Sopore Student Protest: 8 Arrested, 25 Identified in Vandalism Case

Sopore, Apr 14: Police have arrested eight persons for their alleged involvement in vandalism during a student protest in Sopore, while 25 others have been identified in connection with the incident, officials said on Tuesday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the arrests were made following incidents of damage to public and private property during protests that erupted after allegations surfaced against a lecturer in the town.

He said those arrested were involved in ransacking property and damaging vehicles during the protest.

“Eight miscreants have been arrested so far, while 25 others have been identified. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in disturbing public order,” the official said.

He added that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. Police have also urged people to maintain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands—(KNO)

Tulip Garden in Srinagar to be shut for public on April 16

Srinagar: The Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Kashmir Monday announced that the Tulip Garden in Srinagar will be closed for the general public from April 16.

According to a notice, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the decision has been taken on the recommendation of the Tulip Committee.

It was opened for the public on March 16 this year with lakhs visiting the garden over the past one month—(KNO)

Unemployment, academic pressure, financial instability driving stress surge in Kashmir: Experts

‘Seeking help not sign of weakness but step toward recovery

Srinagar: Stress, once considered a temporary emotional response, is increasingly emerging as a silent public health concern in Kashmir, with doctors warning that a growing number of people, especially youth, are grappling with its long-term consequences.

Medical experts say that stress, triggered by social, economic, and psychological pressures, is no longer limited to specific groups but is affecting people across all age brackets.

“Stress is essentially the body’s natural response to pressure or perceived threats, but when it becomes chronic, it can severely impact both mental and physical health,” Dr Murtaza Khan, a physician, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He explained that while short-term stress can sometimes enhance performance, prolonged exposure leads to serious complications. “We are witnessing a surge in patients complaining of headaches, hypertension, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, all of which are directly or indirectly linked to unmanaged stress,” he added.

Doctors attribute the rise in stress levels to a combination of factors, including unemployment, academic pressure, financial instability, and social challenges.

Dr Javid Ahmad Reshie, speaking to KNO, said that modern lifestyle patterns and excessive screen time are also contributing significantly.

“People today are constantly exposed to information overload, social comparison, and uncertainty about the future. These factors collectively create a state of persistent anxiety,” he said. “In Kashmir, additional socio-political stressors further aggravate the situation.”

Health experts warn that if left unaddressed, stress can evolve into severe health conditions.

“Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression,” Dr Reshie said. “We are also seeing behavioural changes like irritability, social withdrawal, and substance misuse.”

Doctors said that stress not only affects individuals but also disrupts family life, work productivity, and overall societal well-being.

Experts said that while stress cannot be completely eliminated, it can be effectively managed through simple lifestyle changes.

“Regular physical activity, balanced diet, and adequate sleep are the first steps toward stress management,” Dr Khan said. “Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can significantly reduce stress levels.”

Dr Reshie stressed the importance of social support and open communication. “People should not hesitate to talk about their problems. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward recovery,” he said.

Doctors have called for greater awareness around mental health, urging institutions and communities to promote stress management programs.

“There is still stigma associated with mental health issues. Early intervention and counselling can prevent stress from turning into serious disorders,” Dr Reshie added—(KNO)

Weather to remain dry till April 15: MeT

Srinagar: Weather across Jammu and Kashmir will remain generally dry from April 13 to 15, with no significant activity expected across most places, Metrological Department said on Monday.

A MeT official while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “On April 16, the weather will remain generally dry, with a brief spell of light rain or thundershowers likely at a few places towards evening or night. From April 17 to 18, generally cloudy conditions will prevail, with light rain or thundershowers expected at many places. Gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph and hailstorm activity are also likely at a few locations during this period.”

He said, “From April 19 to 23, the weather will turn generally dry again across the Union Territory.”

Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to rise by 2–4 degrees Celsius at many places till April 16. Farmers are advised to continue all agricultural operations till April 16 in view of the dry conditions—(KNO)

Classwork suspended in 3 Sopore institutions till April 18

Sopore: Authorities on Monday ordered suspension of classwork in the educational institutions in Sopore following protests over allegations of harrasment of a girl student by a senior lecturer.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S A Raina, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that academic activities at Government Higher Secondary School, Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Degree College Sopore will remain suspended from April 15 to April 18.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the area following protests over harrasment allegations—(KNO)

1,222 out of 2,262 posts lying vacant at SKIMS Soura

393 posts unfilled at SKIMS Bemina

Srinagar, Apr 11: Jammu and Kashmir’s premier tertiary care hospital, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, is grappling with an acute manpower crisis, with more than half of its sanctioned posts lying vacant, raising serious concerns over patient care and healthcare delivery in the Valley.

According to details accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), out of a total sanctioned strength of 2,262 posts at SKIMS Soura, only 1,040 employees are currently in position, while a staggering 1,222 posts remain vacant, reflecting a shortage exceeding 50 per cent.

A further breakdown of the figures reveals that out of 250 sanctioned faculty positions, only 152 are filled, leaving 98 posts vacant. Similarly, in the paramedical category, only 518 staff members are in position against 1,303 sanctioned posts, with 785 vacancies reported.

The nursing segment is also severely affected, with just 370 staff in place out of 709 sanctioned posts, leaving 339 posts unfilled.

The alarming shortage has sparked concern among the general public, who view SKIMS Soura as the Valley’s most critical referral and tertiary care hospital.

“SKIMS is considered the last hope for patients after Allah. If such a vital institution is facing this level of staff shortage, one can only imagine the condition of hospitals in peripheral areas,” said several attendants and patients.

They added that despite the severe manpower deficit, doctors and paramedical staff continue to work tirelessly to provide treatment.

However, they noted that with such a high vacancy rate, the burden on existing staff is immense, especially as the hospital caters to thousands of patients daily. “There is tremendous pressure on the available workforce. While they are doing their best, the shortage inevitably affects efficiency and patient care. The government must take immediate steps to fill these vacancies,” they said.

Meanwhile, a similar situation persists at SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina, where a significant number of posts are also lying vacant.

Out of 1,167 sanctioned posts at SKIMS Bemina, only 774 are filled, while 393 posts remain vacant.

The vacant positions at SKIMS Bemina include 70 faculty posts, 12 registrars, 6 junior residents, 23 other gazetted posts, 76 paramedical posts, 67 additional paramedical staff positions, 53 nursing posts, and 86 Class-IV posts.

The persistent vacancies in both institutions have raised questions about healthcare management and staffing policies, with stakeholders urging authorities to address the issue on a priority basis to ensure better patient care across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

Gujjar & Bakkarwal Meet Held at Mahore; Army Reaffirms Support

Mahore, Reasi: A Gujjar and Bakkarwal community meet was organized by 58 Rashtriya Rifles at Sarh in Mahore area of Reasi aimed at recognizing the vital role of these communities and addressing the challenges they continue to face.

The event witnessed the presence of senior Army officials along with several prominent dignitaries including former Revenue Minister Ch. Aijaz Ahmad Khan, Haji Mohammad Yousuf Majnu (President, Gujjar Bakkarwal Community J&K), Mohammad Yaseen Poswal (General Secretary, J&K), Akhlaq Choudhary (Administrator-cum-Executive Officer, J&K Waqf Board, District Reasi & BJP ST Morcha Prabhari), SDM Mahore Shafqat Majeed Bhat, SDPO Mahore Parul Bhardwaj, and other respected members of the region.

During the meet, speakers highlighted the importance of the traditional migratory pastoral lifestyle of the Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities, noting that it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, they also raised concerns about ongoing issues such as limited access to education and healthcare, livelihood challenges, seasonal displacement, and difficulties related to grazing land and mobility.

Addressing these concerns, the Indian Army outlined several initiatives already in progress, including healthcare outreach programs, livelihood support, and improved communication arrangements along remote migratory routes.

The community members appreciated the Army’s efforts and described the initiative as a positive step toward their welfare. They also pledged their continued support and cooperation with the Indian Army.

The event concluded on a note of mutual understanding and commitment towards strengthening community welfare and development in the region.