KS News Desk
Uri, March 22: The Indian Army facilitated the return of the mortal remains of two youths who were reported missing from Uri tehsil of Baramulla district.
As per the official handout, on March 5, 2025, a young male and female from the villages of Basgran and Kamalkote tragically drowned in the Jhelum River.
Following this, the Indian Army immediately launched an extensive search operation to recover their bodies.
"Despite sustained efforts, their remains could not be located," the handout reads.
Later on March 20, 2025 the Indian Army spotted the body of the deceased male in the Jhelum River. A rescue team, including deep-sea divers, was promptly deployed to retrieve the remains.
"However, due to strong water currents, the body drifted beyond the Line of Control (LoC) into the Chakothi sector Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), making recovery from the Indian side impossible," it reads.
In a demonstration of humanitarian cooperation, the Indian and Pakistani armies coordinated efforts to recover the body.
"On March 22, 2025, at 1200 hours (IST), the bodies of both missing youths were formally handed over by Pakistani officials to the Indian Army at the Kaman Aman Setu in the Uri sector," the handout reads.
Following the handover, the remains were returned to their respective families for final rites.
"The bereaved families expressed deep gratitude to the Indian Army for their swift response and dedicated efforts in ensuring the dignified return of their loved ones from POJK," it reads.
As per the handout, such compassionate collaboration "underscores the significance of humanitarian values and cross-border cooperation" during times of tragedy.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Calls for strong academic ecosystem Srinagar, March 6: President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 17 candidates from J&K and Ladakh who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination. He termed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the region and a powerful inspiration for the youth. He said that success of these candidates reflect the immense talent, determination, and intellectual potential present among the students of the region. Nazrul Islam Baba emphasised that educational institutions must work collectively to create a robust academic ecosystem that encourages students to aspire for and excel in national-level competitive examinations like the IAS. He stressed that schools should nurture curiosity, discipline, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities from the early stages of education. “Such remarkable achievements demonstrate that our youth possess the capability to compete at the highest national platforms," he said. He said a supportive academic environment, mentorship, and access to quality resources need to be kept available so that more students from J&K and Ladakh can prepare for and succeed in prestigious examinations. PSAJK President further highlighted the need to develop benchmark institutions and academic support systems in the region that can guide and mentor students aspiring for civil services and other competitive examinations. "Creating a culture of excellence and competition within educational institutions will help channelize the talent of the youth towards nation-building roles," he said. He urged educators, parents, and policymakers to work in synergy to foster an environment where students feel motivated to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society. “Every success story from our region becomes a beacon of hope for thousands of young minds. These achievers have shown that with perseverance, dedication, and proper guidance, no dream is beyond reach. Their journey should inspire our students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence,” he added. PSAJK expressed hope that this achievement will ignite a new wave of aspiration among students across schools in J&K and Ladakh, motivating them to prepare for the country’s most competitive examinations and play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
Condemns assassination attempt on Dr Farooq Abdullah New Delhi, March 13 : Member of Parliament from Baramulla Engineer Rashid delivered a sharp and sarcastic speech in Parliament, raising concerns over termination of employees by LG of JK, the condition of Jammu and Kashmir’s fruit industry and various governance issues affecting the region. During his intervention, MP Er Rashid remarked that smaller parties and independent members often struggle to get speaking time in Parliament, alleging that the two major national parties dominate the proceedings. “There are 240 members of BJP, around 100 members of Congress and the rest are over 200 members, but these two parties have virtually held everyone hostage. It looks like a two-party system like America where others are not allowed to speak,” he said. The Baramulla MP Er Rashid thanked the Union Finance Minister for responding to his written demands even while he was in jail. “I want to thank the Finance Minister Madam Nirmala Sitaraman. Even while I was in jail, I had written the demands of my people and she wrote back assuring that work would be done on them,” he said. Taking a sarcastic dig at the government over economic packages announced for Jammu and Kashmir after 2019, MP Er Rashid said the region had received “unique packages.” Referring to restrictions on social media, he remarked “Running social media costs money and time. In Kashmir if someone writes something on social media the police arrest him, so people have stopped using it. Our money is saved. This is also a package for us.” Highlighting unemployment in the region, the MP said Jammu and Kashmir had the highest unemployment rate in the country according to government data. He added sarcastically: “You have found a very good method to remove unemployment. Every month our LG Sahib is terminating employees. Like the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’, this has become ‘Mulazim Hatao’.” Er Rashid also criticised policies affecting the horticulture sector, calling it the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. He said increased imports of foreign fruit were hurting local