In a major breakthrough, Srinagar Police have arrested the two undertrial prisoners who escaped from Srinagar Central Jail earlier this week. The duo was traced and apprehended in Rajasthan after a three-day-long manhunt that extended beyond Jammu and Kashmir.A high alert had been sounded across Kashmir following the escape of the two prisoners, both facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The inmates reportedly escaped from Srinagar Central Jail on Sunday by scaling the prison’s outer wall.The two escapees were identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Sadanpora in Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujjar, a resident of Sanglan Chittargul in Anantnag district.Following their escape, police launched an extensive search operation across Jammu and Kashmir and other states. Since Khan is a resident of Rajasthan, investigators expanded the search to the state, where both prisoners were eventually located and arrested.Lookout notices carrying photographs of the two men were circulated at key entry and exit points, including railway stations, Srinagar airport and national highways. Police had also announced a reward for information that could lead to their arrest and urged the public to contact the nearest police station or emergency helpline 112.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-court-rejects-bail-plea-of-pulwama-terror-case-accused-insha-jan-cites-ongoing-trial-1787374257492">NIA court rejects bail plea of Pulwama terror case accused Insha Jan, cites ongoing trial</a>According to police records, Farman Khan was lodged at the jail in connection with FIR No. 19/2026, registered at Lar Police Station in Ganderbal on June 23. The case includes Sections 137(2) and 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act.Mukhtar Ahmed Gujjar was facing FIR No. 20/2026, registered at Soura Police Station in Srinagar on April 13. The case invokes Sections 137(2) and 65(1) of the BNS and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act.The escape had raised serious concerns over security arrangements at Srinagar Central Jail, a high-security facility housing around 500 inmates. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been responsible for security at the prison since October 2023, including security arrangements inside and around the facility.With the arrest of both escapees in Rajasthan, the immediate manhunt has ended, while the investigation into the prison security breach and the circumstances that enabled the escape is continuing.

The escape had raised serious concerns over security arrangements at Srinagar Central Jail, a high-security facility housing around 500 inmates. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been responsible for security at the prison since October 2023.

In a major breakthrough, Srinagar Police have arrested the two undertrial prisoners who escaped from Srinagar Central Jail earlier this week. The duo was traced and apprehended in Rajasthan after a three-day-long manhunt that extended beyond Jammu and Kashmir. A high alert had been sounded across Kashmir following the escape of the two prisoners, both facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The inmates reportedly escaped from Srinagar Central Jail on Sunday by scaling the prison’s outer wall. The two escapees were identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Sadanpora in Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujjar, a resident of Sanglan Chittargul in Anantnag district. Following their escape, police launched an extensive search operation across Jammu and Kashmir and other states. Since Khan is a resident of Rajasthan, investigators expanded the search to the state, where both prisoners were eventually located and arrested. Lookout notices carrying photographs of the two men were circulated at key entry and exit points, including railway stations, Srinagar airport and national highways. Police had also announced a reward for information that could lead to their arrest and urged the public to contact the nearest police station or emergency helpline 112. Also read | NIA court rejects bail plea of Pulwama terror case accused Insha Jan, cites ongoing trial According to police records, Farman Khan was lodged at the jail in connection with FIR No. 19/2026, registered at Lar Police Station in Ganderbal on June 23. The case includes Sections 137(2) and 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act. Mukhtar Ahmed Gujjar was facing FIR No. 20/2026, registered at Soura Police Station in Srinagar on April 13. The case invokes Sections 137(2) and 65(1) of the BNS and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act. The escape had raised serious concerns over security arrangements at Srinagar Central Jail, a high-security facility housing around 500 inmates. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been responsible for security at the prison since October 2023, including security arrangements inside and around the facility. With the arrest of both escapees in Rajasthan, the immediate manhunt has ended, while the investigation into the prison security breach and the circumstances that enabled the escape is continuing.

The escape had raised serious concerns over security arrangements at Srinagar Central Jail, a high-security facility housing around 500 inmates. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been responsible for security at the prison since October 2023.

