Budgam, March 16, KNT: A sudden hailstorm struck Kanidajan and nearby villages in the Pakherpora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday late afternoon, damaging standing crops and apple blossoms and raising concerns among farmers about potential losses to the upcoming harvest.

Locals said the hailstorm lasted only a short time but was intense enough to affect orchards and agricultural fields across parts of the area.

Farmers said the hailstones hit apple trees at a crucial stage of the season when blossoms are in full bloom, knocking down flowers in several orchards.

The apple blossom stage is considered critical for fruit development, and damage during this period can affect the size and quantity of the harvest later in the year.

Local farmers said they feared the hailstorm could reduce production if the damage proves widespread.

“Hailstones fell suddenly and many blossoms were knocked down. We are worried this may affect the apple crop this year,” a local orchard owner said.

Apart from apple orchards, some seasonal crops and vegetables grown in nearby fields were also reported to have been affected.

Budgam district, like several other parts of the Kashmir Valley, has a significant number of apple orchards that contribute to the region’s horticulture sector.

Affected farmers have urged the Horticulture Department and the local administration to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage in the affected villages.

They said officials should visit the orchards and agricultural fields to evaluate the losses and ensure that farmers receive timely assistance if the damage is confirmed. [KNT]

Srinagar, March 14, KNT:Peoples Democratic Party president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that Islam reached Kashmir through Iran, while expressing solidarity with the Iranian people amid the ongoing crisis in the region.

Mehbooba made the remarks while chairing a meeting of senior party leaders in Srinagar to review party functioning and discuss the prevailing political situation.

The meeting also passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the people of Iran and highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Kashmir and Iran.

“Islam came to Kashmir via Iran,” Mehbooba Mufti said, adding that the people of Kashmir share deep historical, cultural and spiritual links with Iran.

She said that people in Kashmir were praying for peace and safety for the Iranian people during the ongoing crisis.

The PDP president also praised residents of Kashmir for expressing solidarity and compassion towards the people of Iran during difficult times.

She appealed to the public to offer special prayers for peace, safety and relief for the people of Iran, particularly during the last days of the holy month of Ramadan.

Mehbooba also urged Muslim countries to come forward and extend support to Iran during the crisis.

The former chief minister further appealed to the Government of India to stand with Iran, stating that Iran has historically been a consistent friend of India during challenging periods.

Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti also raised the issue of detentions of youth during protests and mourning gatherings related to the situation in Iran.

She appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the Director General of Police to release youth who had been detained during the protests.

Party leaders present at the meeting discussed the prevailing situation and organisational matters concerning the PDP.

They also reviewed the party’s functioning and outreach efforts across different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]

SRINAGAR, MARCH 14: In a significant development, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has been granted approval for two M.Ch seats in the Department of Neurosurgery by the National Medical Commission (NMC), marking the first-ever approval for an M.Ch Neurosurgery programme in any medical college of Jammu and Kashmir.

The approval represents another milestone in the steady expansion of super-specialty medical education at Government Medical College Srinagar.

The journey towards strengthening super-specialty training at the institution began in 2021 with the introduction of two M.Ch seats in Urology. Subsequently, the college secured approvals for two DM seats in Neurology, followed by the addition of two seats each in DM Medical Gastroenterology, DM Cardiology, and DM Pulmonary Medicine. The institution also received approval for two M.Ch seats in Pediatric Surgery, along with two additional seats in Urology approved by the NMC in February 2026.

With the latest approval of two M.Ch Neurosurgery seats, the total number of super-specialty seats (DM and M.Ch) at GMC Srinagar has now increased to 16, further strengthening advanced medical training and healthcare services in the region.

At the undergraduate level, MBBS seats have increased from 180 to 200 in 2025-2026 session. Postgraduate (MD/MS) seats have risen from 259 to 277 in 2025-2026 session.

DrNBThoracic Surgery and FNB in Paediatric Nephrology accredited by the National Board of Examination were also sanctioned in 2025-2026 session.

The other courses introduced during last two years include Post Basic BSc Nursing with 80 students per year, MSc Nursing with 25 seats per year and 20 seats in post PG diploma course in addiction psychology.

Srinagar, March 13, KNT: Large numbers of devotees gathered at shrines and mosques across Kashmir on Friday to offer special congregational prayers on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Wida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

Major religious sites across the Valley witnessed significant gatherings as worshippers assembled to participate in the prayers, seeking blessings and offering supplications during the final days of the fasting month.