growers. “Our fruit industry is our backbone. Instead of protecting it, you increased imports of foreign fruit, which has damaged and ruined our own fruit industry. This is another package for us.” Referring to the recent firing incident targeting Farooq Abdullah in Jammu, he questioned the security situation in the region. “You say everything is peaceful in Kashmir. Yesterday in broad daylight shots were fired at Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib. Thank God he survived. If a leader like him is not safe, where does the safety of an ordinary citizen stand?” he asked. The MP also highlighted basic issues such as lack of drinking water and electricity in several areas of North Kashmir. “Even today people in Pattan and Magam (Berwah) are craving for water and areas like Keran, Tanghdar continue to face electricity shortages,” he said. MP Er Rashid further urged the government to expedite important infrastructure projects including tunnels connecting remote areas. He expressed gratitude for certain approved projects but requested more attention to connectivity in remote regions that remain cut off for months during winter. Raising another concern, the Baramulla MP referred to Kashmiri students facing legal action in Rajasthan “Seventeen Kashmiri students in Mewat University have been booked under FIRs and detained only for demanding recognition of their university. What is their fault?” he asked. Towards the end of his speech, Er Rashid also commented on India’s foreign policy approach and the government’s reaction to protests in Kashmir over the reported killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khomenaie. “You speak about big international issues and relations with America. But when people in Kashmir came out to mourn Ayatollah Syed Ali Khomenaie, you used lathies, tear gas and put people in jails. Please show a big heart and release those detained,” he said. His remarks triggered reactions in the House as he concluded his intervention by urging the government to reconsider its approach towards Kashmir and address the grievances of the people.
Accused taken into custody: CM’s adviser says he attempted to kill Farooq Abdullah; Dy CM calls it “major” security lapse Jammu, Mar 11: Panic broke out during a wedding function near Royal Park in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu on Wednesday after a man opened fire, officials said. The function was attended by National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and several political leaders. An official said that the man, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, was intoxicated when he opened the fire. He was soon overpowered by people present at the scene and handed over to the police. He said that no one has suffered injuries in the incident, while the man has been taken into custody with further probe into the incident underway. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani told reporters that the man attempted to kill Farooq Abdullah by opening fire from his revolver. "Almighty saved Farooq Sahab and no one was injured in the incident. The man has been taken into custody and it is too early to comment as to why he attempted to kill Farooq Sahab,” he said. He added that the police are investigating the matter, while Farooq Abdullah is unhurt and is in “good spirits”. Meanwhile, talking to reporters outside the wedding venue, the Deputy Chief Minister termed it as a major security lapse, saying that no police personnel or security official was present there at the time of the incident. (KNO)
Jammu, Mar 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress protested against the LPG price hike here on Sunday, saying this "anti-poor" decision by the government will add to the financial burden on the common man. Led by PCC president Tariq Hamid Karra and working president Raman Bhalla, the protesters also criticised the Indo-US trade deal, alleging that it will adversely impact the country's economy, according to a party spokesperson. The protesters gathered in Model Town, Digiana, near here, raised slogans against the ruling BJP and criticised what they described as the government's "surrender" in the Indo-US trade negotiations. The price of domestic cooking gas LPG was hiked on Saturday by a steep Rs 60 per cylinder, the second increase in less than a year, as the spike in global energy rates following the West Asia crisis weighed on the world's third largest energy consumer. Non-subsidised LPG -- the one that common households use in kitchens -- will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. The protesters said the continued rise in the prices of essential commodities, particularly cooking gas, has added to the financial burden on ordinary households. Addressing the protesters, Karra termed the LPG price hike "cruel". Many rural households still do not have access to piped gas supply and rely entirely on LPG cylinders. This will force them to plan their monthly budgets more carefully, he said. He demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike. The Congress leader described the Indo-US trade deal as a "major blow" to the country's economic interests. Instead of safeguarding the nation's economic and strategic priorities, the Centre "bowed to pressure" from the United States, he charged. He also expressed concern over the possible implications of the trade deal on India's agriculture and dairy sectors, and claimed that orchardists and dairy farmers in Jammu and Kashmir will be severely affected if safeguards are not put in place. "Our apple growers, walnut producers and small dairy farmers could face serious challenges if cheap imports enter the market without minimum support guarantees," Karra said. He demanded that the government present a white paper on the trade deal in Parliament. PCC working president Bhalla also strongly condemned the "unprecedented" hike in LPG prices and said poor and middle-class families will be badly affected by this decision of the Union government. He called for an LPG relief package for families belonging to the BPL (below poverty line) category, along with a special subsidy buffer for Jammu and Kashmir, citing the higher transportation and logistics costs in hilly regions. (PTI)
