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Kashmiri ‘Kandur roti’ price surge sparks concerns among poor residents

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 25(NVI): qpThe hike in the price of Kashmiri baked roti popularly known as “Kandur Roti” has sparked strong reactions from both local bakers and residents, especially those from economically vulnerable backgrounds.

Traditionally priced at Rs 5, the bread is now being sold for Rs 10, raising concerns across the Valley.

Sofi Abdullah Majeed Pampori, president of the Kashmir Bread Makers and Bakers Union, defended the price increase. He explained that after months of discussions, the decision was made to address rising ingredient and operational costs, including the increased prices of ghee and flour. He stressed that the price change had been communicated to authorities and was deemed necessary due to mounting economic pressures.

However, the price hike has left many residents, particularly from low-income groups, dissatisfied. Kulsum Jan, a local from Beerwah, expressed frustration, saying, “We can’t afford to spend Rs 50 for five rotis, which earlier cost just Rs 25. A small increase would have been acceptable, but this is a staggering hike.”

Sajad Ahmad, another resident from Srinagar, echoed similar concerns, stating that the new price is unaffordable for many, especially those earning just Rs 200 to Rs 300 daily. “This increase has hit hard, especially during the winter. I urge the government to intervene and fix a price that everyone can afford,” he added.

The community is now calling for government intervention to regulate the price of this essential food item, ensuring it remains affordable for all. Many fear that, without action, even basic necessities like bread could become out of reach for the poorest.(News Vibes of India)

Intense cold wave : Srinagar freezes at -7.3°C; Dal lake,water bodies,taps frozen

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 25(NVI): The capital city of Srinagar shivered at a freezing -7.3°C, marking one of its coldest nights of the season as a severe cold wave gripped the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.

The plunging temperatures froze water bodies, including parts of the iconic Dal Lake, while household water taps across the region were left unusable due to freezing pipelines.

Pulwama and Shopian recorded the lowest temperatures in the valley, both plunging to -9.1°C, while Ladakh’s Leh emerged as the coldest at -12.6°C. Other districts in Kashmir also faced icy conditions, with Budgam at -7.8°C, Bandipora at -7.2°C, Sonamarg at -7.5°C and Larnoo recording an extreme -8.6°C.

In Jammu, relatively milder weather prevailed, with the city recording 7.1°C. However, Padder saw a steep drop to -9.5°C, while Banihal and Kishtwar faced cold nights at -1.3°C and 0.5°C, respectively.

The biting cold has disrupted daily life across Kashmir and Ladakh with frost-covered mornings and freezing winds adding to residents’ challenges. (News Vibes of India)

Afghanistan: Indian Consulate vehicle attacked in Jalalabad, one local dead, 2 injured

Two Afghan policemen killed as Kabul hit by bomb blasts
A soldier keeping vigil somewhwere in Afghanistan. (Representational/ file image)

Kabul, Dec 24 (NVI) Some gunmen today attacked a vehicle of the Indian Consulate carrying local staff in Jalalabad province of Afghanistan, killing one person and injuring two others.

India had shut down the Consulate and its operations in 2020 amidst security threats. While all the Indian personnel had been withrawn, some local staffers remained there.

According to reports, the attack was carried out near Talashi Chowk of Jalalabad.

A local employee Wadud Khan was the target of the attack, local reports said, adding he was injured in the incident along with another person while his bodyguad was killed.

More details were awaited. (NVI)

J&K: 5 soldiers killed as Army vehicle plunges into gorge in Poonch near LoC

File pic of an accident involving Army vehicle in Kashmir

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 24 (NVI): At least 5 Indian Army personnel were killed and 5 others injured as their vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in Poonch district of Jammu, on a road close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan-occupied J&K.

The mishap occurred at around 5.20 PM in Balnoi area of Mendhar Tehsil when the 2.5 Ton vehicle, part of a 6-vehicle convoy, went off the road and fell into a nallah, officials said.

The convoy was moving on the ‘Operational Track’, which is on this side of the LoC fence, they said.

The driver possibly lost control of the vehicle, which was carrying 10 soldiers, at a turn of the road, the officials said.

However, an investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap.

The Army strongly ruled out any terror attack angle, saying a military post is just 130 meters from the site of the accident and a backup vehicle was barely 40 meters away.

The deceased and the injured personnel were immediately evacuated to the Field Hospital in Poonch, they said.

“All ranks of 16 Corps extend their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of five brave soldiers in a vehicle accident during operational duty in the Poonch sector,” the Army’s 16 Corps posted on X.

It said rescue operations were ongoing and the injured personnel are receiving medical care.

The accident highlights the immense challenges faced by soldiers operating in remote and treacherous border areas.

The roads in these areas are often narrow, steep, and prone to accidents, particularly during the harsh winter months when conditions deteriorate further.

Senior Army officials have expressed their grief and assured support to the families of the deceased.

“The loss of these brave soldiers is a profound tragedy for the nation. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we stand with their families in this hour of grief,” an official stated.

An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Preliminary reports suggest that the vehicle may have skidded off the road due to poor visibility and the challenging terrain, but the exact cause will be determined after further investigation (News Vibes of India)

Delhi court declines ruling on MP Er Rashid’s bail plea, adjourns decision

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 24 (NVI) : A Delhi court on December 24 declined to issue a ruling on the regular bail     application of Rashid Engineer, the Member of Parliament from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, who is currently facing charges in high profile terror funding case

The case, which has garnered significant attention, involves allegations that Engineer was involved in financing activities linked to terrorism in Kashmir.

