<p><strong>Srinagar:</strong> Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s capital, Srinagar City, is counted among the most creative cities in the world, and the artisans of the valley have been working day and night to keep its art and craft alive. But some of the arts are dying slowly as the young people are not ready to take up the craft as a profession. One such craft is the walnut wood carving.</p>
<p>Centuries-old walnut wood carving craft has given the industry some national award-winning artisans, but over time, the younger generation has shown very little interest in the craft, leading to a major decline of the wood carving industry.</p>
<p><strong>Also read |<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-narendra-modi-and-us-vp-jd-vance-discuss-us-india-energy-collaboration-over-coffee-8712402" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian PM Narendra Modi and US VP JD Vance discuss US-India energy collaboration over coffee</a></strong></p>
<p>The local artisans say that the government needs to intervene to protect the craft and make sure it does not die. Artisans have been requesting the government to set up an institute or conduct workshops to train and incentivise young artisans for safeguarding the future of wood carving in the Valley. The artisans say that youngsters get scared when they see the work of award-winning artisans, as they think that they might never be able to learn it. But these artisans want the younger generation to learn wood carving and preserve the craft.</p>
<p><strong>Also read |<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/confluence-of-best-business-minds-of-india-france-pm-modi-at-ceos-forum-in-paris-8712177" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Confluence of best business minds of India, France': PM Modi at CEOs Forum in Paris</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;I have been doing wood carving since childhood. Since then, the number of people working in this field has been dwindling. Today only a tiny percentage of craftsmen are engaged in this craft. The work is very slow, nothing sells anymore. Many have left it, but I am still doing it. There was a lot of poverty in the crafts business even during my childhood, but now it has become worse,&rdquo; said Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a wood carving artisan.</p>
<p>The artisans from the Kashmir Valley have been selling their wood carvings to people from across the world. The local wood carving artisans are considered the best in walnut woodwork and have never compromised with the quality of their work. The national and international market for the craft has been shrinking in recent years.</p>
<p><strong>Also read |<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modis-plane-under-terror-threat-mumbai-police-receives-terror-alert-ahead-of-us-visit-8713102" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PM Modi's plane under threat? Mumbai police receives terror alert ahead&nbsp;of&nbsp;US&nbsp;visit: Report</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;Earlier exports used to happen, things were going well for some time, but it has slowed down. I joined my father thinking I would take his art forward, but now I am not sure if I can,&rdquo; said Bilal Ahmad, a wood carving artisan.</p>
<p>Experts in the Valley say that both the artisans and the material are shrinking. Those who are masters of the art are phasing away without creating artisans of calibre besides the dearth of material.</p>
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<p>&ldquo;What makes Kashmiri wood carving important is the craft and skill level of the artisans, as well as the material. So, one of the issues is the slowly dying craft level with the demise of masters, craft persons. That&rsquo;s a major issue as we don&rsquo;t have replacements for the master craftsmen who are sadly dying down,&rdquo; said Sameer Hamdani, a conservationist.</p>
<p>Only the government can help these artisans preserve the dying wood carving art of Kashmir, he added.</p>

India News: Artisans have been requesting the government to set up an institute or conduct workshops to train and incentivise young artisans for safeguarding the future of wood carving in the Kashmir Valley.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar City, is counted among the most creative cities in the world, and the artisans of the valley have been working day and night to keep its art and craft alive. But some of the arts are dying slowly as the young people are not ready to take up the craft as a profession. One such craft is the walnut wood carving. Centuries-old walnut wood carving craft has given the industry some national award-winning artisans, but over time, the younger generation has shown very little interest in the craft, leading to a major decline of the wood carving industry. Also read | Indian PM Narendra Modi and US VP JD Vance discuss US-India energy collaboration over coffee The local artisans say that the government needs to intervene to protect the craft and make sure it does not die. Artisans have been requesting the government to set up an institute or conduct workshops to train and incentivise young artisans for safeguarding the future of wood carving in the Valley. The artisans say that youngsters get scared when they see the work of award-winning artisans, as they think that they might never be able to learn it. But these artisans want the younger generation to learn wood carving and preserve the craft. Also read | 'Confluence of best business minds of India, France': PM Modi at CEOs Forum in Paris “I have been doing wood carving since childhood. Since then, the number of people working in this field has been dwindling. Today only a tiny percentage of craftsmen are engaged in this craft. The work is very slow, nothing sells anymore. Many have left it, but I am still doing it. There was a lot of poverty in the crafts business even during my childhood, but now it has become worse,” said Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a wood carving artisan. The artisans from the Kashmir Valley have been selling their wood carvings to people from across the world. The local wood carving artisans are considered the best in walnut woodwork and have never compromised with the quality of their work. The national and international market for the craft has been shrinking in recent years. Also read | PM Modi's plane under threat? Mumbai police receives terror alert ahead of US visit: Report “Earlier exports used to happen, things were going well for some time, but it has slowed down. I joined my father thinking I would take his art forward, but now I am not sure if I can,” said Bilal Ahmad, a wood carving artisan. Experts in the Valley say that both the artisans and the material are shrinking. Those who are masters of the art are phasing away without creating artisans of calibre besides the dearth of material. Also read: Volodymyr Zelensky changes stance, says Ukraine open to land swap with Russia “What makes Kashmiri wood carving important is the craft and skill level of the artisans, as well as the material. So, one of the issues is the slowly dying craft level with the demise of masters, craft persons. That’s a major issue as we don’t have replacements for the master craftsmen who are sadly dying down,” said Sameer Hamdani, a conservationist. Only the government can help these artisans preserve the dying wood carving art of Kashmir, he added.

Kashmir’s centuries-old walnut wood carving craft dying a slow death

<p>Two soldiers have been killed in a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in the Akhnoor Sector of Jammu region. According to security forces, the Indian army soldiers were killed while they were on a patrol duty close to the Line of Control (LoC).</p>
<p>The injured soldiers were airlifted to the army's base camp hospital where they were declared dead.Taking to its social media handle the Indian army wrote, '' Suspected Improvised Explosive Device blast reported in #Laleali in #Akhnoor Sector during a fence patrol resulting in two fatalities. Own troops are dominating the area and search #operations are underway. White Knight Corps salutes and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of two gallant soldiers.''</p>
<p>Security forces have now cordoned off the whole area and a massive search operation is being carried out.</p>

India News | According to security forces, two Indian army soldiers were killed while they were on a patrol duty close to the Line of Control.

