Srinagar, Mar 05 : The annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir is set to begin from July 3 this year, officials said on Wednesday.
An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that this year the yatra will be of 38 days instead of 40 days.
He said that the yatra will conclude on August 9. The decision was taken during a meeting today afternoon—(KNO)
March 05: Police in Kulgam along with Army, CAPF, RPF, Fire & Emergency service in Kulgam conducted a mock drill exercise at Railway Station Wanpoh, Anantnag to evaluate emergency response mechanisms and readiness in handling critical situations.
The mock drill was held to prepare field forces to respond promptly to any untoward incident especially of a terror nature with quick and safe response and to assess the security response time, coordination, and effectiveness. The exercise also aimed to identify areas for improvement and streamline the response mechanism. A team of specialist officers of Kulgam Police, CAPF, RPF, Fire and emergency service participated in the said exercise.
The mock drill was conducted under the supervision of DIG SKR Anantnag Shri Javid Iqbal Matoo-IPS along with SSP Kulgam Shri Sahil Sarangal-IPS, who appreciated the efforts of security forces present in enhancing its emergency response capabilities.
J&K Police reaffirms its commitment to ensuring public safety and security. The mock drill exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our emergency response mechanisms and provide effective services to the community.“`
Peshawar — Two suicide bombings breached a wall at a military base in northwestern Pakistan before other attackers stormed the compound and were repelled in violence that killed at least 12 people and wounded 30 others, according to officials and a local hospital.
A group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in Bannu, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and said that dozens of members of Pakistani security forces were killed. The military didn’t immediately confirm any casualties, but Bannu District Hospital said that at least a dozen people were dead.
The two suicide bombers blew themselves up near the wall of the sprawling military area, a security official said on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to speak with reporters.
“After a breach in the wall, five to six more attackers attempted to enter the cantonment, but were eliminated,” the security official said.
The attack happened after sunset, when people would have been breaking their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Jaish Al-Fursan claimed responsibility for the attack, the third militant assault in Pakistan since Ramadan started Sunday. In a statement, the group said the source of the blasts were explosive-laden vehicles.
Plumes of gray smoke rose into the air and gunshots continued after the two explosions, police officer Zahid Khan said. Four of those killed were children, hospital officials said. The victims lived close to the scene of the blasts.
A spokesman for Bannu District Hospital, Muhammad Noman, said that the evening blasts badly damaged homes and other buildings.
“The roofs and walls collapsed and that’s why we are receiving casualties,” he said.
Hospital director Dr. Ahmed Faraz Khan said: “So far we have received 42 victims, 12 dead and 30 injured. A few of them are critical, but most are stable. All doctors, particularly surgeons and paramedical staff, have been called for duty as a medical emergency has been imposed.”
The blasts caused the roof of a nearby mosque to collapse while a number of worshippers were inside, rescue workers and provincial government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif said.
Rescue workers trying to free people from underneath the rubble said that they had retrieved the body of the mosque’s imam.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed his grief over the loss of life. The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, ordered an inquiry.
Militants have targeted Bannu several times. Last November, a suicide car bomb killed 12 troops and wounded several others at a security post.
In July, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle and other militants opened fire near the outer wall of the military facility. — (AP)
Srinagar, Mar 5: According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, in order to carry out Installation of DTR structure and laying of LT Cable under RDSS, the shutdown of 33KV Habbak-Zakura-Burzhama Line shall be observed due to which Receiving Station at Zakura and Burzhama shall remain off while power supply to the Zakura, Batpora, Gulab Bagh, Danihama, Khimber, Chaterhama, Teilbal, Burzhama, Gassu, Shoperbagh and Rahbagh will be affected from 10:30 AM to 04:00 PM on 10 March, 2025.
Similarly, to carry out the erection of poles of 33 KV Tapline of Awantipora Line, the shutdown of 33KV Awantipora- Awantipora line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at DPL Awantipora and Floor Mills shall remain off while the power supply to DPL Awantipora and Floor Mills will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 6 & 8 March 2025.
In order to carry out stabilization, erection of poles and preventive maintenance of 33KV line, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Khrew line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Khrew-I, Khrew-2nd and Shar Shali shall remain off while power supply to the Khrew, Bathen, Shar, Wahab Sahab areas will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 05 March, 2025.
