A man and his young daughter lost their lives in a tragic incident today as fierce winds swept across the Kashmir Valley, causing widespread damage and plunging several areas into darkness.

The fatal incident occurred in the Gadarchowgan Keller area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, where Reyaz Ahmed and his daughter Sabia were collecting household items outside their home. A large tree, uprooted by sudden gusts of wind, collapsed on them, fatally injuring both. Locals said the tree fell without warning, highlighting the force and unpredictability of the storm.

The Valley experienced its strongest winds late Sunday, with gusts recorded in nearly every district. The Meteorological Department had earlier issued an advisory predicting wind speeds of 40–60 kmph along with thundershowers.
“The strong winds and temperature rise are due to a western disturbance,” said Pritam Singh, a MeT official. He warned that winds could persist through Monday evening, urging residents to avoid outdoor activities, especially near tin rooftops or trees.

Singh further cautioned about a potential heatwave from May 21 to 27, advising the public to stay updated through official bulletins and take necessary precautions.

Widespread Destruction Across the Valley

The storm wreaked havoc across multiple districts:

• Electric poles, tin roofs, hoardings, and trees were brought down in several towns, including Srinagar.
• In Soura, a communication tower collapsed onto a road, and the minaret of Jamia Masjid in Batpora, Chadoora, was damaged.
• At least five people were injured in Srinagar and Anantnag due to flying debris.
• In Pampore, a centuries-old Chinar tree was uprooted.
• Apple orchards in Budgam, Tangmarg, and Baramulla suffered significant damage.
• Several vehicles and structures were crushed by falling trees.
• Power and water supply were disrupted due to damaged transmission lines and pumping stations.

Despite the extensive damage, officials say restoration efforts are well underway. According to the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), about 98% of the 33KV transmission network has been restored.
“Out of 1,295 feeders, over 1,150 are currently operational,” a senior official confirmed.

Disaster response teams have been deployed across affected regions to clear debris and restore essential services. The Divisional Commissioner noted that the restoration work is being conducted “on a war footing.”

Fire Safety Advisory Issued Amid Rising Temperatures

In light of the expected heatwave, the Fire and Emergency Services Department (Srinagar Command) has issued a fire safety advisory. Station in-charges have been directed to increase preparedness and raise public awareness.

Citizens have been advised to:

• Remove dry leaves from rooftops and premises
• Avoid overloading electric sockets
• Switch off electrical appliances when not in use
• Take extreme caution while cooking or using flammable materials

Farmers have also been urged to monitor stubble burning and avoid unsafe disposal practices.
“The department will conduct awareness drives to help prevent fire incidents during the intense summer months,” the advisory stated.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan today visited the strategically significant military installations at Suratgarh in Rajasthan and Naliya in Gujarat. During his visit, he commended the armed forces personnel for their high level of operational preparedness and unwavering commitment to national security.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Gen Chauhan’s visit aimed at boosting the morale of the troops stationed in these critical regions, especially in the wake of recent military tensions. Notably, both bases were reportedly targeted by the Pakistani military during the recent confrontation between the two nations.

During his interaction with the soldiers, Gen Chauhan praised the synergy and coordination displayed by the Army, Air Force, and Border Security Force (BSF) during Operation Sindoor. He highlighted the need for the forces to remain ever-prepared to respond to emerging security challenges with “decisive force.”

The CDS was accompanied by Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command, and Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command.

Gen Chauhan was briefed on the robust air defence systems and surveillance measures deployed in the region. Applauding the troops’ “exceptional valour and professionalism,” he appreciated their selfless dedication, resolute courage, and steadfast commitment in neutralising multiple threats from the western adversary.

Army Chief Visits Longewala, Applauds Troops for Operational Excellence

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi visited the forward post of Longewala in Rajasthan today, where he interacted with troops of the Konark Corps and reviewed recent joint operations.

Officials said that the Army Chief congratulated the personnel for their “exemplary role” in the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. The operation involved coordinated action between the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and the BSF in response to enemy provocations following the May 7 retaliatory strike by India, which came after the terror attack in Pahalgam.

Gen Dwivedi reviewed the swift deployment of air defence systems and surveillance assets, which played a crucial role in blunting enemy drone incursions and maintaining dominance across the western front, stretching from Jaisalmer to Kutch.

“This calibrated and coordinated action has not only blunted enemy intent but also established a new normal in operational readiness and area domination,” a senior official stated.

The Army Chief also recognised the unwavering commitment of the troops deployed in the harsh desert terrain amid peak summer conditions, reaffirming the Indian Army’s resolve to defend the nation’s sovereignty with honour and resilience.

In a scathing attack on the BJP, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra today accused the ruling party of exploiting the bravery of the armed forces for political gain, claiming that Operation Sindoor is a matter of national security, not a political gimmick.

Addressing a press conference at the PCC office in Jammu, Karra condemned statements made by BJP leaders, including Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah and Deputy CM Jagdish Devda, as “insulting” to the valor and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces.

Karra emphasized that the armed forces serve the nation, not a political party, and should be respected beyond party lines. “The BJP’s attempt to hijack the glory of Operation Sindoor for electoral mileage is a dishonor to our jawans,” he said.

