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The Quick Update, Lal Chowk, Srinagar (2025)

04/11/2025

Widespread Rain, Snowfall Likely in J&K as Gusty Winds Sweep Valley

Srinagar, Nov 4: Strong gusty winds are blowing across several parts of the Kashmir Valley this afternoon, signalling the approach of an active weather system.

According to the latest update from the Meteorological Department, the system is expected to intensify over central and south Kashmir in the coming hours. Widespread rainfall in plains and snowfall over higher reaches are likely from this evening till early tomorrow morning across Jammu and Kashmir.

Residents have been advised to stay cautious as wind speeds may cause minor damage to weak structures and disrupt travel in higher altitudes.

03/11/2025

Saudi Arabia cuts Umrah visa validity to one month amid rising pilgrim numbers

Srinagar, Nov 3: In response to the increasing influx of Umrah pilgrims during the cooler months, Saudi Arabia is set to revise the validity period of Umrah visas, according to reports from local media.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has decided to reduce the validity of Umrah visas from three months to one month from the date of issuance. The change, expected to take effect next week, aims to better regulate the flow of international pilgrims and prevent overcrowding in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina.

As per reports, over four million Umrah visas have been issued since the beginning of the new Umrah season in early June — a record figure achieved in under five months.

Under the new rule, if a pilgrim fails to enter the Kingdom within 30 days of visa issuance, the visa will automatically expire. However, officials clarified that this adjustment will not affect the allowed period of stay inside Saudi Arabia, which remains three months for all Umrah performers.

According to Ahmed Bajafar, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, the move is designed to ease congestion and ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience.

While Umrah rituals are confined to Makkah, many pilgrims extend their visit to Medina to offer prayers at the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque.

Earlier in October, Saudi Arabia had already tightened Umrah procedures, making pre-booked accommodation and verified transportation mandatory through the Nusuk or Masar platforms. The Kingdom has also reaffirmed that visitors holding any type of Saudi visa are permitted to perform Umrah during their stay.

03/11/2025

HC Quashes PSA Detention of Pulwama Youth Represented by Omar Abdullah’s Sons

Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi Quashes PSA Order for Lack of ‘Application of Mind’

Srinagar, Nov 3: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed the preventive detention of a Pulwama youth booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), citing procedural lapses and violation of constitutional safeguards.

Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi delivered the judgment while hearing Habeas Corpus Petition (HCP No. 183/2025) filed by Sajad Ahmad Bhat alias Baaber, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat and resident of Drabgam, Rajpora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The plea was moved through his father-in-law, Mushtaq Ahmad Dar.

Notably, the petitioner was represented by Advocates Zameer Abdullah and Zahir Abdullah, the sons of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while the government was represented by Government Advocate Furqaan Yaqoob.

The petition had challenged Detention Order No. 07/DMP/PSA/25, issued by the District Magistrate, Pulwama on April 30, 2025.

After hearing both sides, the court observed that the detention had been ordered “without due application of mind” and that “relevant material and grounds of detention were not supplied to the detenue,” thereby violating his constitutional right to make an effective representation.

Finding the detention legally unsustainable, the court quashed the PSA order and directed the authorities to release the detenue forthwith, provided he is not required in connection with any other case.

The judgment once again underscores the judiciary’s scrutiny over preventive detentions under the PSA — a law often criticised by rights groups for its alleged misuse in Jammu and Kashmir.

03/11/2025

Chaos and Unpaid dues mar Indian Heaven Premier League; FIR registered

Players allege non-payment, Eviction as IHPL faces scrutiny

Srinagar, Nov 3: In the wake of mounting allegations of chaos, cancellations, and unpaid dues surrounding the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) T20 in Srinagar, police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the controversy.

A senior police officer confirmed that an FIR has been filed under relevant sections of law and that a formal probe is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the dispute.

Players associated with the privately organised league have alleged that they were denied their promised payments and abruptly instructed not to report to the stadium due to “technical issues.” Several players further claimed they were asked to vacate their hotel accommodations without prior notice.

The IHPL, which had drawn participation from both local and international cricketers, has come under scrutiny for operating without recognition from either the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), casting serious doubts over its authenticity and conduct.

Authorities are expected to record statements from organisers and affected players in the coming days as the investigation progresses.

03/11/2025

Mehbooba M***i Appeals to Judiciary: ‘Behind Every Case, There’s a Family Waiting for Justice’

Files PIL in J&K High Court for Return of Local Prisoners from Outside Jails

Jammu, Nov 3: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba M***i on Monday made a fervent appeal to the judiciary to intervene and ensure the return of Jammu and Kashmir’s prisoners lodged in jails across India, describing the courts as “the last hope” for countless families waiting for justice.

