JAMMU KASHMIR
Health workers received widespread praise on social media for their dedication to administering polio vaccinations door-to-door despite heavy snowfall. A viral video depicted workers navigating through 5-foot-deep snow in Gurez, where vaccination booths were inaccessible due to weather conditions. Similarly, another video from Kishtwar showed health workers delivering polio drops while traversing snow depths of four to five feet.
Three officials of Sub Treasury Dharmari, Reasi allegedly siphoned off Rs 1.38 crore from the treasury following which the trio has been placed under suspension.
PUNJAB
In the ongoing gang war in Jammu, Rajesh Dogra, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, was fatally shot outside a mall in Sector 67, Mohali, Punjab. According to the police, approximately 19 bullets were fired by unknown assailants. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities considering enmity as a potential motive for the murder. Dogra was arrested by police earlier and held under PSA for his involvement in Bakra murder case, which was part of the gang wars in Jammu. In another unfortunate event, Zahid Ahmad, a BSc radiology student from Tral, was discovered dead in his hostel room at Desh Bhagat University. The incident has caused shockwaves throughout the region.
In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has opted to procure one air ambulance and two helicopters. These resources will be utilised to facilitate the secure and prompt evacuation of polling personnel, civilians, and security forces in the event of an emergency.
REASI
In a tragic incident, Phalla Akther (30) and her three minor daughters—Samreen Kousar (two months old), Nasima Akther (two years old), and Safeen Kousar (three years old)—lost their lives when the roof of their house collapsed in Kunderdhan Morha Band, in Reasi (Jammu). Two others, Kalu (60) and his wife Bano Begum (58), sustained injuries and were hospitalized for treatment. Every time the weather conditions deteriorate, the people living in traditional timber and mortar houses suffer the most.
Chandrashekhar Bharti has been named Principal Secretary to the Government in the Home Department.
JAMMU
LG Manoj Sinha has unveiled the New Jammu & Kashmir Start-up Policy- 2024-27, with a focus on fostering 2,000 new start-ups in Jammu and Kashmir by 2027. The policy aims to establish a Rs 250-crore venture capital fund, with an initial investment of Rs 25 crore from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, to provide crucial growth support and early-stage financial aid for viable business models, Sinha explained during his address to entrepreneurs and innovators at the event. JKEDI will run the scheme. One of the key highlights is the provision of one-time assistance of up to Rs 20 lakh, distributed in four equal instalments, to eligible start-ups. This financial aid is intended to fuel the development of prototypes, introduction of innovative products or services to the market, marketing endeavours, and other activities conducive to scaling up start-up ventures. Besides, a special fund of Rs 10 lakh has been earmarked to provide specific, complex, and technical mentorship support to start-ups, especially in areas where such expertise is not readily available locally.
Two individuals, identified as Sabzar Ahmad Rather, son of Abdul Salam Rather from Malipora, and Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohammad Ahsan Bhat fromTarigam, have been booked under the PIT NDPS Act in Kulgam for alleged drug smuggling.
KASHMIR
After a three-month winter break, schools across Kashmir reopened, with only a few exceptions. Students returned to bright, sunny weather, appearing cheerful and eager in their school uniforms. The schools had closed for winter vacations in December last year and were initially scheduled to reopen on March 1. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the reopening was postponed. While most schools in Kashmir resumed classes on Monday, educational institutions in snow-covered areas of Kupwara district remained closed as authorities extended the holiday by two days.
Three employees from Jammu and Kashmir have been suspended and accused of embezzling Rs 2.37 crore.
SRINAGAR
Following Sachin Tendulkar’s visit, another international cricketer, Nur-ul-Hassan from Bangladesh, is currently in Kashmir. Like Tendulkar, he encouraged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to work hard and maintain honesty. “Kashmir is truly a wonderful place to visit. The people here are humble. I am thoroughly enjoying my trip,” said Hassan, extending his best wishes to everyone and seeking prayers from his people. Known for his participation in numerous international cricket matches, Hassan remarked, “Kashmir is exceptionally beautiful. I urge every visitor to come here. The friendly behaviour of Kashmiri people has left a lasting impression on me.”
In North Kashmir, 51 individuals have been arrested and 51 vehicles seized for involvement in illegal mining.
LADAKH
Last week, Leh experienced a complete shutdown, followed by a rally and fast led by educationist and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk. The initiative was prompted by unsuccessful discussions between the UT’s twin organisations and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The shutdown occurred two days after an unproductive meeting in New Delhi between sub-committee members, including leaders from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and MHA officials. All shops and business establishments remained closed on Wednesday in response to a request from religious organizations to protest the denial of Sixth Schedule status and other demands made to the Home Ministry by the LAB and KDA. Reports suggest the MHA is offering them protections under Article 371 but Ladakh is seeking inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
ANANTNAG
Amir Hussain Lone, a para cricketer from Kashmir who gained attention when he met cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, is back in the news. Tendulkar has invited Amir to attend the inauguration of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), also known as the ISPL T10 League.
