Srinagar, Sept 7 : A man was killed after he fell from a walnut tree in Achabal area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag on Sunday.
Officials told that this morning, a person, namely Mohd Rafiq Mir, son of Abdul Aziz Mir, a resident of Check Achabal, accidentally fell from a walnut tree, sustaining serious injuries.
He was immediately shifted to nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident.
Srinagar, Sept 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced a complete ban on illegal river mining across Jammu and Kashmir, directing the administration to enforce the order strictly to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over rampant and unregulated extraction of sand, boulders, and gravel from riverbeds, which has caused large-scale ecological imbalance and worsened the impact of natural disasters. He said that illegal mining has not only damaged fragile river ecosystems but also endangered lives and infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
“Illegal mining will not be tolerated. Strict enforcement and monitoring mechanisms will be put in place, and violators will face stern action under law,” Omar said, while instructing Deputy Commissioners and district police to take immediate steps to curb the practice.
In the same meeting, the Chief Minister also addressed the issue of pending compensation and rehabilitation cases of 2014 flood victims. He assured that all such cases will be resolved during the upcoming Assembly session, emphasizing that justice to the flood-affected families remains the government’s top priority.
“We are committed to ensuring that no victim of the 2014 floods is left without due compensation and rehabilitation. The matter will be placed before the Assembly and addressed on priority,” he added.
The announcements come at a time when J&K is facing fresh challenges of floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains.
Calls for Immediate Removal of Ashoka Chakra Plaque; Urges Waqf to Uphold Islamic Tradition and Avoid Harsh Measures Against Worshippers
Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the largest conglomerate of religious organisations in J&K headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expresses its serious concern over the recent developments at the revered Hazratbal Shrine, where a plaque bearing the Ashoka Chakra has been installed in connection with refurbishment works.
Hazratbal is not merely a structure; it is the spiritual heart of the Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir, bound to our faith and identity through centuries of devotion. Any alteration that undermines its sanctity deeply pains the devotional sentiments attached to it .
Islam is explicit in its teachings: no plaques, emblems, figures, or symbols are permitted in mosques or shrines. This principle has been honored across our land for generations. Even when the Hazratbal Shrine was rebuilt in the past, no plaques or foundation stones were placed, out of respect for the injunctions of Shari‘ah and tradition. To introduce them now sets a dangerous and unnecessary precedent.
The MMU reminds the Waqf Board that such acts are inconsistent with the responsibility entrusted to it under Muslim law and custom. Shrines must remain places of purity, prayer, and humility—not spaces for symbols or displays.
At the same time, MMU believes that the reaction of the people to this issue reflects their sincere religious concern. Filing FIRs against worshippers who protested from the depth of their faith is unjustified and unwarranted. Matters of religion must be resolved with understanding and dialogue, not with harsh punitive measures.
The MMU therefore calls for the immediate removal of the plaque from Hazratbal and urges the Waqf Board and authorities to consult religious scholars before undertaking any future works at sacred sites.
Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu and Kashmir includes Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, Mufti Azam’s Muslim personal law board, Darul Uloom Rahimiyah ,Anjuman Shariee Shian, Jamiate Ahle Hadith, Karwan-e-Islami,Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Jamia Sabeel-ul-Huda Bemina Srinagar, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, Jamiat Hamdania, Anjuman Ulama-e-Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat-ul-Aima wal Ulama, Anjuman Aima wa Mashayekh Kashmir, Darul Uloom Naqshbandiya, Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Ahlul Bait Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom, Idara Gousia Saraibala, Kahkah-i- Hyderia Aishmuqam,Pirwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khiram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tauheed Ahle Hadith Trust, Anjuman Tanzeem-ul-Makatib, Muhammadi Yateem Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karwan Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, Darul Uloom Syed-ul-Mursaleen, Anjuman Ulama wa Aima Masajid, Madrasa Zia-ul-uloom poonch, Falah-e-Darain Trust Welfare Society Islamabad, Ashraf-ul-Uloom Hyderpora, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Batamaloo, Darul Uloom Furqaniya Nowshera, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Khanyar, Jamiat-ul-Ulama, Siraj-ul-Uloom, Idara Wahdat-ul-Makatib, Darul Uloom Imdadiya Natipora, Darul Uloom Jamia-tur-Rashad Awantipora, Khanqah Muradiya Jamia Masjid Kreeri, Darul Uloom Saut-ul-Quran Gulshanabad, Awami Rahat Center, Imamia Federation Kashmir, Alnoor Trust Bemina., Shaheen Syndicate social Trust , Jamiat Ulema Wa Aima Masajid Jammu and Kashmir, Daraul Uloom Syed ul Mursaleen Kulgam and other contemporary religious, milli social, and educational institutions.