Speaking to the media outside the Jammu and Kashmir High Court after attending the hearing of her Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Chief Justice, Mehbooba said, “Behind every case number lies a story — a mother waiting for her son, a father ageing in silence, and a child who sleeps each night not knowing when their parent will return.”

The PDP chief stressed that the issue of Kashmiri detainees was not political but humanitarian, urging that they be transferred to prisons within the Union Territory to allow their families easier access and ensure fair trials.

“For years, hundreds of our youth have been languishing in distant jails — from Agra to Bareilly, from Haryana to Uttar Pradesh. Their families neither have the means nor the strength to undertake such long journeys. Trials are delayed, hearings are held in their absence, and justice remains a distant dream. This is not the India our Constitution envisions,” she said.

Urging the judiciary to initiate reforms in the criminal justice system, Mehbooba said prisoners must be treated as “human beings deserving of dignity and due process.” She called for greater transparency, timely hearings, and physical presence of the accused during trial proceedings.

“Detention should be the exception, not the rule. Bail is a right, not a favour. Parole, remission, and furlough are legal safeguards, not political concessions,” she asserted, adding that prisons should serve as spaces for reform rather than instruments of suffering.

Mehbooba also underlined the importance of medical bail as a constitutional and humanitarian necessity, reiterating her faith in the judiciary. “I have faith in our courts and hope in our judges. I believe the day is not far when justice will prevail and our prisoners will see their ‘Ghar Wapsi’ — their return home to Kashmir.”

Her remarks came amid growing public concern over the plight of Kashmiri detainees held in various prisons outside the Union Territory. Families have long complained about lack of access, deteriorating health conditions, and prolonged legal delays.

Earlier in the day, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, headed by the Chief Justice, took up the matter for hearing. Sources said the government has been asked to file a detailed response before the next date of hearing.

The PIL, filed by Mehbooba M***i earlier this year, seeks a compassionate, rights-based approach to prisoner management in Jammu and Kashmir and the immediate repatriation of local detainees from outside jails to their home region.

03/11/2025

BTA President Peer Imtiyaz-ul-Hassan Renews Call for Restoration of Batamaloo Bus Stand

Claims Shifting of Batamaloo Bus Stand Ha Crippled Srinagar’s Economy

Srinagar, Nov 3: The Batamaloo Traders Association (BTA) has once again urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to restore the Batamaloo General Bus Stand, calling its removal a “catastrophic blow” to Srinagar’s economic lifeline and urban ecosystem.

In a statement issued by its President, Peer Imtiyaz ul Hassan, the Association said that the shifting of the bus stand from Batamaloo to Parimpora — and effectively to Sharif Abad — has caused irreparable damage to the city’s business and transport network. “The move shattered livelihoods, disrupted trade chains, and turned a once-bustling commercial hub into a zone of economic distress,” the statement read.

The BTA noted that before the relocation, the Batamaloo area served as a central point connecting Downtown, Residency Road, and Lal Chowk, driving substantial commercial activity across Srinagar.

“If major decisions can be revisited for the Jammu division, including the revival of the Darbar Move, then Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah must also reconsider the Batamaloo issue with the same sense of justice and responsibility,” Peer Imtiyaz said.

He added that traders from Batamaloo have consistently ranked among the highest GST contributors in the Kashmir division, yet their “genuine concerns have been overlooked for years.”

Highlighting the area’s strategic importance, the Association pointed out that within the immediate vicinity of the old bus stand are seven major banks, the Civil Secretariat, the Accountant General’s Office, the Fire & Emergency Headquarters, and five major hospitals — all of which once benefited from the connectivity and footfall the bus stand generated.

The BTA further appealed to the government to reconsider the proposal of developing an amusement park at Tatoo Ground, suggesting instead that the area be transformed into a Medical and Education Zone that would serve public welfare and contribute to the sustainable development of Srinagar’s urban core.

Reiterating its commitment to peaceful advocacy, the BTA said it would continue to work in coordination with other trade and civic bodies to ensure the revival of Batamaloo’s economic vitality. “We will persist firmly but peacefully until Batamaloo’s business life is restored and justice is delivered to the trading community,” the statement concluded.

03/11/2025

MP Mian Altaf Ahmad Urges LG Sinha to Grant Age Relaxation for Open Category Candidates in JKPSC Exams

Srinagar, Nov 3: Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad has written to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, urging the Jammu and Kashmir administration to grant age relaxation to open category candidates appearing in the JKPSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2025.

