The Kashmir-based opposition parties are likely to give a miss to Jantar Mantar protest being organised by the National Conference (NC) on July 20 over the demand for restoration of statehood. Sources disclosed that the PDP may decide against joining the protest programme organised by the NC. “There is every likelihood that the PDP will not participate in the protest programme ,” they said, adding that the NC’s invitation was discussed during the recent party meeting. The party is yet to announce its decision on NC’s invitation. The Peoples Conference is also likely to turn down the NC’s invitation to…
Author: KNO
With less than a week left before the application window closes, the Jammu & Kashmir Haj Committee has appealed to eligible pilgrims to apply for Haj-2027, saying only around 2,300 applications have been received so far against the Union Territory’s quota of 8,000 seats. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the J&K Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, said that the response has remained much below expectations, with only around 2,300 applications received so far. He said the last date for submission of Haj application forms is July 20, 2026 and urged all eligible aspirants possessing valid passports to complete the…
In a first-of-its-kind action against motorcycle groups, the Ladakh Administration has fined 12 bikers with a penalty of Rs 1.20 lakh, Rs 10,000 each, for illegally venturing into protected ecologically-sensitive zones near Tso Moriri, while another tourist driving an SUV near Pangong Lake has been penalised with Rs 50,000 for violating the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The wildlife officials, on July 4, 2026, detected a group of 12 bikers, belonging to a Gurugram-based tour operator “Wanderon Experiences Pvt Ltd,” illegally riding off-road in proximity to Tso Moriri, an ecologically sensitive wetland falling within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.…
National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday dismissed speculation about floating a new political party, saying the media appeared more eager than him to see such a development. Speaking to reporters in Budgam, Ruhullah, said he has not formed any party yet. “It is the media that seems more desirous than me to form a new party. If you want to make a new party, do it, then I will see whether it is a good party and join it.” On the National Conference’s proposed Jantar Mantar protest, Ruhullah reiterated that he would not participate, saying…
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast fresh spells of rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir from July 11 (today), with the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal range. According to the MeT Centre, many places across the Union Territory are likely to witness one or two spells of rain and thundershowers on July 11 and 12. Isolated places in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal range of Jammu division may receive heavy rain or brief intense showers, particularly during afternoon and early morning hours. The weather office, warned that heavy rainfall could…
The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra continues to provide a crucial source of livelihood to thousands of pony handlers across Kashmir, many of whom depend on the pilgrimage season to support their families for the rest of the year. The improved infrastructure along the Yatra route has also eased the movement of pilgrims. The Men and Machinery of the 122 (RCC) of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have constructed and maintained the track from the Baltal Base Camp to the Holy Cave, facilitating smoother access for devotees and supporting those engaged in Yatra-related services. Ghulam Ahmad, a pony handler, said…
The much-awaited Urban Local Bodies (ULB) polls in Jammu & Kashmir are unlikely to be held in 2026 due to the absence of an updated electoral roll, which will only be available after Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is undertaken in the Union Territory. Officials disclosed to that the chances of holding the electoral exercise in the UT this year are almost nil, as the updated electoral roll required for these polls will only be prepared after the SIR exercise is completed. “Unlike Panchayat polls, the electoral roll for Urban Local Bodies is prepared on the basis of the electoral rolls…
In a major development, representatives of the Union Home Ministry, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Friday finalized the minutes of the sub-committee meeting held on May 22, in which both sides reached consensus on key issues ranging from constitutional safeguards to elected governance in the Union Territory. Additional Secretary, MHA, Prashant Lokhande, today met representatives of LAB and KDA to finalize the minutes of the sub-committee constituted by the high-powered committee set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs. As per the minutes of the meeting signed by both sides, Ladakh will have…
Senior Congress leader and Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on Friday alleged that he was attacked by Sonawari MLA’s brother and his supporters during an official review meeting in Bandipora’s Naidkhai area, accusing them of disrupting proceedings to prevent scrutiny of development works. Addressing reporters after the incident, Bhat, alleged that Jalal Akbar Lone and his supporters stormed the meeting hall, vandalised the premises and attempted to intimidate officials and the public representative. He said he was chairing a review meeting to assess the implementation of various development projects, including expenditure on a sports stadium and other works, when some participants…
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s announcement of a reshuffle and expansion in the cabinet, timed around the party’s protest on statehood in New Delhi, has shifted the entire focus to the proposed rejig in the council of ministers. In an interview on Wednesday, CM Omar Abdullah said that the cabinet reshuffle and expansion would take place around the party’s Jantar Mantar protest programme. Since the CM’s announcement, speculations have been swirling about the contours of the rejig. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Union Territory cannot have more than nine ministers, as the permissible limit is capped at…