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‘Signatures won’t matter, Assembly resolution will’: Parra slams CM’s campaign

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra criticized National Conference (NC) over its signature campaign remark by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, terming it a futile exercise that only serves to normalize Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) August 05, 2019 agenda.

Speaking to reporters in Kupwara, Parra, as per KNO said that despite the Valley recording a historic 70 percent turnout, people had given a mandate to NC to represent their aspirations in Parliament and at the Centre, not to go door to door seeking signatures.

“When the case is in the Supreme Court, how will a signature from Pulwama matter? What significance does it hold?” Parra questioned.

He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is a political issue, not just a matter of governance and accused NC of diluting the people’s mandate by focusing on other issues instead of prioritizing statehood and the restoration of Article 370.

“NC wants to bury the August 5 betrayal under roads, electricity and unemployment. They appear to be working on the agenda of BJP-RSS. An Assembly resolution condemning and opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and demanding full statehood is the need of the hour,” Parra said.

He reminded that NC had won a majority after four decades, but instead of reflecting the sacrifices of youth in prisons and families who lost loved ones, the party had failed to speak up where it mattered.

“We are not saying NC is responsible for August 5. But the fact remains that the people’s mandate was to raise their voice inside the Assembly and Parliament. Whatever can be done must be done there, not in villages. They should apologize to the people for failing them,” Parra said.

The legislator reiterated that J&K needs a political resolution and not symbolic campaigns. “We don’t want to create a new uncertainty but people want a resolution in the Assembly that will go to the Supreme Court. Nothing else will serve their aspirations”, he added. (KNO)

Rotten meat scare sparks surge in veg restaurants across Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Vegetarian hotels and restaurants across Kashmir are witnessing a remarkable increase in footfall following the shocking revelations about rotten meat being supplied to various parts of the valley.

Many residents, shaken by food safety concerns, are now preferring plant-based meals over traditional non-vegetarian dishes, which have long dominated Kashmiri cuisine.

Kashmir’s food culture is historically known for its rich variety of meat dishes, from Rogan Josh to Yakhni. However, the recent crackdown by authorities on unhygienic and rotten meat supplies has created a sense of mistrust, giving vegetarian eateries an unexpected boost.

Several hoteliers running vegetarian restaurants said their sales have doubled in the last few weeks. “Earlier, veg restaurants had a limited crowd, but now people are coming in large numbers. The reports of rotten meat have changed perceptions, and customers are showing more trust in vegetarian food,” Ramesh Kumar, owner of a vegetarian restaurant in Srinagar said while speaking to KNO.

He said the shift is also linked to growing health awareness. “Vegetarian dishes are not only safer but also better for health in the long run. People are finally understanding this,” he said. Locals, too, are altering their eating habits.

Irfan Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama, said, “I was a regular consumer of non-veg, but after these shocking revelations, my family has decided to eat more vegetables. At least, we are sure about the quality.”

Similarly, Naseema Bano from Anantnag said vegetarian meals are proving to be both light and healthy. “Doctors often advise eating less meat and more vegetables for better digestion. This situation has pushed us to make that change,” she said.

Hoteliers believe the trend could reshape dietary habits in the valley. “This is an opportunity to promote vegetarianism. It’s not just about health, but also about avoiding risks linked with an unhygienic meat supply,” said Bashir Ahmad, who runs a vegetarian hotel in south Kashmir.

However, some butchers and non-vegetarian hotel owners argue that the issue lies with regulation, not meat itself. “People in Kashmir are meat lovers. A few cases of rotten supplies should not make everyone suspicious. The government must strengthen inspections so that quality meat reaches the market,” said a butcher from Baramulla.

Meanwhile, people across Kashmir are calling on authorities to conduct strict quality checks.

Abdul Rashid, from Srinagar, said, “The government must act strongly against those selling unhygienic meat. But until then, people should be cautious and prefer safer options.” (KNO)

Kashmir meat scandal: 12,000 kg seized, only 2 FIRs—is justice delayed?

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: More than fifteen days have passed since authorities seized over 12,000 kilograms of decomposed and unlabelled meat from various locations across Kashmir. Despite the scale of the operation, only two individuals have been booked, raising widespread public concern and causing a significant downturn in the local food industry.