Two soldiers have been killed in a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in the Akhnoor Sector of Jammu region. According to security forces, the Indian army soldiers were killed while they were on a patrol duty close to the Line of Control (LoC). The injured soldiers were airlifted to the army's base camp hospital where they were declared dead.Taking to its social media handle the Indian army wrote, '' Suspected Improvised Explosive Device blast reported in #Laleali in #Akhnoor Sector during a fence patrol resulting in two fatalities. Own troops are dominating the area and search #operations are underway. White Knight Corps salutes and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of two gallant soldiers.'' Security forces have now cordoned off the whole area and a massive search operation is being carried out.

Two Indian soldiers killed in an IED blast near LoC

<p>Kashmiri girls are making a mark for themselves in every field. From sports to business to art, they have proved their mettle everywhere. Now a Kashmiri teenager Rutba Showkat has achieved a new feat and has been listed in the Guinness book of world records.</p>
<p>Rutba Showkat, an athlete, took to art during the Covid and since then she has been wanting to create a world record. Rutba has set a new record in the art of paper folding by making 250 Origami paper boats in one hour. Rutba had applied for this world record twice before and could not break it. However, in her third attempt, she managed to achieve the feat and broke the previous record.</p>
<p>''I am an athlete and during covid all the academies were closed so I started getting into art. I started making landscape art and during that period only I got my name registered in the India Book of records, and that was the point when I decided to do something big. I read about the Guinness book of records, and I researched and applied. I did my research and read about Origami paper art and there was a boy who had made 150 paper boats in an hour and that's where I started and broke his record by making 250 in one hour, '' said Guinness record holder Rutba Showket.</p>
<p>Rutba has been an athlete for the last one decade and has won over 50 medals in state and national level championships. Her room is filled with the awards she won for martial arts. Rutba has also featured in the India book of records. But getting listed in Guinness Book of world records is like a dream come true for her. She has been inspiring girls in the field of sport and now with her new achievement she hopes that Kashmiri girls will break all barriers and create a name for themselves.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-kumbh-2025-no-vehicle-zone-declared-in-prayagraj-ahead-of-maghi-purnima-snan-8710352" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Maha Kumbh 2025: 'No Vehicle Zone' declared in Prayagraj ahead of Maghi Purnima Snan</a></p>
<p>''A lot of people criticised me and said I am wasting my time, but I continued and especially my family supported and that helped. Girls are shy or stopped by families, but I think Girls should be independent and even if they had to start small, they should. When I was checking the records, which ones are the ones I can do. I saw origami and I was like this is what i have been doing this for long and that's how i started working on it and made the record. I have been an athlete for the last ten years and I have played at national levels and participated in All India competitions. Sports are so important as well. Art refreshes my mind while sports is so important physically, '' said Rutba.</p>
<p>Rutba's story is a great example of where there is will, there is a way. She did not waste her time during Covid but invested into art and did not stop till she achieved her dream.</p>

Rutba Showkat, an athlete from Kashmir, took to art during the Covid pandemic and since then she has been wanting to make a world record in art of paper folding.

Kashmiri girls are making a mark for themselves in every field. From sports to business to art, they have proved their mettle everywhere. Now a Kashmiri teenager Rutba Showkat has achieved a new feat and has been listed in the Guinness book of world records. Rutba Showkat, an athlete, took to art during the Covid and since then she has been wanting to create a world record. Rutba has set a new record in the art of paper folding by making 250 Origami paper boats in one hour. Rutba had applied for this world record twice before and could not break it. However, in her third attempt, she managed to achieve the feat and broke the previous record. ''I am an athlete and during covid all the academies were closed so I started getting into art. I started making landscape art and during that period only I got my name registered in the India Book of records, and that was the point when I decided to do something big. I read about the Guinness book of records, and I researched and applied. I did my research and read about Origami paper art and there was a boy who had made 150 paper boats in an hour and that's where I started and broke his record by making 250 in one hour, '' said Guinness record holder Rutba Showket. Rutba has been an athlete for the last one decade and has won over 50 medals in state and national level championships. Her room is filled with the awards she won for martial arts. Rutba has also featured in the India book of records. But getting listed in Guinness Book of world records is like a dream come true for her. She has been inspiring girls in the field of sport and now with her new achievement she hopes that Kashmiri girls will break all barriers and create a name for themselves. Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: 'No Vehicle Zone' declared in Prayagraj ahead of Maghi Purnima Snan ''A lot of people criticised me and said I am wasting my time, but I continued and especially my family supported and that helped. Girls are shy or stopped by families, but I think Girls should be independent and even if they had to start small, they should. When I was checking the records, which ones are the ones I can do. I saw origami and I was like this is what i have been doing this for long and that's how i started working on it and made the record. I have been an athlete for the last ten years and I have played at national levels and participated in All India competitions. Sports are so important as well. Art refreshes my mind while sports is so important physically, '' said Rutba. Rutba's story is a great example of where there is will, there is a way. She did not waste her time during Covid but invested into art and did not stop till she achieved her dream.

Kashmiri Girl sets Guinness World Record in art of paper folding

<p><strong>Srinagar:</strong> The security forces have intensified the operations to crush the communication network of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir by curbing the use of SIM cards by terrorists in the region.</p>
<p>Multiple raids have taken place across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Samba, and Kishtwar. Over 300 individuals have been arrested by security forces for questioning. Jammu and Kashmir Police say the operation will prevent the unauthorised issuance and misuse of SIM cards.</p>
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<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police officials say that they want to ensure the security and integrity of communication networks across the region.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We have recently intensified the action, but nevertheless, this has been a continuous process. I will give you some statistics since 2022. We have registered around 38 FIRs for misuse of SIM cards, supposedly some person is involved in unlawful acts and terror activities, and he is using a SIM card that is not registered in his name but someone else&rsquo;s. In such cases, we have filed 38 FIRs, and 323 people have been arrested in those cases, and by consequence of this, 587 vendors who provide SIM cards, their licences have been cancelled,&rdquo; said Imtiyaz Hussain, SSP Srinagar, Jammu Kashmir Police.</p>
<p><strong>Also read:<span>&nbsp;</span><a aria-label="Americans deem misuse of campaign funds, ignoring subpoenas among top presidential misdeeds: Poll" class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/poll-reveals-americans-view-on-worst-presidential-behaviours-8704979" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Americans deem misuse of campaign funds, ignoring subpoenas among top presidential misdeeds: Poll</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police has visited all the SIM card vendors across the region to see if the compliance norms are being followed by them. The police also appealed to the vendors to exercise caution and issue SIM cards only once they verify the antecedents of the individuals. Police say anyone found flouting the rules and misusing these SIM cards for any terror activity will face strict legal action.</p>
<p><strong>Also read:<span>&nbsp;</span><a aria-label="What is rare &lsquo;sun candle&rsquo; phenomenon? Austria skier captures its magical video" class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/what-is-rare-sun-candle-phenomenon-austria-skier-captures-its-magical-video-8704484" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is rare &lsquo;sun candle&rsquo; phenomenon? Austria skier captures its magical video</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;We are quite determined and committed not to allow anyone using any facility provided by the government for the citizens for terror activities and any unlawful activity. Our actions also speak about that, and I want to caution those people who are providing such SIM cards and such facilities or any such kind of logistic support to the terrorists or terror associates that they should be ready to face the consequences, and action will be taken against them. At the same time, it&rsquo;s imperative to everyone that any facility that&rsquo;s provided by the government should honour the commitment they give while getting that SIM card. If there is any breach of trust that can&rsquo;t be tolerated,&rdquo; said SSP Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-return-north-after-israel-withdraws-from-netzarim-corridor-that-split-gaza-in-two-8704935" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Also read: Palestinians return north after Israel withdraws from Netzarim Corridor that split Gaza in two</span></strong></a></p>
<p>Security forces across the Union Territory have intensified anti-terror operations after the recent terror attack on an ex-army man and his family in South Kashmir&rsquo;s Kulgam district. A massive crackdown was launched across Kashmir Valley after the attack, and hundreds of individuals were taken into custody for questioning.</p>