Srinagar, Sept 6: Police have registered a case after the National Emblem installed at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar was found vandalized, triggering widespread condemnation from locals and devotees.
Officials said the damage to the emblem was detected during a routine inspection of the shrine premises. The incident was immediately reported to the authorities, following which an FIR was lodged at Nigeen Police Station under relevant sections of law dealing with offences against national symbols.
A police team has launched investigations and is examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits. Senior officials said vandalizing the National Emblem amounts to a serious crime, and the law will take its strictest course against those responsible.
The Hazratbal Shrine, housing the revered relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is among the most sacred places in Jammu and Kashmir. The act of vandalism at such a sensitive and spiritual site has shocked devotees and the general public alike.
Locals strongly condemned the incident, terming it an attack on both religious and national sentiments. They urged the administration to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly and ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
Meanwhile, authorities have further strengthened security measures around Hazratbal Shrine, deploying additional personnel to prevent any untoward incidents. Police assured the public that the investigation is being carried out on priority and the offenders will soon be identified and booked.
Srinagar, September 6:
In a significant achievement, the Wildlife Department on Friday evening arrested four persons in the Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve who had ventured into the area with the purpose of hunting water birds.
The operation took place around 6:30 PM on September 5, when a patrolling party of the Shallabugh Range, headed by block officer shalbugh, Ajaz ahmad, intercepted two boats in the wetland. The team apprehended the four accused, who are in the custody of department and seized the two boats, along with hunted birds, live cartridges, and used cartridges.
The action was carried out in near-dark conditions, and officials said the courage and determination of the field staff ensured that the offenders could not escape. The Deputy Conservator of Forests ,(Wildlife Wetlands Kashmir), Altaf Hussain, while confirming the development, commended the staff and said the late-hour operation reflected the strong resolve of the department to protect Kashmir’s wetlands.
He further stated that evening and morning patrols have been intensified, particularly as migratory bird season is approaching nearer. “Anyone with bad intentions of hunting migratory birds shall be dealth with severely in accordance with wildlife protection act. ” he said.
This marks another success for the department, following an earlier operation this year in which four persons were booked for venturing into the waters with the purpose of hunting in Wular lake.
The Shallabugh Wetland, a Ramsar site of international importance, continues to be a priority for conservation, with enhanced patrolling and community vigilance aimed at safeguarding the habitant of migratory and resident bird species.
Kulgam/Anantnag, Sept 6:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited the flood-affected areas of Kulgam district to take first-hand stock of the situation arising from incessant rains and overflowing streams. He was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo and senior officials of the district administration.
The Chief Minister conducted an on-spot assessment of damages to residential houses, agricultural land, and public infrastructure. He interacted with affected families and assured them that the Government was committed to extending all possible assistance.
Omar Abdullah directed the administration to ensure immediate relief measures, including temporary shelter, food, drinking water, and medical facilities for the displaced families. He emphasized the importance of quick restoration of connectivity in cut-off areas and timely rehabilitation of those whose homes had been washed away.
Earlier in Anantnag, the Chief Minister was accompanied by local MLAs, including Dr. Bashir Veeri, during his review of relief operations. He met with local residents, panchayat representatives, and district officers to take stock of ground-level challenges.
Speaking to officials, Omar Abdullah said that both short-term relief and long-term rehabilitation would be prioritized, with a focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and supporting families who have suffered heavy losses.
The Chief Minister has instructed officials to submit a detailed damage assessment report at the earliest so that additional resources can be mobilized from the State Disaster Relief Fund.
