Several hotels in Kashmir’s iconic Pahalgam were inundated due to flash floods triggered by two cloudbursts in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Saturday night that also damaged homes, roads and farmland, disrupted essential services and prompted the evacuation of tourists and pilgrims, officials said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for a fundamental shift in Jammu and Kashmir tourism policy, advocating a transition from volume-driven tourism to a sustainable, value-based model that protects the region's fragile ecology while ensuring long-term economic growth.
A top commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Zakir Ganai, was killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday, marking a major breakthrough in an intelligence-based operation.
Taking cognizance of alleged irregularities in on-spot registration of Amarnath pilgrims, the authorities in Kashmir's Ganderbal district suspended four teachers, officials said on Wednesday.
Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday called for keeping the Amarnath Yatra free from politics, saying Kashmir has a long tradition of hospitality towards pilgrims while urging the administration to ensure both pilgrims' safety and minimal disruption to local life.
Police identified the killed councillor as Riyaz Ahmad and police personnel Shafqat Ahmad.
The Depsang Plains represent a high-altitude gravelly plain at the northwest portion of the disputed Aksai Chin region of Kashmir, divided into Indian and Chinese administered portions across a Line of Actual Control. India controls the western portion of the plains as part of Ladakh, whereas the eastern portion is controlled by China, but which is claimed by India.
He said thousands of scholars have dedicated their whole lives to an in-depth study of the Gita which can be clearly seen in the analysis of different interpretations on every verse of a single scripture and the expression of so many mystics.
The Director, during the visit, convened a meeting of concerned officers to review the status of implementation of Draft Master Plan designed and prepared for beautification and facelift of this beautiful tourist resort.
“We pledge to protect our country from enemies for which we leave behind our homes, family and dear ones when duty calls. If ever I get martyred while fighting for my country, my family should feel proud,” Singh told The Statesman.
