Kupwara, Sept 06: A tragic incident was reported from Kandi Drugmulla area of Kupwara on Saturday when an 8-year-old boy lost his life after slipping into a pond-like pit while playing outside his home.

Officials told news agency Kashmir News Corner—KNC that the boy, identified as Toha Abid Peer, was rescued in an unconscious state.

He was immediately rushed to PHC Kandi, where doctors declared him brought dead. The body was later handed over to the family for last rites, they added.

Authorities have taken cognizance of the incident and started investigation.

Srinagar, Sep 06: The United States’ decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports has left Kashmir’s famed handicrafts sector reeling, with traders warning of mounting job cuts and artisans fearing a worsening livelihood crisis.

The tariffs, in effect since August 27, have dealt a severe blow to an industry that sustains over four lakh artisans across the Valley. With exports to the US now nearly unviable, traders are stuck with heavy stocks of unsold inventory and have begun cutting back on artisan employment, raising fears of a deepening livelihood crisis.

Pashmina blankets, shawls, embroidered furnishings and carpet rugs, traditionally shipped to the US for autumn and winter sales, have been hit hardest by the new trade barriers. Exporters said consignments meant for the current season could not be dispatched after the tariffs came into effect, resulting in the loss of an entire business cycle. Since many of these products see greater demand in the colder months, the timing of the disruption has magnified the financial losses.

The United States has long been a high-end market for Kashmiri handicrafts, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s total exports, which were valued at Rs 1,116 crore in 2023–24. For several exporters, the American market contributed the bulk of their annual business. With orders now stalled, the sector is struggling to identify alternative destinations, as few international markets have comparable demand for luxury products like silk carpets and hand-embroidered shawls.

The crisis has compounded the difficulties of an industry still recovering from the COVID-19 downturn. Dealers who had travelled to trade exhibitions in Delhi in search of new contracts said that interest from American buyers has dried up, leaving them with rising inventories and no immediate buyers. Many warn that prolonged stagnation could result not only in more job losses but also in the erosion of Kashmir’s craft heritage, which artisans have preserved for centuries despite economic hardships.

Traders across Srinagar and other centres reported a sharp fall in new orders in recent months. Carpet makers, paper-mâché craftsmen and chain-stitch embroiderers are among those worst affected, with many workshops running far below capacity. The slowdown has triggered calls for export incentives, with industry representatives urging the government to consider interest waivers, reductions in GST and special relief measures to help the sector weather the tariff shock.

Srinagar, Sept 06: Panic gripped the Rainawari area of Srinagar on Saturday after a pack of stray dogs attacked local residents, leaving dozens of civilians injured.

Eyewitnesses said that men, women and children were among those bitten in the sudden attack. The injured were immediately shifted to hospitals in Srinagar for treatment.

People expressed anger over the recurring menace, saying authorities have failed to control the growing population of stray dogs in the city. “Every few weeks, we face such incidents. Today, dozens of our neighbours, including children, are in hospital. The administration must wake up,” locals said.

The incident has renewed calls for Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments to adopt effective measures to deal with the crisis, which continues to pose a threat to public safety. [KNT]

Reliable sources said that a case under FIR No. 76 of 2025 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) stands registered at police station Nigeen.

Earlier on Friday, locals damaged an Ashoka emblem on the inaugural stone inside the Hazratbal Dargah after objecting to its installation, saying the emblem was against Islamic principles and should not be placed in a shrine.

Following the damage, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi termed the act a grave insult to the shrine and called it “nothing less than terrorism.” She appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and law enforcement agencies for immediate arrests, alleging that the chaos was “deliberately engineered by political workers and their supporters.”

Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi described it as an attempt to “monumentalise egos” inside a sacred place while NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the installation of a sculpted emblem contradicted the Islamic principle of Tawheed. (KDC)

Srinagar, Sep 06: 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.

According to a statement, 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.

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 dealt with severely in accordance with the 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 habitat of migratory and resident bird species.—(KNO)

Anantnag, Sep 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday visited different areas of South Kashmir’s Anantnag town and other flood-affected areas of the district to take stock of the situation caused by the recent heavy rains.

Details available with news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Cabinet Ministers Javed Rana and Sakina Itoo, and several legislators including Altaf Kaloo, Majeed Larmi, Dr. Bashir Veeri, ,Reyaz khan and Zafar Khattana. CM was also joined by officials from district administration including Deputy Commissioner Annatnag Syed Farkahudin.

During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the affected families and assessed the extent of damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure. He assured that all necessary steps would be taken to provide relief and assistance to those impacted by the floods.

Chief Minister visited Mehdi Kadal, Deva Colony, Ashagipora Bridge and other areas of the district to assess the damage.

Chief Minister directed the district administration to speed up restoration works on a priority basis and ensure that essential supplies reach the affected areas without delay.

Sources said that CM Omar Abdullah will now chair meeting with administrative officials of the district at Dak Banglow Anantnag to review the situation and may give directions for officials. (KNC)