As the return phase of Hajj-2026 approaches, the Jammu & Kashmir pilgrims in Mina have voiced resentment over fresh baggage restrictions, demanding restoration of the traditional 40-kilogram luggage allowance. They questioned the decision to transport baggage separately by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar. A video accessed shows pilgrims expressing concern that the reduced baggage allowance could damage or delay their belongings, including gifts and items purchased for their families during the pilgrimage. The pilgrims said Hajj travellers had historically been allowed to carry 40 kilograms of luggage and questioned why the policy had changed this year. “We have been preparing…
Author: KNO
Kashmir Valley witnessed a good influx of sacrificial animals during the Eid-ul-Adha this year, with nearly 1,200 trucks carrying sheep entering the Valley during the last 15 days, the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) said on Saturday. The Association General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din said each truck carried more than 160 sheep on average, taking the total number of livestock brought into Kashmir to nearly 1.92 lakh sheep ahead of the festival. “About 1,200 trucks carrying sheep entered the Valley during the last 15 days till May 27. Every truck was carrying over 160 sheep,” he said. He said the average price…
Despite growing awareness around menstrual hygiene and increasing use of sanitary pads, a significant number of women and adolescent girls in Jammu and Kashmir continue to rely on traditional cloth during menstruation, exposing themselves to infections and long-term reproductive health complications, doctors have warned. Medical experts said that unhygienic menstrual practices remain a serious public health concern in the region, particularly in rural and economically weaker sections where awareness, social stigma and limited discussions around menstruation continue to influence women’s choices. According to doctors, the use of unclean or improperly dried cloth during periods can lead to urinary tract infections…
With Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated tomorrow, health and environmental experts in Kashmir have expressed serious concern over the improper disposal of animal waste during the festival, warning that unhygienic practices could trigger public health crises, contaminate water sources and damage the fragile environment. They have called for scientific waste management, coordinated municipal action and greater public awareness to ensure that the religious occasion is observed in a clean, safe and environmentally responsible manner. Dr Tariq Ahmad Padder, an environmental expert, said Eid-ul-Azha is a sacred occasion that should reflect spiritual values and social responsibility rather than become a source of pollution…
The Government of India on Tuesday rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh made in a joint statement by China and Pakistan, asserting that both regions are integral parts of India. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, said India does not accept “unwarranted references” to its internal matters, reiterating that no other country has any locus standi to comment on issues related to the Union Territories. “The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India,” Jaiswal said, adding that India’s position on the matter…
Director General of Police, J&K, IGP Kashmir and other top officials have reached Gulmarg to oversee the rescue operations after over 300 tourists were stranded mid-air following a technical issue that halted Gulmarg Gandola service in the afternoon. An official said that rescue operations were underway to assist the stranded tourists in one of world’s highest cable car services at the famous ski-resort Gulmarg. He said that DGP Nalin Pranhat, IGP Kashmir V K Birdi and other top officials reached Gulmarg to oversee the rescue operations. He added that Army officials, including Maj Gen Punit Doval (HAWS), GoC 19 Div…
Police on Monday arrested one of the accused persons in Budgam rape and murder case of a minor girl, officials said here. A top police official said that one of the accused persons, identified as Mudasir, has been arrested within 24 hours of the incident. “Efforts are underway to arrest the other accused as well,” he said. He added that the police will ensure the accused persons are given the harshest punishment for such gruesome crime. A 12-year-old girl was kidnapped, raped and then mudered in the Galwanpora area od Budgam on Saturday, sending shockwaves across the region. On Sunday,…
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations across the Kashmir Valley in connection with an ongoing terror-related investigation. Sources said that the searches were carried out simultaneously in several areas of Srinagar and other districts of the Valley as part of a crackdown on terror networks, overground workers and suspected terror-funding activities. “NIA raids are underway at the banned JeI-linked Siraj-ul-Uloom in the Imam Sahib area of Shopian, as well as in Srinagar,” sources said. They said NIA teams, assisted by the JK Police and paramilitary forces, were searching residential premises linked to suspected individuals.
Police on Sunday said the death of a 12-year-old girl from Galwanpora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district is prima facie a case of rape and murder, assuring that all resources are being deployed to crack the case at the earliest. Addressing a news conference here, SSP Budgam Hariprasad K K, said that Budgam Police Station received information regarding the missing of the minor girl at around 10:00 PM on May 23. He said that police registered an FIR under relevant sections pertaining to the kidnapping of a minor child and launched extensive searches throughout the night. “This morning at around…
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) cold storage units continue to play a crucial role in sustaining Kashmir’s horticulture economy, with nearly 15 per cent of apple produce still stored across various cold storage facilities in the Valley as growers wait for favourable market conditions. Fruit growers said that despite fluctuations in rates over the past few months, the decision to store apples instead of selling them during the peak harvest season has largely proved beneficial. However, they expressed concern over the unusually high percentage of B and C grade apples this year, which affected their overall returns. According to growers, nearly 30…