Congress Conducts Ground Visit to Border Districts

Flanked by Working President Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, AICC Secretary Neeraj Kundan, and other leaders, Karra recounted his extensive tour of affected areas in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Samba, and Kathua. He said the team visited Temples, Gurudwaras, and Mosques damaged by Pakistan shelling and met several victim families.

“Poonch is the worst hit,” Karra noted, adding that the civilian population was deliberately targeted by Pakistan, reflecting an “inhuman face.”

Demands for Martyr Status & Special Relief Package

Karra demanded martyr status for all who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack and the recent cross-border shelling, including civilians. He criticized the government for denying the status even to Agniveers killed in action.

He also called for a comprehensive special package for border residents, which should include:

• Construction of bunkers and community shelters in populated areas
• Audit and upgrade of existing infrastructure
• Immediate interim relief for damaged homes
• Special recruitment drives for border youth
• Permission for self-defense weapons to border villagers

Karra reminded the media that the UPA Government had provided a ₹60 crore package for Chhamb border victims, suggesting that a similar initiative be extended to zero-line LoC areas.

Jai Hind Yatra on May 20

To honor the valor of Indian forces and unite people in national solidarity, Karra announced a ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ followed by ‘Jai Hind Yatra’ on May 20, starting 10:30 AM from Shaheedi Chowk to Indira Chowk, Jammu.

Karra Defends BJP Legislator Against False Accusations

He also defended a former BJP legislator from Poonch who was reportedly labeled a terrorist by a media outlet while helping the injured during a religious teacher’s killing. “Such journalism is shameful and dishonors a true martyr,” Karra said.

Nation United Against Terrorism

Karra hailed the spirit of Hindu-Muslim unity and the strong national support for the government’s action against terrorism. He urged Pakistan to stop targeting civilians and called Pahalgam carnage a “crime against humanity.”

Kishtwar, J&K – In a significant push toward strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s power infrastructure, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing works and operational readiness of two key hydroelectric projects — the 850 MW Rattle Hydroelectric Power Project and the 390 MW Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Power Station in Kishtwar district.

Accompanied by H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department, Rahul Yadav, Managing Director of JKPDCL, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan, and senior civil and project officials, the Chief Secretary’s visit underlined the administration’s focus on energy development in the region.

Detailed Review at Rattle Project Site

At the Rattle Hydroelectric Power Project, located in the Drabshalla Block, the Chief Secretary was given a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the current progress and operational roadmap for the project. He undertook a physical inspection of several key construction zones, including the Power Intake Structure, Coffer Dam, Underground Powerhouse Complex, and the Tail Raised Tunnel.

Dulloo directed the project authorities to accelerate the pace of work to ensure timely completion, while also stressing the importance of maintaining high quality standards. He emphasized the need to proactively resolve operational hurdles and maintain seamless coordination among implementing agencies.

Operational Assessment of Dul Hasti Project

Following his visit to Rattle, the Chief Secretary inspected the Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Power Station, where he interacted with the project officials to assess its operational efficiency. He reviewed key performance metrics and issued directives for performance optimization, urging officials to address all pending technical and administrative issues without delay.

Strategic Meeting with Power Stakeholders

Later in the day, Dulloo chaired a strategic meeting involving senior officers of NHPC, Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL), and Heads of Projects (HOPs) from various hydroelectric plants across Kishtwar. The discussion focused on inter-agency coordination, resource planning, and resolving issues that have hindered smooth execution in the past.

“Hydropower development is not only crucial for meeting our energy demands but also for the economic upliftment of the region. Timely execution with quality and accountability is non-negotiable,” the Chief Secretary stated during the meeting.

A Vision for Energy Security

The Rattle and Dul Hasti projects are integral to Jammu and Kashmir’s long-term power strategy, envisioned to transform the Union Territory into a power-surplus region. With massive potential in hydroelectric energy, the Chenab Valley has been earmarked as a future energy hub by both the UT and Central governments.

In a high-level security review meeting, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhawan today.

Lt Gen Sharma was accompanied by Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava, GOC of the strategically significant 15 Corps, also known as the Chinar Corps.

During the meeting, the Army Commanders briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the latest security developments along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland, including counter-infiltration operations, preparedness in border sectors, and the overall internal security scenario in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The discussion also covered recent incidents of cross-border shelling, drone intrusions, and anti-terror operations, particularly in vulnerable districts like Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara. The LG was apprised of the coordinated efforts being taken by the Army, CAPFs, and J&K Police to maintain peace and stability in the region amid emerging threats.

Lt Gen Sharma highlighted the operational readiness of the Northern Command, which is responsible for the country’s most sensitive and volatile frontiers, including the LoC and the LAC. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to uphold national security and protect civilian life and infrastructure.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha appreciated the relentless efforts and professional commitment of the Indian Army in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation and ensuring the safety of citizens in Jammu and Kashmir, especially during recent escalations.

He also lauded the Army’s continued support to civil administration in terms of humanitarian relief, community engagement, and public outreach programs under Operation Sadbhavana.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of increased security concerns and military preparedness amid cross-border hostilities and internal threats. Both sides agreed on maintaining close civil-military coordination and enhancing synergy between security forces and administration to ensure a secure and peaceful environment for the people.