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Rajya Sabha polls: Congress high command to discuss matter with Rahul, J&K BJP leadership to meet Nadda and Santosh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Congress high command is expected to discuss its preliminary negotiations with alliance partner, the National Conference, regarding the Rajya Sabha elections and the party’s strategy for the polls with senior leader Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are expected to meet national president J.P. Nadda and national general secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh today to discuss candidates for the polls.

Sources told KNO that the Congress high command is holding off key decisions on the Rajya Sabha polls until the return of Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a four-nation tour of South America and is expected to return shortly.

“He is expected to return within the next few days. The party high command will brief him about the preliminary negotiations held with the National Conference regarding the seat-sharing arrangement for the Rajya Sabha polls and take a decision accordingly,” sources said.

Sources disclosed that the NC is not averse to offering one seat to the Congress and has not shown any disinclination during the preliminary negotiations with the Congress leadership.

As previously reported, the Congress could field either working president Raman Bhalla or senior leader and MLA from Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir.

Meanwhile, on the BJP front, its J&K leadership is expected to meet party president J.P. Nadda and general secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh to discuss the list of probable candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls.

BJP state president Sat Sharma and general secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul are currently in the national capital to meet the party leadership.

While the party is expected to field candidates for the first two seats as a symbolic contest against the NC-led alliance, all eyes will be on the candidate fielded by the BJP under the third notification, under which elections will be held for two seats.

It has been reliably learnt that BJP spokesperson and prominent lawyer Sunil Sethi, former president Ravinder Raina, and former deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh are among the frontrunners for the party ticket for the third notification. (KNO)

Inclement weather shuts Jammu-Srinagar highway

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the vital road link connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, has been closed due to multiple landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides triggered by inclement weather, officials said on Tuesday morning.

An official told KNO that the highway remains blocked at multiple locations, and men and machinery have been deployed to carry out clearance operations.

Meanwhile, the Mughal Road, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road, and Sinthan Top Road have also been shut due to heavy snow accumulation, making them impassable for traffic.

Since Monday, the higher reaches of Kashmir have been receiving fresh snowfall, while the plains have witnessed rainfall, leading to a significant drop in temperatures. (KNO)

Delhi HC asks Er Rashid to file affidavit declaring no pending cases

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Delhi High Court on Monday directed Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh to file an affidavit, declaring that no other criminal cases are pending against him while hearing his regular bail plea.

A party spokesperson told KNO that they remain optimistic about a fair outcome. “We are hopeful that justice will prevail. We have full faith in the constitution and the judiciary. Er. Rashid is innocent and was subjected to political victimization in 2019,” the spokesperson said.

He confirmed that the next date of hearing in the matter has been scheduled for October 15.

It is pertinent to mention that the regular bail plea was moved before the Delhi High Court after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court rejected Er. Rashid’s bail application earlier.

Er Rashid, who won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat as an independent candidate, has been in Tihar Jail since 2019, following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a terror-funding case. (KNO)

Doctors warn against self-medication after tragedies

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Doctors on Monday said all medicines, including cough syrups, are safe for use when taken in appropriate doses under medical supervision, but warned of the risk of self-medication and unregulated sale of drugs.

They said lessons must be remembered in light of past tragedies like the 2020 Udhampur cough syrup incident and recent deaths of children linked to contaminated medicines in Madhya Pradesh and other States.

Speaking to KNO, doctors said that while there is no need for public panic, strict vigilance and adherence to medical protocols are essential to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

“Medicines are life-saving when used correctly, but can turn fatal if consumed inappropriately,” said Dr Showkat Hussain Tali, Head of Department, Paediatrics, at GMC Anantnag. “Cough syrups are not inherently unsafe. The problem arises when they are taken without medical guidance or contain impurities due to poor manufacturing standards.”

Dr Showkat said pharmacists and medical shop owners must never prescribe medicines on their own, and people should strictly avoid self-medication. “No one should dictate what a doctor should or should not prescribe, but at the same time, every doctor must be able to justify his prescription with scientific reasoning and evidence,” he added.

Referring to the 2020 Udhampur tragedy, where several children died after consuming a locally manufactured cough syrup found to contain toxic chemicals, doctors said that similar incidents in recent weeks, including the deaths of over a dozen children in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, highlight the need for constant surveillance over drug quality.

These incidents happened not because of the syrups themselves, but due to impurities and lapses in manufacturing and regulatory checks, they said.

