Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir):

The surface of the Dal Lake on Monday froze as an intense coldwave gripped the Kashmir valley.

The minimum temperature experienced in the city was -7 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature recorded was 7 degrees Celsius, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Visuals showed people sitting around bonfires and wearing warm clothes to protect themselves from the harsh winters.

“The weather has become very cold.. our hands have started freezing and the Dal lake has frozen… this is the first time the city has experienced such a temperature..” said a local resident while speaking to ANI.

Another resident said that snowfall could occur in the city due to the current temperatures.

“There is a very high chance that there might be snowfall here.. it is very cold right now. People should take all measures to protect themselves,” said the resident.

The IMD has predicted a severe cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir December 24 onwards.

Earlier on December 22, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had cancelled his scheduled programmes in Jammu to oversee the working of the power and other departments amid the severe cold spell in the state.

“In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir valley & the resultant difficulties with water & electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my forthcoming programmes in Jammu & station myself in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the Power department & other important departments,” Abdullah posted on X while travelling to Srinagar from Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer.

He assured that he would make up to the people and organisations whose programmes have been affected after he cancelled his visit to Jammu.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Srinagar:

Asia’s first water transport service, “Uber Shikara”, is now available in J&K’s picturesque Dal Lake.

Uber rolled out Asia’s first water transport service with shikara bookings on its app.

Tourists visiting the Dal Lake will now enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with the launch of Uber’s first water transport service ‘Uber Shikara’.

This innovative initiative aims to combine technology with tradition allowing travellers to pre-book shikara rides through the popular ride-hailing app.

The service was launched by Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh, who booked the inaugural shikara ride via the app.

“Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition, enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir,” he said.

Uber Shikara marks a significant milestone for the company as it is the first water transport offering in Asia after similar services in select European countries like Italy (Venice).

Uber has partnered with seven local shikara owners with plans to expand the fleet based on user demand.

Rides will be available at government-regulated rates, ensuring fair pricing for tourists.

The seven shikaras are stationed at Nehru Park, an island park located in the heart of Dal Lake.

Importantly, Uber will not charge any fees from its shikara partners ensuring that the full fare goes directly to the boat operators.

Uber’s Director of Communications Ruchika Tomar said: “Anyone who comes to Srinagar must experience a shikara ride, which is a timeless activity on every traveller’s bucket list. Our service brings together the magic of technology and Kashmir’s traditional charm, providing a seamless experience for travellers.”

Each Uber Shikara ride can accommodate up to four passengers and is available for one-hour bookings daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rides can be scheduled from 12 hours up to 15 days in advance.

Uber has previously established its presence in Srinagar with cab services, and now with the introduction of Uber Shikara, it aims to revolutionise the way tourists experience the boat ride inside the Dal Lake.

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Srinagar:

For the third consecutive day, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaos over a contentious resolution seeking to reinstate demanding immediate restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The session was marked by shouting matches, physical confrontations, and a walkout by the BJP after several members of the party jumped into the well of the house and were eventually marshalled out. 

The discord began on Wednesday when a new resolution, advocating for the reinstatement of special status was introduced by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC). The BJP, opposing the resolution, labelled it “illegal,” demanding it be withdrawn. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected this demand, saying that the House itself, not the Speaker, held the authority to reverse any resolution passed.

The discord began on Wednesday when a new resolution, advocating for the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A, was introduced by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC). The BJP, opposing the resolution, labelled it “illegal,” demanding it be withdrawn. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected this demand, saying that the House itself, not the Speaker, held the authority to reverse any resolution passed. 

During a speech by BJP’s Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Sheikh Khursheed entered the assembly well, holding a banner demanding the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A. BJP legislators quickly intervened, snatching and tearing the banner, leading to a brief scuffle in which People’s Conference MLA Sajad Lone supported Mr Khursheed. This followed a 15-minute adjournment of the House. 

Upon resumption, BJP members continued their protest, despite the Speaker’s calls for order. “Do not force me to take actions I do not wish to take,” he warned, as BJP members persisted in chanting slogans honouring Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Meanwhile, NC members responded with chants on the historic sacrifices made for Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy.

Tensions escalated further when Speaker Rather ordered the removal of several protesting BJP members, prompting a physical confrontation with assembly marshals. Three BJP MLAs were eventually escorted out, while treasury bench members applauded the move.

In a pointed address, Minister Satish Sharma condemned the BJP’s actions, accusing them of divisive tactics. Mr Sharma claimed that the BJP MLAs had “disrespected the Constitution” by allegedly standing on the document while protesting, calling for disciplinary action against them.

