Community Archives | Page 32 of 186

Kashmir facing growing threat from drugs

April 27, 2023 Editor

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…

Over 6800 dog bites reported in Kashmir in the last 12 months

April 26, 2023 Editor

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…

Disappointment and Concern as Authorities Disallow ‘Jummat-ul-Vida’ Prayers at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid

April 14, 2023 Editor

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…

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Raises Concerns about Dangerous Rise in Substance Use Situation

April 6, 2023 Editor

The Directorate of Health Services of Kashmir today conducted a Divisional Level Workshop of various key stakeholders for implementation of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTPC) and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, (COPTA)- 2003 at Banquet Hall, Srinagar. The Workshop was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and was attended by DIG, Central Kashmir, Dir Health Services Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Dir Colleges, Dir School Education, RTO Kashmir, Deputy Director Information Kashmir, officers from SMC, State Taxes Deptt, Drug & Food Control, ULB, RDD, National Health Mission, Health…

Consumer aghast as authorities in Srinagar are accused of not taking action against the exorbitant prices of essential items

March 29, 2023 Editor

Failure of authorities to ensure sale of essential items as per official rate list is taking toll on people of the summer capital. Consumers across Srinagar said that the failure of authorities to keep a check on the market is burning a hole in their pockets. Consumers said that selling poultry at higher rates than government-designated rates has taken a toll on them. Officials told KIF that there had been a fresh revision in poultry rates across Kashmir. The rate of chicken is 130 Rs per kg while the rates…

The discovery of lithium in Kashmir is viewed as a double-edged sword

March 26, 2023 Editor

The discovery of major lithium deposits is being seen as a mixed blessing in India’s troubled Kashmir region, where hopes for a major economic boost are tempered by fears of human displacement and damage to the territory’s fragile ecology. The finding of the lithium, key to the manufacture of batteries used in electric cars and other electronic devices, is likely very good news for India as a whole, promising to save the country billions of dollars as it seeks to move its economy away from fossil fuels. It also offers…

Kashmir caught in Pakistan – India Moon Tussle: Uncertainty over whether Ramadan moon was sighted or not

March 23, 2023 Editor

As Ramazan moon was not sighted anywhere in India or Pakistan till late hours on Wednesday Kashmir Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, like many others, made his customary announcement about the first day of fasting starting from Friday. However a late night announcement from the neighbouring country that the Ramazan moon has been sighted put many of them in quandary. Interestingly Grand Mufti this time around maintained his stand breaking from the tradition of following Pakistan on the matters related to moon sighting. Nasir-ul-Islam had said that no evidence from any part…

Smart City Projects in disarray due to poor Execution, Resulting in Chaos

March 22, 2023 Editor

Haphazard execution of Smart City projects is taking heavy toll on commuters who face immense problems to reach their respective destinations. Commuters including students, office-goers and traders in Srinagar have been decrying simultaneous construction of Smart City Projects along MA Road, Residency Road, Polo View, Regal Chowk, and the Bund saying this has hampered their movement. Farhan Kitab, president of the Regal Chowk traders association, said that they have been urging authorities to keep all stakeholders, especially traders in the loop. “These works have crippled trade and affected footfall of…

Strong Earthquake hits Afganistan, tremors felt across north India; Dos and Don’ts for staying safe during an Earthquake

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 Editor

Strong Earthquake hits north India; Dos and Don'ts for staying safe during an Earthquake

At least 12 people were killed in Pakistan and Afghanistan following a powerful 6.5-magnitude quake that struck the two neighbouring nations, with tremors also felt across north India. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre of the Tuesday night tremor, with a depth of 187.589 km, was initially determined to be at 36.5227 degrees north latitude and 70.9787 degrees east longitude in Jurm, Afghanistan, reports Xinhua news agency. In a statement on Wednesday, the Disaster Management Authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said five men, two women and two children were…