Terming the demand of aspirants as “very genuine,” Mian Altaf noted that Jammu and Kashmir is the only Union Territory in the country where the age limit for open category candidates is restricted to 21–32 years. He stressed that this narrow age window puts J&K’s youth at a clear disadvantage compared to candidates from other regions.

In his letter, the MP requested the Lieutenant Governor to personally look into the matter and issue necessary directions to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all aspirants.

Copies of the communication have also been forwarded to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir for appropriate action.

Mian Altaf emphasized that extending the age limit would address the concerns of thousands of deserving candidates and reflect a sensitive and inclusive approach toward youth aspirations in the Union Territory.

03/11/2025

LG Sinha Directs DCs, SSPs to Identify and W**d Out Fake Journalists Across J&K

Directs Strict Enforcement, Verification Drive

Srinagar, Nov 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed stringent action against individuals posing as journalists in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a comprehensive verification drive to ensure that only bona fide media professionals are recognized and engaged by government departments.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the issue of “fake journalists” came up for serious discussion during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor in Srinagar on Sunday. The topic, which also figured prominently in the recently concluded autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, has sparked concern across administrative and media circles.

“The LG was categorical that those misusing the name of journalism must face the law,” a senior official present in the meeting told Kashmir Dot Com. “He instructed all Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to identify such elements and take firm measures to w**d them out from the system.”

The Lieutenant Governor has also directed officers to work in coordination with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to create a verified database of accredited and active journalists in every district. Departments have been advised to engage only those media representatives whose credentials are duly validated by the DIPR.

In a significant move addressing digital media, Sinha emphasized that individuals or groups operating pages, online news portals, or social media handles under the banner of journalism must be registered and verified by the DIPR. He stressed that such platforms must adhere to ethical and lawful standards of reporting and be held accountable for the content they publish.

Officials noted that the directive follows an increasing number of complaints about individuals allegedly misusing media credentials or social media platforms to intimidate officials and extract personal favours. Several legislators in the recent Assembly session had demanded a mechanism to curb this growing menace.

“The government highly values the contribution of genuine journalists who work with integrity and responsibility,” another senior officer remarked. “But there will be no leniency for those bringing disrepute to the noble profession.”

Earlier, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) had issued instructions to all District Information Officers in Kashmir to intensify surveillance and verification efforts against fake journalists operating in their respective jurisdictions.

The administration’s renewed focus, officials said, aims to restore credibility and ethical standards within the media ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir.

02/11/2025

Western Disturbance to Bring Brief Spell of Rain, Snow in J&K on Tuesday

Srinagar, Nov 2: A fast-moving Western Disturbance is expected to impact parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, bringing a brief spell of rain and snow, particularly over the higher reaches of North Kashmir.

According to meteorological officials, the system will begin affecting upper regions between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., gradually extending its influence to other parts of the Union Territory as the day progresses.

Some plains may experience light rain by the afternoon, with the activity likely spreading to more areas by evening.

By Wednesday morning, the weather is forecast to improve, though isolated places could witness short-lived showers during the day. Thereafter, the region is likely to see a prolonged dry spell lasting up to 10 days, officials said.

Snowfall over plains, they added, remains unlikely due to the short-lived nature of the system, while higher elevations in North and Central Kashmir are expected to receive light to moderate snowfall, marking the season’s first notable wintry activity in several regions.

02/11/2025

Saffron Output in Pampore Plummets by 90%; Growers Warn of Sector’s Collapse

Appeal for urgent government intervention to save Kashmir’s heritage crop

Srinagar, Nov 1: Kashmir’s world-renowned saffron industry is facing one of its worst crises in decades, as growers in Pampore — the “Saffron Bowl of Kashmir” — report a catastrophic 90 per cent decline in production this season.

The once-lavish purple meadows have withered into near-barren fields, leaving thousands of families in distress and sparking fears that the centuries-old crop may vanish altogether.

“Production this year is barely 10 to 15 per cent of normal levels,” said Abdul Majeed Wani, President of the Saffron Growers Association of Jammu and Kashmir. “The corms haven’t sprouted properly at all. Every year production drops further, yet the government remains indifferent. If things continue this way, saffron will disappear from Kashmir.”

Wani attributed the drastic decline to prolonged dry spells, lack of effective irrigation facilities, and the deteriorating quality of corms being supplied to farmers. He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Agriculture Minister to personally intervene, calling for immediate irrigation support, strict monitoring of saffron fields, and measures to curb the illegal extraction and sale of corms.

