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Srinagar’s Sunday Market : A Living Tapestry of Bargains, Culture and Community

File Photo : Sunday Market Srinagar

NVI Special Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 24 (NVI):Every Sunday, as the sun rises over Srinagar, the streets from TRC to Hari Singh High Street come alive with a burst of colors, sounds, and energy.

The iconic Sunday market, known affectionately as a “poor people’s paradise,” transforms into a bustling celebration of local culture, offering an incredible variety of goods at prices that make it a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.

Stretching nearly two kilometers, this vibrant marketplace features over 5,000 vendors, each one adding their unique flair to the scene. From warm winter clothing and handcrafted jewelry to exquisite crockery, spices, and intricate Kashmiri handicrafts, the market offers an eclectic mix of treasures. Prices are refreshingly affordable, making it a haven for those looking for quality goods without breaking the bank.

For many locals, the Sunday market is far more than a place to shop—it is a lifeline. “I come here every week to stock up on winter essentials for my family,” says Rafiq Ahmed, a regular visitor. “You won’t find such good quality at these prices anywhere else. This market is a blessing for us.” Indeed, for many, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about survival—being able to buy the things that keep families warm, fed, and comfortable through the harsh winter months.

But it’s not just the local community that the market attracts. For tourists, the Sunday market is an unforgettable experience—a treasure hunt full of surprises. “It’s like stepping into a wonderland of affordable treasures,” says Maria, a tourist from Delhi. “The variety is overwhelming, and the prices are too good to be true. From traditional shawls to wooden carvings, this market gives you a real taste of Kashmiri culture.” Visitors often leave with souvenirs that are not only beautiful but imbued with the spirit of Kashmir itself.

The vendors, many of whom have been part of this tradition for decades, take immense pride in their work. Abdul Majid, who sells woolen clothing, speaks with passion about the deeper connection he feels with his customers. “This market isn’t just about making sales,” he explains. “It’s about building relationships. Over the years, I have come to know my customers, and they trust me. We’re providing not just goods, but a sense of belonging.”

One of the market’s most charming qualities is its ability to draw people from all walks of life. Whether you are a local shopkeeper, a student, a tourist, or an affluent visitor, the market welcomes all, creating a space where different cultures and backgrounds converge. You will see both the humble and the wealthy bargaining for the best deal, mingling together in a shared celebration of commerce and culture. It’s a perfect reflection of Srinagar’s unique spirit—diverse yet united.

Beyond its role as a marketplace, the Sunday market is a symbol of resilience and hope. In a region that has faced political unrest, economic challenges, and natural calamities, this bustling marketplace is a testament to the strength of the people. It’s not just about buying and selling; it’s about survival, connection and the determination to persevere through adversity.

The market also serves as a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and craftsmanship. Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage is on full display here, with handwoven carpets, delicate Pashmina shawls, and finely carved wooden products available for purchase. These items are not just commodities—they are stories of centuries-old traditions passed down through generations, treasured by buyers who seek a piece of Kashmir’s artistic legacy.

For those visiting Srinagar, the Sunday market offers an authentic window into the soul of the city. The cacophony of bargaining, the aroma of street food, and the visual feast of colorful wares create a sensory experience unlike any other. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of life in Kashmir, where every corner offers something new to discover.

In the end, the Sunday market is a living, breathing testament to the community spirit that defines Srinagar. It is a place where bonds are forged, where stories are shared, and where memories are made. It’s a place where the people of Kashmir—resilient, warm and welcoming—come together to celebrate life in all its simplicity and beauty. (News Vibes of India)

In a first, Union Minister launches Green Hydrogen buses in Leh

Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar flagging off NTPC’s Green Hydrogen buses at Leh

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar,Nov 23(NVI): Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs  Manohar Lal Khattar today flagged off NTPC’s Green Hydrogen buses at Leh, marking a significant step in India’s efforts towards clean energy.

An official statement said that the Green Hydrogen Mobility Project at Leh features a 1.7 MW solar plant, an 80 kg/day green hydrogen filling station, and five hydrogen buses. These buses can travel 300 km on a single hydrogen fill.

This project is notable for being the world’s highest-altitude green hydrogen mobility initiative, operating at 3650 meters above sea level. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 350 metric tons annually and provide 230 metric tons of oxygen, equivalent to planting about 13,000 trees.

