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  • Eyewitness Identifies JKLF Chief Malik As Shooter Behind 1990 Killing Of 4 IAF Men

    JAMMU, Jan 18: A crucial eyewitness in a special CBI court on Thursday identified JKLF chief Yasin Malik as the main shooter firing at Indian Air Force personnel in Srinagar in 1990.

    Four IAF personnel, including a squadron leader, were killed and 22 injured on January 25, 1990, at Rawalpora on the outskirts of Srinagar.

    Rajwar Umeshwar Singh, a former IAF staffer and a witness for the prosecution, identified Malik who was produced before the court through video from Delhi’s Tihar Jail where he has been incarcerated for several years.

    “This is an important development in the case… The prosecution witness has identified Malik as the man behind the shooting,” said Senior Public Prosecutor for CBI Monika Kohli. (Agencies)

    January 18, 2024

  • Dry weather likely to end by Jan end: MeT

    Exact forecast to be known in coming days; System shows possibility of light to moderate snow from Jan 29: Director MeT

    Srinagar, Jan 17 : Amid the prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, a sigh of relief is expected by the end of this month as there is a forecast of moderate snowfall in between January 29-January 31, while the officials in the local Meteorological department here has stated that the forecast will be cleared in coming days.

    “At present, the system shows the possibility of light to moderate snowfall in Kashmir from January 29 to January 31. However, the things will be cleared in the coming days,” Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

    In the ongoing dry spell, the people offered special prayers ‘Salat-ul-Istisqa’ at the Masjids here and also prepared Sas-Ras to seek divine intervention for an end to the prevailing weather conditions.

    The prolonged dry spell has not only reduced the water level in the rivers and streams, but also ended up in reduction in the footfall of tourists as well.

    However, some of the areas have received light snowfall today under the influence of a weak Western Disturbance (WD) today.

    According to the reports, several areas including Doodhpatri, Sinthan top and others have received light snowfall today.

    Nonetheless, another feeble WD is affecting J&K on January 20th night and as a result the light rain, snow over isolated middle and higher reaches is expected on the particular date.

    In between January 25-27, there is also a possibility of light rain and snowfall at a few places, Dr Mukhtar said.

    Moreover, the night temperature recorded a slight improvement today with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of minus 2.4 degree Celsius.

    Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, has recorded a low of minus 3.6 degree Celsius while Pahlagam was once again the coldest place at minus 3.9 degree Celsius.

    Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, has recorded a low of minus 3.2 degree Celsius while Kokernag and Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.1 degree Celsius and minus 4.3 degree Celsius respectively—(KNO)

    January 17, 2024

  • Weatherman predicts light snowfall in higher reaches tonight

    Srinagar, Jan 12: While December 2023 was the most arid month, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 100 per cent deficient rainfall in the first 10 days of January as against the normal precipitation of 21.2 mm from Jan 01-10, the Union territory has recorded 0.0 mm rainfall.

    However, the weatherman has predicted light snowfall over higher reaches of Kashmir, especially in northern districts tonight. “Under the influence of Western Disturbance, generally cloudy weather with light snow over isolated higher reaches is expected,” Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told.

    He said that another WD is affecting J&K on January 17.

    Furthermore, he added that generally dry weather is expected till January 20.

    In Srinagar, the maximum temperature of 9.7 degree Celsius was recorded today while Qazigund recorded 11.3 degree Celsius.

    However, the night temperature continued to settle below freezing point in the Valley with Srinagar recording a low of minus 4.0 degree Celsius.

    Also Read: Kulgam truck conductor dies, driver injured due to electrocution in Ahmedabad

    Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.2 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, has recorded a low of minus 3.2 degree Celsius.

    Pahalgam, a famous tourist place, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.3 degree Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury settled at minus 4.4 degree Celsius while in Kokernag, a minimum temperature of minus 2.4 degree Celsius was recorded.

    January 12, 2024

  • Nearly 10,000 died from COVID-19 last month, fueled by holiday gatherings and new variant, says WHO

    Geneva, Jan 11: The head of the U.N. health agency said Wednesday holiday gatherings and the spread of the most prominent variant globally led to increased transmission of COVID-19 last month.

    Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said nearly 10,000 deaths were reported in December, while hospital admissions during the month jumped 42% in nearly 50 countries — mostly in Europe and the Americas — that shared such trend information.

    “Although 10,000 deaths a month is far less than the peak of the pandemic, this level of preventable deaths is not acceptable,” the World Health Organization director-general told reporters from its headquarters in Geneva.

