Srinagar, June 16: Key headlines from Kashmir and around the world this past week
Plane crash: DNA tests identify 47 victims including ex-CM Rupani; 24 bodies handed over to kin
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college complex moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM on Thursday. So far 29 people are reported to have died in the disaster on the ground which includes five MBBS students. Only one person from the aircraft miraculously survived.
Due to the severe condition of many bodies—burnt or disfigured—authorities are relying on DNA matching for identification.
“A total of 47 plane crash victims have been identified so far through DNA matching. Of these, the bodies of 24 victims have been handed over to their respective families. These deceased were from Rajasthan and different parts of Gujarat,” Additional Civil Superintendent Dr. Rajnish Patel told reporters.
Reopening of tourist spots: Move rekindles hope in Pahalgam
Nearly two months after a deadly attack in the Baisaran meadows killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to reopen several parks and sightseeing spots in Pahalgam has revived hopes for the destination’s struggling tourism sector. Nestled in the picturesque Lidder valley in south Kashmir, Pahalgam was teeming with visitors until the April 22 attack brought the flow of tourists to a halt.
In the aftermath, authorities shut down 40 tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, including major attractions in Pahalgam.
CM Omar Abdullah speaks to EAM Jaishankar over safety of Kashmiri students in Iran
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Omar Abdullah said: “Just spoke to @DrSJaishankar regarding the situation in Iran, particularly the welfare & safety of Kashmiri students in the country. The Hon Minister assured me that @MEAIndia is in close contact with their counterparts in Iran & will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran”.
Earlier in a day, Omar Abdullah on its official X handle of Office of Chief Minister, J&K stated: “I’m in touch with @MEAIndia regarding the evolving situation in Iran, particularly with regard to the students from Kashmir in Tehran, Shiraz, Qom & other cities. They, in turn, are in close contact with the authorities in Iran”.
Rising Israel-Iran conflict, India faces growing threats to its energy security, trade routes, and commercial ties: GTRI
The report urged the Indian government to ensure that the country’s strategic oil reserves are sufficient to handle any possible crisis. It stated, “India, though not a party to the conflict, cannot afford complacency. The government must urgently review energy risk scenarios, diversify crude sourcing, and ensure strategic reserves are sufficient”.
Indian Army foils infiltration bid along LoC in J&K’s Rajouri
According to the sources, “Indian Army troops on LoC foiled an infiltration attempt of heavily armed terrorists who were trying to sneak in from AIOS at Barat-Gala in Keri sub sector of Rajouri.”
LG meets family of martyr Syed Adil Hussain, hands over appointment letter to his wife
The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the martyr civilian and assured the family of concrete measures and continuous support so that they may live a life of dignity. “The whole country is proud of the bravery of Adil. The Government job to martyr Adil’s wife symbolizes our deep gratitude to the brave civilian who sacrificed his life while protecting tourists at Pahalgam on 22nd April,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Iran’s top diplomat says that if Israeli attacks stop, ‘our responses will also stop’
There was no immediate reaction from Israel, which had been continuing strikes Sunday across Iran. Araghchi’s appearance came on a day he was initially scheduled to be negotiating with the United States in Oman over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. But the negotiations fell apart amid the Israeli attacks.