India News: The police appealed to the vendors to exercise caution and issue SIM cards only once they verify the antecedents of individuals, and warned that anyone found flouting the rules and misusing SIM cards will face strict legal action.

Srinagar: The security forces have intensified the operations to crush the communication network of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir by curbing the use of SIM cards by terrorists in the region. Multiple raids have taken place across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Samba, and Kishtwar. Over 300 individuals have been arrested by security forces for questioning. Jammu and Kashmir Police say the operation will prevent the unauthorised issuance and misuse of SIM cards. Also read: Researchers discover exoplanet that may have potential to sustain life Jammu and Kashmir Police officials say that they want to ensure the security and integrity of communication networks across the region. “We have recently intensified the action, but nevertheless, this has been a continuous process. I will give you some statistics since 2022. We have registered around 38 FIRs for misuse of SIM cards, supposedly some person is involved in unlawful acts and terror activities, and he is using a SIM card that is not registered in his name but someone else’s. In such cases, we have filed 38 FIRs, and 323 people have been arrested in those cases, and by consequence of this, 587 vendors who provide SIM cards, their licences have been cancelled,” said Imtiyaz Hussain, SSP Srinagar, Jammu Kashmir Police. Also read: Americans deem misuse of campaign funds, ignoring subpoenas among top presidential misdeeds: Poll Jammu and Kashmir Police has visited all the SIM card vendors across the region to see if the compliance norms are being followed by them. The police also appealed to the vendors to exercise caution and issue SIM cards only once they verify the antecedents of the individuals. Police say anyone found flouting the rules and misusing these SIM cards for any terror activity will face strict legal action. Also read: What is rare ‘sun candle’ phenomenon? Austria skier captures its magical video “We are quite determined and committed not to allow anyone using any facility provided by the government for the citizens for terror activities and any unlawful activity. Our actions also speak about that, and I want to caution those people who are providing such SIM cards and such facilities or any such kind of logistic support to the terrorists or terror associates that they should be ready to face the consequences, and action will be taken against them. At the same time, it’s imperative to everyone that any facility that’s provided by the government should honour the commitment they give while getting that SIM card. If there is any breach of trust that can’t be tolerated,” said SSP Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain. Also read: Palestinians return north after Israel withdraws from Netzarim Corridor that split Gaza in two Security forces across the Union Territory have intensified anti-terror operations after the recent terror attack on an ex-army man and his family in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. A massive crackdown was launched across Kashmir Valley after the attack, and hundreds of individuals were taken into custody for questioning.

JK Police intensify operations to crush communication networks of terror groups

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed an FIR and urged locals to maintain peace after a Truck driver was killed in a firing incident in Sangrama area of North Kashmir's Baramulla district. The Indian army said that ''On 05 Feb 2025, based on a very specific intelligence input about the move of terrorists, a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was established by Security Forces. A suspicious speeding civil truck was spotted and When it was asked to stop, the truck didn't stop despite repeated warnings instead accelerated further while crossing the check post.''</p>
<p>According to the Indian Army, the soldiers pursued the vehicle for over 23 km but the driver didn't stop and the army men were forced to fire bullets aiming at tyres to deflate them which forced the vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk. Following a detailed search, the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by Security Forces where he was declared dead.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-forces-mirage-2000-aircraft-crashes-near-shivpuri-in-madhya-pradesh-8695981" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000 aircraft crashes near Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh</a></p>
<p>The fully loaded truck has been sent to the nearest police station. Detailed search of the truck in police custody is underway. According to Police sources, the deceased has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Majeed Mir, a resident of Goripora Bomai, Sopore.</p>
<p>''FIR has been registered in PS Baramulla. The truck has been moved to the nearest police station for thorough search. Postmortem proceedings have been initiated to ascertain the cause of death. We urge the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation regarding this incident, '' said Jammu and Kashmir Police.</p>
<p>The police said that a thorough investigation is underway, and all updates will be communicated through official channels. Any attempt to disrupt public order or spread false information will be dealt with strictly.</p>

The soldiers pursued the vehicle for over 23 km but the driver didn't stop and the army men were forced to fire bullets aiming at the tyres to deflate them.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed an FIR and urged locals to maintain peace after a Truck driver was killed in a firing incident in Sangrama area of North Kashmir's Baramulla district. The Indian army said that ''On 05 Feb 2025, based on a very specific intelligence input about the move of terrorists, a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was established by Security Forces. A suspicious speeding civil truck was spotted and When it was asked to stop, the truck didn't stop despite repeated warnings instead accelerated further while crossing the check post.'' According to the Indian Army, the soldiers pursued the vehicle for over 23 km but the driver didn't stop and the army men were forced to fire bullets aiming at tyres to deflate them which forced the vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk. Following a detailed search, the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by Security Forces where he was declared dead. Also Read: Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000 aircraft crashes near Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh The fully loaded truck has been sent to the nearest police station. Detailed search of the truck in police custody is underway. According to Police sources, the deceased has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Majeed Mir, a resident of Goripora Bomai, Sopore. ''FIR has been registered in PS Baramulla. The truck has been moved to the nearest police station for thorough search. Postmortem proceedings have been initiated to ascertain the cause of death. We urge the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation regarding this incident, '' said Jammu and Kashmir Police. The police said that a thorough investigation is underway, and all updates will be communicated through official channels. Any attempt to disrupt public order or spread false information will be dealt with strictly.

