j-and-k-separatist-group-calls-for-shutdown-to-protest-prophets-cartoons-published-by-charlie-heb

J and K separatist group calls for shutdown to protest Prophet's cartoons published by Charlie Heb

Srinagar, Jan 24 (ANI): A complete shutdown called by a separatist group in Jammu and Kashmir, to protest against blasphemous cartoons of Prophet Mohammad published in a French magazine, paralysed normal life. The call for protest was given by Chief of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Yaseen Malik, against the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, which has been known for lampooning Islam. In the rally called 'The Prophet Prestige Rally', protestors shouted slogans against the magazine and demanded the cartoonists behind drawing Prophet's caricatures be hanged. Roads and markets in Srinagar wore a deserted look as shops across the valley remained shut and vehicles stayed off the roads. A protestor, Faraz Ahmed said the protest was against the disrespect shown by Charlie Hebdo against Islam. Jan 24, 2015
residents-expect-obama-to-speak-on-kashmir-issue-while-on-his-visit-to-india

Residents expect Obama to speak on Kashmir issue while on his visit to India

Srinagar, Jan 24 (ANI): Residents of Jammu and Kashmir expected US President Barack Obama to speak about Kashmir issue and help improve relations between India and Pakistan. Obama will arrive in India on Sunday for the second time during his tenure, to build on what he calls one of the defining relationships of the 21st century. He was invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will be the first US President to attend Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26. Meanwhile, residents of the valley said that Obama could set a peaceful mood between India and Pakistan. Militants have been targeting security bases in Kashmir since 1990s, when there was a full-blown insurgency against Indian rule in a region over which India and Pakistan fought two of their three. Jan 24, 2015

Snowfall blocks strategic highway in Kashmir valley

Udhampur, Jan 22 (ANI): Fresh spell of snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir threw life out of gear on Thursday, leading to the closure of strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. According to the state authorities, over 300-kilometre-long highway has been closed for all types of vehicular traffic since early Thursday morning because of snowfall at some places. The suspension has stranded hundreds of vehicles at various points of the highway. The highway shall remain closed for traffic for uncertain period of time. In order to know the latest status of the highway the travellers would have to contact the control rooms at northern cities of Srinagar and Jammu. Jan 22, 2015
first-international-water-birds-census-begins-in-kashmir

First International water birds census begins in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 21 (ANI): An international water birds census began in all wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir. The wildlife department began counting of water birds, in a bid to attract tourism as well. The census is being organised for the first time in the valley to know the count of migratory birds. Kashmir, which is famous for its natural beauty and water bodies, attract thousands of migratory birds. A team was formed for the work, which used special binoculars and other gadgets. Meanwhile, wildlife warden of Hokersar wetland, Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, said that the census will be carried out with the help of volunteers. Lone said that this was a chance to popularize the wetlands in the valley and the census would help create interest among people and attract bird lovers to the wetlands. More than 500, 000 migratory birds are in Hokersar wetland. Jan 21, 2015
traffic-authorities-in-kashmir-hold-rally-to-spread-awareness-on-road-safety

Traffic authorities in Kashmir hold rally to spread awareness on road safety

Srinagar, Jan 17 (ANI): Traffic police in Jammu and Kashmir organised a rally to mark Road Safety Week in order to spread awareness on traffic rules and regulations among the residents. The week-long awareness rally by traffic authorities concluded on Saturday with various programmes including walkathon, road shows and seminars. Many hoardings and banners were also put up that read 'Safety is just not a slogan, it is a way of life' which was also the theme of this year's Road Safety Week. Residents of Kashmir valley expressed satisfaction at the initiative taken by the authorities that concerned people's safety. But they also expressed concern at the low maintenance of roads. Jan 17, 2015
plummeting-temperatures-in-kashmir-boost-sales-of-woolen-garments

Plummeting temperatures in Kashmir boost sales of woolen garments

Srinagar, Jan 13 (ANI): As the cold wave continued unabated in Jammu and Kashmir and temperatures dropped below zero, residents thronged to shops selling woolen garments to keep themselves warm. Kashmir valley is in the midst of 40-day-long Chillai Kalan, believed to be the harshest winter period which had begun on December 21, 2014. The sale of the woolen wear has increased manifold due to plummeting temperatures. Residents in capital Srinagar are forced to stay indoors due to persistent cold wave conditions. And with mercury dipping, customers are lured with a variety of sweaters and jackets. Weather in the valley remains dry and cold as it did not receive much snowfall. Even the famed Dal Lake is in frozen state. Jan 13, 2015
people-await-snowfall-as-cold-wave-persists-in-jandk

People await snowfall as cold wave persists in JandK

Srinagar, Jan 10 (ANI): There is no respite from severe cold in Kashmir where residents await snowfall in hope of better weather conditions. The plummeting temperature has left several water bodies, including the famed Dal Lake, frozen. The persistent cold wave has forced people to stay indoors in capital city, Srinagar. Another resident Mohammed Iqbal said that it became extremely difficult to go out for work in these conditions as the number of public vehicles plying on roads too comes down with the dipping temperature. The Kashmir Valley is in the midst of the 40-day-long Chillai Kalan, believed to be the harshest winter period. It had begun on December 21, 2014. Snowfall in states like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh has a direct impact in other northern states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Jan 10, 2015
residents-traders-face-discomfort-after-authorities-close-off-historic-mughal-road

Residents, traders face discomfort after authorities close off historic Mughal road

Rajouri, Jan 10 (ANI): Residents and traders who are dependent on the historic Mughal road linking Jammu to the Kashmir valley are facing discomfort after authorities closed it off. The road which is 170 kilometers long, links Shopian in Kashmir Valley with Poonch in Jammu region. The traffic police in the region say the harsh cold weather has become a hazard for vehicles to ply on the road. But residents claim that the road is clear and are angry at the authorities for closing off a source of their livelihood. People now have to take a longer alternative route to reach Jammu from the Kashmir valley which is about 450 kilometers long. The government has funded more than 6 billion rupees for the project. Jan 10, 2015