Himalayan Express

Tag: JAMMU KASHMIR

  • Fire Engulfs 10 Residential Structures in Khanabal

    Fire Engulfs 10 Residential Structures in Khanabal

    Kashmir : In a significant incident, at least ten residential structures were consumed by a massive pre-dawn fire in the Khanabal area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on January 9.

    The fire reportedly ignited around 02:30 am in a residential house at Boat Colony, Khanabal, quickly spreading to neighboring houses. Firefighters from the Fire & Emergency Department, along with the assistance of local police and residents, swiftly responded to the scene, successfully extinguishing the flames and preventing further damage.

    Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, but the aftermath has left around a dozen families without homes. Urging the administration for financial assistance, the affected residents emphasized their inability to rebuild their homes, having already constructed makeshift shelters for themselves.

    While the police have initiated an investigation into the incident, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. The affected families are grappling with the aftermath, emphasizing the need for support to restore their lives in the wake of this unfortunate incident.

  • Continued Coldwave Conditions Persist in Kashmir Despite Brief Respite from Biting Chill

    Continued Coldwave Conditions Persist in Kashmir Despite Brief Respite from Biting Chill

    Srinagar, Jan 9: Despite a brief respite from the bone-chilling cold, coldwave conditions persist in Kashmir with sub-zero temperatures, officials reported on Tuesday.

    On Monday, Srinagar experienced a night temperature of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, a slight increase from the previous day’s minus 4.3 degrees, according to officials. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg’s night temperature was minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, slightly lower than the previous night.

    Pahalgam, a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, up from the previous night’s minus 5.3 degrees. Kokernag settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara recorded minus 4.5 degrees.

    Jammu city, Katra, Batote, Bhaderwah, and Banihal experienced minimum temperatures of 5.1, 6, 2.1, 0.6, and zero degrees Celsius, respectively.

    Kashmir is currently in the grip of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan,’ the 40-day harshest winter period characterized by a cold wave and a significant drop in temperature. The region faces freezing of water bodies and water supply lines during this period, with higher chances of snowfall, particularly in the elevated areas.

    Despite a prolonged dry spell and a 79 percent rainfall deficit in December, there has been no precipitation in the first week of January. Most plain areas of Kashmir have seen no snowfall, and the upper reaches have received less snow than usual. The Meteorological office forecasts mainly dry weather until January 12.

    ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ is expected to conclude on January 31. However, cold conditions will persist with a 20-day ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ (baby cold) following the conclusion of the 40-day period.

  • Night Curfew Imposed Along International Border in Samba by J&K Administration

    Night Curfew Imposed Along International Border in Samba by J&K Administration

    JAMMU, Jan 8: Night curfew has been implemented along the International Border (IB) in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, as per an official order, to enhance the control of the Border Security Force (BSF) and prevent illicit activities near the borderline.

    The decision aims to counter cross-border infiltration and the smuggling of weapons, particularly through drones, in the challenging and foggy weather conditions prevailing along the Indo-Pak border. District Magistrate Abhishek Sharma issued the order on Sunday, specifying that civilians are prohibited from moving within a one-kilometer strip from the IB in Samba district between 9 pm and 6 am.

    The order, invoking Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, was enacted to facilitate BSF troops in their duties effectively. The directive originated from a district-level standing committee meeting where BSF authorities recommended a nightly curfew to enhance their operational capabilities.

    The order emphasized the need for regulated movement in border areas to ensure better area domination by the BSF and thwart any malicious intentions by entities posing a threat to Indian security. Individuals requiring movement during curfew hours must present their identification cards to BSF and police authorities.

    Violation of the order will result in legal consequences, and the order, effective immediately, is set to remain in force for two months from its issuance unless withdrawn or rescinded earlier.

  • Jammu Visit by Home Minister Amit Shah Cancelled

    Jammu Visit by Home Minister Amit Shah Cancelled

    NEW DELHI, Jan 8: The planned visit of Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister to Jammu and Kashmir on January 9 has been canceled. The scheduled activities included attending the Vikasit Bharat Sankalpa Yatra in Jammu, inaugurating projects totaling Rs. 1379 Cr, including E-buses in Jammu city, laying the foundation stone for projects worth Rs. 2348 Cr, and distributing appointment letters on compassionate grounds.

    The Minister had also planned to conduct a review of the security and development situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, a visit to Dera Ki Gali in the Poonch sector to meet the families of civilians recently killed in the area was on the agenda.

    However, due to the prevailing inclement weather conditions and forecast, the program has been deferred.

  • Congress Designates Coordinators for Six Lok Sabha Seats in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

    Congress Designates Coordinators for Six Lok Sabha Seats in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

    New Delhi, Jan 08: The Congress party announced a list of coordinators for 539 Lok Sabha constituencies on Sunday. These coordinators will assess the political landscape in their respective areas and provide feedback to the leadership for seat-sharing discussions within the INDIA bloc.

    Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated, “The Congress party has just released the list of coordinators covering 539 Parliamentary constituencies with 4 more to come soon. Coordinators for five Lok Sabha seats of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and one Lok Sabha seat of Ladakh were also announced.

    Ghulam Nabi Monga has been appointed coordinator for the Baramulla seat, Naresh Gupta for the Jammu seat, Haji Abdul Rashid Dar for Srinagar, Yogesh Sawhney for Anantnag-Rajouri, and Ravinder Sharma for Udhampur.

    Capt Tsephel has been appointed Coordinator for the Ladakh LS seat.”

