Srinagar, May 29: Several Members of Parliament today visited Mawar Langate in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the residence of Member of Parliament Baramulla, Engineer Rashid to offer condolences and express solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time.

The parliamentary delegation included MPs Umesh Bahubhai Patel and Sudhakar Singh along with other political leaders from different states. The visiting MPs interacted with family members, party leaders and scores of people gathered at the residence.

While speaking to the media on the occasion, the visiting MPs said that there is no dearth of voices across the country who genuinely feel the pain and sufferings of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. They maintained that democratic engagement and sincere dialogue are essential for lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.

Leading the delegation, MP Sudhakar Singh from Bihar said that there is no doubt that the people of Kashmir have suffered immensely and their voices must be heard with sincerity, dignity and seriousness. He appreciated the consistent concern shown by Engineer Rashid in Parliament regarding the political and human rights issues of Jammu & Kashmir.

He further stated that the Modi Government, by not engaging meaningfully with the people of Jammu & Kashmir, is further deepening the sense of alienation. He added that the continued incarceration of Engineer Rashid is weakening the bridge between New Delhi and Kashmir and demanded his immediate release so that he can continue to serve the people who have overwhelmingly reposed faith in him.

The visiting MPs also interacted with people from different walks of life and assured them that the people of India are not enemies of Kashmiris. They said that all those commitments and agreements which form the basis of the relationship between New Delhi and the people of Jammu & Kashmir must be respected and honoured in letter and spirit.

The delegation reiterated the need for dialogue, reconciliation and democratic engagement to address the aspirations and grievances of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Srinagar, May 28: Swiss Ambassador to India Maya Tissafi on Thursday called on Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here, an official spokesman said.

Tissafi, who is on a visit to Kashmir, has also met J-K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and People’s Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone.

The ambassador of Switzerland to India called on the Lieutenant Governor at the Lok Bhavan here. The spokesman gave no further details of the meeting.

“The breathtaking mountains of #Kashmir feel wonderfully familiar to a Swiss. In #Srinagar, I had insightful discussions with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and former Minister @sajadlone on the region’s development priorities and future opportunities,” Tissafi said in a post on X.

The ambassador said the Swiss expertise is already contributing to Kashmir’s growth story — from infrastructure projects and hydropower technology to innovation in high-altitude climate studies and dairy farming.

“We also explored opportunities for future collaboration in vocational training, hospitality, food processing and tourism. A memorable introduction to the spirit of Kashmir, including the beautiful Nishat Garden,” she added.

Srinagar, May 29: Former Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court, Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, has been empanelled as Senior Panel Counsel with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).

Justice (retd) Magrey’s name figures in the panel of 164 senior advocates empanelled with the SCLSC pursuant to a unanimous decision taken by the Executive Committee in its 72nd meeting held on March 12 this year.

The senior advocates, who render their services to the Committee entirely on a pro bono basis, stand empanelled with the SCLSC with effect from May 15, 2026.

Justice Magrey is already a designated Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court. He is also an arbitrator with the Delhi International Arbitration Centre and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.

Besides this, he serves as visiting faculty at the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, and the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Mumbai. He is also associated as visiting faculty with K.R. Mangalam University, Delhi, and is a member of the university’s advisory board.

Justice Magrey was appointed as a permanent judge of the High Court on March 8, 2013.

Born on December 8, 1960, in Wattoo village of Damhal Hanjipora in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, he received his school education in his native village and completed his graduation and LL.B (Honours) from the University of Kashmir.

He was enrolled as an advocate in 1984 and initially practised in district courts, including revenue courts and tribunals.

Srinagar, May 29: A 25-year-old youth was found dead at his residence in Chimmer area of DH Pora in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Officials said that the deceased, a mechanic by profession and a graduate, was found hanging inside his home.

After completion of medico-legal formalities and postmortem examination, the body was handed over to the family for last rites. 

Cognizance has been taken and further investigation is underway. (JKNS)

Srinagar, May 28: A 52-year-old worker of the Power Development Department (PDD) lost his life after falling from a ladder during power restoration work in the Kaloosa area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, officials said on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Muhammad Yousuf Shah, a Permanent Daily Labourer (PDL) posted at Electric Sub Division Kaloosa. He sustained critical injuries after slipping from a ladder and was rushed to a hospital in Srinagar, where he later succumbed, officials added.

A senior officer of the PDD ruled out electrocution, stating the power supply to the area had been switched off prior to the incident.

“He slipped from the ladder and suffered serious injuries. Protective gear has been provided to all employees for safety during field operations,” the concerned Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) told KNS.

The officer further disclosed that Shah had undergone eye surgery a few months ago, following which he had been advised against duties involving live wires or risky operations.

“We were not allowing him to work with live wires after his eye operation. Unfortunately, a consumer called him for some work, and during the process, he slipped while electricity was already off,” the AEE added.

The incident has sparked concerns over safety protocols for field staff, with some employees pointing to inadequacies in working conditions, particularly during harsh weather. Meanwhile, locals have urged the administration to strengthen safety measures for frontline PDD workers. (KNS)