As reported by KNO, the administration initiated the crackdown following repeated tip-offs, which enabled the department to trace the supply chain and conduct targeted raids.

Local restaurant owners reported an 80 per cent decline in business following the scandal, attributing the drop to a lack of visible government action and enforcement at meat markets.

People have expressed frustration over the delay in issuing any official ban or clear guidelines, warning that such inaction could jeopardise public health.

Many even criticised the authorities for not providing the lab testing report.

“The authorities are taking their time, but when people start falling sick, only then will they punish the guilty,” said a resident, wishing anonymity.

Another local said, “More than 15 days have passed, and the lab testing report is still not provided. Is the government waiting for people to fall sick before sharing the results?”

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, Smita Sethi, earlier said that intensified inspections and coordinated enforcement will continue across the food supply chain to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Notably, the rotten meat scandal has been ongoing for over fifteen days, yet no further arrests or updates have been reported. The incident has sparked debates over food safety regulations in the region and highlighted the need for stricter monitoring of meat suppliers to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The authorities have not provided a timeline for further action, leaving consumers and businesses uncertain.

Meanwhile, public anger continues to mount over the delay in releasing reports and taking decisive action. (KNO)

J&K on high alert amid multiple cloudburst incidents, heavy rainfall

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Amid multiple incidents of cloudbursts and heavy rainfall in recent weeks, authorities have sounded a high alert and stepped up disaster preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials from the J&K Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA), while speaking to KNO said that preparedness protocols remain always on standby and are fully activated during active weather alerts.

They said that the measures include round-the-clock Emergency Operation Centers, CAP Sachet alerts, district-level disaster management plans, pre-positioning of responders, and supervision at the highest administrative level, including Chief Secretary-led Incident Response System (IRS) meetings. The pan-India helpline 112 has also been further strengthened.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials, J&K recorded several “extremely heavy rainfall events” over the past week, particularly on 12th August in Reasi district, where rainfall of 204 mm was recorded at one station and 284 mm and 234 mm at two others during 24 hours. Nearby areas also saw extreme rainfall, 166 mm in Udhampur and 102 mm in Samba.

“Such intensity in a short duration is unusual for mountainous terrain and has serious consequences,” an IMD official told KNO.

The IMD confirmed that the tragic Kishtwar event on the afternoon of August 14, which left over 60 dead and more than 80 injured, falls in the cloudburst category,” the official said.

Similarly, in the Kathua district, three stations recorded rainfall of 91 mm, 95 mm, and 97 mm within less than two hours. Seven people died in that event.

The IMD official noted that these events qualify as “extreme” due to both intensity and topography. “Cloudbursts are defined by very high rainfall, over 100 mm in an hour, usually in hilly terrain. They lead to sudden flooding and debris flow, as seen in Kishtwar,” the official said.

The administration, according to the officials, has mobilised early warning systems and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities to spread awareness among vulnerable communities. “We are scaling up preparedness across all districts. Cloudbursts cannot be prevented, but their impact can be minimised through early alerts and swift response,” a JKDMA official said. (KNO)

Sonamarg receives season’s first snowfall, rains damp J&K

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Sonamarg, a picturesque place in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, received the season’s first snowfall on Monday, while rains lashed the valley, bringing down the mercury across Kashmir.

According to KNO, intermittent rainfall continued throughout the day across Kashmir and many parts of Jammu division today, which has brought the mercury down.

The upper reaches of Sonamarg have received light snowfall today, marking the season’s first whiteout.

The highest rainfall has been recorded in Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, with 25.0 mm, followed by 19.0 mm at Kokernag, according to the data prepared by the Meteorological department (MeT).

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, recorded a rainfall of 17.2 mm since this morning till 05:30 PM, while Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded a precipitation of 16.4 mm.

In Pahalgam, a rainfall of 17.0 mm was recorded today, while 10.7 mm of precipitation was recorded till this evening.

In Jammu division’s Banihal station, a rainfall of 16.0 mm was recorded today. Bhaderwah saw a rainfall of 5.0 mm, Katra 4.6 mm and Batote 1.7 mm.