The saffron acreage in Kashmir has steadily declined over the years — from 5,707 hectares in 1996–97 to just 2,387 hectares in 2019–2020, a shrinkage of more than 65 per cent. Official data indicates that production dropped from 17.33 metric tonnes in 2021 to 14.87 MT in 2022, and marginally improved to 14.94 MT in 2023.

However, growers insist that even these figures fail to capture the grim reality on the ground, claiming that last year’s yield was closer to 20 per cent of a normal harvest — and this year’s is “even worse.”

Experts at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) acknowledge that while the National Mission on Saffron (NMS) introduced sprinkler irrigation and awareness programs, the benefits have been inconsistent. “Siphoning of corms, lack of proper land management, and irregular irrigation continue to undermine progress,” said an agricultural scientist at the university.

Pampore’s saffron — famed globally for its rich colour, fragrance, and medicinal properties — is not merely a cash crop but a symbol of Kashmir’s cultural heritage and identity. The decline of this sector threatens both livelihoods and legacy.

“Reviving saffron is about more than restoring production — it’s about preserving a centuries-old tradition,” said a group of growers.

“If urgent and effective steps aren’t taken now, by 2030 Pampore’s saffron fields could exist only in memory.”

02/11/2025

Kenyan Athletes Clinch Top Honours in Kashmir's 2nd International Marathon

Road Closures Cripple Movement as Over 1,500 Runners Join Kashmir Marathon

Srinagar, Nov 2: The second edition of the Kashmir Marathon 2025 unfolded in Srinagar on Sunday, drawing more than 1,500 runners from across India and abroad. While the event was hailed as a celebration of endurance, peace, and resilience, it also paralyzed movement across the city, with sweeping road closures triggering frustration among residents.

Billed as a major stride in promoting sports tourism and projecting Kashmir’s image of renewed normalcy, the marathon saw participation from athletes representing 11 foreign countries and 27 Indian states. Organizers termed it a “symbol of unity and global camaraderie” — yet for many locals, the day was marked by gridlock and disruption.

From the early hours of Sunday, authorities enforced a strict traffic plan, sealing off key arterial routes including Residency Road, M.A. Road, Boulevard, Foreshore Road, River Front Rajbagh Road, and Gupkar Road. Vehicular movement was halted from 5:00 AM onwards, leaving commuters stranded and local transport at a standstill despite earlier advisories and diversion notices.

The restrictions caused distress to residents across several areas. Particularly affected were aspirants scheduled to appear for the JKSSB Junior Engineer (Civil) examination on the same day, many of whom struggled to reach their designated centers on time.

Acknowledging the inconvenience, officials maintained that the curbs were crucial for ensuring the safety of participants and maintaining order during the international event. “Public cooperation is vital for such large-scale activities,” a police spokesperson said, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel during major public gatherings.

Despite the logistical challenges, the event concluded on a triumphant note with Kenyan athletes dominating both the full and half-marathon categories. The spectacle along Srinagar’s scenic stretches — from the Dal Lake Boulevard to Foreshore — offered vivid imagery of determination against the breathtaking Himalayan backdrop.

Authorities and organizers hailed the marathon as an emblem of Kashmir’s evolving identity — one that continues to balance aspirations for global engagement with the realities of civic strain.

As one organizer remarked, “The spirit of Kashmir runs stronger than ever — resilient, unbreakable, and moving forward.”

01/11/2025

CCG Delegation Calls on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Srinagar

Stresses Need for Dialogue and Reconciliation

Srinagar, November 1: A delegation from the Concerned Citizens’ Group (CCG) led by former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, accompanied by Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Kapil Kak, senior journalist Bharat Bhushan, and social activist Sushobha Barve, met Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq at his residence in Srinagar on Saturday.

The meeting revolved around the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with particular focus on the need for sustained engagement, dialogue, and addressing humanitarian issues.

The delegation and the Mirwaiz discussed concerns related to political detainees, the challenges faced by the local populace, and the necessity of measures to ease everyday hardships.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while appreciating the CCG’s consistent outreach and concern for the people of Kashmir, reiterated that peace cannot be achieved without dialogue rooted in empathy and understanding.

He emphasized that only compassionate and continuous engagement can pave the way for reconciliation and a lasting resolution.

The CCG members reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating communication and understanding among stakeholders.

Both sides concurred that sustained dialogue, mutual trust, and people-centric policies are essential for creating an atmosphere of stability, dignity, and hope in the region.

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