    He said it was “certain” that cases were on the rise in other places that haven’t been reporting, calling on governments to keep up surveillance and provide continued access to treatments and vaccines.

    Tedros said the JN.1 variant was now the most prominent in the world. It is an omicron variant, so current vaccines should still provide some protection.

    Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead at WHO for COVID-19, cited an increase in respiratory diseases across the globe due to the coronavirus but also flu, rhinovirus and pneumonia.

    “We expect those trends to continue into January through the winter months in the northern hemisphere,” she said, while noting increases in COVID-19 in the southern hemisphere — where it’s now summer.

    While bouts of coughs, sniffling, fever and fatigue in the winter are nothing new, Van Kerkhove said this year in particular, “we are seeing co-circulation of many different types of pathogens.”

    WHO officials recommend that people get vaccinated when possible, wear masks, and make sure indoor areas are well ventilated.

    “The vaccines may not stop you being infected, but the vaccines are certainly reducing significantly your chance of being hospitalized or dying,” said Dr. Michael Ryan, head of emergencies at WHO.–(AP)

    January 11, 2024

  • Salat-Ul-Istisqa ,Prayers for rains and respite from the harsh weather. will be held at Jama Masjid after Friday prayers

    MMU directs Imams, Preachers To desist from Sectarian & disrespectful Sermons

    Srinagar, Jan 10: Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq sternly warned elements trying to harm communal amity and unity in Jammu and Kashmir by stoking sectarian tensions here.

    MMU has emphasised that the urgent need of the hour is to focus on the fundamental teachings and principles of Islam during their sermons and discourses for the sake of greater unity among the Muslims.

    MMU makes a fervent appeal to the scholars, preachers, khateebs and imams of different schools of thought that while they follow their own school of thought and creed in practice, in public gatherings, on pulpits and mihrabs of mosques, meetings and in gatherings, they should desist from criticising others following a different maslak , and instead focus on universal and fundamental teachings of Islam. They should also highlight and educate the masses about the serious social and moral issues faced by Kashmiri society and play their role in the all-round reform of society. The malicious intentions of anti-Islam and anti-unity elements can only be defeated through unity among the religious preachers and their followers.
    Those who still continue with such a mindset to promote sectarianism will be exposed in public and held accountable, the Majlis-e-Ulema warned.

    Meanwhile MMU appealed to all imams of masjids, scholars, heads of religious institutions and the general public to organise ‘Namaz-e-Istisqa’ on Friday and pray to Almighty Allah at individual and collective levels for rain and respite from the harsh weather. In this regard Namaz-e-Istisqa will be held at Jama Masjid Srinagar after Juma prayers on Friday .

    Majlis-e-Ulema include the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar , Darul Uloom Raheemiyah Bandipora ,Mufti Azam’s Muslim Personal Law Board, , Anjuman-e-Shari’a Shia, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, Jamaat-e-Islami, Karvaan-e-Islami, Ittehad-e-Muslimeen, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tabligh-ul Islam, Jamiat Hamdaniya, Anjuman Ulema Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmia, Darul Uloom Bilalia, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat Imam-ul-Ulema, Anjuman Imam-o-Mashaikh Kashmir, Dar-ul-Uloom Naqshbandiyya, Dar-ul-Uloom Rashidia, Ahl-e-Bayt Foundation, Kanz-ul-Uloom, Karavaan-e-Khatam-e-Nabuwat and the leaders of other contemporary religious, milli, social and educational associations.

    January 10, 2024

  • Democracy being murdered in J&K, says Omar Abdullah

    Srinagar, Jan 10: National Conference Vice-President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday alleged that though India is being called mother of democracy, but the same is being murdered in Jamu and Kashmir.

    He was responding to State Election Commission’s statement that final Panchayat Electoral Rolls will be made public on Feb 26, 2024.

    “India is being called mother of India but it is unfortunate that the same is being murdered in J&K,” Omar said. He said that the government should have been finalized all required formalities for polls before five-six months, and questioned why they have put the process on hold and now hiding behind it with further delay.

    He added that National Conference has not decided yet about the candidates for upcoming Parliamentary elections, and added, the party high command will sit on the matter and select suitable candidates for the field.

    January 10, 2024

  • All Passenger Vehicles in Kashmir To Observe 2-Day ‘Steering Chodo Andolan’ from Tomorrow

    Srinagar, Jan 8: All the passenger vehicles in Kashmir valley will observe a two-day ‘Steering Chodo Andolan’ on January 9 and January 10.

