Srinagar, Jul 2: The southwest monsoon arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday with at least 12 cloudbursts reported across J&K in about 12 hours, triggering flash floods, landslides, and mudslides that damaged homes, public infrastructure, and road links across several districts.

The widespread weather activity, driven by advancing monsoon currents interacting with a feeble western disturbance, affected areas from the Chenab Valley in Jammu to north and south Kashmir.

Roads and highways were blocked by floodwaters, mud and debris, while authorities warned that localised extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent as the monsoon advances.

No deaths were reported in the cloudburst incidents.

In a separate incident during the same spell, lightning killed more than 100 sheep belonging to a Bakarwal shepherd near Sinthan Top.

In Doda district’s Bhalessa area, two cloudbursts in Kalalgisar village swelled a tributary of the Chenab River.

Floodwaters and debris inundated villages, partially damaged homes, blocked roads and forced the closure of the Thathri–Kilothran road.

In Bandipora district’s Gurez sector, at least two cloudbursts in Tulail Valley washed away stretches of the Bandipora–Gurez road, uprooted trees, and cut off access to the remote valley.

The Kishanganga River rose sharply, prompting authorities to close the road and begin restoration work.

In Anantnag district’s Gudi Draman-Larnoo area, a cloudburst flooded a government primary school during class hours.

Residents evacuated students before water entered classrooms and no injuries were reported.

Intense rainfall also triggered flooding in Aishmuqam, affecting parts of the market and the shrine area of Hazrat Zainuddin Wali (RA).

In Baramulla district’s Rafiabad area, a cloudburst in Hamam caused Nallah Hamal to overflow, inundating downstream habitations.

Near Sinthan Top, twin cloudbursts triggered flash floods, landslides and mudslides that washed away sections of the Kishtwar-Anantnag National Highway, forcing suspension of traffic while restoration work began.

Flash floods and landslides were also reported from parts of Rajouri and Poonch following intense rainfall.

The weather also disrupted connectivity with Ladakh after multiple cloudbursts blocked the Zanskar-Manali road.

Authorities advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas until conditions improve.

Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad said the activity resulted from the interaction of southwest monsoon currents and a feeble western disturbance.

“The frequency of cloudbursts and flash floods generally increases during the pre-monsoon and monsoon period,” he said. “As the monsoon progresses, the likelihood of short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events increases, particularly in the mountainous districts of Jammu, including the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley.”

Climatologist Sonam Lotus said such events are linked to moisture-laden monsoon winds interacting with western disturbances.

“These systems can produce intense rainfall over a very small area within a short period,” he said. “Such rainfall events are localised and can quickly trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides.”

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Ahmad said not all flash floods are caused by cloudbursts.

“A cloudburst is about 100 millimetres of rain in an hour. But even lower amounts of 70 mm in a short period can trigger flash floods in mountainous terrain,” he said, adding that several incidents during the current spell were likely due to intense localised rainfall.

Officials said such events are expected to become more frequent as the monsoon advances, especially in steep Himalayan terrain.

The spell underscores the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events.

According to data shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Parliament, floods and heavy rainfall claimed 199 lives, killed 11,693 livestock and damaged thousands of houses across J&K last year.

Ahmad said the weather system is expected to remain active through July 5, bringing light to moderate rain and thundershowers across the region.

He said isolated places may receive intense showers with lightning, hail and gusty winds, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and shooting stones along vulnerable highways.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve after July 5.

Srinagar, July 02: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Thursday announced power shutdown in several areas of Kashmir division in upcoming days.

In a communication, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL informed that the shutdown of 33 KV GIS Khanyar-BAMK line will be observed due to which power supply to Industries, Raja Colony, Firdous Cinema, Zadibal, Zoonimar, BSNL Exchange and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 05 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Khanyar-Rainawari line will be observed due to which power supply to Miskeen Bagh, Rozabal, Makhdoomsahab, Hazaribagh, Jogilanker, JLNM Hospital, Kondabal, Hasanabad and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 04 July 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Khanyar line and 33 KV Bagh-i-Ali Mardan Khan-Takanwari line   will be observed due to which power supply to Miskeenbagh, Rosebal, Hazaribagh, Kondebal, Hasanabad, Jogi Lanker, Palpora, Sangam and JLNM Hospital will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 08 & 11 July 2026.