Moreover, flash floods have been reported in Ajas area of Bandipora. There was no flood threat anywhere in the rest of the Valley.

The water level has increased in the river Jhelum and multiple streams, but officials have clarified that there is no threat of floods as of now. They said the situation is being monitored constantly.

Meanwhile, as per the weatherman, light to moderate rain and thunder is expected at most places with intense showers and heavy rain at few places of Jammu division, especially in Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Kathua with moderate to heavy and intense showers over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban & few places of Kashmir division with gusty winds till tomorrow.

Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, told KNO that from August 20 to 22, generally hot & humid with a brief spell of thundershower is expected at a few places with isolated heavy rain over Jammu, Kathua & Samba during the 22nd night.

From August 23-25, light to moderate rain and thundershower are expected at many places with heavy rain at a few places in Jammu & Kashmir.

Moreover, in its advisory, the MeT has predicted a possibility of intense, heavy rain and thunder at a few places of Kashmir and Jammu divisions till tomorrow and during August 23-25.

Cloudburst and flash floods are expected at a few vulnerable places with landslides, mudslides and shooting stones,” the advisory reads. It has appealed to people to stay away from water bodies, streams, nallahs, river embankments, loose structures, Kacha houses and other such places.

The travellers, transporters, tourists and trekkers have been advised to plan accordingly. (KNO)

Heavy snowfall, flashfloods claim over 300 lives in 12 years in J&K

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir has recorded 552 fatalities due to Extreme Weather Events (EWEs) in more than a decade, with heavy snowfall topping the list with 182 mortalities, followed by 119 due to flashfloods from 2010 to 2022, data by the Meteorological department reveals.

As per the data, accessed by KNO, 1942 lightning events have been recorded during the period, which claimed 42 lives.

The highest deaths of 182 have been reported due to heavy snowfall, the data reads, adding that 42 such incidents have been reported in over one decade. 119 deaths have been reported in flash floods, as 168 such incidents were reported from 2010 to 2022.

The data reveals 31 windstorm incidents leading to 20 deaths, while 186 landslide incidents have claimed 71 lives during the period.

No deaths have been reported due to the heatwave conditions. However, 37 cold wave events have claimed seven lives so far across Jammu and Kashmir.

A total number of 409 heavy rainfall events were reported, which have claimed 111 lives in the region, the data revealed.

The highest mortalities of around 60 have been reported from Kupwara, followed by around 50 in Kishtwar. The lowest have been reported in Samba with below 5 deaths.

Srinagar has recorded nearly 20 deaths in the Extreme Weather Events during the period.

Pertinently, the Jammu region recorded back-to-back flashfloods triggered by cloudbursts in the last one week. In Kishtwar and Kathua villages, more than people lost their lives, while over 50 are still missing in Kishtwar.

The rescue operations continue for the sixth straight day to trace the missing persons. (KNO)

Kishtwar cloudburst: Search for missing enters 5th day despite heavy rain

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Braving heavy rains and difficult terrain, rescuers pressed on with the large-scale search operation to trace those buried under debris in this cloudburst-hit remote village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar on the fifth day on Monday, officials said.

Donning rain coats, the rescue teams were seen working at multiple locations, especially the major impact spot near a langar (community kitchen) site, despite the downpour, sifting through the rubble using heavy machinery, including earth movers and sniffer dogs.

Cloudburst struck Chisoti, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple, on August 14, killing 61 people, including three CISF personnel and one Special Police Officer, and leaving over 100 others injured. The number of missing people has been reported as around 50 after a fresh revision of the list.

The flash-floods triggered by the cloudburst left a trail of destruction, flattening a makeshift market, a langar site for the annual Machail Mata yatra, damaging 16 houses and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-metre-long bridge, besides over a dozen vehicles.

“Today is the fifth day of the operation, and combined efforts are underway to recover the mortal remains of the missing persons. The weather is challenging in view of the rain. We also have a warning (of heavy rains) for the day, but still we are trying our best,” a CISF officer said.

The joint teams of police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CISF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers are engaged in the rescue efforts.

