. In Srinag

Bandipora, Aug 10: Two persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, police said on Monday. Police received information about the alleged incident around noon on Sunday, following which an investigation was immediately initiated to ascertain the circumstances of the case and identify those involved. During the course of the investigation, police identified two suspects who, according to officials, were not pr

The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) is a specialized statutory body constituted under Section 109 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017. It serves as the second appellate authority for disputes arising under the GST regime and in the GST dispute resolution hierarchy. The taxpayers or the department can file appeals before GSTAT against orders passed by the first Appellate Authority u/s 107 or the Revisional Authority u/s 108 of CGST/SGST Act.2017.It aims to red

Describing themselves as political orphans and the ew untouchables, hundreds of displaced Kashmiri Pandits residing in Jagti township and surrounding camps have accused political parties of exploiting their plight solely for election manifestos and demanded steps for a dignified life as enshrined in the Constitution. Used by everyone, represented by none, this is the real tragedy, advocate Vishva Ranjan Pandita, a resident of the Jagti camp, said, adding, he hardest exile is the one imposed by

5th August 2019 will be remembered as a historical day when the article 370 was abrogated and &K State reduced to the status of Union Territory. The Article 370 of Indian constitution would grant a special status to the erstwhile state of J&K. After 1953, particularly after 1964, the article had lost its sheen and strength due to various amendments made in this article by the competent authority on the recommendations of the local rulers/SLA from time to time when the Indian National Congress wa