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Water Supply To Remain Suspended In Parts Of Ganderbal, Srinagar From April 25–27

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Water Supply To Remain Suspended In Parts Of Ganderbal, Srinagar From April 25–27
The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has announced a temporary suspension of drinking water supply in several areas of Ganderbal and adjoining rural pockets of Srinagar from April 25 to 27 to facilitate repair works on the Sindh Power Canal.
According to an official statement issued by the Executive Engineer, Rural Water Supply Division Ganderbal, Phase-II maintenance works on the canal will be carried out on April 25 and 26, during which raw water supply to dependent treatment plants will remain suspended.
The water supply disruption will be effective from 6 a.m. on April 25 and is expected to continue until 6 a.m. on April 27, affecting several urban and rural localities under the division.
In Ganderbal district, the affected areas include Ganderbal town, Nagbal, Rangil, Darend, Malshahibagh, Khalmulla, Nunner, Gutlibagh, Wayil, Nadribagh, Babaspora, Chattergul, Bandibagh, Arch, Saderbagh, Malpora, Gundrehman, Harran, Kachan, Hathbura, Sehpora, Shallbugh, Chundina, Gogjigund, Malikpora, Kogund, Devpora, Gadoora, Kujjar, Beehama, Manigam, Tulmulla, Waseepora, Theeru and Lar, among others.
In the rural areas of Srinagar district, localities including Gulab Bagh, Zakura, Habak, Shuhama, Chatterhama, Bakura, Inderhama, Syedpora, Khimber, Hadoora, Wanihama, Gassu, Qurashi Mohalla, Shanpora, Guzerbal, Palpora, Tangpora, Gurnanjipora, Pampore Colony, Goripora, Shunglipora and adjoining areas are also likely to face disruption.
Officials said the shutdown is necessary to carry out essential repair works to ensure the long-term stability and efficiency of the water supply system.
Residents have been advised to store sufficient quantities of water in advance to meet their requirements during the shutdown period. The department has also issued helpline numbers for emergency assistance.
Authorities have appealed for public cooperation, stating that the temporary inconvenience is required for improving overall service delivery. (KNC)

India Remains Resolute To Defeat Terrorism In All Forms: Prez On Pahalgam Attack Anniversary

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India Remains Resolute To Defeat Terrorism In All Forms: Prez On Pahalgam Attack Anniversary
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and said the country remains resolute in its determination to defeat terrorism everywhere in all its forms.
“The tragic loss of innocent lives in that heinous act remains etched in our collective memory. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The entire nation stands with them. Such acts of terror cannot deter our unwavering commitment to peace and unity,” she said in a post on X.
As many as 25 tourists and a local ponywallah were killed in cold blood by three terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit on April 22 last year.
All three terrorists were later eliminated in the July 28 encounter code-named Operation Mahadev on the outskirts of Srinagar. They were hiding in the Dachigam-Harwan forest belt since the attack.
“We remain resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism everywhere in all its forms,” Murmu said.
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian armed forces on May 7 last year carried out precision strikes at terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK) under Operation Sindoor.
The operation targeted nine sites, including the headquarters and training centres of LeT and another terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed, from where terror attacks against India were planned and directed. (Agencies)

BJP Delegation Meets EC, Seeks Stringent Action Against Kharge For ‘Terrorist’ Remark Targeting PM

