Kashmir Reader

Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is an indispensable first step towards rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring the constitutional and democratic rights of the people. Abdullah made these remarks while addressing a gathering here. The three-time chief minister described the restoration of statehood as one of the “most urgent necessities” before J-K.

Film & Television fraternity raises voice against crisis facing local artists Srinagar: A landmark gathering of professionals from Jammu and Kashmir’s Film and Television industry was held in Srinagar today to deliberate upon the growing challenges and hardships confronting the region’s creative fraternity. The meeting brought together a wide spectrum of professionals, including actors, singers, writers, producers, directors, technicians and equipment owners.

Jammu: Railway Police (GRP) Jammu has arrested Altaf Hussain Sheikh, an absconding militant wanted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), after a 35-year-long chase, officials said. They said Sheikh, son of Nazir Ahmed Sheikh from Marhama-Bijbehara, Anantnag, had gone underground and lived with a concealed identity for decades.

Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has issued Operational Guidelines for establishment of designated Street Food Cart Zones across Srinagar, marking a significant step towards bringing street food vending under a structured, transparent and sustainable framework.

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir police activated the National General Emergency Response System, Dial 112, on Thursday for immediate assistance to people during emergencies through a single helpline, officials said. They said the service is available through all police stations across the Jammu zone, and the public has been urged to make full use of the facility in case of any emergency, including fire, medical, women’s help and disaster-related information.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday, drawing curtains on a stormy Monsoon session which saw relentless protests by the opposition on the police action on student protesters and alleged theft of Ram temple donations, and passage of several key bills without a debate. Amid the opposition protests and disruption, the lower house functioned for 15 per cent of its scheduled time.

Chairs security review meeting ahead of Independence Day Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, Nalin Prabhat on Thursday chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to assess security preparedness and arrangements ahead of the Independence Day celebrations across the Union Territory of J&K.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 35 per cent surplus rainfall during July, ending an eight-month period of below-normal precipitation across the Union Territory. According to the rainfall data, compiled by an independent weather forecaster, Jammu and Kashmir received 259.7 mm of rainfall in July against a normal of 192.6 mm, resulting in a surplus of 35 per cent. The July rainfall marks a notable turnaround after a prolonged period of below-normal precipitation across the Union Territory.

Rains lash J&K parts; MeT forecasts intense showers from Aug 16 to 19 Srinagar: Two persons were killed and two others injured in a lightning strike in South Kashmir’s Anantnag District on Thursday as rain lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with the Meteorological Centre predicting spells of heavy rain and thundershowers across the region between August 16 and 19.

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha recorded one of its lowest productivity levels in more than two decades during the Monsoon session that ended on Thursday, with only two Parliament sessions since 2004 showing lower functioning, according to data compiled by PRS Legislative Research.