India: Truck driver killed in army firing in Kashmir after he tries to flee, FIR lodged

<p><br><strong>Srinagar:</strong> Security forces have detained over 500 individuals after the recent attack in South Kashmir&rsquo;s Kulgam district in which an ex-Army man was killed, say sources in the security forces. Ex-Army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay was shot dead while two of his family members were injured in a targeted terror attack on Monday. In a major crackdown, security forces have detained over 500 people, including the Over Ground Workers (OGWs), suspects, terror associates, and individuals with past involvement in terror activities.</p>
<p><span>Also Read |&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-bathe-in-my-house-every-day-farooq-abdullah-on-maha-kumbh-holy-dip-8689478" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'I bathe in my house every day': Farooq Abdullah on Maha Kumbh holy dip</a></p>
<p>Sources in the security forces say that raids and detentions are still continuing across the Kulgam district to nab the terrorists involved in the incident. Manzoor Ahmad Wagay was shot by terrorists from point-blank range when he was in a vehicle along with his wife and niece. Manzoor succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital while his wife and niece were injured, and their condition is said to be stable.</p>
<p>The terror attack on the ex-Army man and his family was also the first in the Kashmir division in 2025. The Valley had witnessed a peaceful January with no untoward incident. After the Kulgam incident, the whole security apparatus is now focussed on bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice. According to a top security official, a major search operation and raids were carried out across the district of Kulgam, in which over 500 people have been detained for questioning with regard to the said attack.</p>
<p><span>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-witnesses-75-snow-deficit-in-jan-day-temperatures-6-degrees-above-normal-8689778">Kashmir records 75% snow deficit in Jan, day temperatures 6 degrees above normal</a></span></p>
<p>Security forces are leaving no stone unturned to zero in on the terrorists involved in the attack. Not just in South Kashmir&rsquo;s Kulgam district, but these raids and detentions have taken place across various districts of the Kashmir Division. The Terrorist&rsquo;s Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, had taken responsibility for the attack via a social media post.</p>
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<p>Security has now been put on high alert across the Kashmir Valley to break the terror network in the Kashmir Valley and ensure that no such terror incident is repeated.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-polls-pm-modi-lashes-out-at-aap-for-prioritizing-its-image-over-youths-future-8686124" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Delhi Assembly Polls: PM Modi lashes out at AAP for 'prioritising its image over youth's future'- WATCH</a></p>

India News: In a major crackdown, security forces have detained over 500 people, including the Over Ground Workers (OGWs), suspects, terror associates, and individuals with past involvement in terror activities.

Srinagar: Security forces have detained over 500 individuals after the recent attack in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district in which an ex-Army man was killed, say sources in the security forces. Ex-Army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay was shot dead while two of his family members were injured in a targeted terror attack on Monday. In a major crackdown, security forces have detained over 500 people, including the Over Ground Workers (OGWs), suspects, terror associates, and individuals with past involvement in terror activities. Also Read | 'I bathe in my house every day': Farooq Abdullah on Maha Kumbh holy dip Sources in the security forces say that raids and detentions are still continuing across the Kulgam district to nab the terrorists involved in the incident. Manzoor Ahmad Wagay was shot by terrorists from point-blank range when he was in a vehicle along with his wife and niece. Manzoor succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital while his wife and niece were injured, and their condition is said to be stable. The terror attack on the ex-Army man and his family was also the first in the Kashmir division in 2025. The Valley had witnessed a peaceful January with no untoward incident. After the Kulgam incident, the whole security apparatus is now focussed on bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice. According to a top security official, a major search operation and raids were carried out across the district of Kulgam, in which over 500 people have been detained for questioning with regard to the said attack. Also Read | Kashmir records 75% snow deficit in Jan, day temperatures 6 degrees above normal Security forces are leaving no stone unturned to zero in on the terrorists involved in the attack. Not just in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, but these raids and detentions have taken place across various districts of the Kashmir Division. The Terrorist’s Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, had taken responsibility for the attack via a social media post. Also read: US-China trade war: China to impose 15 per cent tariff on imports of coal, LNG from US Security has now been put on high alert across the Kashmir Valley to break the terror network in the Kashmir Valley and ensure that no such terror incident is repeated. Also read: Delhi Assembly Polls: PM Modi lashes out at AAP for 'prioritising its image over youth's future'- WATCH

Over 500 detained across Kashmir in crackdown after Kulgam terror attack

<p><strong>Srinagar:</strong> Kashmir, also known as the Paradise on Earth, is losing its sheen due to drastic changes in weather patterns across the region. In January 2025, Kashmir Valley witnessed a 75 per cent dip in precipitation, and not only that, day temperatures have also risen and been recorded 6 degrees above the normal.</p>
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<p>Winter in the Valley has always been about snow-covered mountain ranges, huge tourist footfalls to witness the winter wonderland, and sub-zero temperatures during the Chillai Kalan. But in January 2025, there has been hardly any snow, with the MeT department revealing a deficit of 75 per cent in precipitation and day temperatures being recorded above 6 degrees.</p>
<p>&ldquo;During the month of January, the temperatures were above normal during the day by above 6 to 8 degrees. Precipitation is very less, and the deficit remains around 75 per cent for Kashmir division and 80 per cent for the Jammu region. As of now, we are still in deficit, and the minus 75 deficit continues. There will be repercussions also, as the entire economy is dependent on snow,&rdquo; said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT Kashmir.</p>
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<p>According to experts, the dip in precipitation will have a direct impact on agriculture, horticulture, and the tourism industry of the region. It will also have some short-term consequences as the water levels have declined in the majority of water bodies, including the Jhelum River.</p>
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<p>&ldquo;The whole beauty in Kashmir Valley is due to snow, and all the glaciers of the valley are made due to the snowfall. The water supply in the rivers and streams is due to these glaciers, which is used by agriculturists and horticulturists for farming. And if the water supply is not enough, it will impact the industry. Global warming has impacted J&amp;K as well, and there has been very little snowfall this year, which will have an impact in the future, and the farmers will face a lot of problems. Global warming has hit us as well. If there is no precipitation, it also results in diseases to trees, and every farmer is very worried. No water means very little produce,&rdquo; said Rashid Rahil, an agriculture expert and farmer.</p>
<p>People associated with agriculture and horticulture are extremely worried about the current situation of the Valley&rsquo;s weather. Very little snowfall this year also means a lot of problems during the summer. It&rsquo;s generally the melting of the snow on the mountain ranges as well as glaciers during the summer that replenishes the water bodies of the valley. And this year, there has been hardly any glacier recharge or groundwater recharge.</p>
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<p>&ldquo;We believe in cause-and-effect theory, and all of this is happening due to global warming, and climatic changes are taking place very drastically, due to which our glaciers are melting. In the Valley, 70 per cent of our water bodies and glaciers have depleted, and due to this, the underground water level during the months of January and February has dipped. We observed the water table is low, and consequently it will affect our farmers and the common people. It will also have an impact on drinking water as well. It will be a disaster for farmers as the availability of underground water is less and glaciers are depleting,&rdquo; said Ghulam Mohammad, a local.</p>
<p>The irrigation department of the Kashmir Valley has already started to brace up for a drought-like situation this summer. The precipitation deficit has been continuing for a few years, and the government needs to be ready for any urgent action.</p>

