Monday, April 6, 2026
Home Blog Page 85

Man injured in Sharp-edged weapon attack in Kupwara, Hospitalized

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: A 32-year-old man was injured in an alleged attack with a sharp-edged weapon at the bus stand in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday.

Official sources told KNC that the man was injured after being attacked by a sharp edged weapon by a boy.

The victim has been identified as a resident of Drugmulla. He sustained serious injuries during the attack while the accused has been identified as a resident of Malik Mohalla Kupwara, they said.

The injured man was first taken to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara, from where he was referred to Handwara. Doctors at Handwara then shifted him to SMHS Srinagar for specialized treatment due to the severity of his injuries, sources said.

Police have registered a case and initiated a further investigation into the incident. (KNC)

Jammu-Srinagar NHW closed amid heavy rains; Commuters advised to avoid travel

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been closed to all vehicular traffic due to heavy rainfall and shooting stones at multiple locations.

An official told KNC that the highway is experiencing heavy rain across its entire stretch, making it unsafe for travel. Commuters have been advised against undertaking any journey until the weather improves and the road is cleared.

For the latest updates on road status, the traffic police have advised the public to check their official Twitter handle and Facebook page.

Commuters can also contact the following Traffic Control Units for real-time information, TCU Jammu, 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103 — Srinagar, 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103; Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043. (KNC)

Constable suspended after allegedly thrashing VDG member in Doda

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Senior Superintendent of Police Doda on Monday suspended a constable after he had allegedly thrashed a Village Defense Guard member in Doda district.

In a handout, the police said that taking strong note of the alleged misconduct involving SgCt. Mohd Zia of Police Post Premnagar — particularly the alleged thrashing of a Village Defence Group (VDG) member — the Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, Sandeep Mehta (JKPS), has taken immediate and firm action.

The police spokesman further stated that SgCt. Mohd Zia has been placed under suspension with immediate effect and attached to District Police Lines (DPL) pending further proceedings. A departmental enquiry has been ordered, and a senior officer has been appointed as the enquiry officer to investigate the incident comprehensively. The enquiry report is to be submitted within a fortnight.

In addition, the conduct of the then SHO Police Station Thathri, DySP (P) Afeer Jaleel, will also be thoroughly examined as part of the enquiry. The enquiry officer has been directed to assess his role and submit specific findings for further necessary action.

It is reiterated that the matter is under active consideration by the District Police, and any individual found involved in wrongdoing shall be dealt with strictly as per the law, reads the statement. (GNS)

Minor girl killed in Ganderbal, SIT Constituted; CM Omar condemns ‘Reprehensible’ act

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Shock and outrage spread across central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday after a minor girl, aged around 14–15 years, was allegedly abducted and killed by unknown attackers.

Her elder sister, who was also present during the incident, managed to escape but remains hospitalized in a state of trauma.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, said the girl’s body was recovered from the Batsar–Sehpora road following an extensive search.

“Some crucial evidence has been seized from the spot. A case under Section 103 BNS (murder) has been registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter,” he told reporters.

Poswal added that forensic teams from Srinagar have been pressed into service, while CCTV footage is being technically analyzed to trace the culprits.

“A board of doctors has also been constituted to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation. We are confident of cracking the case soon,” he said, urging people to maintain calm.

The horrifying incident drew sharp condemnation from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who described the killing as “inhuman and reprehensible.”

In a post on X, the CM’s office expressed deep anguish and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. “The perpetrators of this heinous act deserve the severest punishment,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the SSP visited the victim’s family and assured them of justice, while locals in the area demanded swift action against the culprits. (KNC)

Kishtwar cloudburst toll 61; search for trapped victims continues on Day 4

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The death toll due to a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district rose to 61, as rescuers continued operations for the fourth day on Sunday, effecting three more blasts to blow up boulders around a major impact spot, officials said.

Army engineers have started working on a bailey bridge to restore connectivity to Chisoti village and the Machail Mata shrine and further intensify the rescue efforts.

With the recovery of another body from the debris, the officials on Sunday said the death toll has risen to 61.

The cloudburst struck Chisoti, the last motorable village en route the Machail Mata temple, on August 14, leaving over 100 injured, other than the fatalities.

The number of missing persons has come down to 50, while the bodies of three persons still remain unidentified.

The flash floods triggered by the cloudburst left a trail of destruction, flattening a makeshift market, a langar (community kitchen) site for the Machail Mata Yatra, damaging 16 houses and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-metre-long bridge and more than a dozen vehicles.

The rescuers conducted three more controlled explosions within a span of 45 minutes to blow up giant boulders hampering the search operation, especially near the worst-hit langer site, the officials said.