Jumat-ul-Wida holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims and traditionally draws large congregations at mosques and shrines, as believers intensify prayers and acts of devotion ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Thousands of devotees were seen offering prayers at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, one of the most revered religious sites in Kashmir. The shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake, witnessed a steady stream of worshippers since morning.

Similar scenes were reported from Jinab Sahib in Soura, Srinagar, where devotees gathered in large numbers to participate in the special Friday prayers.

In south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Ziyarat Sharief of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA) also witnessed large congregations as worshippers assembled to mark the occasion with prayers and supplications.

The historic Ziyarat Kailashpora shrine in Srinagar’s Kailashpora locality also saw devotees gathering to observe the last Friday prayers of Ramadan.

Congregations were also reported from Kabamarg in Anantnag district where residents and devotees assembled to offer the special prayers.

In Shopian district, a large number of worshippers gathered at Jamia Masjid Shopian to participate in the congregational prayers.

Officials said adequate arrangements were made at several places to facilitate the smooth conduct of prayers and manage the movement of devotees.

“Large congregations were witnessed at several shrines and mosques across Kashmir as people offered Jumat-ul-Wida prayers,” officials said.

Many worshippers said the day holds special importance as it comes during the concluding days of Ramadan.

“We prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people,” said a devotee who participated in the prayers in Srinagar.

Religious scholars say Jumat-ul-Wida is one of the most spiritually significant congregational prayers of Ramadan, observed during the final phase of the holy month when believers increase their prayers and charitable acts.

Large gatherings at shrines and mosques across Kashmir during Ramadan, particularly on the last Friday, have long been a tradition reflecting the strong religious observance associated with the occasion. [KNT]

Bhaderwah, March 13, KNT: A Head Constable of Jammu and Kashmir Police and his wife were killed while their minor son was injured after their car plunged into a deep water body following a road accident near Basti village in Bhaderwah area of Doda district, officials said.

The deceased policeman was identified as Zulfikar Ali, who was serving in the CID wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police. His wife also died in the accident, while their minor son sustained injuries, officials said.

According to officials and local sources, the accident occurred when the family was travelling in a car along a road near Basti village when the vehicle reportedly lost control and plunged into a deep water body.

Rescue teams and locals rushed to the scene after the incident and launched efforts to retrieve the victims from the vehicle.

Officials said the policeman and his wife were found dead, while the injured child was rescued and shifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

The tragic accident has once again drawn attention to the dangerous road conditions in the Chenab Valley region, where several roads pass through steep mountainous terrain and deep gorges.

Locals often refer to many stretches of these roads as “killer roads” due to frequent accidents and deteriorating conditions.

Locals and drivers in the region have repeatedly raised concerns over poor road maintenance, narrow stretches and lack of protective barriers along several routes.

Officials said police have taken note of the incident and further investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident is underway.

The death of the policeman has also drawn condolences from colleagues and residents, who described the accident as a tragic loss for the family. [KNT]

Srinagar: The Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, participated in the Horti India Expo 2026 held at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. The expo is being organized by SV Global Expo from March 12 to March 14, 2026.

The event serves as an international Business-to-Business (B2B) platform dedicated to horticulture, agro-processing, value addition, technology adoption, branding, and global market integration. The primary objective of the expo is to provide national and international market access to emerging companies, innovative products, and agri-horticulture enterprises.

A total of ten (10) Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) from across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir were facilitated and mobilized by the Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing to participate in the event under the ‘Participation in Trade Fairs’ activity of Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project. With the support of the department, the participating FPOs showcased a wide variety of horticultural and agricultural products before a global audience.

The event was inaugurated by Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. On the occasion, the Director warmly welcomed participants from across the world and highlighted the importance of such national and international B2B platforms for the overall development of the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Zargar elaborated on the diverse horticultural produce of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, with particular emphasis on value-added products produced by FPOs. He also highlighted flagship initiatives and support mechanisms such as the Jammu and Kashmir Holistic Agriculture Development Programme and JKCIP, which are being implemented through various line departments to ensure the holistic upliftment of the farming community in Jammu & Kashmir.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural value chains, improving market access, and enhancing farmers’ incomes. He urged all participants to actively engage in the event, explore business opportunities, and maximize benefits by establishing productive market linkages. The three-day event commenced with enthusiastic participation from stakeholders.

The expo witnessed participation from international markets including Russia, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Germany, and several other European countries, along with exhibitors and delegates from across India.