Officials from both the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) and Jammu said the administration has already directed all medical practitioners to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which recently advised against giving cough syrups to children under two years of age.

“Any deviation from these instructions will invite disciplinary action,” said a senior health official. “We have intensified monitoring of drug quality, and random samples are being collected from across districts to ensure there are no toxic impurities.”

The official said no deaths due to toxic drugs have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, but assured that both directorates remain alert. “Medicines must come through approved and verified supply chains only. Even if a medicine is slightly costlier, people should prefer verified brands over cheaper, unregulated alternatives,” he advised.

Health experts have called upon regulatory authorities to maintain strict checks on pharmaceutical companies and ensure that every batch of medicine meets safety standards before reaching the market.

“There must be vigilance, both from the regulatory side and the public,” said another paediatrician. “Parents must consult qualified doctors, and authorities must ensure that every drug sold is pure, safe, and effective.” (KNO)

MD KPDCL assures improved power supply this winter

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Monday said the Discom is trying hard to improve and supply uninterrupted power supply this winter.

Managing Director (MD) Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Mahmood Ahmad Shah, as per KNO said, “This year so far, KPDCL has provided improved power supply to consumers. A lot of improvement has been made in the discom in comparison to the previous year.”

About the smart meters installation, Shah said, “We installed 3 lakh smart metres last year and this year, we have added over 1.25 lakh smart meters across rural and urban areas of the Kashmir region. The process continues.”

The MD said the goal is to achieve 100% coverage. “Despite disruptions caused by floods and the war-like situation, we are working to install more smart meters,” he said.

Shah further informed that KPDCL installed insulated cables across the valley this year. “The Low Capacity Power (LCP) system is running, but sometimes we face fault issues due to rain. However, till today, we have been providing normal supply to our consumers,” he said.

Given the orange warning issued in view of the bad weather predictions, the MD KPDCL assured that the department’s staff is ready to repair any disruptions. (KNO)

October snowfall rekindles hope about tourists returning to Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: After a subdued summer tourist season following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead, October snowfall has rekindled hopes about visitors returning to Kashmir in winter season.

Stakeholders while talking to KNO, exuded hope that the early snowfall would pave the way for a bumper winter tourism season and boost arrivals in the coming weeks.

President of the Shikara Association, Wali Mohammad said, “The change in weather has renewed our hopes. The tourist footfall hasn’t increased yet, but snowfall in the upper reaches will definitely encourage visitors to return to the Valley. We are hopeful about our industry getting a boost in coming days.”

Manzoor Pakhtoon, President of the Houseboat Association, said it is too early to predict the overall impact but remained positive about the coming months. “As the news of snowfall spreads, tourists will start planning their trips. It will take around a month to see how the season shapes up,” he said.

Houseboat owners along the Dal and Nigeen lakes too are hopeful. “We have started receiving inquiries from domestic tourists, especially families and newly-wed couples, who want to experience Kashmir’s winter beauty,” said Ghulam Rasool, a houseboat owner in Dal Lake.

He added once the snowfall intensifies, bookings are expected to rise.

Tour and travel operators said that a there is a little uptick in demand, with many expecting an increase in bookings once the weather stabilizes. “We have seen little increase in inquiries from states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal in the last few days. Many tourists are waiting for updates on snowfall before finalizing their plans,” said Altaf Ahmad, a Srinagar-based travel agent.

He shared if conditions remain favourable, this winter could turn out to be the good seasons again.

Hoteliers too are hopeful about a busy season ahead. “Winter is a special time for Kashmir tourism and early snowfall is always a good sign. Our bookings for December and January are empty as-off now but expect occupancy to rise steadily once snow reaches lower areas,” said another hotelier from Srinagar.

FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 5,64039 TOURISTS VISIT PAHALGAM

Meanwhile, an official said that from April to September this year as many as 5,64039 tourists visited Pahalgam. “The numbers declined after the April 22 terror attack but increased gradually,” he said.

While giving the breakup the official said, 2,08122 domestic, 2864 foreign and 3,53053 tourists visited Pahalgam in the past six months.

Officials said, “August and September months saw a positive trend as more than 3000 foreign tourists arrived in the Valley.”

They said that Jammu and Kashmir recorded 19,570 foreign tourist visits between January–June 2025 and over 95 lakh domestic visits in the same period. “The fresh inflow of foreign tourists comes months after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which had dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism industry. The attack led to widespread cancellations, emergency return flights, and a short-term collapse in bookings for outdoor sites closely associated with the incident,” the officials added.