Despite overcast conditions, the joint teams of police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration and local volunteers are continuing the rescue efforts.

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

The work on the bailey bridge is going on at full speed and was only halted when the rescuers went for controlled explosions to detonate the huge boulders, the officials said.

General Officer Commanding of the Army’s counter-insurgency Delta Force, Major General A P S Bal, said Army engineers conducted a survey of the area after the need for a bridge was felt.

“We need a 17-metre bridge, which will be installed to facilitate smooth movement across the river,” the officer said, adding that the structure will be completed by Sunday evening.

He also said the Army responded to the disaster within 45 minutes after getting the information.

“We are here because of the people. As you know, our country’s policy nowadays is a whole of nation approach. So, if there is any security issue, not just physical security but all kinds of security, the whole of nation approach has to be followed,” the GOC said.

“Besides saving lives, we are also providing the affected people with medicines, food, and all kinds of things that we can provide,” he said.

Meanwhile, political leaders from different parties, including J-K Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra, party’s working president Raman Bhalla, and former J-K BJP chief Ravinder Raina, visited Chisoti on Sunday. Karra demanded to declare the disaster a “national calamity” and the victims be accordingly compensated.

The incident also raises certain questions, which need to be answered, he said.

“Why the road connecting Kishtwar and Machail was not declared a national highway given its importance even as a project report was submitted to the concerned authorities over a decade ago? Secondly, why was the yatra not stopped despite an adverse weather warning,” Karra asked.

The Congress leader said the government cannot ignore the issues concerning the environment to safeguard the fragile ecology of the hilly region.

“We should avoid playing with the Nature,” Karra said, adding that they would submit a detailed report to the Congress high command on reaching Jammu. (PTI)

7 dead in cloudburst, landslide in J&K’s Kathua

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Seven members of four families, including five children, were killed in two incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Sunday, officials said.

The calamity struck Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Bagra village of Janglote amid heavy overnight rains in the district, leading to increase in the level of water bodies and submerging of many low-lying areas, they said.

The cloudburst in Kathua came three days after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on August 14, leaving 60 people dead and more than 100 injured.

Officials said while five people, including a man and his two minor sons, lost their lives in Jodh Ghati which was hit by the cloudburst, snapping access to the village and causing damage to several mud houses, a mother-daughter duo lost their lives in the landslide triggered by rains at Bagra village of Janglote.

The Army has evacuated six injured people to hospital from Jodh Ghati.

“Indian Army columns on the ground in Kathua – rescuing families, giving hope, food & care after the cloudburst,” Rising Star corps said in a post of X.

It also shared pictures of soldiers evacuating the affected people to safety. The officials identified the deceased as Surmu Din (32), his sons Fanu (6) and Shedu (5), Zulfoon (15) and Tahu (2), all residents of Jodh Ghati, and Renu Devi (39) and her daughter Radhika (9) of Janglote.

The injured were identified as Surmu Din’s wife, Gogli Begum (26), daughter Nageena (3 months) and Habib Din’s wife Karoon Begum (26) and daughters Rafia Begum (4), Aisha Begum (6) and Parveen Akhter (8), the officials said.

A video on social media showed a couple of collapsed mud-houses belonging to the victims with survivors trying to pull out a half-buried girl from the rubble and frantically searching for missing persons.

The landslide triggered by rains also hit Changda village under the jurisdiction of Kathua police station and Dilwan-Hutli in Lakhanpur police station area but there was no major report of damage.

The heavy rains have led to a sharp increase in the level in most of the water bodies with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, the officials said, adding that several low-lying areas were submerged with flood water entering houses and shops.

The district administration is closely watching the situation and has requested people to stay away from water bodies.

Police in Kathua also asked the people especially living in hilly areas to stay at home and not to move close to the water bodies as there is every apprehension of flash floods owing to heavy rains.

“For any emergency please contact the nearest police station or call on helpline numbers: 98580 34100 or 112,” the police said.

Train traffic has been disrupted along the Jammu-Pathankot rail line following the cloudburst, prompting authorities to cancel local trains and short-terminate others.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the cloudburst in Kathua and assured all support. “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,” Shah wrote on X.

Sinha, Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh have expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incidents.

“Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police and administration.

“I have directed senior civil and police officials to coordinate and execute rescue and aid efforts in the affected areas and ensure on-site medical assistance. My thoughts are with bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured,” the Lt Governor said in a post on X.

The chief minister announced ex-gratia assistance to the deceased from the CM’s relief fund.

In a post shared on X by the office of the chief minister, Abdullah said the assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives.

“The Chief Minister, expressing deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support,” the post read.