Further, shutdown of  33 KV Kawdara-Mughal Masjid line and 33 kV SH Pora line will be observed due to which power supply to Jamallatta, Nawabazar, Zainakadal, Firdous Colony, Zaldagar, Nowhatta, Nawa Kadal, MR Gunj, Zadibal, Kaksarai and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 13 & 15 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Bemina-Bemina-I/II line and 33 KV Bemina-Karanagar line will be observed due to which power supply to Hamdania Colony, HIG/MIG Colony, Nundresh Colony, Gousia, Colony, Hamza Colony, Sir Syedabad, Qamarwari, Chattabal, SK Colony, Tawheedabad, Iqbalabad, PDD Complex, Medical Hostel, Pinchi Mandi, Chattabal, Zaldagar, Balgarden, Police lines, Civil Secretarait, Gole Market, Guru Bazar, Tankipora, Shaheed Gunj and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 04 July 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Bemina-JVC/PC Depot line, 33 KV Bemina-Exhibition line, 33 KV Bemina-Fatehkadal line and 33 kV Bemina-KP Bagh line and 33 KV Bemina-Barbarshah line will be observed due to which power supply to Boatman Colony, Bemina, JVC Hospital, Children Hospital, State Motor Garage, Hajj House, Forensic lab, Qamarwari, Baranpather, Hamdania Colony, Rakhi Arth, Sebden, Fateh Kadal, Khayam, Barbarshah, Basant Bagh and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 04 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Zirpora Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Veeri, Nowbugh, Srigufwara, Kanalwan, Beewora, Darigund and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 11 July 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 132 KV D/C Habbak-Alusteng Transmission line will be observed due to which power supply Umerheir ,Ahmad Nagar, Panchayat, Pandech, Khalmulla and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 06 & 14 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Alusteng Nagbal line will be observed due to which power supply to Shuhama, Bakura, Darend, Nagbal, Fetehpora Gadoora Tulbagh, Chunduna, Saloora, Shairpathri and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 06, 14, 20, 24 & 28 July 2026.

Srinagar, July 2: The Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu & Kashmir Nalin Prabhat today visited the Nunwan Frisking Point at Pahalgam to review the security and facilitation arrangements put in place for the smooth and safe conduct of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

During the visit, the DGP conducted a comprehensive inspection of the frisking point and took stock of the security measures, access control mechanisms, deployment of personnel, and the overall arrangements made for the convenience and safety of the pilgrims. He interacted with officers and personnel deployed at the site and emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of vigilance, professionalism, and courteous public service. The DGP directed the officers to ensure thorough yet pilgrim-friendly security checks while maintaining seamless movement of yatris. He stressed the need for close coordination among all security agencies and civil administration to ensure a secure, peaceful, and hassle-free pilgrimage.

The DGP appreciated the dedication and commitment of the police personnel and other security forces deployed on Yatra duty. He urged them to remain alert, responsive, and compassionate while performing their responsibilities, ensuring that every pilgrim feels safe and well-assisted throughout the pilgrimage.

Srinagar, July 2: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, and Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir on Thursday strongly criticised the ruling National Conference (NC)-led government, accusing it of failing to deliver effective governance and honour the promises it made to the people during the 2024 Assembly elections.

The leaders were addressing a workers’ convention at Kunzer in Tangmarg. On the occasion, several political and social activists joined the Apni Party and were warmly welcomed by the party leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari termed the National Conference’s proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to demand the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood as nothing more than a political gimmick aimed at misleading the people.

“Statehood is not something that can be obtained by staging protests on the streets of Delhi or at Jantar Mantar. This proposed protest is merely gimmick and another attempt by the ruling party to divert public attention from its failures and mislead the people,” he said.

He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who had given the present government a massive mandate, are now deeply disappointed with its performance.

“The people feel deceived because the promises made during the 2024 election campaign have remained unfulfilled. The government has failed to deliver on its commitments, and public frustration continues to grow,” he said.

Questioning the government’s performance, he asked, “The ruling party had promised one lakh jobs soon after assuming office. More than 20 months have passed—where are those jobs? What happened to the promise of providing 200 units of free electricity and free LPG cylinders to households? Have the daily wagers been regularised? Has the ration quota been enhanced as promised? The government made a long list of commitments before the elections, but none of them has been fulfilled.”

Apni Party president urged party workers to prepare for the forthcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, saying the people have now recognised the difference between empty promises and genuine public service.