SNOWFALL IN GULMARG PLEASANT SURPRISE FOR TOURISTS

The early snowfall came as a delightful surprise for tourists from across the country, many of whom were first-time visitors to Gulmarg. They expressed joy at seeing the famous ski resort blanketed in snow, transforming it into a breathtaking white wonderland. “We weren’t expecting snowfall in October. It feels magical — I’m so lucky to witness it”, said an elated tourist while enjoying the snow-covered slopes.

A couple from Kolkata, visiting Kashmir for the first time, while sharing their excitement told KNO that they had visited Pahalgam and Sonamarg earlier during their trip but found Gulmarg to be unmatched in its charm and beauty. “The scenic beauty is breathtaking. People here are warm and cooperative. It’s our fourth day in Kashmir, and we haven’t felt any security concerns. Everything is well-organized”, said Yashfi.

Praising the world-famous Gondola services, the duo said the experience was beyond words. “The view from Phase II is absolutely mesmerizing. There are no words to describe it. We wish everyone to visit and experience this beauty”, they added.

Similarly, a tourist, Arun Kumar from Haryana, said the experience lived up to Kashmir’s reputation.

“We always heard people call Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’. Today, we truly witnessed it. The unexpected snowfall made our trip unforgettable”, he said.

Tourists at Gulmarg widely hailed the hospitality, administration and security arrangements, describing their stay as “safe, smooth and heartwarming”.

Besides hundreds of tourists enjoying the Gondola rides, an official of the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) said, the chairlift joyride added to the attraction with over 400 visitors availing the service on Sunday alone, following successful safety trials.

“We are witnessing an encouraging response from tourists. All safety protocols are in place, and our staff is working round the clock to ensure a comfortable experience for visitors. The snowfall has brought a positive boost to tourism in Gulmarg and we expect the flow to increase further in the coming weeks”, a senior JKCCC official said. (KNO)

Season’s first snowfall turns October into January, mercury plummets 16°C below normal

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir recorded season’s first snowfall on Monday, while rains lashed the plains, causing temperatures to plummet below normal across the region.

Independent weatherman Faizan Keng while talking to KNO said, “January like conditions prevailed in Kupwara and Baderwah as temperatures fell 16.0 C below normal.”

The maximum temperature settled below normal across Union Territory with Srinagar recording a day temperature of 12.5 degree Celsius (13.0 degree Celsius below normal).

Kupwara recorded 10.8 degree Celsius (16.0 degree Celsius) while Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, recorded 13.5 degree Celsius (10.6 degree Celsius below normal). Pahalgam recorded a day temperature of 9.2 degree Celsius (13.2 degree Celsius below normal) and Kokernag recorded 12.1 degree Celsius (11.7 degree Celsius below normal). Gulmarg, famous ski-resort, recorded a maximum temperature of 4.4 degree Celsius (12.1 degree Celsius below normal).

In Jammu division, Banihal recorded a maximum temperature of 11.2 degree Celsius (15.3 degree Celsius below normal) while Jammu recorded 21.3 degree Celsius (11.1 degree Celsius below normal). In Bhaderwah, the temperature settled at 10.0 degree Celsius (16.1 degree Celsius below normal). Batote recorded 12.6 degree Celsius (12.5 degree Celsius below normal) & Katra recorded 18.0 degree Celsius (11.1 degree Celsius below normal).

According to details available with the KNO, the fresh snowfall was recorded in Pir ki Gali, Razdan Top, Sadhna Pass, Sinthan Top, Daksum, Kongdori Gulmarg, Minimarg and other parts of the region.

The rains lashed the plains including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the weatherman said that there is a forecast of light to moderate rain (light snow over higher reaches) till Tuesday forenoon or afternoon and improvement thereafter.

“On October 8, a brief spell of light rain is expected at a few places while generally dry weather is expected from October 9 to October 16,” the MeT said.

The MeT has advised the farmers to suspend all activities between October 6 and 7. “There is a possibility of landslides, shooting stones at vulnerable places with a possibility of light to moderate snow over higher reaches of Kashmir, Chenab valley and Pir Panjal range and possibility of moderate to heavy snow over few higher reaches of South Kashmir and Chenab Valley,” it said. (KNO)

Exclusive Tours: PIB Accused of Bias, Nepotism and Lack of transparency in Journalist’s selection

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), the central government’s premier media outreach arm, is facing growing criticism for what many journalists describe as an entrenched culture of bias, opacity, and elitism in the way it conducts its official tours and press engagements. Journalists from Kashmir have accused the PIB of operating like a “closed club” where only a select few “blue-eyed” journalists are repeatedly chosen for official visits and interactions, while others are deliberately excluded.