Army engineers on Sunday built a Bailey bridge over Chisoti nullah, providing much-needed connectivity to the village and the Machail Mata shrine. The Army has also inducted a couple of all-terrain vehicles as part of the efforts to intensify the rescue and relief operation, officials said.

The rescuers conducted about half a dozen controlled explosions over the last two days to blow up giant boulders hampering the search.

The annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to conclude on September 5, remained suspended for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday.

The 8.5-km trek to the 9,500-foot-high shrine starts from Chisoti, located about 90 km from Kishtwar town.

The rescuers are utilising over a dozen earth-movers and other heavy equipment, while the NDRF mobilised its resources, including dog squads, to speed up the rescue operation. (PTI)

Heavy rain with gusty winds expected in parts of J&K: MeT

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a weather update and advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy rainfall and possible flash floods in several districts over the coming days.

According to the forecast as per KINS, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at most places on August 18–19, with intense showers and heavy rainfall likely in Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Kathua districts. Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and parts of Kashmir Division may also witness moderate to heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds.

From August 20–22, the weather will turn generally hot and humid, with only brief thunderstorms at a few places. However, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts during the night of August 22.

Between August 23–25, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected across many parts of J&K, with heavy rainfall at some places in both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions.

The MeT has cautioned about the possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas during August 18–19 and August 23–25.

People have been urged to stay away from rivers, streams, and water bodies.”Avoid vulnerable kachha houses and loose structures. Exercise extreme caution while traveling in hilly terrain. Plan journeys carefully, especially tourists, trekkers, and transporters. Authorities have been advised to remain alert and ensure necessary preparedness in view of the weather conditions”. (KINS)

DSEK issues advisory for school safety amid inclement Weather

Kashmir Leader Desk
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​Srinagar: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued an advisory and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the safety of students and staff during inclement weather conditions.

​In a circular issued today, the Director of School Education Kashmir as per KNC highlighted the recent cloudburst incidents and instructed all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Heads of Institutions (HOIs) to implement new safety measures.

The advisory instructs schools located in vulnerable areas to maintain a state of heightened vigilance. Staff must be proactively sensitized and trained on safety protocols related to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts.
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For schools situated near water bodies like rivers, streams, and lakes, HOIs are required to take all necessary precautions. This includes:

​Establishing a system to continuously monitor water levels and weather forecasts.

​Ensuring a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan is in place, with designated safe areas.
​Maintaining open and frequent communication with local authorities and disaster management agencies.

The circular emphasizes that the cooperation of all school staff is essential to ensure student safety. It warns that “personal responsibility for any incident or loss resulting from a failure to implement these safety measures will rest solely with the concerned Head of Institution.”

​The advisory stated that the SOPs are to be followed “in letter and spirit.” (KNC)

Army Jawan on way to Srinagar pinned to pole, Assaulted by toll booth staff

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: An Army jawan was pinned to a pole and thrashed during an altercation at a toll booth in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut. Four toll booth staff have been arrested after a video of them assaulting the soldier circulated online, NDTV reported.

The soldier, Kapil Kavad, is with the Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army. He was home for a holiday and was heading to Delhi airport to fly to his post in Srinagar. Kapil and his cousin got stuck at the crowded Bhuni toll booth.

Anxious about getting late for his flight, Kapil got out of the car and started speaking to the toll booth staff.

An altercation followed and at least five toll booth employees thrashed Kapil and his cousin. A video of the assault showed them beating Kapil with a stick. Some assailants then pin Kapil to a pole, pull his hands back as one of them hurls abuses and beats up the soldier.

Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police (Rural), said a case has been registered. “Kapil is in the Indian Army. He was returning to his post. There was a long queue at the Bhuni toll booth. He was in a hurry and he spoke to the toll booth staff. An argument began and the toll booth staff assaulted him. Following a complaint from his family, a case was registered at Sarurpur police station.”

“Four accused have been arrested after scanning CCTV footage and videos. Two more teams are working to arrest the other accused,” the senior officer said.

According to some reports, the altercation began when Kapil told the toll booth staff that his village is in the area exempted from toll charges. This led to an argument that snowballed into the soldier’s assault.

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