DEVOTION IN EVERY HEART
Devotees seek blessings, recall Prophet’s (SAW) message of compassion, peace; celebrations not limited to Hazratbal alone, Mosques, khanqah’s, shrines across Valley reverberate with prayers
Srinagar, Sep 06 : On the beautiful banks of the Dal Lake Srinagar, the Hazratbal shrine glowed with faith and fervor, as thousands of devotees from across Kashmir gathered to offer special prayers on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the revered birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The shrine lawns and courtyards were packed with worshippers who began pouring in since evening.
As per the details collected, as night fell, the air grew heavy with the sound of Quranic recitations, soul-stirring naats, and the collective chorus of duas that echoed through the illuminated shrine.
Many families had travelled long distances from north and south Kashmir parts to be part of the congregational prayers.
“Every year, we come here with the hope that our prayers will be answered,” said Abdul Rashid, a devotee from Baramulla, holding his grandson’s hand tightly in the crowd. “It is not just about rituals—it is about feeling close to the Prophet (SAW).”
For women like Hajra Begum from Pulwama, the night prayers are like spiritual solace. With tears streaming down her face as she touched the shrine’s railing, she whispered prayers for her children.
“This night gives me strength for the whole year,” she told that Health teams and other others from administration remained stationed outside the shrine throughout the night to assist people .
Moreover, authorities had also deployed additional staff to regulate the flow of people, ensuring safety and order at the shrine that houses the revered relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The celebrations were not limited to Hazratbal alone. Mosques, khanqahs, and shrines across Kashmir reverberated with prayers, processions, and sermons. Religious scholars highlighted the teachings of the Prophet (SAW), calling for unity, compassion, and peace in society.
As dawn broke, the wait of thousands of people for a glimpse of the holy relic at Hazratbal, to fulfil. People will raise their hands in silent supplication.
Srinagar, Sept 5 — National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah joined worshippers at the historic Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar today for the special Friday prayers, as thousands of devotees thronged the shrine ahead of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) celebrations.
Large crowds of the faithful gathered at Hazratbal, where the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will be displayed tonight following Isha prayers at 10:30 pm. The occasion is marked as one of the most significant spiritual events in Kashmir, drawing devotees from far and wide.
Speaking to Gulistan Tv, a devotee who had traveled from Veerinag said, “I come here every year on this day, and I always pray for Kashmir. This is a blessed day, and thousands of us arrive from distant places to seek blessings.”
Today’s prayers witnessed heavy participation as devotees filled the shrine premises to capacity. Authorities had made elaborate
Srinagar, Sept 5: National Conference MLA from Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the installation of a sculpted figure at the revered Hazratbal Dargah, calling it a violation of Islamic beliefs.
“I am not a religious scholar, but in Islam, idol worship is strictly forbidden—the gravest of sins. The foundation of our faith is Tawheed. Placing a sculpted figure at the revered Hazratbal Dargah goes against this very belief. Sacred spaces must reflect only the purity of Tawheed, nothing else,” Sadiq said.
He urged Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darkashan Andrabi to take corrective action against the installation, rather than targeting those who have raised their voices against it.
“Dr. Andrabi should take action against this, not against the people who have raised their voice. I have only used my fundamental right to speak, and I have not done anything wrong. Now we will see what the police do,” the MLA added.
The remarks come amid public outrage in Srinagar over the placement of the sculpted figure at the shrine, with many locals demanding its removal on religious grounds.
Kabul, Sep 5 A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Afghanistan’s remote south-eastern region on Thursday night, the third quake in six days, as the death toll from the first rose to 2,200, authorities said.
The shallow quake hit at 20:56 local time (15:36 GMT) and sent people in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces scampering out of shelters in fear, reports BBC.
There was no immediate official report of casualties from Thursday night’s earthquake, but medics on the ground told the BBC that 17 wounded people were brought to Kunar Provincial Hospital.
Earlier in the day, the Taliban government reported that the death toll from Sunday’s magnitude 6.0 earthquake had jumped to 2,200, with 3,600 others wounded.
A second earthquake of magnitude 5.5 on Tuesday temporarily halted rescue operations, which have mostly been conducted by helicopters as debris from landslides cuts off access to remote villages.
There have also been a steady stream of aftershocks.