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BJP Delegation Meets EC, Seeks Stringent Action Against Kharge For ‘Terrorist’ Remark Targeting PM
A BJP delegation comprising three Union ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman, approached the Election Commission on Wednesday, demanding “strictest action” against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his “terrorist” remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sitharaman said, “Today, we appeared before the full commission to bring to its notice that no less a person than the president of the Congress and the leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha has spoken in such condemnable words.
Kharge chose to call the prime minister a “terrorist” while addressing a press conference in Tamil Nadu, an election-bound state, the finance minister said, terming the Congress chief’s remark “outrageous”.
“It’s an insult to the mandate given by the people of India (to Prime Minister Modi). More importantly, it is an insult to the entire system where people choose their leader through elections, and once chosen, he is the leader for the entire country,” Sitharaman said.
She also alleged that the Congress is “completely frustrated” and making such remarks against the prime minister amid assembly polls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal because of its “deep hatred” towards Modi.
“We have demanded that the Election Commission take the matter in all seriousness. We requested the poll panel to act firmly and sternly,” she said.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who was also part of the delegation, termed the remark a “disgusting act” by Kharge.
“We have demanded the strictest action. We have also demanded that Kharge and the Congress be directed to apologise to the country,” Rijiju told reporters. He said the Commission gave a patient hearing to the BJP delegation and assured that it will take “appropriate action” in the matter.
“The Election Commission should take such action in the matter that nobody ever dares to call the country’s prime minister a terrorist. Everyone should learn a lesson. We hope the Election Commission will definitely take action,” the senior BJP leader said.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and BJP national general secretary Arun Singh were also part of the delegation.
The development followed after Kharge accused Prime Minister Modi of terrorising political parties and people by misusing government machinery and central agencies to stifle the opposition.
Addressing a press conference in Chennai, the Congress chief initially referred to the prime minister as a “terrorist” while criticising the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP.
However, when pressed by reporters to clarify the context of the remark, the Congress chief said he meant the prime minister was “terrorising” the democratic fabric of the country.
“He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist (in the literal sense). He is misusing his power and government machinery and abusing and maligning opposition parties,” Kharge said.
On Tuesday, the BJP had urged the Election Commission to take immediate cognisance of Kharge’s remark and direct the Congress president to submit a public apology.
In a memorandum to the poll panel, it also demanded that “suitable penal and regulatory proceedings” be initiated against Kharge for his remark under various sections of the BNS, and “appropriate campaign restrictions” be imposed on him.
The BJP also said that its delegations comprising Sitharaman, Rijiju and Meghwal will meet the EC on Wednesday to raise the issue. (Agencies)

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Ponywallah Adil Shah’s Sacrifice Immortalised In History, Says Shinde

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Pahalgam Terror Attack: Ponywallah Adil Shah’s Sacrifice Immortalised In History, Says Shinde
 Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said that the sacrifice of ponywallah Syed Adil Hussain Shah, one of the 26 victims of last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, has been etched in history and will never be forgotten by the country.
On Tuesday, a newly built house was handed over to Shah’s family — an act Shinde described as honouring the brave heart’s sacrifice rather than merely providing shelter.
Shah, along with 25 tourists, lost his life in the attack by a group of terrorists in Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist spot, on April 22 last year.
He had tried to snatch a terrorist’s rifle during the attack and was shot dead. Following this, Shiv Sena head Shinde had given financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to his family and also promised a house for them.
On Tuesday, Shiv Sena ministers Yogesh Kadam and Sanjay Shirsat handed over the keys of the new house, named ‘Anand Nath Sadan’ in the memory of Shinde’s mentor Anand Dighe, to Shah’s family at his native Hapatnar village in Pahalgam.
“Adil was not merely a young man, he was a blazing lamp of the nation’s pride, one who sacrificed his life for humanity, transcending religion, language and creed,” the deputy CM said, attending the event through video conferencing. “A mother’s son, a family’s pillar, snatched away in an instant; but this sacrifice made for humanity will never be forgotten by the country; it has been etched in history,” he added.
Shinde also said he made every effort to safely evacuate tourists stranded in Srinagar after the terror attack last year and monitored the entire operation.
When local residents raised the demand for developing the area as a tourist zone, Shinde assured them that efforts would be made to take a positive decision in cooperation with the central government.
A large number of tourists from Maharashtra visit Kashmir, and special attention would be given to increasing this number further in the future, he added.
Shinde also recalled the legacy of party founder Bal Thackeray and said, “The late Balasaheb Thackeray always helped people transcending caste and religion, and Shiv Sena walks on those very values.” Kadam, who is a minister of state in the Maharashtra home department, said he came to Kashmir not to do politics but to give support to Shah’s family.
Shirsat said Shiv Sena is a party that keeps its word, as it fulfilled Shinde’s promise of help in building the house for Shah’s family.
On the occasion, Shah’s sister and brother, visibly moved, expressed their gratitude to Shinde.
“Eknath Shinde fulfilled the promise he had made. He provided us with financial help and also built us a home. This house is not just a shelter for us, it is honour and support,” they said. (Agencies)

