The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday called upon Kashmiri Pandits to return to Kashmir, saying that their motherland is awaiting them.

During his sermon from the pulpit of the historic Jamia Masjid during Friday prayers, Mirwaiz extended greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.

"I would also once again ask them to return to their motherland which awaits them, and live here as they did in the past, in our common and shared heritage. It’s time to reconcile and rebuild the broken bonds. We owe it to our next generation," he added.

Mirwaiz also addressed a recent incident in Dal Lake where a group of people were found drinking publicly in a Shikara. He expressed relief that authorities had taken action but stressed that the responsibility of preventing such incidents lies with the community.

"Being a tourist place, all kinds of visitors will come here. It is for us to ensure that the ethos of Kashmir, based on the values and principles of Islam, stays intact. We have to be aware of it all the time and consciously work towards preserving it, especially those people who are directly or indirectly associated with tourism," he said.

Mirwaiz expressed hope that the community would continue to play an active role in preserving its moral and religious character.

"Our prosperity in the real sense—which will stand us in good stead in this life and in the hereafter—lies only in following the righteous path shown by Islam in all affairs of life and dealings with others, and not in immoral acts, corrupt practices, and cheating as a shortcut to flourish," he said.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz announced that if authorities permit, Eid-ul-Adha prayers will be offered collectively at the historic Eidgah Srinagar at 9 am. Otherwise, Eid prayers will be offered at the same time in Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

DODA — Fear has gripped Jammu's Doda district after two back-to-back gunfights within a span of just 24 hours in Bhaderwah and Gandoh areas were reported, which left seven people including five soldiers and two policemen injured.

The back-to-back incidents have forced the School Education Department to verbally communicate to the heads of educational institutions not to conduct any outings or allow students to leave the schools during working hours.

Even some tourists are leaving Bhaderwah, the emerging tourist destination where thousands of tourists have visited in the past few months.

Sources told the news agency KNO that following last night's firefight in Chattergala, the Chief Education Officer Doda on Wednesday morning issued verbal orders to Principals and Heads of Educational Institutions to follow the orders in letter and spirit.

“Some exposure visits which were planned for the next few days had to be cancelled by the department and schools have been told not to conduct any kind of picnic till further orders,” the source said.

On Tuesday night, some militants opened fire on security forces in Chattergala on Bhaderwah-Bani road in which five soldiers and a Special Police Officer (SPO) were injured.

All the traffic movement along the route was suspended and people were advised not to carry out any kind of visit to the upper reaches of Bhaderwah due to security reasons.

“I received a call from my family in the morning from Aligarh when they heard about the firefight in Bhaderwah area. They were quite frightened and advised not to venture out. It is for the first time since they heard about any kind of encounter in Doda district since I have been posted here,” a teacher of Kendriya Vidyalaya school said.

SRINAGAR — Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU), which includes all the heads of religious sects and educational institutions of Jammu and Kashmir and led by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, on Saturday expressed serious concern over a viral video on social media in which a group of outsiders are openly drinking alcohol on a Shikara in Dal Lake.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, MMU strongly condemned this act and the fact that it has been allowed to take place in Kashmir.

While public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited under the law, why and how it has been allowed is a matter of worry, the MMU said.

The Majlis-e-Ulama said, "The people of Kashmir are hospitable and respect tourists visiting the Valley as guests. However, such un-Islamic and unethical practices will not be tolerated in the Muslim-majority valley which is the land of saints and Sufis. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Islam for its disastrous ill effects and deprivation of society cannot be allowed to go unchecked.”

MMU appealed to hotel owners, houseboat owners and Shikara operators to keep an eye on such wrongdoings and totally stay away from indulging in this un-Islamic and immoral practice for profit. It also appealed to the tourists to respect the moral and religious ethos of Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Council reiterated its demand for the immediate arrest and appropriate punishment of the student involved in the blasphemy against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at GMC Srinagar, despite the police having registered an FIR.