Also, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Lethpora line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Konibal, Lethpora, LIS Ladhoo and Mills shall remain off while power supply to the Samboora, Lethpora, Patalbagh, Chandhara, Konibal & Drusoo areas will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 06 March, 2025.
Further, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Wagoora line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Kadlabal and HPCL shall remain off while power supply to the Gas Turbine and HPCL areas will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 05 March, 2025.
Meanwhile, to carry out the augmentation of conductor of 33 KV Pampore- Pulwama line, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Pulwama line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Newa, Kakapora, LIS Marvel-I,II,III & IV shall remain off while power supply to the Kakapora, Newa, Gadoora, Parigam, Narbal, Ukhoo & Marvel areas will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 06 & 08 March, 2025.
However the essential feeder of affected Receiving Stations shall remain charged via Lassipora-Pulwama line & load shall run as per availability.
Moreover, to carry out stabilization and augmentation of 33 KV line, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Pampore line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Pampore-I and Pampore-II shall remain off while power supply to the Pampore, Zewan, Tengan, JKEDI, ITBP areas will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 05, 08 & 12 March, 2025.
Also, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-SIDCO line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Cement Plants of Khrew and IE Khrew shall remain off while power supply to IE Khrew & Cement Plants will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 05, 08 & 12 March, 2025.
Further, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Badamibagh line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Sonwar, Badamibagh, Panthachowk, Lasjan, WSS Tangnar shall remain off while power supply to Sonwar, Badamibagh, Panthachowk and Lasjan areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 01:30 PM on 05 & 12 March, 2025.
In order to carry out erection of ST poles and laying of ACSR conductor under stabilization of 33 KV Pinjoora Line, the shutdown of 33KV Kanipora- Pinjoora line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Pinjoora, Arhama and Chowdharygund shall remain off while power supply to Pinjoora, Arhama, Pahnoo, Trenz, Kilora, Imamsahib, Vehil, Reshinagri, Shirmal, Chowdrigund, Reshinagar & Saidpora areas will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 06 & 09 March, 2025.
Reveals His Political Opportunism at the Cost of J&K’s Future
Srinagar, March 4: PDP leader Waheed ur Rehman Para has hit out at Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, calling him a symbol of political opportunism who has repeatedly switched sides to serve his personal ambitions. Para highlighted Chaudhary’s history of attacking the National Conference (NC) and now shamelessly aligning himself with the very party he once called the “root of Kashmir’s problems.”
“Surinder Chaudhary’s political career is built on deception and betrayal. While in PDP, he vocally accused NC of selling out the people of J&K for over 70 years. When he joined the BJP, he doubled down on his rhetoric, labeling NC as the primary reason behind Kashmir’s turmoil. And today, he sits as Deputy Chief Minister at the mercy of Omar Abdullah, desperate to please his new boss and safeguard his chair,” Para said in a statement.
Para recalled how Chaudhary, during one of the most difficult phases in J&K’s history, stood by Mehbooba Mufti, praising her as the only leader “Iron Lady” who had the courage to speak for the rights of the people across the region. “He called Mehbooba Mufti a fearless leader who stood against injustice. When Article 370 was abrogated, it was Mehbooba Mufti who took the strongest stand and refused to bow down, becoming the longest-serving political prisoner of the Government of India post-August 5, 2019. Chaudhary was among those who admired her resilience. But today, the same Chaudhary is doing everything possible to discredit her, all because his survival now depends on appeasing Omar Abdullah,” he added.
The PDP leader further pointed out the hypocrisy of the NC leadership, noting that when the people of J&K expected Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah to raise their voices against the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, they instead chose to remain silent. “When people looked to them for leadership, they kept their voices low, prioritizing their comfort over the rights of J&K. In contrast, Mehbooba Mufti stood firm, despite facing prolonged detention, political persecution, and relentless attacks from the BJP. Even Chaudhary acknowledged her courage at the time but now, in his desperation to cling to power, he attacks the same leader he once praised,” Para stated.
Para also said that Chaudhary’s loyalty has never been to the people of J&K but to his own political survival. “His political journey is a lesson in betrayal he praised Mehbooba Mufti when he needed PDP, he hailed Modi Ji as a ‘Messiah’ when he sought BJP’s backing, and now he bows before Omar Abdullah to secure his position. This is not leadership, it is pure opportunism,” Para stated.