Srinagar Police trace and arrest two Central Jail escapees in Rajasthan

Kashmir Valley is all set to add a new attraction to its growing tourism landscape with the opening of its first-ever Wonder Garden in the heart of Srinagar city. Developed by the Floriculture Department of Jammu and Kashmir, the innovative garden is designed around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” The initiative seeks to demonstrate how discarded and unused materials can be creatively transformed into attractive and functional public spaces.&nbsp;According to the department, several materials that had remained unused for years have been repurposed and incorporated into the garden, giving them a new lease of life. The concept combines creativity with environmental awareness and is aimed particularly at encouraging youngsters and tourists to embrace sustainable practices.&nbsp;The Wonder Garden is expected to offer visitors more than a conventional floral attraction. Through its innovative use of recycled materials, the garden seeks to highlight the importance of conservation while showing how waste can be turned into something visually appealing.&nbsp;“Basically, the idea behind this garden is to reuse and repurpose materials that are already available to us. About 90% of the materials you see here come from our own offices and gardens. For example, old tyres have been turned into planters, while discarded parts of tractors, trolleys, and other equipment have also been creatively reused. These are materials that were readily available to us, and we have tried our best to transform them into something beautiful and useful for the garden. The basic idea is to make the most of what we already have, improve it, and use it to enhance the overall character of the garden. This garden is visited by many local residents because it is located in the centre of the city, which makes it especially important,'' said Mathoora Masoom, Director Floriculture Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/erratic-weather-deals-major-blow-to-kashmir-s-apple-industry-1787142691005">Erratic weather deals major blow to Kashmir’s apple industry</a>&nbsp;She further added, ''Children also come here to use the play equipment, so we felt this was the perfect place to educate the younger generation about how everyday materials can be reused and repurposed at home or elsewhere. Very little has been purchased specifically for this garden, apart from a few essentials such as paint. Most of the work has been carried out using available materials and, above all, through the dedication and creativity of our wonderful gardeners. Their hard work and commitment have helped transform these discarded materials into something beautiful for the community."&nbsp;&nbsp;The Floriculture Department is hopeful that the new attraction will become another popular destination for tourists visiting Srinagar and contribute to the city’s growing portfolio of gardens and recreational spaces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-gets-miffed-by-us-ambassador-sergio-gor-s-j-k-important-part-of-india-remark-issues-demarche-1787157507821">Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&amp;K important part of India’</a>&nbsp;The Wonder Garden is being presented as a blend of beauty, creativity and sustainability, with the department hoping it will inspire visitors to rethink the way discarded materials are used and encourage a stronger culture of recycling across the Valley. ''This is definitely going to add to the number of tourists coming to this area. At the same time, it supports the Swachh Bharat Mission and its principle of the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We have incorporated these principles into the development of this garden, and I believe this is an approach that is being encouraged across the country. Our humble effort has been to demonstrate how existing materials can be reused creatively, while also making the garden a space for information and education, particularly for young people. We have expanded the variety of plants here so that children can learn about the different flowers and plants that bloom in different seasons. Our aim is to develop this as an all-weather, all-season garden, with something colourful and attractive to see throughout the year, ''said Mathoora Masoom, Director Floriculture Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;The garden is scheduled to be inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on August 21.

The Wonder Garden is expected to offer visitors more than a conventional floral attraction. The garden is scheduled to be inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on August 21.

Kashmir Valley is all set to add a new attraction to its growing tourism landscape with the opening of its first-ever Wonder Garden in the heart of Srinagar city. Developed by the Floriculture Department of Jammu and Kashmir, the innovative garden is designed around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” The initiative seeks to demonstrate how discarded and unused materials can be creatively transformed into attractive and functional public spaces. According to the department, several materials that had remained unused for years have been repurposed and incorporated into the garden, giving them a new lease of life. The concept combines creativity with environmental awareness and is aimed particularly at encouraging youngsters and tourists to embrace sustainable practices. The Wonder Garden is expected to offer visitors more than a conventional floral attraction. Through its innovative use of recycled materials, the garden seeks to highlight the importance of conservation while showing how waste can be turned into something visually appealing. “Basically, the idea behind this garden is to reuse and repurpose materials that are already available to us. About 90% of the materials you see here come from our own offices and gardens. For example, old tyres have been turned into planters, while discarded parts of tractors, trolleys, and other equipment have also been creatively reused. These are materials that were readily available to us, and we have tried our best to transform them into something beautiful and useful for the garden. The basic idea is to make the most of what we already have, improve it, and use it to enhance the overall character of the garden. This garden is visited by many local residents because it is located in the centre of the city, which makes it especially important,'' said Mathoora Masoom, Director Floriculture Kashmir. Also Read: Erratic weather deals major blow to Kashmir’s apple industry She further added, ''Children also come here to use the play equipment, so we felt this was the perfect place to educate the younger generation about how everyday materials can be reused and repurposed at home or elsewhere. Very little has been purchased specifically for this garden, apart from a few essentials such as paint. Most of the work has been carried out using available materials and, above all, through the dedication and creativity of our wonderful gardeners. Their hard work and commitment have helped transform these discarded materials into something beautiful for the community." The Floriculture Department is hopeful that the new attraction will become another popular destination for tourists visiting Srinagar and contribute to the city’s growing portfolio of gardens and recreational spaces. Also Read: Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ The Wonder Garden is being presented as a blend of beauty, creativity and sustainability, with the department hoping it will inspire visitors to rethink the way discarded materials are used and encourage a stronger culture of recycling across the Valley. ''This is definitely going to add to the number of tourists coming to this area. At the same time, it supports the Swachh Bharat Mission and its principle of the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We have incorporated these principles into the development of this garden, and I believe this is an approach that is being encouraged across the country. Our humble effort has been to demonstrate how existing materials can be reused creatively, while also making the garden a space for information and education, particularly for young people. We have expanded the variety of plants here so that children can learn about the different flowers and plants that bloom in different seasons. Our aim is to develop this as an all-weather, all-season garden, with something colourful and attractive to see throughout the year, ''said Mathoora Masoom, Director Floriculture Kashmir. The garden is scheduled to be inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on August 21.

