Srinagar, Sep 29: Two women were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during a scuffle at their residence in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said on Monday evening.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the duo was injured during a scuffle with another woman at their home.

He said both were brought to SMHS Hospital Srinagar after being referred from District Hospital Budgam, while their condition is not known yet.

He identified the injured as Jamela Banoo, wife of Mohammad Rafiq Khan (45) and Ruqsana Akhter (40), daughter of Mohammad Akbar Khan—both residents of Ganie Mohalla Budgam.

Meanwhile, investigations have been taken up.

Gulmarg, Sep 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has announced the resumption of routine commercial operations of Phase-I of the Gulmarg Gondola, following the successful completion of extensive trials related to cable strength, cabin functionality, and load-bearing capacity.

The Corporation confirmed that the trials concluded smoothly, clearing the way for enhanced operations. “We are pleased to inform regarding the successful culmination of trials related to cable, cabin, and load-bearing tests. Accordingly, routine commercial operations of Phase-I shall be commencing from tomorrow with enhanced carrying capacity,” the statement read.

The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest and longest cable car projects in Asia, is a prime attraction for tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. Phase-I of the Gondola takes passengers from Gulmarg to Kongdori, offering panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range.

Officials said the successful safety trials would not only improve passenger confidence but also significantly increase the carrying strength of cabins, reducing wait times for tourists during peak seasons.

“Enhanced carrying capacity is expected to ease congestion during weekends and holiday rush, allowing more visitors to enjoy the ride without long delays,” a JKCCC official remarked.

The announcement comes as Gulmarg continues to see a steady inflow of domestic and international tourists. Adventure seekers, skiers, and holidaymakers alike consider the Gondola a highlight of their visit, and the renewed operations are likely to add momentum to the upcoming autumn and winter tourist season.

Locals and tourism stakeholders welcomed the development, saying it would provide a boost to the hospitality sector. “Gulmarg’s Gondola is central to Kashmir’s tourism appeal. The decision to resume operations after proper safety checks will reassure visitors and support businesses that depend on tourist flow,” said a hotelier in Tangmarg.

The Gulmarg Gondola operates in two phases: Phase-I connects Gulmarg with Kongdori at an altitude of 3,050 metres, while Phase-II extends from Kongdori to Apharwat, reaching nearly 4,000 metres. Together, they make it one of the most sought-after cable car experiences in the world.

Tourism officials expect a surge in footfall in the coming weeks as the autumn landscape in Gulmarg draws visitors. “The timing of resumption is ideal. The Gondola adds to Gulmarg’s allure at a time when nature is at its most beautiful,” an official from the Tourism Department said.

With the technical tests now concluded and operations resuming, stakeholders believe that the Gondola will continue to serve as the crown jewel of Kashmir’s tourism industry. [KNT]

Srinagar, Sep 29: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced power shutdown in Kashmir parts on October 6, 9 and 14, citing branch cutting of trees and other maintenance works.

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, in order to facilitate branch cutting of trees coming in the corridor of 33 KV line, shutdown of 33KV Amargarh Watergam line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Watergam, Hachipora, Hadipora, Safalpora, Ganapora shall remain off while power supply to Watergam, Hachipora, Palpora, Behrampora, Dangiwacha, Safalpora, Renan, Ganapora, Tujjar, Ajoora, Langate, Kralgund and adjoining areas will be affected from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 06, 09 & 14 October, 2025.

Baramulla, Sep 29: In a major step towards strengthening the legal action against banned outfits, Baramulla Police on Monday produced charge sheets in two significant cases before the Hon’ble Court of NIA Baramulla at Sopore.

In a statement issued here to news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC reads, Case FIR No. 10/2024 U/S 10, 13 UA(P) Act of PS Pattan, The challan has been filed against members of the banned organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat for their involvement in unlawful activities aimed at disrupting peace and security in the region, statement reads.

Case FIR No. 78/2024 U/S 10, 13, 23 UA(P) Act & 7/25 A Act of PS Pattan, The challan has also been produced against members of the banned organisation Jammu & Kashmir National Front (JKNF) for their engagement in unlawful and anti-national activities, it reads.

The action reaffirms Baramulla Police’s unwavering commitment to uphold law and order and to ensure that those involved in subversive activities are brought to justice as per the provisions of law, reads the statement.

Srinagar, Sep 29: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi today chaired a security review meeting at the Conference Hall of Police Control Room, Kashmir, to assess the prevailing security scenario across the valley. The meeting was attended by all Range DIsG, District SSsP of Kashmir Zone, and other senior officers.

At the onset of the meeting, Range DIsG and SSsP briefed the chair about the overall crime and security situation in their respective jurisdictions. Detailed reviews were presented on law & order management, ongoing anti-terror operations, and public safety measures. The deliberations also focused on critical issues including actions under the NDPS Act, achieving zero terror recruitment, strengthening district-level security grids, property attachment proceedings against terror elements, and other strategic concerns.

During the meeting, IGP Kashmir laid strong emphasis on enhanced monitoring of social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation, propaganda, and anti-national content. Addressing the issue of narcotics, IGP Kashmir directed officers to intensify anti-drug operations, increase surveillance on offenders, and actively work toward dismantling drug networks. He also underlined the importance of community outreach and rehabilitation as part of a comprehensive anti-narcotics strategy.

A district-wise security plan was discussed in detail, with focus on key installations, sensitive areas, and inter-agency coordination. IGP Kashmir stressed the need for proactive intelligence gathering and swift response mechanisms to effectively deal with emerging threats. He directed officers to intensify area domination, conduct night patrolling in sensitive areas, and maintain strict surveillance on anti-national elements (ANEs).

IGP Kashmir appreciated the efforts of the district chiefs in preventing crime and emphasized the need for improving the quality of investigation. He also urged officers to remain vigilant, responsive, and people-centric in their approach.

Srinagar, Sep 29: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday threw open seven tourist spots in the valley that were closed in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The tourist spots were opened following directions issued by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after a meeting of the Unified Headquarters on Friday.

“After a thorough security review and discussion in today’s UHQ meeting, I’ve ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures,” Sinha said in a post on X on Friday.

The LG administration shut down nearly 50 tourist spots following the terror attack at Baisaran in the Pahalgam area on April 22, in which heavily-armed terrorists shot dead 26 people — mostly tourists.

The seven tourist spots that were reopened in the Kashmir division include Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park and Kaman Post.

The LG had ordered the reopening of five tourist spots in the Jammu division as well. These include Dagan Top in Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua and Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi.

The LG administration had reopened 16 tourist destinations, including some parts of Pahalgam, in June.