KUPWARA UPDATES

  Aadil Akbar Handwara, Kupwara July 26: Bringing laurels to Jammu and Kashmir, Mahreen Jan of Handwara has won the gold medal in the 70 kg Senior Women Wushu category at the All India Police Games 2026, held in Hyderabad from July 23 to 25. Representing the Border Security Force (BSF) Sports Team, Mahreen delivered an outstanding performance in what was her maiden appearance at the prestigious national event. Having joined the BSF Sports Team only six months ago, she displayed remarkable skill, determination and confidence to emerge victorious and clinch the gold medal. Mahreen has already created history by becoming the first girl from Handwara in Kupwara district to secure a government job under the Sports Quota. She is also the first female athlete from Kashmir to be selected for a Central Armed Police Force (BSF) Sports Team, making her achievement a significant milestone for the region. Her latest success has been widely hailed as a testament to her dedication, discipline and...

  Aadil Akbar  Baramulla, July 27: In a prompt rescue operation amid incessant rainfall, the Indian Army, with the assistance of local residents and civil authorities, safely evacuated 12 members of a family after their house partially collapsed in Barnate village of Boniyar in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Monday. The damaged house belonged to Noor Din, son of Ghulam Qadir, and reportedly caved in during the night following continuous heavy rains that have lashed the area over the past several days. Soon after receiving information about the incident, personnel of the Indian Army's 15 Assam team rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Working in close coordination with local residents and the civil administration, the Army successfully evacuated all 12 occupants to a safer location, averting any loss of life. Despite the extensive damage to the residential structure, no injuries or casualties were reported, officials said. Meanwhile, teams from the Revenue...

Srinagar: When most journalists begin their careers in bustling newsrooms, Khursheed Ahmad Shah chose a different path. Hailing from Langate in north Kashmir, he has become the first journalism student from Kashmir to serve with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Centre for Species Survival Asian Elephant. He is currently serving as a Communication Officer, contributing to conservation communication across Asia's elephant corridors. His journey began in the remote villages of Kashmir, where he reported on the everyday struggles of people living at the intersection of climate change, rural development, biodiversity, education and public health. Through his reporting, Shah has documented stories that often remain overlooked, bringing the voices of remote communities into the public conversation. Holding Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication, Shah has steadily built a reputation for ground reporting rooted in empathy and evidence. His wor...

  AADIL AKBAR  Baramulla, July 1: The successfully organised a three-day volleyball tournament at Higher Secondary School Boniyar in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment, sportsmanship, and community engagement. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from 12 local teams, including Dewdrops Boniyar, Nowshera Strikers, Uri Star, Nambla Star, and several others. The event provided a vibrant platform for young athletes to showcase their talent while promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition. Over the three days, players displayed remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship, drawing strong support from local spectators and creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie. The tournament concluded with a grand closing ceremony where winning teams were felicitated with trophies and medals. Dewdrops Boniyar emerged as champions, while Nambla Star secured the runner-up position. Locals said the initiative ...

  Baramulla, June 29: The Indian Army, under its "Wadi-e-Tarjuman" initiative, organised the grand finale of the Inter-School Debate Competition, "Flight of Young Minds," at Thimaya Hall in Baramulla on Monday. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing various schools across the district. The finalists debated the contemporary theme, "Is Psychological Integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the Rest of India Already a Reality or Still a Work in Progress?" The competition provided a platform for students to express their views, engage in meaningful discussions, and demonstrate their analytical and public speaking skills on issues related to identity, development, belonging, and national cohesion. Participants presented well-reasoned arguments from both sides of the motion. Those supporting the proposition highlighted the role of improved education, economic opportunities, digital connectivity, infrastructure development, and ...

AADIL AKBAR  Langate, Apr 15: Demonstrating its continued commitment to environmental conservation and community welfare, the Indian Army’s Chakpuran Camp on Tuesday organised a plantation drive at Pokhriwal in Qaziabad area of Langate. The initiative, held as part of the Army’s broader civic responsibility programmes, witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, school children, and officials from the Forest Department. The plantation drive aimed at enhancing the green cover in the area while promoting ecological balance and environmental awareness among the masses. A significant number of saplings were planted during the event, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region’s ecosystem. What made the initiative particularly noteworthy was the active involvement of school children, whose participation added both energy and meaning to the programme. The event also served as an educational platform, instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness among t...