MLAs of the ruling National Conference as well as independent legislators supporting the government gunned for Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam on Wednesday, accusing him of biased allocation of funds in the key Roads & Buildings Department headed by him. Contrary to speculations, governance-particularly the functioning of ministers-dominated discussions during the seven-hour-long meeting, even as some MLAs spoke about expediting efforts for restoration of statehood. Sources confirmed that legislators from both NC and independents questioned the functioning of the Roads & Buildings Department under the Deputy CM’s control. “Most…
Author: KNO
The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir arrived at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the return phase of Hajj-2026 operations. The inaugural flight carried 144 pilgrims, who were received at the airport by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan and other senior civil and police officials. Speaking to the media, J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, said that all 144 pilgrims scheduled on the first return flight arrived safely in Srinagar. He said the batch included 74 male…
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking urgent intervention to ensure that the baggage of Haj pilgrims is transported along with them on the same flights returning to Jammu and Kashmir. Official sources said that the Chief Minister, in a letter to the Union Minister, highlighted the inconvenience being faced by Haj pilgrims due to delays in the transportation of checked-in baggage from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar. According to the letter, many pilgrims, particularly elderly Hajis, have expressed concern and disappointment over the existing arrangement under which their baggage is being…
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…
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,…