Several senior journalists from the Valley said that PIB officials, instead of maintaining transparency and equal representation, have allegedly turned official media tours into personal leisure trips for a chosen set of individuals.  These tours, often organized under the guise of promoting government schemes or national development programs, are now widely seen as exercises in favouritism.

“It has become a routine pattern,” said a veteran Kashmiri journalist. “Every time PIB organizes a media exposure tour, the same faces appear. There are no announcements, no notifications, and no fair selection process. The rest of us only come to know when photographs of the trip start appearing on social media.”

The discontent is not limited to field visits. Journalists allege that even press conferences of Union ministers are stage-managed, with PIB selectively inviting a handful of friendly faces while excluding senior and experienced reporters who might ask tough or region-specific questions. “Ministers are misled into believing they are addressing a representative cross-section of the Indian media. In truth, many attendees are not even active field reporters, they are handpicked by PIB officials who treat these events as their personal domain,” said another journalist from Srinagar.

Several working journalists accused the Bureau of being habitual offenders when it comes to fairness and inclusivity. The system, they said, rewards proximity rather than professionalism. “The PIB’s job is to facilitate media-government interaction, not to distribute perks or foreign-style junkets. The credibility of the Bureau is at stake if this culture of cronyism continues,” said a local bureau chief to the news agency Kashmir News Trust.

The resentment among journalists from Jammu and Kashmir has deepened over the years as the region remains almost entirely left out of these PIB-organized engagements. “Even the most senior journalists from Kashmir, with decades of credible reporting behind them, are ignored. The Bureau acts as if journalists from this region don’t exist,” remarked another senior scribe.

Journalists’ associations are now demanding a full inquiry into the functioning of the PIB’s media selection process. They have urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to introduce a transparent, rotational, and merit-based system for participation in national tours and official events.

“The PIB cannot continue to function as a fiefdom,” said one journalist. “If public money is being spent on these tours, every journalist should have equal opportunity to participate. The current system is discriminatory, unethical, and unbecoming of a national media institution.”

The growing chorus of criticism underscores a fundamental question, who exactly does the PIB serve: the Indian press or a privileged few within it? Unless addressed promptly, journalists warn, the Bureau’s credibility as the government’s official media interface could face irreparable damage. (KNT)

Key election to Budgam, Nagrota to be held on Nov 11, counting on Nov 14

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Election Commission of India on Monday announced the schedule for by-election to Budgam and Nagrota assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir along with Bihar Assembly election 2025.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, as per KNO, announced that the by-election to two seats in J&K will be held on November 11, while counting will be held on November 14.

The Poll Body also announced the schedule for Bihar election 2025 along with the by-election schedule to some other seats in other states as well.

The Budgam seat fell vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated it and retained Ganderbal seat after winning from both the seats in the Assembly election last year.

The Nagrota seat fell vacant after the death of BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on October 31 last year, just a couple of weeks after the Assembly election result was declared in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)

Amid snow, rain, weather office issues orange alert in J&K

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Amid season’s first snowfall in the higher reaches and rain in plains, the weatherman on Monday issued an orange alert for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and snow across the region.

According to details available with KNO, the Meteorological Department said that generally cloudy weather is expected today with possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain, thunder and gusty winds (light to moderate snow over higher reaches) at most places of J&K.

It added that there is possibility of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places of Jammu division and moderate to heavy rain over isolated places of Kashmir.

“Light to moderate rain (light snow over higher reaches) is expected till forenoon or afternoon and improvement thereafter. “On October 8, a brief spell of light rain is expected at few places. Generally dry weather is expected from October 9 to October 16,” it said.

The Weather Office also advised the farmers to suspend all activities between October 6 and 7. “There is a possibility of landslides, shooting stones at vulnerable places with a possibility of light to moderate snow over higher reaches of Kashmir, Chenab valley and Pir Panjal range and possibility of moderate to heavy snow over few higher reaches of South Kashmir and Chenab Valley,” it said.

Meanwhile, higher reaches like Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Pass, Razdan Top received season’s first snowfall this morning while plains, including Srinagar, experienced rainfall since late last night. (KNO)

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