    Talking to GNS, Chairman All Kashmir Transporters’ Confederation, Mohammad Shafi Mir that the strike has been called by transporters in Maharashtra, New Delhi and several other states to which the Kashmir based transporters’ confederation has mutually decided to extend its cooperation.

    “All types of passenger vehicles will observe the ‘Steering Chodo Andolan’ on January 9 and January 10”, Mir said.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the All JK Oil Tankers Association had in a video-statement rebuffed reports of any strike given by the association.

    The transporters have been demanding the roll back of penal provisions introduced by the GoI regarding hit-and-run cases. (GNS)

    January 8, 2024

  • Rumours of fuel shortage spark crowded scenes at petrol pumps in Kashmir

    Despite truckers calling off their strike, widespread queues at petrol pumps in Srinagar and various parts of Kashmir persist due to fuel shortage concerns fuelled by social media rumours.

    Further details awaited.

    January 7, 2024

  • “Don’t lose hope, bad days will come to an end soon”, Mehbooba Mufti to J-K youth

    Srinagar, Jan 07: Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Sunday said that PDP won’t retreat from flagging up people’s voice and will continue its efforts to make India and Pakistan understand how to run Jammu & Kashmir peacefully. She urged youth to don’t lose hope in tough times as bad days are near to end soon.

    Mehbooba was speaking at her father’s grave – Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on his 8th death anniversary in south Kashmir’s Anantnag.

    “PDP is people’s voice and won’t retreat from flagging up voice of Jammu and Kashmir. Our efforts will continue to make India and Pakistan understand how J&K to run peacefully,” Mehbooba as per KNS said.

    She said neither BJP’s muscular power nor separatist’s stone pelting approach have resolved Kashmir issue, while both methods have brought unending miseries to people of Jammu and Kashmir.

    “Today BJP is using batons to keep Kashmiri’s mum and also separatist’s stone pelting method also failed to ease out sufferings of people. We should learn from Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who tried every bit to connect Kashmir with New Delhi. PDP doesn’t want peace of graveyard but peace with dignity for our people,” Mehbooba while addressing the gathering said.

    “If you (New Delhi) will respect our sentiments you will get respect too from our side. But if you resort to Bafliaz (Poonch) like incidents I want to tell you this won’t work,” Mehbooba added.

    She added, “Since Article 370 nullified by New Delhi on August 5, 2019 Jammu and Kashmir is seeing recruitment scams, power supply given to outside states etc”.

    “Such efforts won’t work. There is a need to make India and Pakistan understand how to run J&K peacefully?” she added.

    Commending party leaders and workers, Mehbooba said that PDP has witnessed immense trials since party founder Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed left us, but today our assembly is a commitment with our leader that PDP will play its role even in dark circumstance and won’t left people in trouble.

    “People of Kashmir were stuck in between two guns – Militants and government forces, but it was Late Mufti Sayeed who brought healing touch policy for everyone’s welfare and wellbeing. He opened doors of prisons and wanted to connect hearts of Kashmiri’s with New Delhi. The healing touch policy was as important to the separatists as it was to the mainstream political leaders,” she said.

    She urged youth don’t lose hope as dark era is near to come an end. “You (youth) are my power, eyesight and dignity. So don’t lose hope. The bad days will come to an end soon,” she held. (KNS)

    January 7, 2024

  • Renowned Politician Muzaffar Beigh, Wife Safina Rejoin PDP on Mufti Mohammad Syed’s Death Anniversary

    Srinagar, Jan 07: In a significant political development, senior politician Muzaffar Beigh and his wife, DDC Chairperson Baramulla, Safina Beigh, rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Bijbhera graveyard on the death anniversary of PDP founder late Mufti Mohammad Syed here on Sunday.

    Party sources told Srinagar based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com that the rejoining ceremony took place in the presence of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and other top party leaders who warmly welcomed them back into the fold.

    Moreover, Muzaffar Beigh and Safina Beigh, accompanied by dedicated PDP workers, paid homage at the sacred grave of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Darashoka, Bijbehra.

    They said, the atmosphere was filled with genuine warmth as PDP supporters embraced the returning members, marking a powerful and reverent gathering that honored the indelible legacy of the visionary leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

    It is noteworthy that Muzaffar Beigh had previously parted ways from the PDP to join the People’s Conference, but later PC distanced from him. His wife, Safina Beigh, who was an active member of the People’s Conference, has now rejoined the PDP alongside her husband. (KDC)

    January 7, 2024