“Terrorism Is The Greatest Enemy Of Humanity, India Will Continue Zero-Tolerance Policy”: HM Amit Shah

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“Terrorism Is The Greatest Enemy Of Humanity, India Will Continue Zero-Tolerance Policy”: HM Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, recalling the innocent lives lost and reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to its zero-tolerance approach against terrorism.
In a post on X, HM Amit Shah said, “On this day, we solemnly remember the innocent lives we lost in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack last year. The grief and pain of losing our people still remain in the heart of every Indian. Terrorism is the greatest enemy of humanity, against which we must stand united to fight and defeat.”
He further stated, “India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it.” (KNC)

Will Constitution Not Come To Rescue Of Believer Who Is Not Allowed To Touch Deity: SC

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Will Constitution Not Come To Rescue Of Believer Who Is Not Allowed To Touch Deity: SC
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple if the Constitution will not come to the rescue of a believer who is not allowed to touch the deity.
The remark by the top court came after the chief priest said that when a devotee goes to a temple for worship, it can’t be in antagonism to the characteristics of a deity.
The nine-judge Constitution bench is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, and on the ambit and scope of the religious freedom practised by multiple faiths.
The bench comprises Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices B V Nagarathna, M M Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi.
Appearing for the ‘thantri’, senior advocate V Giri submitted that the nature of ceremonies and rituals followed in any temple forms the integral part of the religion and therefore is a religious practice.
He said continuance of such practice, which is an essential religious practice, would be a part of the right to worship that is for every member who believes in the religion or religious denomination.
“When a devotee goes to a temple for worship, it can’t be in antagonism to the characteristics of a deity because its for the purpose of worshipping the deity. The devotee surrenders to the divine spirit contained in the deity. He/she has to accept the essential characteristics of the deity,” Giri said.
Posing a question, Justice Amanullah asked, “When I go to a temple, my fundamental belief is that he is the Lord, he is my creator, he has created me, right? “I go there with one hundred percent belief. I am totally devoted, absolutely nothing impure in my heart. And there, I am told that because of a birth, a lineage, a certain situation, permanently you are not allowed to touch the deity. Now, will the Constitution not come to the rescue? Justice Amanullah remarked, adding that there cannot be a difference between the creator and creation.
Giri replied that if there is a complete ban on anybody becoming a priest, then that will be taken care of either by a Article 25(2)(b) legislation or it will be taken care of by the State itself.
“If priest means the person who is instructed in the ‘Shastras’ as to how to conduct worship and how to worship the deity, if there is a complete ban on any person becoming a priest and then doing the ‘seva’, as we call it, only by reason of birth, that will be taken care of either by a Article 25(2)(b) legislation or it will be taken care of by the State itself,” he said.
The senior lawyer said “Naishtika Brahmachari” (perennial celibate) can be considered as an essential characteristic to the deity and the ceremonies and rituals performed in Sabarimala are in synchronisation with the concept. “I have a right to practice my religion under Article 25 of the Constitution…If the characteristics of the deity are as such that its not possible for me to go there, if I am a woman, it has to be in sync with the characteristics of the religion. The characteristic of the deity in sofar as Sabarimala is concerned contemplates that the deity is a permanent celibate,” Giri said.
He contended there is a total lack of material on the part of the writ petitioners to show that the concept of “Naishtika Brahmachari” pleaded by the petitioner are either ill founded, misconceived, or doesn’t form the essential form of the religion.
The hearing is underway. Observing that denominational practices can be subject matter of judicial scrutiny, the top court on April 17 had said that judges must rise above personal religious beliefs and be guided by freedom of conscience and the broader constitutional framework while adjudicating matters of faith. In September 2018, a five-judge Constitution bench, by a 4:1 majority verdict, lifted the ban that prevented women between the ages of 10 and 50 from entering the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple and held that the centuries-old Hindu religious practice was illegal and unconstitutional.
Later, on November 14, 2019, another five-judge bench headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, by a majority of 3:2, referred the issue of discrimination against women at various places of worship to a larger bench. (Agencies)

