In many parts of the world, wild boars have become a menace to farmers due to their habit of destroying crops. The situation is no different in Kashmir, where farmers are facing huge losses due to the damage caused by these animals. Wild boars, known for their voracious appetite, are destroying crops like paddy, maize, and vegetables, which is causing concern among farmers who rely on these crops for their livelihood. The problem has become particularly acute in recent years due to the increase in the wild boar population in…
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USBRL Project On Track: Expected completion in February next year, says GM Northern Railways
Much-awaited strategically crucial Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, aimed at connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by train, will be completed in February 2024. Its only work to be finished pertained to tunnelling work of 200 m in two tunnels. As a reiteration of the announcement of the Union Railway Minister, the latest confirmation vis-à-vis the scheduled completion of prestigious project, which earlier witnessed many hiccups and skipped many deadlines due to weather and geological challenges, has come from the General Manager (GM) Northern Railways Shobhan Chaudhuri. “Most…
Read MoreFIR registered against two for assaulting Kashmiri Students in Jammu
A First Information Report was lodged against two persons for attacking Kashmiri students at the government medical college in Jammu on Monday. The attackers were outsiders and one of the victim students was seriously injured and shifted to hospital subsequently. “An FIR has been lodged against the culprits involved in the GMC Jammu incident, where Kashmiri students were intimidated. The authorities have stated that strict action will be taken against those who are found guilty of such behavior. The police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the attackers, and the…
Read MoreRising Incidents of Stabbings, Suicides, and Gang Violence in Kashmir
By: Javid Amin The beautiful valley of Kashmir, known for its stunning landscapes and hospitality, has been witnessing a disturbing trend in recent years. The rise in stabbings, suicides, and gang violence in the region is alarming and demands immediate attention. The reasons behind this trend are complex and multi-faceted. Kashmir has been plagued by political instability, ongoing conflict, and social and economic disparities for decades. The younger generation, in particular, has grown up in a state of constant fear and uncertainty, with limited access to quality education and job…
Read MoreThe Majestic Chinar: A Symbol of Kashmiri Identity, Resilience, and Heritage
‘Jis khaak ke zameer me hai aatish-e-chinar, Mumkin nahi ki sard ho woh khaak-e-arjumand’ In times of going ‘Smart’, the authorities in Kashmir have chopped a decades-old Chinar tree at Poloview in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. It was “ruthless killing” for journalist Hakeem Irfan, who shared footage of the chopped Chinar tree on social media. He questioned the necessity to cut a Chinar tree to build Smart City. Perhaps, the tree was not that important for the authorities busy in making Srinagar the Smart City. In fact, Chinar is not just…
Read MoreHuman trafficking emerges as major issue in Kashmir’s social landscape
Human trafficking is a global menace and Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. It is a biggest challenge facing the humanity and therefore needs a comprehensive and result-oriented response by the governments, that be, and the society as a whole. As rightly pointed out by the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, during the inauguration of the workshop over the issue, national and international criminal networks have become a part of this crime. Thousands of innocents suffer because of this. Economically weaker sections of society, women, children, migrants, and the displaced especially…
Read MoreUnraveling the complex causes behind the Alarming Rise in Suicide rates in Kashmir
To foster a sense of social unity among its members, every society needs a collective consciousness. In every society, educational and religious institutions play a major role in preserving this collective consciousness. However, these Institutions function differently in many communities. Religious institutions in South Asia work primarily to foster social cohesion in contrast to Western culture. The members of society are shielded by social solidarity. Religion also plays a significant role in mentioning social togetherness in Kashmiri society. Great saints and religious speakers have upheld this solidarity in this regard…
Read MoreKashmir facing growing threat from drugs
Drug-related crimes have been on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in recent years. The state’s strategic location makes it a transit point for the illegal drug trade in Kashmir. The porous borders and difficult terrain make it challenging for law enforcement agencies to prevent the smuggling of drugs and other contraband into and out of J&K. Heroin, cannabis, and prescription drugs are among the most commonly trafficked drugs in valley. Drug addiction is also a significant problem in J&K, particularly among young people. Many addicts turn to crime…
Read MoreOver 6800 dog bites reported in Kashmir in the last 12 months
As many as 6,875 bite victims, mostly of dog bites, were reported to the Anti-Rabies Clinic at Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital in the last year The presence of dogs on every nook and corner has led to man-dog confrontation due to which the number of cases of dog bites has increased in the region, doctors say. An official from the anti-rabies clinic SMHS told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that from 1st April 2022 till 3Ist March 2023, as many as 6,875 bite cases were reported to…
Read MoreDisappointment and Concern as Authorities Disallow ‘Jummat-ul-Vida’ Prayers at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid
The managing body of the Jamia Masjid on Friday said that the authorities have disallowed “Jummat-ul-vida” congregational prayers at the historic mosque. “District magistrate and police officials visited jama Masjid in the morning at 9.30 am and asked the management to lock the gates of the Masjid as administration had decided that jummat-ul-vida prayers will not be allowed at the Masjid,” said Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid in a statement. “Anjuman strongly resents this move of the authorities causing great distress to lakhs of Muslims who traditionally come from all parts…
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