  • Concerns Mount in Kashmir as Absence of Snowfall Leads to Reduction in Water Bodies

    Concerns Mount in Kashmir as Absence of Snowfall Leads to Reduction in Water Bodies

    Srinagar, Jan 8: A persistent dry cold wave has enveloped Kashmir, accompanied by fog and brisk winds sweeping across the Jammu division on Monday. The Meteorological (MeT) Department predicts that there will be no significant alteration in the weather system in J&K until January 15, exacerbating the concerns of the locals.

    The ongoing 40-day period of harsh winter cold, known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ ending on January 30, has witnessed an absence of snowfall, deepening worries among the common Kashmiri populace. Residents across most areas in Kashmir are expressing deep apprehension regarding the dwindling water levels in local springs, wells, streams, rivers, and lakes.

    On Monday, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded minus 4 and minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. In the Ladakh region, Leh town experienced a minimum temperature of minus 10.6, and Drass recorded minus 11.3 degrees Celsius.

    In the Jammu division, Jammu city registered a minimum temperature of 4.3 degrees Celsius, Katra 5.6, Batote 3.2, Bhaderwah 0.4, and Banihal minus 1.2 as the night’s lowest temperature. The continued dry and cold weather has heightened concerns about the impact on water sources in the region, adding to the challenges faced by the local population during the winter season.

  • Leaders in Jammu and Kashmir Raise Concerns Over Leasing Ratle Project Electricity to Rajasthan

    Leaders in Jammu and Kashmir Raise Concerns Over Leasing Ratle Project Electricity to Rajasthan

    Srinagar, Jan 6 : Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday expressed skepticism over the administration’s decision to lease electricity from the Ratle Power Project in Kishtwar to Rajasthan, emphasizing that the Union Territory is grappling with a “severe power crisis.”

    Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a joint venture between NHPC Limited and JKSPDC, has inked a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited for 850 MW from the Kishtwar project.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized the move, stating that diverting electricity from the Ratle Project to Rajasthan would deprive the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She posted on X, “At a time when J&K is facing a severe power crisis never witnessed before, our hydro electric resources are being outsourced to other states. Yet another decision that will rob people of basic amenities with an intention to collectively punish the inhabitants of J&K.”

    The PPA, signed in Jaipur on January 3, covers the off-take of power for 40 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the project, following the power allocation notification by the Union Ministry of Power.

    Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also raised concerns, describing the decision to lease electricity to Rajasthan as perplexing. In a post on X, he urged the J-K administration to clarify the situation. “The J&K administration has off and on come on record claiming that it has been buying the power supply from other states to meet the demands in the Union Territory, while at the same time leasing out its own supply to another state is beyond comprehension. Urge the J&K admin to come clear on the facts,” added Bukhari.

  • BJP Chief Nadda to Discuss J&K’s Lok Sabha Poll Strategy with Leaders During Sunday Visit

    BJP Chief Nadda to Discuss J&K’s Lok Sabha Poll Strategy with Leaders During Sunday Visit

    Jammu, Jan 6 : BJP President J.P. Nadda is set to arrive here on Sunday for a one-day tour aimed at discussing and finalizing the party’s Lok Sabha poll strategy for Jammu and Kashmir, according to a party leader.

    Nadda will commence his tour by offering prayers at the historic Raghunath temple in the city center. Following this, he will chair a meeting at the party headquarters, which will be attended by senior members led by J-K BJP President Ravinder Raina. National General Secretary in charge of J&K, Tarun Chugh, and both Members of Parliament from J&K, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and Jugal Kishore Sharma, are also expected to participate. Both MPs have previously secured victories in Udhampur and Jammu seats for the party.

    The meeting is anticipated to finalize the party’s candidates for the Lok Sabha elections based on an internal survey report recently submitted to Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah. The primary focus will be on formulating a strategy to counter the INDIA bloc, which has hinted at fielding joint candidates against the BJP, as per the aforementioned leader.

    Additionally, discussions during the meeting will encompass Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Jammu and Kashmir later this month or in early February. Nadda is also scheduled to hold a separate meeting with J&K BJP President and General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul before returning to Delhi.

  • LG Manoj Sinha Regularly Evaluates Power Supply Situation in Jammu and Kashmir

    LG Manoj Sinha Regularly Evaluates Power Supply Situation in Jammu and Kashmir

    Srinagar, Jan 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated on Saturday that he personally reviews the electricity supply situation on a daily basis in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a function in Srinagar, he emphasized his active monitoring of the power supply scenario, receiving feedback on area-wise electricity distribution every evening.

    The Lieutenant Governor assured that there is no shortage of electricity supply in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that damaged and faulty transformers are promptly addressed and replaced within 24 hours.

    Praising the outgoing SMC Commissioner, Athar Aamir Khan, LG Sinha mentioned that Srinagar has undergone significant transformation and development, emerging as a role model for the rest of the country.

    “Srinagar has witnessed a huge transformation in the past two years. Today we can say that Srinagar has emerged as one of the best cities in the country,” said LG Sinha.

    He also noted that the New Year celebrations on the night of December 31 at Lal Chowk signify J&K’s journey towards reviving its lost glory.

  • Forest Fire on Pok Side Spreads to Indian Territory, Security Forces Remain Vigilant

    Forest Fire on Pok Side Spreads to Indian Territory, Security Forces Remain Vigilant

    Poonch : A fire that broke out in a forest area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has spread to the Indian side and security forces are on alert to thwart any infiltration bid under the cover of the blaze, officials said on Saturday.

    The fire has spread to the forest area along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, they said. It broke out in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) late Friday night and spread to the Balakote sector in the Mendhar sub-division, the officials said.

    They said an alert has been sounded along the LoC in view of the raging fire to ensure there is no attempt of infiltration by terrorists under the cover of the blaze. Army troops guarding the LoC are making efforts to put out the fire, the officials said.