This initiative is part of NTPC’s broader commitment to energy security and decarbonization across India.(News Vibes of India)

Black Bear tranquilized, released back to habitat in Bandipora

File Photo

Aadil Abdullah

Bandipora, Nov 24 (NVI): A black bear was captured alive in Dardpora Arin village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, officials said.

The wildlife ranger of the area, Tanveer Ahmed told NVI that, the bear had been roaming in the area for several days, creating fear among the local population.

“The Wildlife Department employees were camping in the area, and after several days of persistent efforts, the bear was caught in a cage and subsequently tranquilized,” he said.

He added, to prevent any emergencies, the department had heightened vigilance in the area. “We remained on alert to avoid any untoward incidents and successfully captured the black bear without causing it any injury in Dardpora Arin village,” Tanveer said.

He added, after its capture, the bear was transported to the forests of Tragbal, a designated conservation area, where it was safely released into its natural habitat—(News Vibes of India)

Overnight Snowfall Transforms North Kashmir into a Winter Wonderland

File Photo

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 24(NVI):The northern districts of Kashmir today woke up to a breathtaking sight as several areas received fresh overnight snowfall, painting the areas in a pristine white.

The picturesque Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination known for its skiing and winter sports, was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, delighting visitors and locals alike.

In Bandipora district, the remote Tulail Valley in Gurez experienced heavy snowfall, enhancing its natural charm. The valley, surrounded by towering mountains, now boasts an even more enchanting view, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, the Karnah area in Kupwara district witnessed a fresh snow spell overnight. The snow-covered terrain has brought a serene and tranquil atmosphere to the region, drawing interest from photographers and tourists eager to capture its beauty.

The snowfall has also brought a drop in temperatures across the Valley, signaling the onset of harsher winter conditions. Authorities have issued advisories for travelers, urging caution on snow-laden roads, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas prone to blockages and avalanches.

With the first significant snowfall of the season, residents and tourists are gearing up for the joys of winter, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow trekking. The fresh snowfall is also expected to give a boost to Kashmir’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on its winter attractions.

However, the heavy snow has disrupted normal life in some regions, affecting connectivity and daily activities. Efforts are underway to ensure essential services remain operational and to clear major roads for safe travel.

The snowfall has brought both challenges and opportunities, but for now, the Valley’s northern parts stand as a testament to nature’s breathtaking beauty, offering a winter wonderland to all who visit.   (News Vibes of India)

Balochistan: BLA claims responsibility for 3 attacks on Pakistan Army & agents

Balochistan: BLA launches maritime unit, kills 3 Pakistani Navy men in first attack
Representative image of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta (Balochistan): Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed 2 personnel of occupying Pakistan Army and one of its agents and injured 4 others in 3 separate attacks in Balochistan over the last three days.

 

The BLA fighters targeted the occupying Pakistani army personnel engaged in aggression in Noshki district, an enemy force outpost in Turbat district, and an informer in Quetta district, the outfit said in a statement.

Giving details, it said that last night, BLA fighters targeted a check post of the occupying Pakistani army on Airport Road in Turbat city.

 

“The fighters attacked the enemy army with hand grenades, resulting in loss of life and property to the enemy,” it said.

Earlier, BLA fighters attacked Pakistani army personnel engaged in aggression in the Gorbrat area of Noshki on Thursday night with automatic weapons and grenade launchers.

 

Two enemy personnel were eliminated on the spot, and at least four were injured in the attack, said the statement issued by BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch.

 

He said the targeted army personnel were engaged in aggression in the areas of Munjroh, Makhbali, and Gorbrat in Noshki since November 19, as well as in the areas adjacent to Lijje and Shorparod.

 

“The cowardly army targeted the civilian population for three days, burned down houses, and fired mortar shells and rockets at the civilian population,” he said.

“The Baloch Liberation Army is always ready to protect the people. Every aggression of the enemy will be responded to in the form of severe attacks,” he said.

In another operation in Kechi Beg Saryab Road Quetta, Baloch Liberation Army fighters shot dead one Naseebullah who was working for the occupying Pakistani army as an informer, the spokesman said.

The informer and agent had surrendered to the enemy along with Habib Khan Marri.

 

After surrendering, Naseebullah started providing information to the occupying army and intelligence agencies, Jeeyand Baloch said.

“Naseebullah was also found to be directly involved in the forced disappearance of Zahoor Marri by the occupying army,” he said, adding that the occupying army had killed Marri and dumped his mutilated body.

