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72-hour bandh in Katra begins today against proposed ropeway project

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 25 (NVI): A 72-hour bandh began today in Katra, as local residents and activists protest against the proposed ropeway project aimed at improving access to the Vaishno Devi Shrine.

The strike, organized by various local groups, has garnered significant attention following concerns over its potential impact on the environment and the local community.

The bandh comes a day after a review meeting chaired by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) CEO Anshul Garg, in which preparations for the Vaishno Devi Yatra were discussed. While the authorities maintain that the ropeway project will improve pilgrimage facilities, local leaders have expressed strong opposition.

“This project is a direct threat to the environment and the livelihood of local people. We cannot allow such commercialization of our sacred land,” said Rajinder Kumar, a prominent local leader and one of the organizers of the bandh. He further said that the development should prioritize the welfare of local communities over tourism infrastructure.

“The government needs to listen to the voices of the people. We are not against development, but the way this project is being implemented will harm the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage,” added Shahnawaz Mir, a local politician from the region. He urged the administration to reconsider the project and involve the locals in any further discussions.

Union leader Vikram Singh, representing local workers, also weighed in on the situation. “We fully support this protest. This project could displace hundreds of workers who rely on the traditional pilgrim services. The government is rushing into decisions without considering the impact on the workers’ livelihoods,” Singh said. “Our community deserves to have a say in how this development unfolds. It’s not just about infrastructure, but about preserving the lives of those who have supported the pilgrimage for generations.”

The proposed ropeway is intended to ease access to the Vaishno Devi Shrine, particularly during the peak pilgrimage seasons, and reduce congestion on the traditional trekking route. However, critics argue that it may lead to environmental degradation and alter the spiritual experience for devotees.

Authorities have yet to respond to the concerns raised by the protesters, but with the bandh underway, tensions in the area are expected to rise.

As the situation develops, local leaders are calling for a peaceful resolution, urging dialogue between the Shrine Board and the community to address the grievances raised. (News Vibes of India)

In absence of snow, Gulmarg comes alive with Christmas festivities, Main function held at St Mary Church

NVI Correspondent

Gulmarg, Dec 25 (NVI): Despite the lack of snow this Christmas, Gulmarg, the picturesque ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is bustling with festive cheer as locals and tourists came together to celebrate the holiday.

The usually snow-covered winter destination transformed into a hub of joy, with Saint Marry church illuminated, carols filling the air and special Christmas prayers held to mark the occasion.

Tourists, undeterred by the absence of snow, thronged the town to soak in its serene beauty and festive ambiance.

“This is my first visit to Gulmarg, and while I was hoping for snow, the Christmas celebrations have been magical. The warmth of the people and the festive spirit have made it unforgettable,” said Arjun Mehra, a tourist from Delhi.

Another visitor, Sarah from Mumbai, said, “The charm of Gulmarg lies in its tranquility. Snow or no snow, celebrating Christmas here feels like being in a winter wonderland. The decorations and carols make it truly special.”

Hotels and local authorities organized celebratory events, including cultural performances, bonfires, and feasts featuring local delicacies. “I have never celebrated Christmas like this before. The bonfires under the starlit sky and the traditional Kashmiri music have been a unique experience,” said Lisa Martin, a tourist from London.

The celebrations highlighted Gulmarg’s ability to captivate visitors even without its iconic snow, showcasing the region’s vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and timeless beauty.(News Vibes of India)

Bhaderwah emerges as a winter hotspot, enchants tourists with fresh snowfall

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 25 (NVI): Bhaderwah, a serene town nestled in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, has transformed into a snowy paradise, drawing an influx of tourists mesmerized by its breathtaking winter landscapes.

Visitors are seen immersing themselves in the snowy charm—building snowmen, frolicking in the fresh powder, and warming up by bonfires with cups of hot tea. The winter magic has made Bhaderwah a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a tranquil snowy escape.

Balkrishan, an official from the Bhaderwah Development Authority, highlighted the growing appeal of the region. “Tourists are not just from Jammu and Kashmir but also from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. We have ensured all facilities are in place to provide a comfortable experience,” he said.

The visitors’ excitement is palpable. Aakash, a first-time tourist, shared, “Bhaderwah has exceeded my expectations. It’s my first visit, and I’m completely enchanted. The beauty of this place is overwhelming.”

Shivam Gupta, a tourist from Agra, was equally impressed. “The weather is amazing, and the views are stunning. It’s an unforgettable experience,” he said.

For some, Bhaderwah became an extension of their pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. Vikas from Varanasi explained, “People recommended this place after our visit to Vaishno Devi. It’s serene and absolutely beautiful.”

A traveler from Indore echoed the sentiment. “We came for the snowfall after our Vaishno Devi trip, and Bhaderwah was recommended to us. It’s a mesmerizing experience,” she said.

Adding to the charm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more light snowfall and rain in the region until December 30. A yellow warning for December 25 predicts a cold wave, enhancing the area’s winter appeal. Bhaderwah is fast becoming a top destination for those seeking the magic of snow-covered landscapes.(News Vibes of India)

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)

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