The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, rejected a request made by Engineer’s legal team to pronounce an order on his regular bail plea. In his ruling, the judge clarified that at the current stage of proceedings, he was only authorized to address the miscellaneous application and could not make a decision regarding the regular bail application.

The legal proceedings have raised concerns due to the seriousness of the charges, and the case has been adjourned for further hearings. Engineer Rashid, who represents the AIP in the Parliament, has been accused of facilitating terror financing through various means, a charge he denies.

As the case moves forward, the court will continue to examine the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense before making a final decision on Engineer’s bail application(News Vibes of India)

CM Omar reviews winter preparedness, ensures seamless essential services across Kashmir

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 24 (NVI) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar today to assess the preparedness of various departments for the challenges posed by harsh winter conditions in Kashmir.

An official statement said the meeting focused on ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as healthcare, electricity, and water supply, particularly in snow-bound areas. Key discussions included the deployment of snow clearance machines, the establishment of joint control rooms in every district, and securing adequate provisions of essential supplies like rations, fuel, and medicines.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for timely responses to weather-related challenges, including clearing major roads, maintaining power supply, and providing transportation for pregnant women in remote regions. He also stressed the importance of interdepartmental coordination, with District Control Rooms operating around the clock to manage vulnerable populations.

Officials presented the winter preparedness measures across both Kashmir and Jammu Divisions. CM Abdullah concluded the meeting by assuring the public that the government is fully prepared to handle winter challenges and ensure the efficient delivery of essential services. (News Vibes of India)

Reservation Row: Mehbooba Mufti Says NC MP never raised issue in Parliament, delay will lead to confusion

Mehbooba
File Photo : Fmr CM J&K Mehbooba Mufti

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 24: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti today expressed strong concerns over the government’s decision to defer the reservation issue, questioning the rationale behind the delay.

Speaking to reporters, she said, “Why are we deferring the reservation issue for six months when we all know that the court will give its verdict within this period?”

Mehbooba accused the government of using the deferment as a tactic to avoid making a definitive decision on the matter. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve clarity and justice. This delay only adds to the uncertainty and confusion,” she said. She also criticized the administration for what she called its lack of transparency and accountability, stating that issues affecting the public should be dealt with swiftly and decisively. She said National Conference MP Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi never raised the issue in the parliament.

The PDP chief further pointed out that the delay in addressing the reservation issue could have serious consequences for marginalized groups who are anxiously waiting for the resolution. “It is not just about politics, it’s about people’s livelihoods and their right to access opportunities,” Mehbooba added.

Mehbooba Mufti urged the government to clarify its position on the reservation issue rather than leave it hanging for another six months, adding that it was crucial to avoid unnecessary political games with such a sensitive topic. (News Vibes of India)

Police register 94 cases, detain 126 under NDPS, 26 under PIT NDPS in 2024: SSP Srinagar

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 24(NVI): In a significant achievement in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain, on today announced that the police have made substantial progress in 2024, seizing drugs worth crores of rupees while cracking down on illegal narcotics trade in the Valley.

Speaking at a press conference, Hussain revealed that the Srinagar Police have registered 94 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act this year. A total of 126 individuals have been detained, and 26 offenders have been booked under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, aimed at dismantling organized drug networks.

Hussain also disclosed that the police have seized a large quantity of drugs worth crores of rupees, including heroin, charas, brown sugar, and other banned substances, during raids and operations conducted in Srinagar. He said that this marks a major success in the ongoing efforts to curb the drug menace in Srinagar.(News Vibes of India)

LoP Sunil Sharma slams NC over ‘Staged Protest’ on reservation, Seeks apology from Congress for defaming Ambedkar

File Photo :LoP & MLA Kishtwar, Sunil Sharma

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 24 (NVI): Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir from the BJP, today accused the National Conference (NC) of staging a “fixed match” in the recent protest over reservation.

Sharma claimed the protest was merely a political stunt orchestrated by Aga Ruhullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing them of collusion. “For the first time, we are witnessing members of the same ruling faction protesting together and meeting with the Chief Minister behind closed doors,” Sharma said, labeling the incident as political theatrics rather than a genuine demonstration.

Sharma further stated that the NC would face defeat, asserting that their efforts to mislead open merit aspirants would ultimately fail. He also targeted Congress, accusing the party of defaming Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution. Sharma referred to the historical episode in which Ambedkar was removed from the position of Law Minister by Congress, calling it a deliberate conspiracy to undermine his legacy. He demanded that Congress issue an unconditional apology for tarnishing the image of India’s tallest leader.  (News Vibes of India)

VDG members open fire in Kishtwar district after suspected terrorist movement

File Photo : VDC Member training

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 24 (NVI): In the Kuntwara area of Kishtwar district of Jammu, members of the Village Defence Group (VDG) today fired multiple rounds after spotting suspected terrorist movement.

This incident has drawn significant attention, as it took place in the same area where two VDG members were tragically killed by terrorists on November 7. The VDG, a vital part of the district’s defense and security framework, has become a frequent target for terrorists in recent months.

Senior Jammu and Kashmir Police officials are currently en route to the incident site. A police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said: “We are aware of the situation in Kuntwara and have deployed additional teams to the area to assess the developments. Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of the local population and to prevent any further escalation of violence. We are also working to apprehend those responsible for these attacks and bring them to justice.”– (New Vibes of India)

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