The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the seizure of 58 additional schools believed to be connected to the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliated Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT). The directive was issued by the Secretary of the School Education Department, following a notification from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that declared JeI Jammu and Kashmir an unlawful organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. Earlier, in August 2025, the government had already taken control of the managing committees of 215 schools linked to the group, a move that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties in the region.…
Author: KO Web Desk
Transporters across Kashmir Division have called for a complete chakka jam on Monday in protest against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to various districts, raising concerns over its impact on the local transport sector.Government policy reports Transporters representative Shabir Matta expressed strong resentment over the move, stating it could jeopardize the livelihood of thousands of families dependent on private transport. They said that private operators are already grappling with multiple challenges, and the extension of Smart City buses to district routes has further deepened uncertainty within the sector. The transport body urged the administration to review the…
A war of words escalated sharply on Saturday as Iran’s parliament speaker warned that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would “not remain open” if the United States proceeds with a blockade of Iranian ports, while President Donald Trump vowed to continue the pressure campaign until a peace deal is reached. “If American threats to block our ports become a reality, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open for anyone,” Iran’s parliament speaker said in remarks carried by state media. The strait is a vital chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes. President Trump fired back, insisting…
Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will stay open to commercial shipping for the rest of the current ceasefire, as reported by the BBC. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the waterway is “declared completely open” for the truce’s duration. In a post on X, he said, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire.” He also noted that shipping will continue “on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of…
US President Donald Trump on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “friend” and said the two leaders had a “very good conversation” during a recent phone call, as diplomatic activity intensifies over West Asia. Responding to a question from ANI, Trump said, “I had a very good talk with him, and he’s a friend of mine from India, and he’s doing great. We had a very good conversation.” The remarks come days after Modi confirmed receiving a call from Trump, during which the two leaders reviewed regional developments, particularly in West Asia. In a post on X, Modi…
The 85-km Bandipora-Gurez road was closed on Friday following fresh snowfall at Razdan Top, officials said. An official said vehicular movement on the strategic road connecting Bandipora with the remote Gurez Valley was suspended as a precautionary measure after snowfall made the high-altitude Razdan Pass slippery and unsafe for traffic. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad, said the road shall remain closed until further orders. “Movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road shall remain suspended until further orders,” Ahmad said. Officials said snowfall at the pass reduced visibility and created slippery conditions, prompting authorities to halt traffic. The administration issued an advisory…
Two years ago, on April 16, 2024, Kashmir woke to an ordinary morning. By noon, it was mourning. The Gandbal-Batwara boat tragedy lasted only minutes in the waters of the Jhelum, but its impact stretched across months and years. What happened that day became more than a disaster; it became a symbol of delay, loss, waiting and grief. Residents of Gandbal, Batwara and nearby areas had for years relied on small boats to cross the Jhelum. The two banks were close, but the nearest bridge was far, forcing people to choose between a long route or a risky shortcut. Locals…
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised alarm over the rapid deterioration of Hokersar Lake in Srinagar and Budgam districts, warning that its “pristine glory” is at risk of extinction. The audit found that over 2,528 kanals of the lake area have been encroached upon for construction, plantations, and farming. Authorities failed to evict encroachers despite issuing notices. The report highlights a lack of proper survey, demarcation, and a comprehensive conservation plan. Between 2014 and 2020, open water area decreased by 7%, while scrub area surged by over 1,100%, and aquatic vegetation increased by 42%—largely due to pollution, untreated sewage,…
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Thursday stated that achieving genuine peace in Jammu and Kashmir requires the Centre to prioritize winning over the public’s sentiment. Speaking in Baramulla, she emphasized that real prosperity cannot be achieved without the Centre making efforts to gain people’s trust and engaging in dialogue. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister expressed optimism that the Central government would soon recognize that dialogue is the only viable path forward. She argued that while force, through the deployment of the Army everywhere or the imposition of laws like AFSPA, PSA, and UAPA, can suppress people, it cannot win…
Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit Washington after his Iran trip, as diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran talks continue. However, his meeting with US President Donald Trump is not confirmed. Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 for talks with the Iranian leadership to resolve the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The United States, meanwhile, has tightened its naval blockade on Iranian ports, claiming it has “completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea”, prompting a sharp warning from Tehran that it could block shipping…