News for 'Valley'

Tremors felt in J-K as 5.3-magnitude quake hits Pakistan

Tremors felt in J-K as 5.3-magnitude quake hits Pakistan

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The epicentre was located 60 kilometres northwest of Rawalpindi, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC).

SC rejects PIL for security of tourists post Pahalgam attack

SC rejects PIL for security of tourists post Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking safety measures for tourists in remote hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing the petitioner for seeking publicity without a genuine public cause. The PIL was filed in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The court stated that the petitioner had a history of filing similar PILs primarily for publicity.

Sehwag, Gambhir, Raina Hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Sehwag, Gambhir, Raina Hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Indian cricketers - both past and present - have voiced strong support for the armed forces following a daring cross-border strike

Special NIA court formed to try cases related to Manipur violence

Special NIA court formed to try cases related to Manipur violence

Rediff.com23 May 2025

A sessions court in Manipur's Churachandpur has been designated as a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court for the trial of cases related to ethnic violence being investigated by the NIA.

14 Times Bollywood Discovered Nature

14 Times Bollywood Discovered Nature

Rediff.com28 May 2025

When not facing the arc lights or gracing the red carpet, stars love to catch their breath far away from the maddening crowds in the lap of nature.

Manipur BJP MLA claims 44 legislators ready to form govt

Manipur BJP MLA claims 44 legislators ready to form govt

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Manipur has been under President's Rule since February after BJP leader N Biren Singh resigned as the chief minister, amid criticisms about his government's handling of the ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos, which broke out in May 2023.

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to live in overcrowded camps, struggling to rebuild their lives and facing an uncertain future. Despite the sacking of the Chief Minister and the imposition of President's rule, peace remains a distant hope. While hill-based Kukis demand a separate administration, Meiteis seek implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and deportation of those they consider illegal immigrants. The IDPs, grappling with severe psychological distress, feel forgotten by the government and are forced to depend on the mercy of others for basic needs.

'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' no longer a slogan but reality: J-K LG

'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' no longer a slogan but reality: J-K LG

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Sinha said the inauguration of the Kashmir rail service has connected the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country and will pave the way for the economic prosperity of the region.

Over 1,000 arms given up in Manipur during surrender period

Over 1,000 arms given up in Manipur during surrender period

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

More than 1,000 arms, including handguns, machine guns, grenades, mortars, and INSAS and AK-56 rifles, were surrendered by people in Manipur during a two-week amnesty period for voluntarily giving up looted and illegally held weapons. The surrender of arms comes as Manipur grapples with ethnic violence that has left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

5 Key Lessons From Microsoft Layoffs

5 Key Lessons From Microsoft Layoffs

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Professionals will be required to either learn new tech skills that focus on AI, cloud computing, or risk becoming obsolete, says Arun Prakash M.

Manipur BJP leader's house torched for supporting Waqf Act

Manipur BJP leader's house torched for supporting Waqf Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The house of the BJP Minority Morcha's Manipur president, Asker Ali, was set on fire by a mob allegedly for supporting the Waqf Amendment Act. The incident happened at Lilong in Thoubal district on Sunday night. Ali had expressed his support for the Act on social media on Saturday. An irate mob gathered outside his residence around 9 pm, vandalised it and later set it on fire. Following the incident, Ali posted a video on social media, apologising for his earlier statement. He also expressed opposition to the Act.

10 Manipur militants killed in gunfight with Assam Rifles, 7 arrested

10 Manipur militants killed in gunfight with Assam Rifles, 7 arrested

Rediff.com15 May 2025

At least 10 militants were killed in a gunfight with an Assam Rifles unit in Manipur's Chandel district on Wednesday, officials said. The operation is still in progress, they said.

Shaurya Chakra awardee's mother not deported, family thanks GOI

Shaurya Chakra awardee's mother not deported, family thanks GOI

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Days after the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir authorities have deported 59 Pakistani nationals, including the mother of Shaurya Chakra awardee Constable Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh. The Pakistani nationals were living in the valley for decades and were transported to Punjab for repatriation. However, the mother of the deceased soldier was later allowed to stay back. The deportation comes after the Indian government announced a slew of measures against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the downgrading of diplomatic relations.

Shirui festival security beefed up as Kuki student leader threatens Meiteis

Shirui festival security beefed up as Kuki student leader threatens Meiteis

Rediff.com17 May 2025

It said all necessary security arrangements would be made to ensure the security of people attending the Shirui festival.

Army's booklet reveals what happened during Operation Sindoor

Army's booklet reveals what happened during Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Indian Army has released a booklet on Operation Sindoor, which was launched to avenge the April 22 ghastly Pahalgam attack in which Pakistan-backed terrorists brutally killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, and left many injured.

We saw a very different China during Indo-Pak conflict: Tharoor

We saw a very different China during Indo-Pak conflict: Tharoor

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

"China is an absolutely impossible factor to ignore in what has been our confrontation with Pakistan," Tharoor said.

Top Jaish commander among 2 terrorists killed in Kishtwar op

Top Jaish commander among 2 terrorists killed in Kishtwar op

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Two terrorists, including a top commander of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, were killed in an ongoing operation in a snow-bound area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. The operation began on Wednesday following a brief encounter and continues. A separate operation to track down three other terrorists has also been underway in Udhampur district since Wednesday.

It's Deja Vu for Kozhikode, Mangaluru plane crash survivors

It's Deja Vu for Kozhikode, Mangaluru plane crash survivors

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad has brought back all traumatic memories.

Manipur name row: Meitei group raises bus incident with Centre

Manipur name row: Meitei group raises bus incident with Centre

Rediff.com28 May 2025

A delegation of a Meitei civil society group from Manipur has conveyed its concerns to the Centre over an incident where the state's name written on a bus windshield was covered with white paper. The group, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), expressed its commitment to peace and its willingness to cooperate in efforts to restore normalcy. They also raised concerns over the growing threats posed by narco-terrorism, cross border illegal immigration, and widespread illegal opium cultivation in the state.

Mark of justice: Meet the soldiers behind Op Sindoor's powerful logo

Mark of justice: Meet the soldiers behind Op Sindoor's powerful logo

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The logo for India's Operation Sindoor, which has captured the imagination of millions, was designed by two Armymen. The operation, a decisive military action against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir, was launched in response to the Pahalgam massacre. The logo, featuring a bowl of vermilion, has become a powerful symbol of India's resolve against terrorism.

After Maoist zones, CRPF's specialised CoBRA unit to counter J-K terror

After Maoist zones, CRPF's specialised CoBRA unit to counter J-K terror

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has announced the formation of a special CoBRA battalion for counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision comes 17 years after the jungle warfare unit was established to combat Naxal insurgency. The new battalion, directed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will be deployed in forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Jammu region, where recent terrorist incidents have occurred. CoBRA units are known for their specialized jungle warfare and guerilla tactics training, and the new battalion will be equipped with modern weaponry, communication, and surveillance equipment.

Before Pahalgam massacre, intel warned of attack on tourists in Srinagar

Before Pahalgam massacre, intel warned of attack on tourists in Srinagar

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Days before the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, intelligence agencies had flagged the potential targeting of tourists especially those staying in hotels on the outskirts of Srinagar in the foothills of the Zabarwan range, officials in the know said Saturday.

Chhonzin Angmo Creates History On Everest

Chhonzin Angmo Creates History On Everest

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Chhonzin Angmo became the first visually-impaired woman from India to plant the Tricolour on Earth's highest mountain.

Four militants held in Manipur; arms, ammo seized in search op

Four militants held in Manipur; arms, ammo seized in search op

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Four militants belonging to different proscribed outfits in Imphal Valley were arrested in separate operations by police. Among those arrested were Thokchom Ongbi Anita Devi, a PLA member, Moirangtham Ricky Singh of UNLF-K, Laishram Bishorjit Meitei of PREPAK, and Yumnam Premjit Meitei associated with Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba).

They'll get it figured out one way or the other: Trump on India-Pak tensions

They'll get it figured out one way or the other: Trump on India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that there has always been tension between India and Pakistan and the two countries will figure it out between themselves. Trump was asked about tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, and if he would be talking to the leaders of the two nations. He said that he knows both leaders and that there is great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been.

Pahalgam attack: 'My father collapsed beside us'

Pahalgam attack: 'My father collapsed beside us'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Arathi Menon, a native of Kochi, recounts the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed her father, N Ramachandran, and 25 others. Menon, her father, and her six-year-old twin sons were walking through a fenced grassland in Baisaran when the attack happened. The family crawled under the fence to escape, but a man emerged from the woods and opened fire. Menon's father collapsed, and she fled with her sons into the forest. Despite the trauma, Menon found compassion from strangers who helped her, including her driver Musafir and another man, Sameer. Menon concealed the tragedy from her mother, pretending that Ramachandran was injured and receiving treatment. She only told her mother the truth after they landed in Kochi. The mortal remains of Ramachandran were brought to Kochi airport on Wednesday, and his final rites will be held at the Edappally public crematorium on Friday.

'Last chance': Manipur governor extends arms surrender deadline

'Last chance': Manipur governor extends arms surrender deadline

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until 4 PM on March 6 following requests from both hill and valley areas for additional time. The initial deadline for the voluntary surrender of arms ended on February 24. Bhalla has assured that no punitive action will be taken against those who surrender their weapons within this period, emphasising that "this is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth, and the security of our society."

FBI chief condemns Pahalgam attack, pledges full support to India

FBI chief condemns Pahalgam attack, pledges full support to India

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Kash Patel pledged full support to India, calling the act a reminder of the constant threats that the world faces from the evil of terrorism.

'AI Is Going To Make Exams Harder'

'AI Is Going To Make Exams Harder'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman says AI won't help you cheat; it'll expose the flaws in outdated exams. It's time to test real thinking, not memory.

Modi to open Kashmir rail link on Friday in first visit post Op Sindoor

Modi to open Kashmir rail link on Friday in first visit post Op Sindoor

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Modi will start his visit on June 6 by dedicating to public the Chenab rail bridge, which is a key part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL) that will provide direct train connectivity to the valley.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

SEE: Avalanche in J-K's Sonamarg causes panic

SEE: Avalanche in J-K's Sonamarg causes panic

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

An avalanche occurred in Jammu and Kashmir's Sonamarg tourist resort on Wednesday, officials said.

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town.

'Pahalgam Bleeds... And So Do We'

'Pahalgam Bleeds... And So Do We'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'No words can heal the wounds of a mother who lost her child, or a friend who lost their companion. But we must speak, we must feel, and we must remember.'

Pakistan condoles loss of lives in Pahalgam attack

Pakistan condoles loss of lives in Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Pakistan has expressed condolences over the deaths of tourists in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan is concerned at the loss of tourists' lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the conversation regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has not been stalled. He claims the issue was raised at the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, and the formal speech distributed at the meeting includes a mention of the return of statehood. Abdullah also addressed concerns about the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourism, emphasizing the importance of local Kashmiris visiting tourist spots first to revive the industry and ensure a sense of security.

Modi cuts short Saudi trip, returns to India after J-K terror attack

Modi cuts short Saudi trip, returns to India after J-K terror attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi on Tuesday night following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi, who held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, skipped an official dinner hosted on Tuesday to address the crisis. He was originally scheduled to return to India on Wednesday night. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group, prompted an urgent internal meeting at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Jeddah, attended by Modi, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and other senior officials.

Scared tourists flee Kashmir, airlines increase flight services

Scared tourists flee Kashmir, airlines increase flight services

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Thousands of tourists have begun leaving Kashmir after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, prompting authorities to arrange for their safe return. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the exodus, while the Civil Aviation Ministry has ordered airlines to ensure there are no fare hikes and to offer extra flights from Srinagar. While many tourists are leaving, some are choosing to stay, citing the presence of security forces and their feeling of safety.

Northeast floods worsen; Assam, Arunachal among worst hit

Northeast floods worsen; Assam, Arunachal among worst hit

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Seven rivers, including the Brahmaputra, were flowing above the danger level, even as the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state.

NIA begins Pahalgam attack probe; massive hunt for terrorists underway

NIA begins Pahalgam attack probe; massive hunt for terrorists underway

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has started interviewing eyewitnesses, including tourists, in connection with the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, south Kashmir. The attack, carried out by terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed the lives of 26 people on April 22. Initial investigations suggest that five to seven terrorists were involved, aided by local militants trained in Pakistan. Security forces are conducting massive operations to hunt down the terrorists in the dense jungles of the Pir Panjal range.