“The traditional political parties have repeatedly deceived people with false promises. It is now our responsibility to reach every household and strengthen the party at the grassroots,” he said.

Expressing concern over restrictions on local mining activities, Bukhari said the government should allow local people to continue manual mining in streams, as generations have depended on it for their livelihood.

“The government should issue permits to local residents, collect the prescribed royalty, and allow them to continue manual mining. Depriving local communities of their traditional source of livelihood is unjust,” he said.

He also reiterated his demand for dialogue between the Centre and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I once again appeal to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir so that their grievances and aspirations can be addressed through peaceful engagement,” he said.

Bukhari said, “The Government of India must engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, to bridge the trust deficit between the people of J&K and the Centre.”

He said that those who are demanding India-Pakistan talks should raise this demand at various forums and across the country, but not in Jammu and Kashmir, because such demands on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir are disturbing the people, especially the youth. Therefore, he said, it would be better to raise such demands elsewhere at Delhi, Mumbai and other places in the country rather than in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bukhari also renewed his demand for the release of detainees and expressed concern over the government’s failure to compensate farmers who suffered massive losses due to recent hailstorms and heavy rains.

Addressing the convention, Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir accused the ruling party of undermining democratic institutions and concentrating power.

“They are governing Jammu and Kashmir in a manner that resembles the rule of the Maharajas. Power has become centralised, and democratic institutions are being weakened. Apni Party will continue its struggle against this ‘Maharaja-style’ governance and work to ensure that power truly rests with the people,” he said.

Criticising the functioning of the ruling party, Mir alleged that even its own legislators have been denied the freedom to serve the people effectively.

“The MLAs of the ruling party have virtually been reduced to slaves. They are not allowed to function independently or address the concerns of the people,” he said.

He said that while the ruling alliance had received a mandate to govern, the Apni Party had received a mandate to play the role of a responsible opposition.

“We know how to discharge the responsibilities of an effective opposition. We will continue to hold the government accountable for every promise it has failed to fulfil,” he added.

Mir also accused the government of delaying Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections, thereby depriving people of democratic representation at the grassroots.

“We strongly demand immediate elections to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies so that democratic institutions are revived and people regain their right to choose their representatives,” he said.

He assured the gathering that the Apni Party would continue to represent the aspirations of the people and urged workers to further strengthen the organisation across Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the occasion, Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir criticised the government’s move of outsourcing jobs, describing it as a serious injustice to educated unemployed youth.

“Outsourcing recruitment and allowing backdoor appointments deprive deserving educated youth of fair employment opportunities. At a time when unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, such policies only deepen public despair,” he said.

He also criticised the government for failing to address concerns over the existing reservation policy.

“The present reservation policy has generated widespread resentment because it is unfair to a large section of society. Despite being in office for more than 20 months, the government has failed to resolve this important issue. People have every reason to question its commitment and competence,” he said.

On the occasion, several political and social activists joined the Apni Party in the presence of the senior leadership.

Those who joined the party included former lecturer Mohammad Ashraf Mir, former Police Inspector Farooq Ahmad Paray, former TSO Abdul Ahad Sofi, former TSO Manzoor Ahmad Dar, former TSO Bashir Ahmad Malik, NC Wailoo Block Vice President Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani, NC worker Abul Rashid Qureshi, NC worker Mohammad Akbar Khan, Mateen Ahmad Baba, Mehraj Ahmad Bakhsh, and several others.

Among those present at the convention, besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Ghulam Hassan Mir and Mohammad Ashraf Mir, were District President Baramulla Shabir Ahmad Shah, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Aftab Ahmad Beigh, Provincial Publicity Secretary Kashmir Aamir Rashid Wani, District Vice President Baramulla Syed Noor-ul-Aman, Social Media Analyst Tariq Mohiuddin, Block Presidents Abdul Kareem Dar (Kunzer), Kaka Ji Abdul Rehman Lone (Chandil), Nazir Ahmad (Wailoo), Mohammad Akbar, Abdul Ahad Wani, Constituency In-charge Tangmarg and former DDC Advocate Ishfaq Mir, former DDC Kunzer Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Senior Leader Abdul Ahad Botany, party’s Zonal President Abdul Majeed Khanday, Block President Nazir Ahmad, Block President Mohammad Akbar, Block President Abdul Rehman alias Kaka, and other party functionaries.

Srinagar, Jul 2: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Thursday demanded that all accused in the kidnapping and killing of young Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat in April 1990 should be put on trial and given stringent punishment to ensure complete justice.

