Srinagar

Srinagar International Airport will halt all flight operations for two weeks from October 1 to October 15 for crucial runway repairs. This closure, coinciding with the peak Durga Puja tourist season, is raising concerns among tourism stakeholders about its potential adverse impact on the region's economy. Phased maintenance has been ongoing since July, with daily restrictions already in place.

For Ghulam Qadir Ghasi, 65, Queen’s Club was never only a tourism asset or a four-bedroom houseboat; it was the inheritance of his father and grandfather and the centre of a life shaped by the Jhelum.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led National Conference MLAs and MPs to Dachigam National Park for a strategy session. The meeting concluded with a call for a protest in New Delhi on Parliament's monsoon session opening day, demanding the restoration of J&K's statehood and special status.

National Conference plans a New Delhi protest for statehood and "constitutional guarantees," believed to refer to Article 370. Rebel MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi expressed willingness to join, urging a broader movement and outreach to opposition parties for sustained public support in the Valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a strategy session with National Conference MLAs and MPs at Dachigam National Park. The meeting concluded with a call for a protest in New Delhi during Parliament's monsoon session, demanding the restoration of J&K's statehood. The party also resolved to push for a ban on liquor in the region.

A major milestone has been achieved in the Zojila Tunnel project, connecting its two ends to create a 13-km passage. This vital infrastructure will ensure all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, eliminating annual disruptions and significantly reducing travel time. Expected to be operational by 2028, the tunnel is crucial for military logistics and regional development.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah surprised legislators by holding a key party meeting at Dachigam National Park. The off-site gathering aimed to review the past 19 months, addressing governance concerns, statehood restoration, and potential cabinet expansion amid coalition dynamics.

A truck dramatically plunged into a deep gorge at Kashmir's Zojila Pass after skidding off a narrow mountain road while reversing. Miraculously, the driver escaped unharmed from the perilous high-altitude stretch. The terrifying incident, captured on camera, highlights the extreme dangers of the Zojila Pass, notorious for its treacherous conditions and frequent disruptions.

Ladakh's Buddhist women's wing is strongly opposing the Union Territory's new excise policy allowing liquor sales, fearing it will worsen social issues like drug abuse and domestic violence. They advocate for stricter drug control and warn of protests if the policy isn't reconsidered, emphasizing women's role in preserving the region's social fabric.

Eid prayers were denied at Srinagar's historic Eidgah and Jama Masjid for the eighth year. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest. Muslims in Kashmir faced barricades and restrictions on Eid. This action is seen as an assault on religious identity and fundamental rights. An entire generation is being deprived of traditions and memories associated with these religious sites.

Three women from a Jaisalmer family remain missing in the Alaknanda River five days after a tragic road accident near Devprayag. Search operations, including deep-diving specialists, continue relentlessly. Four family members perished in the crash during their Char Dham pilgrimage, while a 12-year-old survivor receives advanced medical care.

Urban local bodies and ZP set targets for large-scale plantation drive