It said Rs 2 lakh would be given to the families of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

The chief minister also sanctioned Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.

Abdullah also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance.

Singh said the civilian administration, military and paramilitary forces have swung into action to carry out rescue and relief operations in Kathua.

“Spoke to SSP Kathua Sh. Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area,” Singh wrote on X.

Meanwhile, the weather office has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places with intense showers or heavy rains at a few places in Jammu division, especially Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Kathua district with moderate intense showers over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban till August 19. (PTI)

Heavy rains, Thundershowers, Cloudbursts likely till Aug 19: Warns MET Dept

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The Meteorological Department Srinagar on Sunday predicted a fresh spell of light to moderate rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, with a possibility of heavy showers and thunderstorms in some areas.

Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad as per KNC said that from August 17 to August 19, Jammu division, including Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Kathua, will experience light to moderate rain and thunderstorms.

Some areas may see intense and heavy downpours. Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and parts of Kashmir division are also expected to receive moderate to intense showers, accompanied by brief intense showers and gusty winds, he said.

Director Mukhtar further said that from August 20 to August 22, the weather will be generally hot and humid with only brief spells of thundershowers in a few places.

However, a fresh spell of rain is expected from August 23 to August 25, bringing light to moderate rain and thunderstorms to many areas, with a possibility of heavy rain in some locations, he said.

Dr. Mukhtar also issued a safety advisory, warning of the possibility of intense or heavy rain and thunder in parts of both Jammu and Kashmir divisions during August 17-19.

He cautioned that this could lead to cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas. He urged the public to stay away from water bodies, streams, and loose structures and advised travelers, transporters, tourists, and trekkers to plan their journeys accordingly. (KNC)

Kathua Cloudburst: LG, CM express grief over the loss of lives, Orders immediate relief

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed their grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in cloudburst in Kathua on Sunday.

Taking on micro-blogging platform X, the CM wrote, “Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance. Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families,”.

Similarly the official handle of LG posted, ” Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.

So far, four people have been killed and several others have been injured in Kathua Cloudburst. Rescue operation is underway in the area. More details awaited. (GNS)

Four dead in cloudburst in J&K’s Kathua

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: A cloudburst struck a remote village in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving four persons dead and six others injured, officials said on Sunday (August 17, 2025).

The cloudburst struck Jod Ghati village of Rajbagh during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, snapping access to the village and causing some damage to land and property, they said. After hectic efforts, a joint team of police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have reached the scene and joined the local volunteers.

So far, bodies of four persons have been recovered while six others were rescued in an injured condition and are being shifted to hospital, the officials said.

They said landslip also hit Bagard and Changda villages under the jurisdiction of Kathua police station and Dilwan-Hutli in Lakhanpur police station area but there was no major report of damage.

The heavy rains have led to sharp increase in the level in most of the water bodies with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, the officials said.

The district administration is closely watching the situation and have requested people to stay away from water bodies for their safety, the officials said. (PTI)

Army doctor restores voice to Kathua boy after 8 years of silence

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: In a heartwarming story of compassion and dedication, an Army doctor stationed in Duggan village of Kathua district has given a new life to an eight-year-old boy who had lived in silence since birth.

Officials said that Akshay Sharma, son of Kulwant Sharma, a civilian labourer working with the Army, was born with a cleft lip and palate. Though he underwent corrective surgery at the age of three, his inability to speak left his parents devastated and hopeless.

Moved by the family’s struggle, Captain Saurabh Salunkhe, a young Army doctor, decided to intervene. With no speech therapy facilities available in the remote village, the officer took it upon himself to learn the techniques and personally train the child.

According to details, Capt Salunkhe began with simple gargles, followed by tongue and jaw exercises. He then taught Akshay the difference between nasal and oral sounds, moving gradually to labial, palatal, and throat sounds. After weeks of daily two to three hours of practice, the boy advanced from sounds to words and eventually to sentences.

The entire training lasted eight weeks. During this period, the Army officer devoted his off-duty hours to Akshay, carefully guiding him step by step until he regained the ability to speak with confidence.

The turning point came when Akshay finally called out to his parents. “For us, it was nothing short of a miracle. We had lost hope, but today our home echoes with his voice,” the boy’s father said with tears in his eyes.

Locals hailed the efforts of the Army officer, saying his compassion has left a lasting mark on the village. “This is not just about one child—it shows the Army’s human side and its bond with the people,” a community elder remarked.

What began as one soldier’s act of kindness has now become an inspiration for the entire region. Residents say the story is a reminder that the Army not only protects borders but also heals lives in the remotest corners of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNC)

1...848586...139Page 85 of 139

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© kashmir Leader Magazine . Powered By FmSoft