“BLA fighters neutralized the agent Naseebullah and also seized the equipment he had. The names and secrets of other agents connected to his network have been revealed from the agent’s mobile phone, and action will be taken against them soon,” the spokesman said

Pakistan watches mutely as cycle of violence between Sunni & Shia Muslims rocks Khyber

Condition of a building targeted in violence last night in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan

Peshawar (Pakistan): Amidst indications that Pakistan has lost its administrative writ in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sectarian violence between Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims is escalating in Kurram district of the Province and so far nearly 90 people have died and over 200 have been injured.

More than 50 people were killed and over 50 were injured two days back in Kurram when some gunmen, suspected to be Sunni Muslims, fired at several vehicles.

To avenge this, Shias went on rampage against Shias last night, indulging in widespread violence and arson in Kurram district.

They set ablaze an entire village market and houses belonging to Sunnis, besides government buildings.

The ensuing clashes, including gunfights, left over 40 people dead and 100 others injured, according to reports. The dead included women and children.  Some women have also reportedly been abducted.

The clashes continued today also but details of the casualties, if any, were not available yet.

The Pakistani security or administrative has been complacent by its absence, as the officials seemed to have gone into hiding.

Today, a high-level delegation, comprising Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Law Minister, Information Minister, Chief Secretary and IGP flew from Peshawar to Kurram to assess the situation but their helicopter was greeted with bullets.

The helicopter escaped without being hit by any of the volley of bullets, but the incident highlighted the seriousness of the situation.

Four Rajya Sabha seats from J&K set to go to polls in January next year

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 23(NVI): The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir set to be held in January 2025 will represent a historic turning point for the region’s political trajectory.

These elections aim to fill four crucial vacancies that have lingered since February 2021, a consequence of the absence of a functioning Legislative Assembly. The significance of this moment is heightened by the formation of a new Legislative Assembly, now comprising 88 out of 90 members, following the resignation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from Budgam seat and the untimely passing of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana.

The political landscape is witnessing a fascinating shift, with the potential for a strategic alliance between the National Conference (NC), Congress, and independent members. This coalition appears poised to capture three of the four Rajya Sabha seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to secure the remaining seat, in line with its current strength in the Assembly. The elections will unfold in a unique format: one election for two seats and two separate contests for the other two, which could see the ruling alliance win the combined two-seat election, while the remaining seats are likely to be divided between the NC-led coalition and the BJP.

Beyond the immediate political calculations, these elections are a moment of profound significance for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s representation in the Rajya Sabha. The region has been without a voice in the upper house for over three years, and these elections promise to reinstate that vital democratic presence at the national level.

At the center of the political discourse is Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference, whose name has been whispered in speculation as a potential nominee for one of the Rajya Sabha seats. Although he did not contest the recent Lok Sabha or Assembly elections, his return to the national stage would imbue these elections with an added layer of intrigue and historical resonance. As Jammu and Kashmir stands on the cusp of a new political era, these elections mark a crucial step forward in reclaiming the region’s rightful place in India’s political discourse.(News Vibes of India)

 

Digging graves won’t yield anything : BJP MP Khatana reacts to CM Omar’s assertions

File Photo : BJP RS MP Ghulam Ali Khatana

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 23 (NVI): BJP’s Member of Parliament Choudhary Ghulam Ali Khatana today in a poignant message about moving beyond the past and focusing on the future of Jammu and Kashmir said that “digging graves won’t yield anything”.

His remarks came in response to the recent statement by Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who claimed that the resolution on special status, passed by the majority in Legislative Assembly—had not been definitively rejected and that the door for further discussions on the matter remained open.

Khatana, however, expressed a different perspective, emphasizing the futility of revisiting past debates. He remarked, “What will digging graves of the dead achieve? Nothing,” he said.

His words reflected a desire to put the region’s contentious past behind and shift the focus toward peace, prosperity, and a bright future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Khatana echoed the BJP’s firm stance on the region’s integration with the rest of India. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was a landmark decision that brought Jammu and Kashmir under the same legal framework as the rest of the country. Khatana’s comments reaffirmed his party’s belief that the region’s political autonomy, which had been a source of division and discord, needed to be set aside for the region’s growth and development. According to him, any attempt to resurrect these old issues would only serve to deepen divisions rather than move the region forward.

“Whatever is gone is gone,” Khatana stated, suggesting that the political status of Jammu and Kashmir before the revocation of Article 370 is now part of history. For him and his party, the goal is clear: to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoy the same rights and opportunities as the rest of the nation. He emphasized that the region’s citizens are more concerned with securing safety, economic stability, and a future filled with opportunity, rather than dwelling on past political configurations.