Para further alleged that Chaudhary has aligned himself with the liquor lobby, focusing more on safeguarding their interests rather than addressing the pressing issues of J&K. “At a time when people are struggling with economic distress, unemployment, and the consequences of political instability, he is busy strengthening his ties with the liquor mafia to secure his own position,” he added.
He further questioned whether Chaudhary has any principles left. “How can a man who accused NC of being the reason for Kashmir’s pain now sit comfortably in power under Omar Abdullah? How can a leader who once claimed Mehbooba Mufti was the only voice of the people now shamelessly attack her? The people of J&K deserve better than such dishonest and power-hungry politicians,” Para remarked.
Para emphasized that J&K needs leaders who stand by their principles and fight for the people, not those who sell their convictions to the highest bidder. “Surinder Chaudhary has proven time and again that his only commitment is to his own power. The people of J&K should not be fooled by his theatrics his actions speak louder than his words,” he said.
Jammu, Mar 02: National Conference MLA Ajaz Jan, who attended the joint meeting of legislators ahead of Budget Session here on Sunday, said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the participants that he is hopeful about J&K’s statehood being restored by the end of this year.
Jan while talking to the reporters, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The CM also assured that he is hopeful that the statehood would be restored by the end of this year.”
He said that the Chief Minister told the legislators that they can discuss the issues concerning their constituencies. “The budget will be tabled tomorrow. The cabinet will meet before the budget is presented,” he added.
Meanwhile, CPI-(M) MLA M Y Tarigami told reporters that various issues were discussed in the all-party meeting of the National Conference and its allies. “We will raise the concerns of the labourers tomorrow.
We will demand that the central minimum wages be implemented,” he said.
“We hope the central government takes steps to fulfil the wish (statehood) of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Pertinently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a joint meeting of the National Conference and its allies at his residence here. The meeting was attended by the NC, Congress, CPI (M), AAP and independent legislators—(KNO)
Srinagar, Mar 02 : The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has predicted light rain and snow at isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir towards late night on March 2.
According to the Director meteorological department Mukhtar Ahmad as per news agency JKNS said, light to moderate rain and snow (in higher reaches) is expected at most places on March 3, with a possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall in some higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir.
The weather is likely to remain generally dry from March 4 to 9, while a fresh spell of rain and snow is expected from March 10 to 12, he said.
The advisory urges tourists, travelers, and transporters to follow administrative and traffic guidelines. Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other farm operations until March 4. People have also been cautioned to avoid avalanche-prone and slopy areas. (JKNS)
Visits Hyderpora to offer condolence with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Hasnain Masoodi
Srinagar, Mar 01 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said that there is no need of shadow cabinet as elected government in Jammu and Kashmir will fulfill the promises made with the people.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Mirwaiz and Hasnain Masoodi to offer condolences with them, Omar as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the departments have been directed to ensure better facilities to the people in Ramadan.
He said that the government is trying to ensure adequate electricity and water supply, especially during Sehri and Iftari.
On being asked about the “shadow cabinet” formed by the BJP, he said that there is no provision of such a cabinet in the country. “We have only one cabinet. There is no need for shadow cabinet. The BJP has ruled in the past and now it is the time for an elected government to serve the public. We will work to fulfill all the promises done with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Omar Abdullah visited the residence of his Dr Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi in Hyderpora, who died this week. Dr Sibtain was brother NC leader Hasnain Masoodi and father-in-law of Mirwaiz Molvi Omar Farooq—(KNO)
Srinagar, Mar 1 : The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a weather advisory predicting intermittent rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir from March 1 to 12, with varying intensity.
According to the forecast, the region is expected to witness generally cloudy weather on March 1-2, with light rain or snow likely at isolated places during the late night of March 2. A more significant spell is expected on March 3, bringing light to moderate rain and snowfall to most places, while higher reaches in North and Central Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall.
Following this, dry weather is predicted from March 4-9, before another spell of rain and snow is expected between March 10-12.
Authorities have urged tourists, travelers, and transporters to adhere to administrative and traffic advisories.
Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other field activities until March 4. The advisory also warns of potential landslides, rockfall, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, urging residents to avoid steep slopes and avalanche-prone zones while following safety bulletins issued by the Directorate General of Relief and Emergency. (CNS)