India News Trending: According to experts, the dip in precipitation will have a direct impact on agriculture, horticulture, and the tourism industry. It will also have short-term consequences as water levels have declined in water bodies.

Srinagar: Kashmir, also known as the Paradise on Earth, is losing its sheen due to drastic changes in weather patterns across the region. In January 2025, Kashmir Valley witnessed a 75 per cent dip in precipitation, and not only that, day temperatures have also risen and been recorded 6 degrees above the normal. Also read: US-China trade war: China to impose 15 per cent tariff on imports of coal, LNG from US Winter in the Valley has always been about snow-covered mountain ranges, huge tourist footfalls to witness the winter wonderland, and sub-zero temperatures during the Chillai Kalan. But in January 2025, there has been hardly any snow, with the MeT department revealing a deficit of 75 per cent in precipitation and day temperatures being recorded above 6 degrees. “During the month of January, the temperatures were above normal during the day by above 6 to 8 degrees. Precipitation is very less, and the deficit remains around 75 per cent for Kashmir division and 80 per cent for the Jammu region. As of now, we are still in deficit, and the minus 75 deficit continues. There will be repercussions also, as the entire economy is dependent on snow,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT Kashmir. Also read: Delhi Assembly Polls: PM Modi lashes out at AAP for 'prioritising its image over youth's future'- WATCH According to experts, the dip in precipitation will have a direct impact on agriculture, horticulture, and the tourism industry of the region. It will also have some short-term consequences as the water levels have declined in the majority of water bodies, including the Jhelum River. Also read: 'Parts of broomstick splintering': PM Modi takes dig at Kejriwal's AAP ahead of Delhi assembly polls “The whole beauty in Kashmir Valley is due to snow, and all the glaciers of the valley are made due to the snowfall. The water supply in the rivers and streams is due to these glaciers, which is used by agriculturists and horticulturists for farming. And if the water supply is not enough, it will impact the industry. Global warming has impacted J&K as well, and there has been very little snowfall this year, which will have an impact in the future, and the farmers will face a lot of problems. Global warming has hit us as well. If there is no precipitation, it also results in diseases to trees, and every farmer is very worried. No water means very little produce,” said Rashid Rahil, an agriculture expert and farmer. People associated with agriculture and horticulture are extremely worried about the current situation of the Valley’s weather. Very little snowfall this year also means a lot of problems during the summer. It’s generally the melting of the snow on the mountain ranges as well as glaciers during the summer that replenishes the water bodies of the valley. And this year, there has been hardly any glacier recharge or groundwater recharge. Also Read | 'I bathe in my house every day': Farooq Abdullah on Maha Kumbh holy dip “We believe in cause-and-effect theory, and all of this is happening due to global warming, and climatic changes are taking place very drastically, due to which our glaciers are melting. In the Valley, 70 per cent of our water bodies and glaciers have depleted, and due to this, the underground water level during the months of January and February has dipped. We observed the water table is low, and consequently it will affect our farmers and the common people. It will also have an impact on drinking water as well. It will be a disaster for farmers as the availability of underground water is less and glaciers are depleting,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a local. The irrigation department of the Kashmir Valley has already started to brace up for a drought-like situation this summer. The precipitation deficit has been continuing for a few years, and the government needs to be ready for any urgent action.

Kashmir records 75% snow deficit in Jan, day temperatures 6 degrees above normal

<p>An ex-Army man was shot dead and his family was injured in a terrorist attack in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. The ex-Army man has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, who was hit by a bullet in his abdomen while his family members, including his wife and niece, were hit by bullets in their legs. Wagay was shifted to a hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries.</p>
<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police's top official said that the terrorists fired upon an ex-Army man along with his family. All of them have been shifted to the nearby hospital. The ex-Army man has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Behibagh Kulgam. He was accompanied by his wife and niece in the car when terrorists shot at them from a point-blank range.</p>
<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police have cordoned the whole area where the attack took place, and a massive search operation has been started to nab the terrorists involved in the attack. This is the first terror attack that has taken place in Kashmir Valley in the year 2025. Security has been put on high alert across the region after the incident.</p>
<p>The resurgence of terrorist attacks on ex-security personnel has been witnessed after a long gap in Kashmir, raising concerns among the police and administration.</p>
<p>The terrorists had fired on the ex-Army man and his family outside their residence in South Kashmir's Kulgam district, injuring him as well as his wife and niece.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police's top official said that the terrorists fired upon an ex-Army man and his family. All of them have been shifted to the nearby hospital. The official identified the ex-Army man as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Behibagh, Kulgam. He was with his family in a car when terrorists shot at them from point-blank range.&nbsp;<strong></strong></p>

India News | Jammu and Kashmir Police's top official said that the terrorists fired upon an ex-Army man and his family. All of them have been shifted to the nearby hospital. 

An ex-Army man was shot dead and his family was injured in a terrorist attack in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. The ex-Army man has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, who was hit by a bullet in his abdomen while his family members, including his wife and niece, were hit by bullets in their legs. Wagay was shifted to a hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries. Jammu and Kashmir Police's top official said that the terrorists fired upon an ex-Army man along with his family. All of them have been shifted to the nearby hospital. The ex-Army man has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Behibagh Kulgam. He was accompanied by his wife and niece in the car when terrorists shot at them from a point-blank range. Jammu and Kashmir Police have cordoned the whole area where the attack took place, and a massive search operation has been started to nab the terrorists involved in the attack. This is the first terror attack that has taken place in Kashmir Valley in the year 2025. Security has been put on high alert across the region after the incident. The resurgence of terrorist attacks on ex-security personnel has been witnessed after a long gap in Kashmir, raising concerns among the police and administration. The terrorists had fired on the ex-Army man and his family outside their residence in South Kashmir's Kulgam district, injuring him as well as his wife and niece. Jammu and Kashmir Police's top official said that the terrorists fired upon an ex-Army man and his family. All of them have been shifted to the nearby hospital. The official identified the ex-Army man as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Behibagh, Kulgam. He was with his family in a car when terrorists shot at them from point-blank range.