Khatana’s statement can be seen as a direct rebuttal to those political leaders, including Omar Abdullah and other regional figures, who continue to advocate for the restoration of the region’s special status. His words reflect the BJP’s steadfast resolve to focus on the future and to leave behind a divisive political past. The party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently argued that the special status of Jammu and Kashmir hindered its development, perpetuating a sense of isolation and separateness from the rest of India. With the revocation of Article 370, the BJP believes the region can now begin a new chapter of growth, inclusivity, and national unity.

Khatana’s comments also reinforce the BJP’s vision of a Jammu and Kashmir that is fully integrated into the Indian mainstream, where all its citizens, irrespective of religion or political affiliation, can access equal opportunities for education, employment, and economic growth. The party views the removal of Article 370 not as an end, but as a new beginning—a chance to build a Jammu and Kashmir that is united with the rest of India and poised for progress.

The debate over the special status of Jammu and Kashmir has been one of India’s most polarizing issues, with strong arguments from both sides. While the BJP has focused on national integration, development, and equal rights, regional political leaders have called for the preservation of the region’s unique identity and autonomy. Khatana’s remarks, however, make it clear that the BJP is determined to chart a new course—one that prioritizes peace, stability, and economic prosperity over political struggles of the past.

In this context, Khatana’s call for a forward-looking approach is a clear statement of his party’s belief that the future of Jammu and Kashmir should not be shaped by old conflicts but by new opportunities for growth and unity. His vision is one of a vibrant, prosperous region that is fully integrated into the fabric of India, where the people can thrive in an environment of peace, security, and equal opportunity. (News Vibes of India)

Winter vacations in Kashmir Schools after final exams: Director SED

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 23 (NVI) : Director of School Education Kashmir Tassaduq Hussain today announced that winter vacations for students will be deferred until after the completion of their final exams.

This strategic decision underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining a disciplined academic schedule, allowing students to focus fully on their studies without the distraction of an early break. By postponing the start of the winter holidays, the authorities aim to preserve academic momentum and provide students with the necessary time and space to prepare thoroughly for their exams.

In a related matter, Director Hussain also addressed growing concerns regarding the fee structures in schools, which have sparked significant discussions among parents and education authorities. He reassured the public that the Fee Fixation Committee is closely monitoring school fees across the Kashmir region, ensuring that they comply with established guidelines and reflect the quality of services and facilities offered by the institutions.

This vigilant oversight aims to prevent schools from imposing excessive or unapproved fees, safeguarding parents from undue financial strain. The authorities have made it clear that any violations of the fee regulations will not be tolerated, with strict action to be taken against institutions found in breach of the rules. These measures reflect the government’s dedication to protecting the rights of students and parents, fostering transparency and ensuring that education remains both affordable and accessible for all.(News Vibes of India)

SSP Traffic(R) Kashmir RP Singh announces Zero tolerance for under age drivers in Ganderbal

File Photo : SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir R.P. Singh in action.

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 23 (NVI): In a determined effort to enhance road safety and uphold traffic regulations, the traffic authorities in Ganderbal district led by SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir R.P. Singh today launched a zero-tolerance campaign against underage driving.

Dozens of vehicles driven by underage drivers were seized in the drive.

This proactive drive follows the heartbreaking Tengpora, Srinagar accident, which claimed the lives of two young students and ignited widespread concerns about the perils posed by untrained, underage drivers.

As part of the campaign, numerous vehicles operated by minors without valid licenses were seized. SSP Singh underlined the grave risks associated with underage driving, noting that inexperienced and untrained drivers endanger not only their own lives but also the safety of others on the road. He stressed that addressing this issue is paramount to fostering a culture of responsible road use.

The initiative includes rigorous vehicle inspections, the imposition of hefty fines, and legal action against parents or guardians who permit minors to drive. Beyond enforcement, the campaign is bolstered by comprehensive awareness programs in schools and communities. These educational efforts aim to inform young drivers and their families about the risks of underage driving and the legal consequences of violating traffic laws.

This balanced approach—combining stringent law enforcement with widespread education—seeks to minimize traffic violations prevent tragic accidents and instill a sense of accountability among both minors and their guardians. The administration is steadfast in its mission to ensure safer roads for all and to cultivate a culture of vigilance, responsibility, and respect for traffic laws in the region.   (News Vibes of India)

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