SRINAGAR
A court has sentenced Sajid Altaf Sheikh of Buchwara Dalgate to life imprisonment for throwing acid on a woman in Hawal in 2022. Principal Sessions Judge Srinagar Jawad Ahmed delivered the verdict in a packed courtroom and imposed a Rs 40 lakh fine on Sheikh. The incident occurred on February 1, 2022, when Sheikh, accompanied by a juvenile (name withheld), allegedly threw acid at the 24-year-old woman after she reportedly rejected his marriage proposal. The defence is going to the superior court in appeal saying the imposition of a fine is unjust and harsh.
PULWAMA
The Police in Pulwama made a significant breakthrough by apprehending two individuals posing as journalists involved in an extortion case. Abbas Ahmad Seh and Sheraz Ahamed Dar were caught red-handed attempting to extort money from a resident in Rahmoo. The accused were demanding payment from a resident to prevent the exposure of certain construction activities in Khacharie. The police seized counterfeit identity cards and mobile phones used in illegal activity during the arrest. The complaint was lodged at the Rajpora Police Station under FIR no 19/2024, sections 419 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. An ongoing investigation aims to uncover any additional links or networks involved in the fraudulent scheme.
SRINAGAR
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allocated Rs 126.58 crore for a forthcoming ropeway venture set to transform access to Srinagar’s historic Shankaracharya Temple. Expected to launch by December 2026, the project aims to drastically reduce travel time from the city to the revered Hindu shrine atop the hill. Currently, pilgrims endure a 30-minute journey, mostly by road, followed by a short trek. The ropeway system, with an estimated transit time of just five minutes, will offer unprecedented convenience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently expressed admiration for the temple during his visit to Kashmir, highlighting its significance. The project, employing innovative MonoCable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology, not only improves accessibility but also promotes eco-friendly transportation, tourism, and employment in the region.
LADAKH
Ladakh’s Transport Department is focussing on a zero-emission hydrogen mobility project in Leh, particularly the introduction of five Hydrogen fuel cell buses using water conversion into fuel technology. Discussions with NTPC centred on finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and outlining deployment timelines. It is going to be collaborative efforts for sustainable transportation, integrating oxygen bottling and solar plant initiatives. These hydrogen-fuelled buses aim to emit only water vapour, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for a carbon-neutral Ladakh.
DELHI
The Supreme Court, affirming the fundamental right to dissent, nullified a criminal case against a Kashmir professor for his WhatsApp status criticising the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Javed Ahmed Hajam, expressing his individual viewpoint, faced charges under IPC Section 153A. The Court deemed his expression as a legitimate exercise of freedom of speech, not inciting enmity. Justices emphasised the importance of peaceful protest within democratic bounds, recognising the right to criticise governmental actions. The Court upheld the right to extend good wishes on foreign countries’ independence days, emphasizing the essentiality of dissent within the framework of democratic principles and reasonable restrictions.
KAKPORA
During his first visit to Kashmir post-2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with local entrepreneurs, including Nazim Nazeer, a resident of SAmboora (Kakpora) thriving in the honeybee business. Nazim recounted his journey from starting with two honeybee boxes to expanding to 2000, with support from government schemes. With digital transformation, his business flourished, selling 5000 kilograms of honey in 2023 alone. He attributed his success to PM Modi’s initiatives and thanked him during their interaction. Modi praised Nazim’s entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the significance of beekeeping for farmers. Nazim shared his challenges and aspirations, expressing gratitude for the support received. Modi encouraged him to explore other honey varieties, acknowledging the potential market. Their interaction concluded with Nazim’s request for a selfie, which Modi graciously fulfilled, later sharing it on social media, commending Nazim’s work and extending best wishes for his future endeavours.
DARHAL
Relatives of a patient and villagers vandalised Sub District Hospital, Darhal, in protest after finding no doctor available late one evening. Anger erupted as a 2-year-old child received no medical attention despite promises. The Block Medical Officer disclosed that the night-duty doctor was absent without permission, exacerbating the situation. Consequently, the BMO issued show-cause notices to the absent doctors, halting their salaries and initiating an inquiry. Dr Najmus Saqib Lone and Dr Samina Malik faced disciplinary action. The incident underscores the critical need for consistent medical care and accountability within healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas.