Jammu and Kashmir: Ex-Army man killed, his family injured in terror attack at Kulgam

<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">In a major successful operation of security forces, two infiltrating terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in the Poonch sector of Jammu Division. Security forces said that a group of terrorists were trying to Infiltrate the Indian territory as suspicious movement was noticed in the Poonch area close to LoC. The operation turned into a massive gunfight between the forces and terrorists. The operation was carried out and resulted in the killing of two terrorists and recovering a huge cache of arms and ammunition.</div>
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<div>''Terrorist movement was detected last night at the Line of Control in Poonch sector. Alert troops swiftly engaged the infiltrating terrorists, triggering an intense &amp; heavy firefight. The operation continued through the night, leading to the neutralization of two terrorists. The search of the area thus far has resulted in the recovery of a number of weapons and war-like stores. Operation continues,'' said the Indian Army.</div>
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<div><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-indian-army-soldiers-killed-in-vehicular-accident-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-poonch-786532">Also read: Five Indian Army soldiers killed as vehicle falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch</a></div>
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<div>The Indian Army earlier said that based on specific intelligence input regarding the movement of terrorists in the Poonch sector along the Line of Control. The Alert troops of the Indian Army opened fire leading to a heavy exchange of fire between terrorists and forces. The operation was carried out all through the night and later in the morning, two terrorist bodies were recovered from the encounter site.</div>
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<div>Security forces are carrying out a massive search operation in the area as they believe there could be some more terrorists hiding in the area. &nbsp;</div>

India news: The Indian Army earlier said that based on specific intelligence input regarding the movement of terrorists in the Poonch sector along the Line of Control. 

In a major successful operation of security forces, two infiltrating terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in the Poonch sector of Jammu Division. Security forces said that a group of terrorists were trying to Infiltrate the Indian territory as suspicious movement was noticed in the Poonch area close to LoC. The operation turned into a massive gunfight between the forces and terrorists. The operation was carried out and resulted in the killing of two terrorists and recovering a huge cache of arms and ammunition. ''Terrorist movement was detected last night at the Line of Control in Poonch sector. Alert troops swiftly engaged the infiltrating terrorists, triggering an intense & heavy firefight. The operation continued through the night, leading to the neutralization of two terrorists. The search of the area thus far has resulted in the recovery of a number of weapons and war-like stores. Operation continues,'' said the Indian Army. Also read: Five Indian Army soldiers killed as vehicle falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch The Indian Army earlier said that based on specific intelligence input regarding the movement of terrorists in the Poonch sector along the Line of Control. The Alert troops of the Indian Army opened fire leading to a heavy exchange of fire between terrorists and forces. The operation was carried out all through the night and later in the morning, two terrorist bodies were recovered from the encounter site. Security forces are carrying out a massive search operation in the area as they believe there could be some more terrorists hiding in the area.

India: Two terrorists killed in encounter in J&K's Poonch as military detects movement along LoC

<p><strong>Srinagar:</strong> Jammu and Kashmir Police have unearthed a major inter-state drug trafficking network in Srinagar after several arrests and revealed that the entire operation was being run by a man who is jailed in the Karnal prison in Haryana. After analysing evidence, including bank transactions and communication records, during the investigation, Raju Gupta from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Abrar from Bhajanpura, Delhi, were identified as the major dealers who supplied narcotics to local drug peddlers in the Kashmir region.</p>
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<p>A team of Srinagar Police conducted extensive operations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi for over 10 days with the assistance of local police. Raju Gupta was apprehended on January 23 in Bareilly, and Mohammad Abrar was arrested on January 24 in Bhajanpura. Both suspects were presented before the respective local courts, and their transit remands were obtained. Both drug suppliers are now in police custody.</p>
<p>Moreover, a suspicious courier parcel linked to the accused has been identified in Loni, Ghaziabad, and steps are being taken to retrieve it with court approval. The financial transactions and properties of the accused are under scrutiny for potential attachment under the NDPS Act.</p>
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<p>&ldquo;We had arrested three drug peddlers in Srinagar, from whose possession we recovered a huge quantity of narcotics. A motorcycle was intercepted, leading to the arrest of three drug peddlers, Aijaz Ahmad Ganie (Athwajan Pantha Chowk), Owais Ahmad Gojri (Brari Pora), and Mir Roman (Ali Masjid Eidgah). We found that these drug peddlers were part of an inter-state drug trafficking module and that they used to buy drugs from outside the Union Territory, mostly UP. We have arrested two main drug dealers from outside Kashmir. They used to send drugs through courier to local peddlers. It&rsquo;s a big success for us,&rdquo; said Showkat Ahmad Dar, SP, North, Srinagar City.</p>
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<p>Now, Jammu and Kashmir Police is investigating the main handler, who is lodged in Karnal Jail. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, he was the one handling all the drug dealings from jail. The drug dealers in UP were working at his behest. The J&amp;K Police is continuing its investigations further.</p>
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<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police say that they are committed to dismantling all drug networks to ensure the safety of society and would go the last mile to bring to justice everyone involved in drug peddling.</p>