It is noteworthy that the United Council of Scholars of Jammu and Kashmir includes the following organizations: Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Darul Uloom Raheemiya Bandipora, Mufti Azam's Muslim Personal Law Board, Anjuman Shari Shian, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, Karwan-e-Islami, Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam and Jamiat Hamdania.

Anjuman Ulema-e-Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat-ul-Aimma wal Ulema, Anjuman Aimma wa Mashaikh Kashmir, Darul Uloom Naqshbandiya, Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Ahl-e-Bait Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom, Pirwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khiram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tauheed Ahl-e-Hadith Trust and Anjuman Tanzeem-ul-Makatib are also part of the council.

Besides, Muhammadi Yateem Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karwan Khatm-e-Nabuwat, Darul Uloom Syed-ul-Mursaleen, Anjuman Ulema wa Aimma Masajid, Falah Darain Trust Welfare Society Islamabad, Ashraf-ul-Uloom Hyderpora, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Batamaloo, Darul Uloom Farqaniya Nowshera, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Khanyar, Jamiat-ul-Ulama Kashmir, Siraj-ul-Uloom are also part of the religious organisation.

The scholar council also includes Idara Wahdat-ul-Makatib Jammu and Kashmir, Darul Uloom Imdadiya Natipora, Darul Uloom Jamia-tur-Rashad Awantipora, Khanqah Muradiya Jamia Masjid Kreeri, Darul Uloom Saut-ul-Quran Gulshan Abad Srinagar and other contemporary religious, national, social, and educational organisations.

SRINAGAR — A sledge operator went missing while two tourists were rescued after they fell into Thajwas glacier in Sonamarg area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

An official quoted by the news agency Kashmir Scroll said that two tourists, who were on a Sonamarg trip, along with a sledge operator while reaching Thajwas glacier fell into it.

He said that soon after the incident, their colleagues and people present there rescued tourists identified as Sakishi Agarwal and her husband Aasaqat from Uttar Pradesh.

He said that the sledge operator is still missing and the rescue operation of the police, army, SDRF along with locals is going on.

SRINAGAR — A tourist from Madhya Pradesh died after he fell unconscious in Srinagar district on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

An official quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll said that a tourist namely Morasing Parmar (42), a resident of Madhya Pradesh who was staying at houseboat Shah Jahan Srinagar, fell unconscious and was subsequently shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for treatment.

After being shifted to the hospital, the doctors there declared him dead, as per the official.

He further said that after completion of medico-legal formalities, the body was dispatched to his native address.

GANDERBAL — A search operation to trace the two missing lady tourists started on Monday for the second day in Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district. Among the two missing tourists, one of the dead bodies was recovered by the rescuers – taking the toll to five. The toll is likely to go up as another tourist is still untraceable and is presumed dead.

As reported earlier, four persons died after a cab (JK13B-8950) carrying nine persons including the driver rolled into the Sonamarg stream near the Gagangeer area yesterday.

Local sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that amid inclement weather, a search operation is underway to locate the missing tourist. The dead body of a missing tourist was retrieved from the Nallah Sindh on Monday morning.

A police official said that five persons died in the incident, two sustained injuries, one is still missing and one was rescued safely. Among the five dead, only one has been identified as a Nepalese labourer Nema Pasang Sherpa, presently residing in Leh, Ladakh.

Police in this regard have already registered an FIR vide number 14/2024 under sections 279 and 337 IPC at Police Station Gund.

SRINAGAR — A tourist from Andra Pradesh died at the famous tourist Hotel Basera Chandpora Harwan area of central Kashmir's Srinagar district on Saturday late at night.

Reports reaching here said that a tourist namely Gidijala Bhaskar (47) from Andra Pradesh fell unconscious at Hotel Basera Harwan on Saturday night.

He was shifted to SKIMS Soura, where doctors declared him brought dead. Meanwhile, further proceedings in this regard have been initiated.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has taken a significant step to enhance the safety measures for tourists by making the use of 'life-saving jackets' mandatory for Shikara boats operating in Dal and Nigeen lakes, as well as other water bodies in the region.

According to an official order issued today, the government emphasized the importance of ensuring the well-being of tourists during Shikara rides, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions.

In compliance with the J&K Tourism Policy guidelines, every Shikara boat registered under the J&K Tourist Trade Act, 1978, must be equipped with a minimum of three recommended quality and specification life-saving jackets at all times. Failure to comply with this requirement, as per the order, will result in the cancellation of registration under the aforementioned Act.

This proactive measure aims to mitigate potential risks and prevent untoward incidents, providing a safer environment for tourists exploring the serene waters of Jammu and Kashmir.

By implementing this regulation, the government aims to bolster the overall safety standards and maintain the region's reputation as a preferred tourist destination.

SRINAGAR — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a tourism boom as in just the first two months of the year 2023, 4.70 lakh tourists have visited the UT as the administration expects another record number of tourist arrivals in the ensuing year.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating Asia's largest Tulip garden, situated in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar, the LG said that tourism is picking up and tourists are visiting in large numbers.

“In just January and February months, 4.70 lakh tourists visited J&K and the figure excludes Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims,” the LG said as per the news agency KNO, adding that the figure is the highest ever so far compared to the past.

He said that in 2022, 1 crore and 28 lakh tourists visited J&K and the figure is the highest in the past many decades.

He said that this year, 16 tulips are in full bloom in the garden with 68 varieties. The garden is spread over 30 hectares of land. “I am glad to announce that we have a second Tulip garden at Patnitop where 2.5 lakh tulips are in full bloom. Efforts are on to keep both the gardens open throughout the year,” the LG said. He thanked the gardeners for their hard work and for keeping the garden ready in record time.

He said that EMARR group’s Rs 500 crores investment in J&K will give confidence to other foreign players to invest in J&K. “I am sure, we will see a huge investment in the healthcare and hospitality sector, tourism, and other sectors,” the LG said.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the “Taqdeer and Tasveer” of J&K in the past three years.

SRINAGAR — A lady tourist from Delhi died at a hotel in the summer capital Srinagar on Friday, reports said.

Reports from the news agency KDC said that a lady tourist identified as Veena Ahuja (62), a resident of Delhi, fell unconscious at hotel '4 Points' in Sonwar area here.

The tourist was immediately shifted to Khyber Hospital Khyam for treatment, where doctors declared her dead.

A police officer confirmed the incident to KDC and said that cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation into the matter is on.

Since time immemorial, Jammu and Kashmir has been a much sought-after tourist destination. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the sun-drenched plains of Jammu in the south, this region has something to offer to everyone.

Given the fact that gambling activities are not permitted in J&K, there are lots of activities to pass the time and places to visit. The gambling laws are governed by Public Gambling Act 1977 which prohibits all forms of gambling, including casino games. Anyone caught gambling at a casino will be punished according to the law.

Online casinos are not explicitly banned by the gambling laws of Kashmir. However, it is important to find a trusted and secure online casino site if you wish to play casino games in the region. You can learn about gambling deposits in rupees for quick deposit and withdrawal. Many new offshore casinos accept payment in rupees for easy gaming.

Outside casino activities, there’s still much fun to explore from biking to mountain trips, lakes and stunning views. Here are some of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. You're in for an amazing experience!

Top hotels to visit in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a destination for luxury hotels and relaxation places. Below are a few of them in no particular order.

Four Points by Sheraton (Srinagar)

Nestled in the heart of the city, this hotel is the perfect base to explore all that Srinagar has to offer. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the staff is warm and helpful. There's also a lovely garden on the premises where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Regenta Central Point (Srinagar)

With a convenient location near Dal Lake, this hotel is ideal for those who want to experience all that Srinagar has to offer. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff is friendly and efficient.

The Lalit Grand Palace (Srinagar)

This is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region and is perfect for those who want to experience true Kashmiri hospitality. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the staff is attentive and helpful.

Lemon Tree Hotel (Katra)

Located in the holy town of Katra, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the Vaishno Devi Temple. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff is friendly and efficient.

Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (Gulmarg)

This is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Set amidst beautiful gardens, the resort offers a variety of treatments and therapies.

Top places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir

A trip to Jammu and Kashmir without visiting any of the iconic temples, lakes and natural stunning landscapes in the region seems an incomplete trip. Here are the top destinations to check out.

Houseboats in Srinagar

A stay on one of these traditional houseboats is a must-do while in Srinagar. They are anchored in the tranquil waters of the Dal Lake and offer stunning views of the mountains and valley. The houseboats are well-equipped with all the modern amenities, and the staff is attentive and helpful.

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

It is one of the most popular tourist interests in the state, and for good reason – the scenery is simply breathtaking. There are also a number of lovely hotels situated on its banks, including the newly refurbished Lalit Grand Palace Hotel.

A ride on a traditional Shikara boat is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Dal Lake. The boatmen are skilled in navigating the narrow channels and will give you a fascinating commentary on the sights and sounds of the Lake.

Grand Mumtaz Resorts (Gulmarg)

Located in the picturesque town of Gulmarg, this resort is the perfect base to explore the valley. The rooms are luxurious and well-appointed, and the staff is warm and helpful.

Gulmarg Gondola

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most popular attractions in the region. It takes you on a breathtaking ride from Gulmarg to Khillanmarg, offering stunning views of the valley.

Alpather Lake

Located at an altitude of 3,700 m, this is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is a popular spot for picnics and trekking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Nubra Valley

This is a must-visit for all nature lovers. Located in the north of Ladakh, the valley is home to stunning landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife.

Pangong Tso Lake

A visit to Leh would not be complete without a drive to this beautiful lake. Located at an altitude of 4,267 m, it is the highest lake in the world. The drive to the lake is an adventure in itself, and the views from the lakeshore are simply breathtaking.

Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and times of the great Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It houses a collection of artefacts, paintings, and sculptures that provide a fascinating glimpse into his life.

Amar Mahal Palace

This museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century palace and is dedicated to the history and culture of Jammu and Kashmir. The collections on display include a wide range of artefacts, paintings, and textiles.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

This palace is a must-visit for all history buffs. Located in the old city of Jammu, it was once the seat of the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir. The palace complex houses a number of museums, which are worth exploring.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Located at an altitude of 5,200 m, this is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi and is a must-visit for all devotees.

Kapal Mochan

Located in the beautiful town of Dharamsala, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The place is known for its scenic beauty and offers a number of adventure activities.

Shankaracharya Temple

Located on a hilltop in the city of Srinagar, the views from the temple are simply stunning, and it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also a number of other temples and shrines worth visiting in Srinagar, such as the Hazratbal Mosque and the Jamia Masjid.

If you're looking for some adventure, then head to Gulmarg – it's one of the most popular ski resorts in India and offers some incredible views of the Himalayas. There are also plenty of other activities on offer, such as hiking, horse riding and golf.

Finally, no trip to Jammu and Kashmir would be complete without a visit to the famed Pahalgam valley. This beautiful valley is home to a number of glaciers, rivers and lakes, and is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers alike. There are also a number of quaint villages located in the valley, which are well worth exploring.

SRINAGAR — Union Minister for Tourism, G K Reddy on Monday said that 1.05 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir in the first six months of the year 2022.

Replying to a query by Mala Roy in Lok Sabha, the Union Minister, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, said that the tourism sector in J&K is one of the core sectors of the economy.

“As a result of the initiatives taken by the J&K Government in private as well as Government sectors, there has been a significant hike in the tourist footfall despite of the Covid challenges,” he said.

In the year 2020, he said, the tourist footfall was 41267, which has increased to 1.05 crores during the first six months (January-June) of the calendar year 2022.

He said that J&K has seen tourist flow in all the seasons during the period and that too high-end tourists, who have a good experience of quality services.

He added that this high influx of tourists has, directly and indirectly, benefited the local populace including the people living in far-flung areas of the UT.