PDP, People’s Conference, and AIP MLAs joined forces to submit a fresh resolution denouncing the 2019 abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. This new resolution, spearheaded by PDP MLAs Waheed Para and Fayaz Mir, and People’s Conference MLA Sajad Lone, described the abrogation as “unconstitutional” and a “breach of foundational guarantees” originally extended to Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Lone, in a separate statement, accused the NC of playing a “fixed match” with the BJP, stating that the NC’s initial resolution was inadequate in condemning the abrogation.

BJP MLA RS Pathania described the regional parties’ actions as an attempt to “compromise the integrity” of the Assembly while insisting that the abrogation of Article 370 was a closed matter.

Srinagar:

Two CRPF jawans and two policemen were injured in an encounter with terrorists in the Khanyar area here on Saturday, officials said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Khanyar in the morning following inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, they said.

The search operation turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire at the search party, which retaliated, they said.

Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans and two policemen were injured in the exchange of fire. They were taken to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital. Their condition is stated to be stable, the officials said.

The operation is underway.

In another ongoing operation, two terrorists were gunned down by the security forces near Halkan Gali in the Shangus-Larnoo area in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, according to officials.

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Srinagar:

A fight over a car parking space resulted in a murder on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar district, said officials in Srinagar.

Police said cognisance of the incident has been taken. An individual, namely Zareef Ahmed Mir, son of Ab Raheem Mir, stabbed another person named Amir Razak Mir, son of Abdul Razak Mir during a fight over a vehicle parking space near their shops according to the officials. Both are residents of the Parimpora area in Srinagar.

“The victim was declared dead upon arrival at SMHS Hospital Srinagar by attending doctors,” said the officials, adding that an FIR has been filed.

“Case FIR number 114/2024 under section 103 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) stands registered in police station Parimpora against the accused. The accused has been arrested and the weapon of offence has also been recovered. Further investigation in the case is going on,” police said.

Srinagar city and its immediate suburbs have been choked for the last five years due to the influx of hundreds of new vehicles daily. The improvement in the law and order situation allows people to move around freely in their vehicles during the daytime and even in late hours.

Experts believe that while most of the roads inside Srinagar city and its suburbs remain the same, heavy vehicular load on these roads often chokes the main traffic arteries. In addition to the traffic congestion on the roads, parking spaces inside and around the city are becoming a major concern with frequent quarrels breaking out.

Keeping the overloaded traffic movement inside Srinagar city in mind, a spacious ring road is being laid. Most of the traffic moving through the city will move on the ring road providing more space and parking areas for the motorists to manoeuvre.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Srinagar:

A delegation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reached Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on Thursday to review poll preparedness ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in the Union Territory.

Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were part of the delegation apart from CEC Rajiv Kumar in the review visit.

As part of the review process, the ECI delegation will meet with the various stakeholders including officials and leaders of different political parties in the UT.

On June 21, the ECI initiated the preparations for forthcoming State Assembly Elections in the States of Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand with the updation of the electoral rolls in these states w.r.t. July 1, 2024, as the qualifying date.

An ECI release earlier mentioned that the term of the existing Legislative Assemblies in the three states are going to end on November 3 and 26 and January 5, 2025, respectively and elections to these Legislative Assemblies are required to be conducted before the completion of their terms.

As per the release, the ECI directed for the updation of the electoral rolls in J-K witnessing the huge participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the recently concluded Lok Sabha Elections.

CEC Rajiv Kumar in an earlier press conference remarked that “the story of huge participation in Lok Sabha elections by people of J&K is very hopeful and inspiring, showing how eager people are to participate in democracy. People must stay peaceful and united, fulfilling their aspirations and deciding their future and governance. The Commission is excited and gratified to help make this happen and will soon start the Assembly election process in J&K.”

Meanwhile, J&K BJP Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi said, “We want the Assembly elections should be held at the earliest. BJP is prepared for the elections. We have certain concerns regarding security and phasing of the elections.”

J&K BJP leader Rafiq Wani said, “BJP is completely ready for elections. We are hopeful that like Lok Sabha elections people will take part in Assembly elections also.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Srinagar:

Kashmir has been reeling under intense heat wave with several places in the valley recording their highest July temperature in 25 years on Sunday.

According to the meteorological office, Srinagar city recorded a high of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday. This was hottest July day since July 9, 1999 when the mercury had settled at 37 degrees Celsius.

The hottest July day in Srinagar was recorded on July 10, 1946 with mercury rising to 38.3 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund and Kokernag towns in south Kashmir also recorded their hottest July day on Sunday.