India News: Srinagar Police conducted extensive operations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi with the assistance of local police. The financial transactions and properties of the accused are under scrutiny for potential attachment.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have unearthed a major inter-state drug trafficking network in Srinagar after several arrests and revealed that the entire operation was being run by a man who is jailed in the Karnal prison in Haryana. After analysing evidence, including bank transactions and communication records, during the investigation, Raju Gupta from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Abrar from Bhajanpura, Delhi, were identified as the major dealers who supplied narcotics to local drug peddlers in the Kashmir region. Also read: 'Canada not for sale, not now, not ever,' Ex-Trudeau ally Jagmeet Singh chides Trump A team of Srinagar Police conducted extensive operations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi for over 10 days with the assistance of local police. Raju Gupta was apprehended on January 23 in Bareilly, and Mohammad Abrar was arrested on January 24 in Bhajanpura. Both suspects were presented before the respective local courts, and their transit remands were obtained. Both drug suppliers are now in police custody. Moreover, a suspicious courier parcel linked to the accused has been identified in Loni, Ghaziabad, and steps are being taken to retrieve it with court approval. The financial transactions and properties of the accused are under scrutiny for potential attachment under the NDPS Act. Also read | Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station “We had arrested three drug peddlers in Srinagar, from whose possession we recovered a huge quantity of narcotics. A motorcycle was intercepted, leading to the arrest of three drug peddlers, Aijaz Ahmad Ganie (Athwajan Pantha Chowk), Owais Ahmad Gojri (Brari Pora), and Mir Roman (Ali Masjid Eidgah). We found that these drug peddlers were part of an inter-state drug trafficking module and that they used to buy drugs from outside the Union Territory, mostly UP. We have arrested two main drug dealers from outside Kashmir. They used to send drugs through courier to local peddlers. It’s a big success for us,” said Showkat Ahmad Dar, SP, North, Srinagar City. Also read: Ukraine war: Zelensky says US has not stopped military aid to Kyiv Now, Jammu and Kashmir Police is investigating the main handler, who is lodged in Karnal Jail. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, he was the one handling all the drug dealings from jail. The drug dealers in UP were working at his behest. The J&K Police is continuing its investigations further. Also Read | India rejects Canada's election meddling claims, fires back with interference allegations Jammu and Kashmir Police say that they are committed to dismantling all drug networks to ensure the safety of society and would go the last mile to bring to justice everyone involved in drug peddling.

J&K Police bust inter-state drug trafficking module after multiple arrests

<p>As the 'Chillai Kalan' - coldest period of 40 days in the Kashmir Valley - is nearing its end, the temperatures across Kashmir Valley and Ladakh have drastically dropped yet again. The cold wave conditions during the nights have returned with most part of the region recording below freezing temperatures.</p>
<p>Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh have been battling severe cold wave conditions for the last many weeks with Srinagar on Monday recording a minimum temperature of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius.</p>
<p>The severity of the cold wave across the region has intensified further due to clear skies and no precipitation. Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region have been continuously reeling under excruciating cold waves and the temperatures across the division are dipping every day.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-train-reaches-srinagar-for-the-first-time-ever-in-successful-trial-run-8652732" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Vande Bharat train reaches Srinagar for the first time ever in successful trial run</a></p>
<p>South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Khudwani area in South Kashmir saw the night temperature settle at minus 6.5 degrees. The tourist resort of Pahalgam recorded a minimum of minus 6.4 degrees while Shopian district observed a minimum of 6.1 degrees Celsius. The World Famous Ski resort of Gulmarg, in North Kashmir's Baramulla district experienced a freezing night temperature of minus 5.2 degrees, while the minimum in Sonamarg was minus 6.6 degrees. &nbsp;</p>
<p>South Kashmir's Pulwama district saw the minimum temperature settle at minus 6.1 degrees. Bandipora recorded a night temperature of 4.7 and Baramulla was at minus 3.6 degrees. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Ladakh region has been battling cold wave conditions as well. The Leh town recorded a minimum temperature of minus 11.7 degrees. While Kargil was at minus 14.3 degrees. Dras was at minus 22.5 degrees while the coldest place in North India still remains Zojila at minus 24 degrees.</p>
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<p>The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted La Nina effect which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns leading to more rains and snow. The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rain and snow.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, for the next 24 hours the Met department has predicted clear skies and further dip in temperature. The weather will be dry till January 29 and thereafter until January 31, there are chances of snow across various parts of the region.</p>

India News | Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh have been battling severe cold wave conditions for the last many weeks with Srinagar on Monday recording a minimum temperature of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius.

As the 'Chillai Kalan' - coldest period of 40 days in the Kashmir Valley - is nearing its end, the temperatures across Kashmir Valley and Ladakh have drastically dropped yet again. The cold wave conditions during the nights have returned with most part of the region recording below freezing temperatures. Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh have been battling severe cold wave conditions for the last many weeks with Srinagar on Monday recording a minimum temperature of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. The severity of the cold wave across the region has intensified further due to clear skies and no precipitation. Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region have been continuously reeling under excruciating cold waves and the temperatures across the division are dipping every day. Also Read: Vande Bharat train reaches Srinagar for the first time ever in successful trial run South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Khudwani area in South Kashmir saw the night temperature settle at minus 6.5 degrees. The tourist resort of Pahalgam recorded a minimum of minus 6.4 degrees while Shopian district observed a minimum of 6.1 degrees Celsius. The World Famous Ski resort of Gulmarg, in North Kashmir's Baramulla district experienced a freezing night temperature of minus 5.2 degrees, while the minimum in Sonamarg was minus 6.6 degrees. South Kashmir's Pulwama district saw the minimum temperature settle at minus 6.1 degrees. Bandipora recorded a night temperature of 4.7 and Baramulla was at minus 3.6 degrees. Ladakh region has been battling cold wave conditions as well. The Leh town recorded a minimum temperature of minus 11.7 degrees. While Kargil was at minus 14.3 degrees. Dras was at minus 22.5 degrees while the coldest place in North India still remains Zojila at minus 24 degrees. Also Read: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted La Nina effect which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns leading to more rains and snow. The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rain and snow. Meanwhile, for the next 24 hours the Met department has predicted clear skies and further dip in temperature. The weather will be dry till January 29 and thereafter until January 31, there are chances of snow across various parts of the region.

Srinagar freezes at minus 5.5 degrees, while Zojila remains the coldest at minus 24

