Fresh WD affects J&K, Kashmir parts receive rains

Kupwara higher reaches, Razdan Top experience light snowfall

Srinagar, Mar 21 (KNO): The shiver has once again gripped Kashmir after the fresh Western Disturbance (WD) affected Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday while the weatherman here has predicted more rains and snow in the next 24 hours.

Several areas of Kashmir including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir has received light rainfall today, bringing down the temperature in the valley. However, some of the areas including Kupwara higher reaches, Machil, Sadhna Top, Razdan Top and Zojilla received light snowfall today.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad stated that the weather is expected to remain wet tomorrow and would record a significant improvement from Saturday.

There is a possibility of light to moderate rains, snow at many places with thunder, lightning and gusty winds over plans of Kashmir and Jammu division tomorrow, he said.

He further added that the weather would remain generally dry on March 23 while on March 24, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with light rain and snow at isolated places.

While the weather is expected to remain dry during March 25 and 26, the MeT Director said on March 27 to March 29, the weather would remain generally cloudy with possibility of light rain and snow at few places—(KNO)

NC will announce Lok Sabha candidates after Eid: Omar

Refuses to comment on Lal Singh’s Congress entry, terms it party’s internal matter

Ali Asad

Srinagar, Mar 21 (KNO): National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah clearing air over announcement of candidates for the coming LS polls said on Thursday that the party will make the announcement only after Eid-ul-Fitr.

Omar’s remarks came in response to a question regarding the selection of National Conference candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir. He stated that the party would reveal the names of its candidates at an appropriate time. “We will announce our candidates at the right time. Voting is to be held in the third, fourth and fifth phases in our constituencies. There is still plenty of time. Let us celebrate Eid first.”

Talking to reporters, as peer news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Omar accused the BJP of hypocrisy, pointing to its alliances with dynastic political families such as Chirag Paswan in Bihar and recent meetings between senior BJP leaders and Raj Thackeray in Maharashtra. He questioned whether these actions did not amount to nepotism or family politics. “BJP has no problem with dynastic families. They have a problem with families who oppose them. And I am proud to say that I oppose the BJP,” Omar said.

He further cited examples such as the BJP’s alliance with Chirag Paswan in Bihar and meetings between Amit Shah and Raj Thackeray, questioning the BJP’s selective stance on dynasty politics.

Responding to inquiries about former BJP leader Chaudhary Lal Singh’s return to the Congress, Abdullah refrained from commenting, stating that it was an internal matter of the Congress party. Lal Singh, who defected to the BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, is speculated to be a contender for the Congress ticket in Udhampur—(KNO)

TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS, J&K, JAMMU/SRINAGAR

1. From 20-03-2024, 1700 hrs. to 21-03-2024, 1700 hrs., Jammu-Srinagar NHW remained blocked for 54 minutes due to repair work at Mehad. Slow movement was

observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 02 HMVs and single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, Panthyal, Nachlana, Shalgarhi etc. and poor surface condition of road at many places between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel. 2. Passengers/LMVs operators are advised to prefer journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW during day time. Please avoid journey during night hours as apprehension of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.

3. Load carrier (HMV/LMV) Operators carrying fresh perishable/live stock are advised to load their vehicle as per advisory issued by Traffic Police Headquarters time to time as there is single lane traffic and poor condition of road at Dalwas, Panthyal, Nachlana, Shalgarhi etc. on Jammu Srinagar NHW.

4. HMVs Operators/Owners are requested to desist from overloading and carry sufficient fuel during journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. It is further requested that vehicle owners must double check the fitness of their vehicles and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW.

5. HMVs with only 06 and 10 tyres shall be allowed to ply through Dhar road.

TRAFFIC PLAN & ADVISORY FOR 22-03-2024:-

Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44)

Subject to fair weather and good road condition, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice- versa. However, HMVs shall be allowed from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar after assessing the road condition.

Cut off timing for LMVs in view of single road at Dalwas:- (subject to change depending on road condition)

from Nagrota (Jammu) 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs from Jakheni (Udhampur) 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs & from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs No Vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.

SFs Convoy Movement:-

Security Forces are advised/requested not to ply against advisory/traffic plan in view of possible traffic congestion because of narrow carriage way between Nashree and Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. Tomorrow they may ply from Jammu towards Srinagar after confirming the status of NHW from TCU Ramban.

SSG ROAD

Subject to fair weather and good road condition (after getting green signal from Road

maintenance agencies), only one way traffic for LMVs (Load carrier) from Kargil

towards Srinagar shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road. These

vehicles shall be allowed from Minamarg at 1000 hrs upto 1300 hrs. Motorists are

advised to carry anti-skid chain to gain more grip on the slippery road. No vehicle shall

be allowed without anti skid chain/after cut off timing. No movement of passenger vehicle

shall be allowed on SSG Road till the road is fully operational.

Mughal Road:-

Mughal road is still blocked due to snow accumulation.

Bhaderwah-Chamba road:-

Bhaderwah-Chamba road is still blocked due to snow accumulation.

Kishtwar- Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244:-

Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road is blocked due to fresh snowfall.

ADVISORY:-

People are advised to undertake journey on NH-44 only after confirming status of the road from Traffic control units as under:-

Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103)

Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103) Ramban (9419993745, 1800-180-7043)

Udhampur (8491928625) PCR Kishtwar (9906154100) for status of Sinthan Road.