Bus Rolls Down Hill In Jammu And Kashmir’s Udhampur; 21 Dead

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Bus Rolls Down Hill In Jammu And Kashmir’s Udhampur; 21 Dead
A passenger bus rolled down a hillside in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday, leaving 21 people dead and 29 others injured, officials said.
The bus crushed an auto-rickshaw before landing upside down on the road below.
Officials said those travelling in the auto-rickshaw sustained injuries but survived.
An Army convoy passing along the hilly stretch led the rescue operation after the driver of the private bus lost control while negotiating a blind curve near the hilltop Kagort village in the Ramnagar area around 10 am.
The bus was carrying 50 passengers, mostly those heading to their daily jobs, from Ramnagar to Udhampur.
The rescue operation proved extremely challenging as the vehicle had been reduced to a mangled heap of iron, with its top portion almost completely torn off.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the accident.
He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the accident.
J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and those injured.
They also directed authorities concerned to provide immediate relief and necessary support to those affected.
“A bus en route from Ramnagar to Udhampur lost control while negotiating a hilly stretch, plunged down the slope, and crushed an auto-rickshaw upon landing upside down on the road below. Fifteen passengers were found dead at the scene, while four others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital,” Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma told reporters at the site.
Officials said two more critically injured persons succumbed to their injuries at Udhampur District Hospital during treatment, raising the death toll to 21.
Sharma said the local residents extended significant help during the rescue. Police teams, including the Senior Superintendent of Police, SHO Ramnagar, and other officers, reached the spot.
Army personnel also assisted, and a joint rescue operation was carried out. The vehicle was later straightened using a hydraulic crane, the DIG said. He said this is a very tragic incident, and “we stand in solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones. Jammu and Kashmir Police stand with them in this hour of grief.” Sharma said Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti are monitoring the situation over the phone.
An army soldier, who was leading a convoy from Udhampur to Ramnagar, said they swung into action immediately after noticing the civilian vehicle rolling down the hill.
“I was leading the convoy when the accident occurred on the way. The vehicle fell from a height of nearly 100 metres. We immediately secured the area and launched the rescue operation, thus saving many precious lives including those of men and women with great difficulty,” the soldier said.
In a post on X, the Lt Governor said, “Tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.” Sinha said he directed the district administration, police, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and health department to provide every possible assistance to those affected.
The chief minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
In a post on X, chief minister said, “The government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, and that all necessary assistance is being extended.”
Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed grief over the incident.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic Udhampur-Ramnagar bus accident.
Condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” she said in a post on X.
Expressing grief over the incident, J-K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra urged authorities to immediately provide all possible relief, proper medical care, and necessary support to the affected families in this hour of immense pain.
Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he spoke to Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Minga Sherpa following the accident, informing that arrangements are being made to airlift the seriously injured victims.
“Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on way from Ramnagar to Udhampur.
“The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured,” the minister said in a post on X.
Singh said he is in constant touch with the local administration as well as the
BJP local workers team involved in the rescue operation.