<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">It's a dream come true for the people of Kashmir Valley: the Vande Bharat train did its first trial and reached Srinagar railway station for the first time ever.</div>
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<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that Kashmir Valley would be connected to the rest of the country via rail link. Both the People of Jammu and Kashmir and tourists are excited for the railway link to start for the public.</div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The Srinagar-New Delhi rail link has been in the making for the past 20 years and finally the time has come for Srinagar to be connected to New Delhi via rail.</div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">According to government sources, the&nbsp;<span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">Vande Bharat</span> train service from New Delhi to Katra to Srinagar would be inaugurated and started from February onwards. The trials have been done and successful.&nbsp;</div>
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<p class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><strong>Also read:<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-tourism-hits-new-peaks-tourist-arrivals-break-all-previous-records-8605183" aria-label="Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records"> Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records</a></strong></p>
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<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">''The vision of our Prime Minister to connect Kashmir with the rest of the Country's rail network, resulted in a very fast execution of the railway project in the last ten years. Fruits of that hard work are what we are witnessing today by seeing the Vande Bharat train arrive in Kashmir. Today's trial run was to see how much time it's taking so that we can run an easy time table, It's going to be an all-weather connectivity which will benefit local and tourists coming to the Valley. The airfares are immensely high, and it's going to be a game changer and going to be a much cheaper mode of transport," said Saqib Yousuf Yatoo, Chief Area Manager, Kashmir Railway.&nbsp;</div>
<h2 data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">A long wait is over for Kashmiris</h2>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">Kashmiri people have been waiting for decades for the Srinagar-New Delhi rail link. And since the announcement of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav saying a historic milestone has been achieved by completing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, there has been cheer among every community in the Valley: from businessmen to students, and from tourists to non-local workers.&nbsp;</p>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">The tourist stakeholders have been the happiest with the news of rail link between Srinagar- New Delhi as Kashmir Valley is a tourist destination and the maximum impact of having a rail link will be on this industry.&nbsp;</div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true"><br><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-start-of-chillai-kalan-srinagar-freezes-at-seasons-coldest-night-with-minus-85-degrees-785738" rel="dofollow">With start of 'Chillai Kalan,' Srinagar freezes at season's coldest night with minus 8.5 degrees</a></strong></div>
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<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">Kashmir Valley is waiting for a tourist boom after the start of the service as it would be a cheap and easy mode of transport for coming to the Valley.&nbsp;</div>
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<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">''We are very thrilled to see the Vande Bharat Train, which will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country for the first time. We have been waiting for this wonderful thing to arrive for a long time and it will be hugely beneficial for the locals and tourists and for every citizen,'' said Sikandar, a local.</div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true"></div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">The business community of the Kashmir Valley and outside have welcomed this step. Most of the businesspeople believe that it will be one of the biggest game changers in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and will take the business and tourism to new peaks.<br><br></div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true"><strong>Watch: Cold wave returns to Kashmir, fog conditions prevails in North India</strong></div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true"></div>
<div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true"><iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2101_WION_cold_wave_6pm/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2101_WION_cold_wave_6pm.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=149&amp;tags=india, kashmir, cold wave, new delhi, temperature," title="Cold wave returns to Kashmir, fog conditions prevails in North India" id="PL_iframe_block-m6c0abxk-jkuyiv5k-5wjm43yt"></iframe></div>
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<h2 data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">Rail line on the most difficult Himalayan terrain</h2>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">The 800-kilometre railway track from Srinagar to New Delhi would be covered within 13 hours of travel time plus a stopover at Katra where the passengers will have to deboard the train.</p>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">The railway track which runs on the most difficult terrain of Himalayas will have more bridges and tunnels than any other line in the whole of India. The track will have around 931 bridges with 38 tunnels. It also includes the longest train tunnel - Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel measuring 11.21kms -&nbsp; and the world's highest bridge over the Chenab river, with a height of 359 metres, making it higher than the Eiffel Tower of Paris.</p>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">The tourists coming to Kashmir Valley have welcomed the step, saying that a train service to Srinagar would mean less cost and affordable travel for the middle class.</p>
<h2 data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">Security remains a concern</h2>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">Security remains one of the major concerns for the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir for the rail service.</p>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">And most of the security arrangements have already been put in place on the track with two wings of security, with the Railway Police Security or RPF and General Railway Police or GRP fully dedicated to the security of railway stations and tracks.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">There will be CCTV connectivity at every station, every tunnel and bridge.</p>
<p data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true">These will be controlled round the clock by railway and security officials in several sub-control rooms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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India:  It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that Kashmir Valley would be connected to the rest of the country via rail link. 

It's a dream come true for the people of Kashmir Valley: the Vande Bharat train did its first trial and reached Srinagar railway station for the first time ever. It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that Kashmir Valley would be connected to the rest of the country via rail link. Both the People of Jammu and Kashmir and tourists are excited for the railway link to start for the public. The Srinagar-New Delhi rail link has been in the making for the past 20 years and finally the time has come for Srinagar to be connected to New Delhi via rail. According to government sources, the Vande Bharat train service from New Delhi to Katra to Srinagar would be inaugurated and started from February onwards. The trials have been done and successful. Also read: Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records ''The vision of our Prime Minister to connect Kashmir with the rest of the Country's rail network, resulted in a very fast execution of the railway project in the last ten years. Fruits of that hard work are what we are witnessing today by seeing the Vande Bharat train arrive in Kashmir. Today's trial run was to see how much time it's taking so that we can run an easy time table, It's going to be an all-weather connectivity which will benefit local and tourists coming to the Valley. The airfares are immensely high, and it's going to be a game changer and going to be a much cheaper mode of transport," said Saqib Yousuf Yatoo, Chief Area Manager, Kashmir Railway. A long wait is over for Kashmiris Kashmiri people have been waiting for decades for the Srinagar-New Delhi rail link. And since the announcement of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav saying a historic milestone has been achieved by completing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, there has been cheer among every community in the Valley: from businessmen to students, and from tourists to non-local workers. The tourist stakeholders have been the happiest with the news of rail link between Srinagar- New Delhi as Kashmir Valley is a tourist destination and the maximum impact of having a rail link will be on this industry. Also read: With start of 'Chillai Kalan,' Srinagar freezes at season's coldest night with minus 8.5 degrees Kashmir Valley is waiting for a tourist boom after the start of the service as it would be a cheap and easy mode of transport for coming to the Valley. ''We are very thrilled to see the Vande Bharat Train, which will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country for the first time. We have been waiting for this wonderful thing to arrive for a long time and it will be hugely beneficial for the locals and tourists and for every citizen,'' said Sikandar, a local. The business community of the Kashmir Valley and outside have welcomed this step. Most of the businesspeople believe that it will be one of the biggest game changers in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and will take the business and tourism to new peaks. Watch: Cold wave returns to Kashmir, fog conditions prevails in North India Rail line on the most difficult Himalayan terrain The 800-kilometre railway track from Srinagar to New Delhi would be covered within 13 hours of travel time plus a stopover at Katra where the passengers will have to deboard the train. The railway track which runs on the most difficult terrain of Himalayas will have more bridges and tunnels than any other line in the whole of India. The track will have around 931 bridges with 38 tunnels. It also includes the longest train tunnel - Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel measuring 11.21kms - and the world's highest bridge over the Chenab river, with a height of 359 metres, making it higher than the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The tourists coming to Kashmir Valley have welcomed the step, saying that a train service to Srinagar would mean less cost and affordable travel for the middle class. Security remains a concern Security remains one of the major concerns for the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir for the rail service. And most of the security arrangements have already been put in place on the track with two wings of security, with the Railway Police Security or RPF and General Railway Police or GRP fully dedicated to the security of railway stations and tracks. There will be CCTV connectivity at every station, every tunnel and bridge. These will be controlled round the clock by railway and security officials in several sub-control rooms.

Vande Bharat train reaches Srinagar for the first time ever in successful trial run

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