The Wonder Garden is expected to offer visitors more than a conventional floral attraction. The garden is scheduled to be inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on August 21.

From waste to wonder: Srinagar gets its first wonder garden

Fresh spells of rain and snowfall swept across the Kashmir Valley and parts of Ladakh bringing a sharp dip in temperatures and widespread disruption to daily life. Fierce gusty winds compounded the situation, claiming one life in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.The inclement weather has been triggered by an active Western Disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir. While plains including Srinagar witnessed steady rainfall, higher reaches such as Zojila Pass and Minimarg along the Srinagar–Leh highway received fresh snowfall. Authorities have temporarily closed the strategic highway due to slippery conditions.The adverse weather turned tragic in Pulwama’s Lassipora industrial estate, where powerful winds tore off the roof of a cold storage facility. Five workers were trapped under the debris. One of them, 40-year-old labourer Sajad Ahmad Mir, succumbed to injuries on arrival at a hospital, while four others were rescued and are reported to be stable.Across the Valley, strong winds uprooted temporary structures, damaged rooftops, snapped power lines, and caused brief outages in several districts. In Srinagar, turbulent conditions on Dal Lake left multiple shikara boats stranded mid-water. Swift action by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police ensured the safe rescue of dozens of locals and tourists.According to the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, cloudy skies with intermittent light rain or thundershowers are expected to persist between April 17 and 19. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h and isolated hailstorms are also likely, particularly during morning and evening hours. Weather conditions are forecast to improve from April 20, with generally dry conditions expected through April 24.''As anticipated, a wet spell accompanied by gusty winds has affected both north and south Kashmir. Jammu has also experienced similar cloudy and rainy conditions. Another spell of unsettled weather is expected to persist until April 19. While there is a possibility of gusty winds and isolated hailstorms, no heavy rainfall or significant snowfall is forecast. However, wet weather conditions are likely to continue over the next three days.” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MET Kashmir.In Ladakh, light snowfall has been reported along the Zojila–Minamarg axis, with scattered precipitation expected in the Kargil region over the next two days. Officials have warned of a moderate risk of temporary closures along key passes, including Zojila, between April 17 and 19.Authorities have issued advisories urging residents, especially those in higher reaches and landslide-prone areas, to remain cautious. Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during the ongoing wet spell, while travelers on major highways have been asked to stay updated on weather and traffic conditions.Despite minor power disruptions continuing into Friday, emergency services remain on alert as the region braces for a few more days of unsettled weather. &nbsp;

While plains including Srinagar witnessed steady rainfall, higher reaches such as Zojila Pass and Minimarg along the Srinagar–Leh highway received fresh snowfall.

Fresh spells of rain and snowfall swept across the Kashmir Valley and parts of Ladakh bringing a sharp dip in temperatures and widespread disruption to daily life. Fierce gusty winds compounded the situation, claiming one life in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The inclement weather has been triggered by an active Western Disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir. While plains including Srinagar witnessed steady rainfall, higher reaches such as Zojila Pass and Minimarg along the Srinagar–Leh highway received fresh snowfall. Authorities have temporarily closed the strategic highway due to slippery conditions. The adverse weather turned tragic in Pulwama’s Lassipora industrial estate, where powerful winds tore off the roof of a cold storage facility. Five workers were trapped under the debris. One of them, 40-year-old labourer Sajad Ahmad Mir, succumbed to injuries on arrival at a hospital, while four others were rescued and are reported to be stable. Across the Valley, strong winds uprooted temporary structures, damaged rooftops, snapped power lines, and caused brief outages in several districts. In Srinagar, turbulent conditions on Dal Lake left multiple shikara boats stranded mid-water. Swift action by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Jammu & Kashmir Police ensured the safe rescue of dozens of locals and tourists. According to the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, cloudy skies with intermittent light rain or thundershowers are expected to persist between April 17 and 19. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h and isolated hailstorms are also likely, particularly during morning and evening hours. Weather conditions are forecast to improve from April 20, with generally dry conditions expected through April 24. ''As anticipated, a wet spell accompanied by gusty winds has affected both north and south Kashmir. Jammu has also experienced similar cloudy and rainy conditions. Another spell of unsettled weather is expected to persist until April 19. While there is a possibility of gusty winds and isolated hailstorms, no heavy rainfall or significant snowfall is forecast. However, wet weather conditions are likely to continue over the next three days.” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MET Kashmir. In Ladakh, light snowfall has been reported along the Zojila–Minamarg axis, with scattered precipitation expected in the Kargil region over the next two days. Officials have warned of a moderate risk of temporary closures along key passes, including Zojila, between April 17 and 19. Authorities have issued advisories urging residents, especially those in higher reaches and landslide-prone areas, to remain cautious. Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during the ongoing wet spell, while travelers on major highways have been asked to stay updated on weather and traffic conditions. Despite minor power disruptions continuing into Friday, emergency services remain on alert as the region braces for a few more days of unsettled weather.