Qazigund noted a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius, beating the previous high of 34.5 degrees Celsius recorded on July 11, 1988.

In Kokernag, the mercury rose to 34.1 degrees Celsius, against the previous or 33.3 degrees Celsius recorded on July 3 this year.

The mercury in this south Kashmir town had touched 33 degrees only once earlier on July 8, 1993.

The Met has forecast spell of rain at isolated places of Kashmir valley over the years next 24 hours, which is expected to bring down the mercury.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Srinagar:

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council, an official spokesperson said here. The recognition would boost the handloom and handicraft sector, which will benefit tourism and infrastructure development, the spokesperson said.

“This prestigious honour underscores the city’s rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans whose dedication and artistry have earned global acclaim,” the spokesperson said Sunday evening.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the recognition is a testament to the hard work and exceptional talent of artisans and it highlights the cultural richness of Srinagar.

“We are committed to supporting our artisans and ensuring that this accolade translates into tangible benefits for the community,” he said.

Mr Sinha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown steadfast support for Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft and handloom sector.

The recognition as a ‘World Craft City’ will have a transformative impact on the handloom and handicraft sector, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation.

With increased global recognition, Srinagar’s crafts will gain enhanced visibility on the international stage, opening up new markets and opportunities for artisans, the spokesperson said.

The sector is likely to attract greater investment and funding, aiding in infrastructure development and introducing modern techniques while preserving traditional methods, he said.

“Artisans will have access to advanced training programmes and workshops, further honing their skills and fostering innovation in their craft. The increase in demand for Srinagar’s unique crafts is expected to boost production, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods for artisans and their families,” he said.

Tourism in Srinagar is also set to benefit significantly from this recognition. The city is expected to draw more tourists interested in cultural and craft heritage, providing them with immersive experiences of the vibrant artisan communities, the spokesperson said.

He said the city’s cultural and craft heritage will attract tourists seeking authentic experiences, including visits to artisan workshops and cultural events showcasing Srinagar’s vibrant crafts.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Srinagar:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 10th International Yoga Day celebrations this morning from Jammu and Kashmir — an event that has received massive national and global attention in which the location plays no small part.

Here are top 10 points on this big story:

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the people of the Srinagar parliamentary constituency for the “encouraging turnout” of 38 per cent, which is more than double the 14.43 pc polling in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

In the first general election in the valley after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, polling took place in 2,135 polling stations on Monday across the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency containing assembly segments of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Budgam and Shopian districts.

In his post on X, PM Modi said, “Would especially like to applaud the people of Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency for the encouraging turnout, significantly better than before. The abrogation of Article 370 has enabled the potential and aspirations of the people to find full expression. Happening at the grassroots level, it is great for the people of J&K, in particular the youth.”

Srinagar voter turnout of 38 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls is the highest in several decades. There are 24 candidates in the fray as compared to 12 in the 2019 general election.

The voter turnout in Srinagar was 14.43 per cent in 2019, 25.86 per cent in 2014, 25.55 per cent in 2009, 18.57 per cent in 2004, 11.93 per cent in 1999, 30.06 per cent in 1998, and 40.94 per cent in 1996.

According to the Election Commission, voters from Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian showed up in record numbers to cast their votes in a show of faith and enthusiasm in the election process.

Chadoora, Ganderbal, Kangan, Khansahib and Shopian Assembly segments recorded more than 45 per cent voter turnout.

“Polling personnel, including security personnel, worked tirelessly to ensure that an atmosphere of calm, peace and festivities welcomed voters at the polling stations,” the ECI said.

“More than 8,000 polling staff were on duty to cater to the over 17.47 lakh strong electorate. Command-and-Control centres have been working round the clock in Srinagar as well as Jammu since March 16, the date of announcement of general elections to ensure free, fair and inducement-free elections,” it added.

The commission has enabled Kashmiri migrant voters residing at various relief camps in Delhi, Jammu and Udhampur to also have the option of voting in person at designated special polling stations or using postal ballot. 21 special polling stations were established at Jammu, one at Udhampur and four at Delhi.

In 2019, polling for the Lok Sabha was held for six seats in Jammu and Kashmir. However, following the abrogation of Article 370, which resulted in the split of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, there is no longer a separate Lok Sabha constituency for Ladakh.

Voting for the Udhampur and Jammu seats was concluded on April 19 and 26 respectively while in Srinagar voting was done on May 13.
Baramulla seat will vote on May 20 while the Anantnag-Rajouri seat on May 25.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)