Srinagar, Feb 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday sought the urgent intervention of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and condemned the harassment, intimidation, and open threats faced by Muhammad Wali Shah, a resident of Anantnag, Kashmir, who was in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for medical treatment.

The association said the incident, the eighth such case reported this year highlights a deeply alarming and recurring pattern of targeted hostility against Kashmiris.

National Convenor of Association, Nasir Khuehami, said the accused have been captured on video intercepting, intimidating, and harassing Kashmiri vendors and patients visiting the area.He urged the SSP Saharanpur Ashish Tiwari  and the DIG Saharanpur Range Abhishek Singh to ensure the prompt identification and arrest of all those responsible and to send a clear and unequivocal message that lawlessness and communal intimidation will not be tolerated.

Srinagar, Feb 2:: After weeks of intense cold, several parts of Kashmir witnessed a noticeable improvement in minimum temperatures on Monday, bringing some relief to residents across the Valley.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.6 degrees Celsius, several notches higher than the sub-zero conditions that prevailed through much of January. Residents said night temperatures have improved significantly in recent days, making the cold more bearable.

“The nights feel far less harsh now,” said Azad Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar’s Chanpora area. “January was extremely severe. Even indoors, it was difficult to cope with the cold,” he added.

Other parts of the Valley also reported marginal improvement in night temperatures. Qazigund recorded a low of 0.7 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag registered a minimum of minus 0.6 degrees.

In north Kashmir, Kupwara settled at minus 1.3 degrees Celsius. However, higher-altitude areas continued to experience severe cold. The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 8 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Kashmir, while the tourist resort of Pahalgam registered a minimum of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius.

An official from the Meteorological Department said the gradual rise in temperatures was in line with seasonal trends. “There has been some improvement in minimum temperatures, but cold conditions will persist, especially in higher reaches,” the official said, adding that weather fluctuations remain likely.

According to the forecast, Kashmir is likely to witness widespread light rain or snowfall between February 2 and 3. Weather is expected to remain partly cloudy from February 4 to 6, followed by another brief spell of cloudiness with light precipitation at isolated places on February 7. Dry weather conditions are likely from February 8 to 10.

Meanwhile, authorities have advised travellers to check road conditions before undertaking journeys, particularly in snowbound areas. Farmers have been urged to suspend agricultural activities for the next seven days, while residents living in avalanche-prone zones have been cautioned against unnecessary movement.

Srinagar, Feb 02: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, along with Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa today chaired a meeting to review the removal of bottlenecks for water transport of the Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI) envisaged project of River Jhelum.

The meeting was participated in by Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla and Ganderbal; RTO Kashmir; Chief Engineers KPDCL & PWD; engineer from I&FC and PWD departments; and the IWAI Coordinator.

At the outset, the IWAI Coordinator gave a detailed presentation on the bottkenecks of the project and highlighted the required interventions.

Addressing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed IWAI to take possession of land at two identified locations and to conduct a joint inspection to identify land for the third location.

It was informed that out of eight proposed locations, four have already been taken over by IWAI.

Regarding issues related to HT and LT power lines, the Divisional Commissioner instructed IWAI to share a detailed list of site-specific issues with the Chief Engineer, KPDCL, for preparation of removal estimates.

Similarly, the PWD was directed to assess removal of cofferdams under bridges and to facilitate necessary clearances.

The Divisional Commissioner also appointed RTO Kashmir as the nodal officer to ensure close coordination and effective communication among all concerned departments.

While directing for joint inspection of agencies for assessing site  interventions, he emphasized that a consolidated report outlining all required interventions be compiled and submitted within one week.

Srinagar, Feb 02: District Police Anantnag on Monday clarified that legal action has already been initiated in connection with objectionable and provocative content circulating on social media, which had triggered public concern and speculation.

In an official statement, the police said a case has been registered against a woman for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on social media. In this regard, FIR No. 14/2026 under relevant provisions of law has been lodged at Police Station Mattan, and the matter is under active investigation.

The police further stated that action has also been taken against several social media users who allegedly attempted to incite unrest and disturb public tranquility by sharing and commenting on provocative content related to the incident.

According to the statement, one of the accused has been arrested, while legal proceedings against other identified individuals are currently underway.

Advising the general public to exercise restraint, District Police Anantnag urged people not to indulge in speculation and to refrain from sharing unverified or inflammatory material on social media platforms, warning that circulation of such content may invite strict legal consequences.

The police said they are closely monitoring the situation and assured that stringent action will be taken against anyone found attempting to disturb peace, public order and communal harmony in the district. (KDC)