Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Alleges House Arrest Ahead of Eid Prayers Srinagar, March 31, 2025 – Hurriyat leader and chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has alleged that he was placed under house arrest ahead of Eid prayers, sparking criticism of the authorities’ decision to bar congregational prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid and Eidgah grounds. Mirwaiz condemned the move, questioning the claims of normalcy in Kashmir. Restrictions on Eid Prayers Mirwaiz expressed deep anguish over the decision, stating, “Even at the peak of militancy during the 1990s, Eid prayers were offered…
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Kathua Gunfight: 3 Policemen, 3 Militants Killed in Fierce Encounter
Three J&K policemen, 3 Pak-origin militants killed in Kathua gunfight Jammu 28 March 2025: In a fierce gunfight in the Ghati Juthana area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, three police personnel and three militants of Pakistani origin were killed. The encounter, which lasted several hours, also left five security personnel injured, including a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). The operation was part of an intensified effort to neutralize infiltrators in the region. The Encounter Unfolds Acting on intelligence inputs, security forces launched a combing operation in the forested area near…
Read MoreOn April 19, Jammu & Kashmir Welcomes a New Era with Katra Train Launch
PM to flag off train from Katra to Valley on April 19 Jammu, March 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first train from Katra to the Valley on April 19 fulfilling the over 70-year-old dream of rail connectivity to Kashmir. The train will chug off from Katra town in Reasi district and will cross the Pir Panjal mountain range to reach Srinagar and then its final destination at Baramulla in north Kashmir. PM Modi will flag off the train from Katra in the presence of Railway Minister Ashwini…
Read MoreRuhullah Mehdi Slams ‘Forced Development’ in Kashmir: Who Really Benefits?
Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Infrastructure Imposition in Kashmir: Forced Development or Economic Neglect? A Debate Over Development in Kashmir – The debate over development in Jammu and Kashmir has once again taken center stage, with National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi voicing strong criticism against the central government. During a session in Parliament, Ruhullah accused the government of imposing infrastructure projects on Kashmir without considering the aspirations or immediate needs of its people. His remarks have reignited discussions about land acquisition, displacement of farmers, and the apparent neglect of regions actively…
Read MoreMore Reserved Category Beneficiaries from Jammu Than Kashmir, Assembly Informed
The official data was tabled before the Assembly on the population who benefited under different reserved categories in the Union Territory since April 2023 J&K official data on reserved categories shared with the Assembly on Saturday (March 15, 2025)showed that the current reservation policy is skewed and favoured the candidates from the Jammu region than the Kashmir region. The official data was tabled before the Assembly on the population who benefited under different reserved categories in the Union Territory (UT) since April 2023. It was shared in response to a…
Read MoreReligious Freedom Under Siege: Mirwaiz Prevented from Leading Friday Prayers
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Prevented from Leading Friday Prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid Srinagar, March 14: In a move that has sparked widespread discontent, Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was once again barred from leading the congregational Friday prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid. Authorities placed the Mirwaiz under house detention, preventing him from delivering his sermon at the mosque in Nowhatta, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from religious and political circles. House Detention Amid Ramzan The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, the governing body of the grand mosque,…
Read MoreReservation Debate Heats Up: Lone Highlights Marginalization of Kashmiris
Sajad Lone Criticizes J&K Reservation Policy, Calls It a “Post-Dated Cheque for Disaster” In a passionate address to the Assembly on Thursday, Sajad Gani Lone, president of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference and MLA from Handwara, raised serious concerns about the marginalization of Kashmiri-speaking residents under the current reservation policy. Lone described the framework as deeply inequitable, warning that it could lead to long-term social disempowerment for the community. Declining Representation of Kashmiri Speakers Lone presented data highlighting the systematic decline in Kashmiri representation in prestigious positions, particularly in…
Read MoreGulmarg Fashion Show Sparks Outrage During Ramadan; Designers Issue Apology
Gulmarg Fashion Show Sparks Outrage Amid Ramadan; Designers Issue Apology Srinagar, March 10, 2025 – A fashion show held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, has ignited a storm of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from religious leaders, political figures, and civil society. The event, organized by designer duo Shivan & Narresh to mark the 15th anniversary of their label, featured models showcasing skiwear on snow-covered ramps. However, its timing during the holy month of Ramadan and the nature of the attire have been widely condemned as a “cultural invasion” and an…
Read MoreOpposition Slams J&K Budget 2025-26, Calls It a Betrayal of Promises
Opposition Criticizes J&K Budget 2025-26, Calls It a Betrayal of Promises Srinagar 07 March 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2025-26, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. While the National Conference (NC) hailed the budget as a step toward economic growth and social equity, opposition leaders have labeled it a “betrayal” of the promises made during the election campaign. The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Peoples’ Conference, and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) have all voiced their discontent, accusing the NC-led…
Read MoreOmar Abdullah Presents J&K Budget 2025-26: Free Rides for Women and Free Electricity for AAY Families
Omar Abdullah Presents J&K Budget 2025-26: Full Speech Here Srinagar 07 March 2025: On March 7, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented the J&K Budget 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly. This budget marks a significant milestone as it is the first budget of J&K after a gap of seven years. The budget includes a range of welfare measures aimed at improving the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular focus on women and economically vulnerable families. Key Announcements 1. Free Rides for Women…
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