While plains including Srinagar witnessed steady rainfall, higher reaches such as Zojila Pass and Minimarg along the Srinagar–Leh highway received fresh snowfall.

Fresh Snowfall, Rain Lash Kashmir Valley; Gusty Winds Leave Trail of Damage, One Dead in Pulwama

Three terrorists were killed following an encounter with security forces at the Lidwas area of Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Monday under the ‘Operation Mahadev.’ During the operation, teams from the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police are also involved, along with the Indian Army.&nbsp;According to a report by CNN-News18, the bodies of the terrorists were brought from the encounter spot, and there are no official updates of their role in the Baisaran Valley attack; however, the report suggested their involvement in some major attacks on Indian soil.&nbsp;Latest reports suggested that the movement of foreign terrorists was intercepted by the security forces in the upper reaches of Dachigam Forest at Srinagar's Harwan. The ongoing development was confirmed by the Army's Chinar Corps on X, saying, "Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation Continues."&nbsp;Sources in the security forces confirmed that the dead bodies of two killed terrorists out of three were identified as Sulaiman and Yasir. Both of them were involved in the Pahalgam attack, while the third is yet to be identified. However, all three terrorists are claimed to be Pakistanis.&nbsp;In addition, after the terrorists were killed, a US-made carbine, an AK-47, 17 rifle grenades, and other materials were also recovered.<h3>What is the 'Operation Mahadev'?</h3>It is a large-scale anti-terror operation launched by the Indian army in joint cooperation with the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Lidwas area of Srinagar on Monday (July 28, 2025).&nbsp;The operation unfolded following intelligence reports of militants hiding in the Mahadev Hills area, which is close to Mulnar and the Dachigam National Park.&nbsp;More details about the operation is still underway.

The latest reports suggest that the movement of foreign terrorists was intercepted by the security forces in the upper reaches of Dachigam Forest at Srinagar's Harwan. 

Three terrorists were killed following an encounter with security forces at the Lidwas area of Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Monday under the ‘Operation Mahadev.’ During the operation, teams from the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police are also involved, along with the Indian Army. According to a report by CNN-News18, the bodies of the terrorists were brought from the encounter spot, and there are no official updates of their role in the Baisaran Valley attack; however, the report suggested their involvement in some major attacks on Indian soil. Latest reports suggested that the movement of foreign terrorists was intercepted by the security forces in the upper reaches of Dachigam Forest at Srinagar's Harwan. The ongoing development was confirmed by the Army's Chinar Corps on X, saying, "Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation Continues." Sources in the security forces confirmed that the dead bodies of two killed terrorists out of three were identified as Sulaiman and Yasir. Both of them were involved in the Pahalgam attack, while the third is yet to be identified. However, all three terrorists are claimed to be Pakistanis. In addition, after the terrorists were killed, a US-made carbine, an AK-47, 17 rifle grenades, and other materials were also recovered. What is the 'Operation Mahadev'? It is a large-scale anti-terror operation launched by the Indian army in joint cooperation with the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Lidwas area of Srinagar on Monday (July 28, 2025). The operation unfolded following intelligence reports of militants hiding in the Mahadev Hills area, which is close to Mulnar and the Dachigam National Park. More details about the operation is still underway.

The latest reports suggest that the movement of foreign terrorists was intercepted by the security forces in the upper reaches of Dachigam Forest at Srinagar's Harwan.&nbsp;

Operation Mahadev: Indian army neutralises 3 Pahalgam terror attack suspects in Srinagar

Srinagar city has made it to the list of creative city networks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Srinagar made it to the list of 49 cities across the world.

Srinagar's intricate handicrafts recognized in the coveted list

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Srinagar Police trace and arrest two Central Jail escapees in Rajasthan

From Waste to Wonder: Srinagar gets its first wonder garden

Fresh Snowfall, Rain Lash Kashmir Valley; One Dead in Pulwama

Indian army neutralises 3 Pahalgam terror attack suspects in 'Operation Mahadev'

Srinagar's intricate handicrafts recognized in the coveted list