Srinagar, Dec 22: After a brief spell of snow and rain across higher reaches and plains, bright, clear, and cold days are ahead for Kashmir, the Department of Meteorology (MeT) said on Monday.

Chillai Kalan brought along glad tidings, ending the prolonged dry spell, bringing respite in pollution and snowfall to relish.

The major effect of Western Disturbances (WD) that hit Kashmir from December 20 onwards has ended.

“We are not expecting more snow or rain from this Western Disturbance now, its effect is over,” Director MeT, Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad said.

He said the weather is expected to be clear from Tuesday onwards, the minimal cloud cover, bringing bright sunshine to the Valley.

Ahmad said parts in higher reaches may have some clouds, but the weather would remain “essentially dry for the week, up to December 28.”

“On December 28, a weak Western Disturbance is likely to hit Kashmir again, bringing some precipitation in the form of rain and snow,” he said.

Ahmad said no major weather event is predicted for the week ahead.

Chillai Kalan, the traditionally significant 40-day period of core winter that began on December 21, ended months of dry spell in Kashmir with rain and snow in most parts here.

The MeT said the precipitation was “more than expected”. The Zojila-Sonmarg stretch received around 10 inches of snow, while the Razdan Pass had about 8 inches of snow accumulation.

In the Gurez-Tulail areas, around 9 inches of snowfall were received, while in north Kashmir’s Machil area, 8 inches of snow were recorded.

Poonch received rainfall heavier than other areas, recording 54 mm, while Srinagar and Budgam areas had rainfall of 14-15 mm.

The precipitation cleared the particulate suspended in the air of most districts, bringing an end to smog engulfed days and nights.

Central parts of Kashmir and many areas in north and south Kashmir had been covered by thick layers of smoke and particulate-filled fog, bringing down visibility and air quality. With the air cleared of smog and cloud cover thinning down, Kashmir looks ahead at brighter, clearer skies.

“It is going to be a pleasant week in terms of visibility,” Ahmad said.

Snowfall in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam has brought about cheer to locals and tourists. Tourism activities in winter are mainly centered on snowfall events.

Many tourists from Kashmir, as well as other parts of the country, have been seen rejoicing in the freshly covered slopes. Snowfall around Christmas and New Year has traditionally been the kick-starter of winter tourism activities in these popular destinations.

Clear weather is also set to bring a drop in minimum and maximum temperatures across Kashmir, the MeT said.

Srinagar, Dec 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday wrote to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian medical students currently studying in Bangladesh amid ongoing protests, tensions, and incidents of violence, particularly in Dhaka and surrounding regions.

In the letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the Association urged him to intervene to ensure the safety and protection of Indian medical students in view of the prevailing unrest and uncertain conditions in Bangladesh.

National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that there are around 9,000 Indian students pursuing medical education in various colleges across Bangladesh, among them over 4,000 students from the Kashmir Valley. He said the Association has been receiving distress calls and messages from students and their families, who are extremely anxious about the rapidly deteriorating situation and the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevailing there.

Khuehami said, “We have been told by students studying in Dhaka that they have been advised to hide their identity for their own safety, which is deeply disturbing and unacceptable for young Indians who have gone abroad solely to pursue education.”

Highlighting the plight of students, the Association said, “Many students are confined to hostels and accommodations, facing restrictions on movement, lack of clarity, and fear of being caught in violence. Parents in India are living in constant anxiety, unsure about the safety of their children. The prevailing conditions are unsafe and uncertain, and students feel vulnerable and stranded.”

Urging immediate action, Khuehami said, “We urge the Prime Minister to kindly intervene to ensure the immediate safety and protection of Indian medical students in Bangladesh. We request the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to urgently take up this matter with the Government of Bangladesh and seek firm assurances for the security, dignity, and well-being of our students.”

The Association also appealed for evacuation if the situation worsens, stating, “If the situation of tension and violence continues or worsens, the Government of India should kindly consider making arrangements to evacuate and bring back Indian students safely to India, so that no young life is put at risk. Timely evacuation, if required, will go a long way in preventing any untoward incident and in reassuring anxious families across the country.”

Srinagar, Dec 22: In a latest development, an Assistant Professor of Kashmir University (KU) has been put under suspension in connection with registration of an FIR at Police Station Nigeen, Hazratbal.

As per the official order issued by the Deputy Registrar (Administration) Kashmir University, Dr Altaf Ahmad Ganie has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

“Pending inquiry, Dr. Altaf Ahmad Ganie (pen name/ alias Shafqat Altaf), Assistant Professor, Department of Kashmir, is hereby placed under suspension, with immediate effect, in terms of University statute 3.16 (2) read with Regulation 12(3) (IV),” reads the KU order.

As per the order, the Assistant Professor will remain attached with Office of Dean Research “during the period of suspension.”

Srinagar, Dec 22: Noted broadcaster, journalist and author Abdul Ahad Farhad passed away, drawing widespread condolences from colleagues, writers, broadcasters and literary organisations across Jammu and Kashmir. He breathed his last in Jammu, leaving behind a rich legacy in broadcasting, journalism and literary thought.

Farhad was closely associated with Radio Kashmir and All India Radio (AIR), Srinagar, where he earned wide respect as a broadcaster and news anchor. Known for his refined voice, intellectual depth and humane outlook, he remained a mentor and fatherly figure for several generations of broadcasters and writers.

The Mahjoor Foundation, paying tribute to Farhad, described him as a “wonderful broadcaster, journalist and prolific writer.” Abdal Mahjoor, a noted broadcaster said his demise has created a deep void in Kashmir’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

Former Director of Radio Kashmir and Doordarshan Rafiq Massodi, while speaking to Ziraat Times, said:

“My association with farhad sahab has been since 4 decades.. from the days I used to come for children’s programs… then as a colleague in Radio Kashmir he would really contribute excellent suggestions to me for my productions like Sehri programs, family programs & Sufi saint programs…he would monitor all programs & inform me even after his retirement in 2006… I pray that Allah grants him Maghfirat & place in Jannah….”

Noted broadcaster and author Hussain Zaffar, in a moving tribute  expressed profound grief over the loss, recalling Farhad as a guiding presence whose words carried wisdom and warmth.

Former AIR broadcaster Maqsood Uri remembered his association with Farhad during the Shaherbeen programme, stating that they worked together for several months and shared memorable days at Radio Kashmir. “Though he retired around 2002, we remained in touch until last year. His passing is a personal loss,” he said, offering prayers for Farhad’s eternal peace and condolences to the bereaved family.

Well known journalist and commentator Manoj Koul said Abdul Ahad Farhad’s contribution to broadcasting and literature will be remembered with deep respect, adding that his work left an indelible mark on journalism in the region.

Broadcaster Shamshad Kralwari described Farhad as a mentor, brother and “keeper of the Sufi flame,” saying that while an era has ended with his passing, his spiritual and intellectual light will continue to guide many.

The Halqai Adab Sonawari Hajin, through its representative Qayoom Wadera, also condoled Farhad’s demise, remembering him as an A-grade writer, broadcaster and, above all, a humble and compassionate human being. “May Allah grant him maghfirat and a place in Jannat,” the statement read.

Several other social, literary and cultural organisations expressed condolences, terming Farhad’s death a significant loss to Kashmir’s literary and broadcasting fraternity.

Abdul Ahad Farhad is remembered not only for his professional excellence but also for his humility, mentorship and deep commitment to Kashmiri culture, language and Sufi traditions.