snowfall-in-kashmir-bring-cheers-to-residents

Snowfall in Kashmir bring cheers to residents

Srinagar, Feb 02 (ANI): Fresh spell of snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir brought cheers to residents and turned the valley into a picturesque panorama. The capital city, Srinagar, received season's first snowfall which ended long dry spell. As per local media reports, the weather department has predicted snowfall during next three days. The minimum temperature recorded was minus 0.2 degree Celsius. Residents were happy as they said that the 40-day long Chillai Kalan, believed to be the harshest winter period in the valley, was over. Snowfall would bring some relief to people as health problems associated with dry winters would also end. Moreover, the snowfall would help increase water level in rivers and streams. Reportedly, an avalanche warning has also been issued in higher reaches of the valley. Feb 2, 2015
indian-army-flags-off-cycle-expedition-in-remembrance-of-kashmir-floods

Indian Army flags off cycle expedition in remembrance of Kashmir floods

Srinagar, Feb 01 (ANI): Indian Army organized a cycle expedition in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday to commemorate joint efforts of army and locals in saving lives during devastating floods in the state last year. The cycle expedition 'Sailab se Salamati' was flagged off by General Officer Commanding of Kashmir based 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Subrata Saha. Indian army spent almost three months to select participants for the expedition. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands of villages devastated by the worst flooding in decades in the Kashmir valley last year. The expedition en route to Delhi is aimed at spreading a positive message and highlighting the grit with which people survived the worst ever flood in the state's history. Feb 1, 2015
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Snow trekking thrills tourists in Shimla

Shimla, Feb 01 (ANI): A fresh spell of snow in Himachal Pradesh has attracted a large number of tourists and adventure sports lovers to undertake snow trekking in the serene beauty of the picturesque valley. Snow trekking is a popular adventure sport among tourists in hill town of Shimla. On Sunday, tourists trekked along the snow-capped mountains while being careful about the slippery terrain. A tourist Archana Singh said that the sight of the mighty Himalayas has thrilled them. Chilly winds could not dampen the spirit of the revelers as they were seen frolicking in the snow. Snow Adventure Sports Expert Jampa Negi said snow sports was a major attraction for tourists thronging the state in winters. Winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice climbing, trekking and others. Feb 1, 2015
bollywood-rekindles-its-romance-with-kashmir-valleys

Bollywood rekindles its romance with Kashmir valleys

Srinagar, Jan 31 (ANI): India's thriving film industry, Bollywood, is once again flocking to its favourite shooting locales in Jammu and Kashmir to shoot for films. The valley was a favourite with Bollywood directors for over three decades till 1980s until the situation turned adverse in 1989 with the onset of militancy and Bollywood had to look for other locations to shoot as the security issues did not permit filming in the valley. Prior to the peace in the valley being disturbed iconic films like 'Silsila', 'Karma', 'Aarzoo', 'Mangal Pandey', 'Betaab' and many others were shot here. Bollywood Director Sharique Minhaj said that Bollywood was not able to do justice to its relation with Kashmir. However, now there is a visible change in this perception and Bollywood is going back to highlighting the picturesque beauty of Kashmir. The presence of films crew in the state is also likely to give tourism a fillip. Jan 31, 2015
people-from-varied-faiths-flock-at-the-urs-of-sufi-saint-syed-mohd-ishaq-ra

People from varied faiths flock at the Urs of Sufi saint Syed Mohd Ishaq (RA)

Srinagar, Jan 26 (ANI): Kashmir is well known as the valley of the saints. From time immemorial, the saints have been coming here and teaching Sufism to people. One such saint was Syed Mohd Ishaq (RA) who taught brotherhood to people of different communities. To pay homage and seek his blessings, his followers celebrate his annual urs at his shrine in Lasjan, Srinagar. The Urs takes place with full spirit aimed at maintaining brotherhood, peace and prosperity in the valley. Men and women form part of the celebration, holding prayers for their wellness. People from different parts of the state pay a visit to this shrine. The shrines of the saints serve as binding force to bring people, belonging to different communities, together and embrace oneness which the saints taught to them. Jan 27, 2015
republic-day-celebrated-peacefully-in-jammu-and-kashmir

Republic Day celebrated peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar/ Jammu, Jan 26 (ANI): The 66th Republic Day celebrations in Srinagar passed peacefully, despite a call given by separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for boycotting the occasion. The celebrations, which were held at the Bakshi Stadium in the city, began with the annual military parade and State Divisional Commissioner Rohit Kansal hoisted the national flag. Despite cold conditions in the valley, students from various schools participated in the event. Also a spectacular parade was held in Jammu region to celebrate the 66th Republic Day. Contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and those of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also took part in the celebrations. Jan 26, 2015
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