Addressing a press conference here, J-K BJP’s chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said Bhat was Kashmir’s daughter and she represented Kashmir’s composite culture.

“She, her family, the community and the whole of Kashmir had to wait for 36 years for justice. The justice is not complete; it is incomplete.

“Her killer is in Pakistan. The justice will be complete when he is brought here and put on trial,” he said.

The J-K State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Monday filed an over 700-page chargesheet naming banned JKLF chief Yasin Malik as the key accused in the kidnapping and brutal killing of Bhat by terrorists in April 1990. The agency described it as a “historic milestone” in the pursuit of justice for victims of terrorism.

The SIA, which reopened the case after it was handed over in 2024, submitted the chargesheet before the designated NIA court here, 36 years after Bhat, working as a nurse at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, was found dead in downtown Srinagar, several kilometres away, a day after she went missing.

Sethi said the whole Kashmiri society should stand up and help the prosecution in the case.

“We appeal to the government and the prosecuting agencies to plead the case strongly so that the killers get a stringent punishment. Those who are still out of the reach of law should be caught sooner, put on trial and given stringent punishment,” he added.

The BJP chief spokesperson said justice in the case will ensure that in future, a homogenous society will be established once again in Kashmir where people from all religions will live together.

“If the Kashmiri society does not think of Bhat as her daughter, then it is a huge failure for Kashmir. The whole country, the world, is looking at Kashmir — the society should come forward openly,” he said.

Sethi expressed gratitude to the investigating agencies for cracking the case.

“All this was possible only under a strong government headed by Narendra Modi,” he said.

Referring to JKLF chief Yasin Malik, Sethi said the accused, at whose behest the killing took place, used to sit with prime ministers.

“(Former prime minister) Manmohan Singh used to invite him to his home. Those people whose hands are drenched in blood, be it of Bhat or others, were invited to the PM’s residence during the Congress rule. After Modi came to power, justice is being delivered,” he asserted.

The BJP leader said it is painful to see on social media that some people were trying to justify or support the accused.

“Some people suggest that reopening the case could become a hurdle in the return of Kashmiri Pandits (to the valley). What kind of thinking is this?

“If the return of Kashmiri Pandits is based on forgetting the rape and murder of girls, then no one wants that. The return will happen and will be based on justice,” he said.

Besides Malik, who was the self-styled commander-in-chief of the JKLF terrorist outfit at that time, his four accomplices — Khursheed Ahmad Chalkoo, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Ghulam Mohammad Taploo and Mohammad Yousuf Sofi — have also been named as accused in the case. Chalkoo is believed to be living in Pakistan after exfiltrating from Kashmir.

The accused have been charged under various sections of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), 1987, and the Indian Arms Act, 1959.

Uri, Jul 2: Two lavender nurseries have been established in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district by the Agriculture Department to promote medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation and enhance the farmers’ income, officials said.

The nurseries have been established in the border areas of Trikanjan Boniyar and Sultandakhi in Uri to encourage farmers to adopt medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation as a profitable commercial venture.

The nursery at Trikanjan Boniyar, spread over nearly 40 kanals, has been equipped with a modern lavender oil extraction and processing unit for producing premium essential oils and perfumes, the officials said.

They said the Sultandakhi nursery, covering around 10 kanals, will focus on cultivating and distributing quality lavender planting material among local farmers.

Apart from lavender, the farm at Trikanjan is also cultivating several high-value species, including rosemary, Saussurea costus, Bergenia ciliata, Artemisia annua, and Acorus calamus, further expanding opportunities for diversified farming in the region, the officials added.

Farm expert, Sharan Gurdev Singh, said the initiative aims to encourage farmers to adopt medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation as a profitable commercial venture.

He said the department is providing technical guidance, quality planting material and continuous support to growers interested in shifting towards high-value crops.

Farm Manager at Trikanjan Boniyar, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, said the establishment of the nurseries and processing facility marks a significant step toward developing Uri into a major hub for medicinal and aromatic plants, with lavender emerging as a promising cash crop capable of strengthening the local agricultural economy.

Local workers involved in maintaining the nurseries said regular upkeep remains essential for healthy crop growth.

“We carry out cleaning and maintenance work at least three times a week to ensure proper plant care,” they said.

The initiative is expected to open new livelihood opportunities for farmers and labourers alike while positioning Uri as an emerging centre for lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir.