First Batch of 9 Kashmiri Students Return from Iran

Srinagar, June 19 (JKNS): The first batch of nine Kashmiri students, who were stranded in Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict, returned home on Thursday, marking the beginning of the much-awaited evacuation effort.

Among the returnees is a student named Saba, a resident of Safa Kadal in Downtown Srinagar, who was received by her relieved family members. Speaking to JKNS, she said, “I’m feeling happy that I’ve finally reached home. I came along with eight other students from Iran.”

However, she also voiced her disappointment over the lack of air travel arrangements from Delhi to Srinagar. “After a long and exhausting journey, we expected better support from the government, but we were asked to travel in SRTC buses,” she said, criticising the Omar Abdullah-led government for not providing direct flights for the returning students.

Earlier, the Office of the J&K Chief Minister had stated in a post that CM Omar Abdullah had taken note of the transportation issues and directed the Resident Commissioner to coordinate with JKRTC for arranging deluxe sleeper buses for the evacuated students. “The government is making arrangements for their smooth journey home,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also acknowledged the intervention, stating, “While our primary demand remains connecting flights, we appreciate the prompt response and intervention by the CM’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani Sahab, who ensured that sleeper buses were arranged.”

Families of other stranded students in Iran continue to wait for further updates, urging the administration to expedite the evacuation process. (JKNS)

Srinagar,: Cabinet Minister Javed Dar on Wednesday said the current administration has been in place for six months, and is committed to implementing decisions promptly and effectively.

“Whatever happened earlier is not our responsibility. Now that we are in charge, our focus is on execution,” the minister, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a review meeting for Muharram arrangements in Pattan.

Responding to a query on the status of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Dar said funds have been made available, with only 20 per cent pending. “This is being actively taken up with the Government of India, and the matter will be resolved in the coming days,” he added.

Addressing concerns over the recent hailstorm that caused damage to crops, the agriculture minister said those affected are being compensated under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

He announced that the departments of horticulture and agriculture are now planning to roll out a weather-based crop insurance scheme.

“Unfortunately, there were fewer bidders when this scheme was conceptualised 2–3 years ago. But now we are actively working on it, and by September or October, it will be implemented on the ground,” Dar said.

Regarding the water crisis in several drought-hit areas, the minister said the government is taking a two-fold approach. “Where there’s no source, we are planning community borewells, and where a water source exists, it will be efficiently tapped,” he said.

Minister Dar called for the modernisation of ageing pump stations, some of which are over 20–25 years old and operating below efficiency. “We are preparing new Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to address this issue and mitigate the water scarcity crisis,” he assured—(KNO)

Kashmir braces for heatwave again as temperature surges

J&K sees 26% deficit rainfall this month, MeT issues advisory, predicts heavy rainfall, flash floods at few places

Srinagar, Jun 18 (KNO): The scorching heat has once again hit Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the valley, where the mercury continued to rise for the second straight day on Wednesday.

According to details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), J&K witnessed 26 per cent deficit rainfall during the ongoing month till Wednesday as against the normal precipitation of 39.7 mm, the region has recorded a rainfall of just 29.5 mm in the last 18 days.

The large deficit of rainfall has been recorded in Samba at 72 per cent and in Kathua at 62 per cent during the period. The majority of the stations across the region, including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Reasi, Shopian and Udhampur have recorded deficit rainfall.

According to the data prepared by the local Meteorological (MeT) department, Rajouri was the only station where large excess rainfall was recorded during the period.

Five stations, including Anantnag, Doda, Jammu, Kupwara and Ramban, have recorded normal precipitation this month so far.

Meanwhile, an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng said there is a possibility of an intense heatwave for the next three days. “The temperature in Srinagar may go up above 35 degrees Celsius,” he said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday recorded a maximum temperature of 32.5 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4 degrees Celsius while Pahalgam recorded 27.0 degrees Celsius. In Kokernag, the mercury settled at 30.8 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara and Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded 30.5 degrees Celsius and 22.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Jammu city, however, continued to record below normal temperatures, with the winter capital of the region recording a maximum temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius.

Banihal recorded 29.4 degrees Celsius, Batote 27.8 degrees Celsius, Katra 35.2 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 30.8 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the weatherman here has predicted generally dry weather with the possibility of a brief spell of rain and thundershower with gusty winds at isolated places till June 20.

Between June 21 & 22, Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that generally cloudy weather with intermittent spells of rain and thundershower is expected at many places.

He added that on June 23 & 24, the weather conditions are expected to remain dry with the possibility of a brief spell of light rain and thundershower at isolated places while from June 25 to June 27, generally cloudy weather is expected with possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershower at many places.

Moreover, the MeT has issued an advisory, advising the farmers to continue farm operations till June 20th.

According to the advisory, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rain with intense showers at a few places, mainly in Jammu division on June 21 & 22. “Flash floods are expected at a few places with landslides, mudslides & shooting stones,” it added—(KNO)