CM Omar Reviews Progress Of 2.7-Km-Long Sungal Tunnel On Jammu-Poonch Highway

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CM Omar Reviews Progress Of 2.7-Km-Long Sungal Tunnel On Jammu-Poonch Highway
 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reviewed the ongoing work on the 2.79-kilometre-long Sungal tunnel project on the Jammu–Poonch Highway, which is scheduled to be completed later this year.
“On his way to Nowshera, the chief minister today inspected the ongoing work on the Sungal Tunnel project and reviewed the progress on site,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
During the visit, officials briefed him on the current status of construction, including excavation, structural work and associated road development, it said.
The Sungal tunnel, connecting Akhnoor and Poonch, is the second of the four tunnels on the strategic national highway, popularly known as the “golden arc road,” to achieve a major construction milestone.
The 2.79-kilometre-long tunnel is a key infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Akhnoor and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said the project is nearing completion and is being executed by the Border Roads Organisation.
The “golden arc road,” a nearly 200-kilometre-long strategic stretch, connects south Kashmir with the western districts and links key border areas, including Akhnoor, Rajouri and Poonch.
Officials said the highway includes four major tunnels—Kandi, Sungal, Naushera and Bhimber Gali—being developed to enhance connectivity and ensure all-weather access in the region.
Earlier, the 700-metre-long Naushera tunnel had been completed, while work on the 260-metre-long Kandi tunnel and the 1.1-kilometre-long Bhimber Gali tunnel is currently in progress.Maps

“Security Of Strait Of Hormuz Is Not Free,” Says Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

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“Security Of Strait Of Hormuz Is Not Free,” Says Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref on Sunday (local time) warned that stability in the Strait of Hormuz comes at a cost, stating that the country cannot be expected to ensure maritime security while facing restrictions on its own oil exports, amid escalating tensions with the United States over the seizure of an Iranian vessel.
In a post on X, Aref said, “The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free. One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others.”
He added that the consequences of continued pressure would be global in scale, particularly for energy markets.
“The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone,” he said.
Aref further stressed that long-term stability in fuel prices would require an end to external pressure on Iran.
“Stability in global fuel prices depends on a guaranteed and lasting end to the economic and military pressure against Iran and its allies,” he added.
The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free. One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others. The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone. Stability in global fuel prices depends on a…
— Aref| First VP Iran (@fvpresidentiran) April 19, 2026
The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region following Iran’s confirmation that a US operation targeted an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman.
Iran’s Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, in a statement carried by Iranian state media, accused the United States of “violating the ceasefire and committing maritime piracy” and said the ship had been seized.
“We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military,” it said.
The statement followed claims by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) that American forces intercepted and disabled the Iranian-flagged vessel TOUSKA in the Arabian Sea after it violated a US naval blockade.
“TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea enforced naval blockade measures against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, April 19,” CENTCOM said.
It added that the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance fired several rounds into the vessel’s engine room after repeated warnings were ignored.
“Spruance disabled Touska’s propulsion by firing several rounds from the destroyer’s 5-inch MK 45 Gun into Touska’s engine room,” CENTCOM said, adding that US Marines later boarded the vessel, which remains in American custody.
US President Donald Trump also claimed that American forces had taken “full custody” of the ship, saying it was intercepted after attempting to breach the blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
The developments come amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing diplomatic uncertainty, with Iran rejecting US claims as “false” about renewed negotiations while accusing Washington of escalating pressure through military and economic measures. (Agencies)

Bus Rolls Down Hill In Jammu And Kashmir’s Udhampur, 12 Killed

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Bus Rolls Down Hill In Jammu And Kashmir’s Udhampur, 12 Killed
Twelve people were killed and several others injured when a passenger bus rolled down a hill in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday, officials said.
The bus met with the accident on the hilly road while negotiating a blind curve near Kagort village in Ram Nagar area around 10 am, the officials said.
They said a major rescue operation is underway. Several persons were shifted to hospital from the scene and their condition is stated to be critical.
The bus was on way to Udhampur from a remote village when the accident took place, the officials said.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh tweets, “Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa, after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on its way from Ramnagar to Udhampur. The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured. I am in constant touch with the local administration as well as our local workers team led by Rajinder Sharma.” (KNC)City & Local Guides
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