Two J-K govt employees terminated over alleged terror links

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April 8, 2026

Two J-K govt employees terminated over alleged terror links

Srinagar, Apr 08: Two government employees have been terminated over their alleged terror links, source said.

The two employees were identified as Farhat Ali Khanday and Muhammad Shafi Dar.
Officials said Farhat Ali Khanday, a Class-IV employee in the Education Department in Ramban, was found to be operating as a key facilitator for Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

Mohammad Shafi Dar from Bandipora, employed in the Rural Development Department, was identified as an active terror associate of LeT, they added.

Officials said that terminations were ordered by the Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir.

Greater Kashmir

Unidentified body found in power canal at Kangan, probe underway

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April 8, 2026

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Unidentified body found in power canal at Kangan, probe underway

Srinagar, Apr 08: The body of an unidentified body of man was found in a power canal at Thune area of Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Wednesday.

Officials said that locals spotted the body in the canal and immediately informed the police.

A police team reached the spot soon after and took possession of the body for medico-legal formalities.

They said identification of the deceased is being ascertained, while investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident has been initiated. (KNC)

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Trump says moment could mark new ‘Golden Age’ for Mideast

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April 8, 2026

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Trump says moment could mark new ‘Golden Age’ for Mideast

Washington, Apr 08: US President Donald Trump in a social media post declared the ceasefire agreement a “big day for World Peace” and that the US “will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.”

“There will be lots of positive action!” Trump predicted in his post.

“Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just hangin’ around’ in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will.”

Trump’s message on his Truth Social website signals Washington’s concern about Iran maintaining its chokehold over the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through which 20% of all oil and natural gas passes in peacetime.

Greater Kashmir

Damp weather results in bumper crop of wild Kundi, provides livelihood to hundreds of women in J&K’s Bhaderwah

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April 8, 2026

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Damp weather results in bumper crop of wild Kundi, provides livelihood to hundreds of women in J&K’s Bhaderwah

Bhaderwah, Apr 08: Rainy and damp weather since last fortnight has transformed coniferous forest in J&K’s Bhaderwah into a treasure of rare Kundi Mushroom (Earth cup Fungus) much to the delight of locals especially womenfolk – who collect and sell them in the market at a good price.

‘Kundi’, the most cherished early spring delicacy disappeared from the Himalayan forests since last couple of years mainly due to dry weather resurfaced in abundance this season thereby providing livelihood to the hundreds of womenfolk of the rejion as the rare edible fungus is being received like hotcakes by the locals and visitors in the markets of Bhaderwah town.

Women often start their day at dawn, searching through lush, damp forests alongside deodar trees for this elusive fungus.

Rural women from villages of Bhaderwah valley located along dense cedar forest like Bhudda, Chinta, Duggi, Kansar, Ghuraka, Chinchora, Jatani, Thubba, Dhumanda, Sartingal, Katyara, Mathola, Hanga and Shankhoja are primarily responsible for gathering these rare mushrooms from the wild. They then sell this seasonal and loved delicacy in local markets at the rate ranging from Rs 400 to 700 per kg.

“We were disappointed that the most loved delicacy of the season, all of us use to collect from the forest soon after snow melts disappeared since last two three years but we are thankful to almighty that this year ‘Kundi’ resurfaced in abundance and our group is collecting them since last 20 days,” said Kalyana (67) of Village Bhudda.

“The recent rains have transformed our forests into the treasure of Kundi and traditionally women venture to collect them as one can find them scattered everywhere in the dense cedar trees making the otherwise silent woods into live and happening place,” said Ajay Kumar (29) of Village Chinta.

The sale of Kundi provides a direct livelihood for families in remote areas, with many walking long distances to sell their harvest in local markets in Bhaderwah.

These days every second vegetable vendor in Bhaderwah town is found selling Kundi while displaying it at the most visible place as the main attraction of their respective shops.

“This year I have sold maximum amount of ‘Kundi’ since I have started my business a decade ago. All the packs of Kundi you find in my shop are pre-booked and not only from locals but I also get orders from Delhi,” said a Vegetable vendor Anil Kumar of Jaie Road, Bhaderwah.

“Since last 20 days, I have sold this wild Mushroom worth Rs 5 lakhs and every women earns two to three thousand a day by collecting and selling it at our shop,” Anil added.

Kundi is often found growing in shaded, humid areas following post-winter snow melt and spring rains.

Apart from being a tasty seasonal delicacy, Kundi is known for its medicinal properties. It is often used in local dishes and is valued for its unique taste.

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PSAJK holds district elections in Srinagar

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April 8, 2026

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PSAJK holds district elections in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 7: In continuation of its commitment to establishing a strong and transparent democratic framework, the Private Schools’ Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) Tuesday conducted elections for the post of District President, Srinagar.

The electoral process marked a significant milestone in strengthening institutional representation and participatory governance within the association.

The Election Commission constituted for the purpose comprised distinguished members: Abdul Qayoom Wani (Chairman, Pensioners Association and Civil Society) as Chairperson, Nadeem Qadri (Environmental Lawyer and Legal Advisor, PSAJK), Mehmood Rashid (Director, Thinksite), Nazir Ahmad (Member, Election Commission), Marzia Javaid (Member, Election Commission), and the foremost Convener and Election Advisor PSAJK Farooq Ahmad Ashai.

The elections witnessed unprecedented enthusiasm and participation from member schools across all zones of Srinagar district.

A large number of institutions affiliated with both BOSE and CBSE actively took part in the democratic exercise, reflecting a shared resolve to strengthen the association.

Notably, for the first time in the capital district, the election was conducted through a formal ballot system, paving the way for a more robust, transparent, and democratic process.

This landmark step was widely appreciated by all stakeholders.

The President PSAJK, Baba Nazrul Islam, expressed gratitude to the visionary former President, Ghulam Nabi Var, for laying a strong and enduring foundation for the association.

He emphasized that the current democratic initiatives are a continuation of that legacy.

Following the completion of the electoral process, the Election Commission under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani formally declared Tahir Wagay as the newly elected District President of PSAJK Srinagar.

The association also extended its sincere appreciation to Head Office Incharge, Majid Bhat, for his effective coordination and for successfully hosting the election proceedings.

On the occasion, both Abdul Qayoom Wani and Baba Nazrul Islam stressed the need to recognize and treat the private education sector as a “knowledge industry” in the years ahead, highlighting its vital role in shaping the future of education and society.

The successful conduct of elections in Srinagar stands as a landmark achievement and sets a strong precedent for upcoming district elections across Jammu and Kashmir.

Greater Kashmir