In the first incident, the body of a young man was found near a mosque in Delina village. Police identified the deceased as Rayees Hamid Mir, 26, a resident of Delina, Baramulla.

According to reports, Rayees Hamid had stepped out of his home around midnight on Monday but did not return. On Tuesday morning, a passerby spotted his body near the mosque and alerted authorities. A police team soon reached the spot and took the body into custody.

An autopsy was conducted at GMC Baramulla to ascertain the cause of death. A doctor who was part of the autopsy team said there were no visible injury marks or signs of strangulation on the body.

“The viscera has been sent to a laboratory. The exact cause of death will be determined after the report is received,” the doctor said.

The incident sent shockwaves through Delina village. The deceased was reportedly running a wholesale business in the area. Seeking justice, the father of the deceased urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation.

“We were together till midnight. After that, we don’t know who called him out of the room,” said Bashir Ahmad Mir, father of the deceased.

Baramulla police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Officials said call detail records are being examined and efforts are underway to establish the sequence of events.

In a separate incident, the body of another young man was found inside a hotel in the Tangmarg area of Baramulla district on Tuesday morning. The deceased was identified as Haziq Reyaz, a resident of Larkipora in Kulgam.

According to reports, Haziq Reyaz had checked into the hotel the previous night. When hotel staff received no response from him on Tuesday morning, they informed the police.

The Tangmarg police took possession of the body and shifted it to the Sub-District Hospital Tangmarg for an autopsy. After the post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the family and taken to his native village.

Police have registered a case in the matter, and further investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.

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Doongas and shikaras once formed a thriving river transport network along the Jhelum, connecting villages, markets, and towns.  As traffic congestion, pollution, and road accidents increasingly plague the Valley, the idea of reviving river transportation on the Jehlum is gaining renewed relevance.  Muhammad Shaban, an octogenarian from Baramulla town, recalled one such journey from Baramulla to Srinagar undertaken decades ago.  He said he was part of a group of people who travelled by shikara to the Makhdoom Sahib shrine in Srinagar, long back.

“It was a remarkable journey. Women recited Durood-e-Sharief while men manually ferried the shikara upstream towards Srinagar,” Shaban said. “The journey would take a few days, but the excitement and energy levels among the group members were very high,” he added.

Introducing river transport between Baramulla and Srinagar is believed to be a game-changing initiative, blending heritage revival with sustainable tourism. “If introduced, electric or solar-powered boats could minimise carbon emissions, reduce fuel consumption, and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem,” said Muhammad Ashraf, a local resident.

“At the same time, such an initiative would require cleaning and dredging parts of the Jhelum, which would improve overall river health,” he added. According to several elderly residents of Baramulla town, the River Jhelum was once the lifeline of Kashmir.  They said the river carried not just water, but people, goods, culture, and memories. “As traffic congestion, pollution, and road accidents continue to affect Valley roads, reviving river transportation on the Jhelum has become more relevant than ever,” said Bilal Ahmad, another local resident.

“Such a project would not only reconnect Kashmiris with their past but also offer tourists a slow, scenic, and immersive travel experience through orchards, wetlands, old settlements, and historic riverbanks,” he added. In Baramulla town, remnants of this past glory can still be seen in parts of Urdu Bazaar, where old structures once used for storing goods arriving from across the border still stand.

These structures serve as reminders of how vibrant river transportation once was. “These structures remind us of how active and lively river transport used to be. We wish it will be restored one day so that we can reconnect with our past memories,” said Khurshid Ahmad, a town resident.

From a tourism perspective, reviving water transport between Baramulla and Srinagar could open up a new niche. Heritage cruises, eco-friendly ferries, and cultural boat journeys featuring local cuisine, handicrafts, and folklore could significantly enhance the tourist footprint beyond Gulmarg and Srinagar.

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Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Cooperatives, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Saturday said the government will review a proposal to make the Jhelum Valley Road an alternative to the Baramulla–Uri Highway in view of frequent landslides near Eco Park, Baramulla, which have disrupted transportation and commerce.

“The Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, is closely monitoring the Baramulla–Uri road expansion. During the expansion process, incidents of landslides have occurred. If there is feasibility to operate an alternative route through the Old Town, the option can be considered,” he said while replying to media queries on the sidelines of a high-level meeting held at Dak Bungalow, Baramulla.

The minister said the meeting was convened to assess the progress of developmental works that were discussed during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah two months ago.

During the meeting, crucial issues related to urban infrastructure, Sopore fruit mandi expansion, decongestion of Sopore—a major commercial hub—multi-level car parking, and installation of street lights in Sopore town were discussed in detail.

MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, and officers from Housing and Urban Development, Planning, Marketing, Horticulture, and other concerned departments attended the meeting.

Later, while talking to reporters, the minister said all suggestions and deliberations from the meeting would be consolidated into a comprehensive proposal and forwarded to the Chief Minister for approval.

“Once the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla prepares a proposal, it will be sent to the Chief Minister,” he said.

Emphasising the economic significance of the initiatives, the minister said the Sopore fruit mandi expansion, proper utilisation of its land, car parking facilities, and better infrastructure at Sopore would be taken up on priority to facilitate traders and strengthen the region’s horticulture economy.

“The responsibility now is to prepare a proposal regarding the mandi and land, keeping in view future expansion, road infrastructure, and parking facilities. Once sent, we will pursue it with the Chief Minister for implementation,” he added.

The proposed improvements are expected to significantly benefit thousands of fruit traders who operate from Sopore, one of Asia’s largest fruit mandis, particularly during the peak harvest season when adequate infrastructure and smooth transportation become critical for the timely movement of perishable produce.

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On Friday, traffic movement on the highway remained suspended for several hours after landslides, triggered by ongoing drilling and excavation work for road expansion, hit the road stretch near Eco Park, causing panic among commuters who were stranded for hours.

Vehicles came to a complete halt as debris and loose rocks blocked the road, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend traffic to prevent any mishaps. One-way traffic was restored after several hours.

Locals said such incidents have become routine ever since the road expansion work began on the Baramulla-Uri highway.

The highway is currently undergoing expansion under the supervision of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The NH-01 expansion project has been divided into several packages, with contracts awarded to different companies under BRO.

However, residents and civil society members have raised serious concerns over the lack of supervision and poor execution of work, which they believe is a major reason behind the recurring landslides.

Muhammad Ashraf, a resident and civil society member, said that although the contract for the road expansion has been awarded to a Haryana-based company by the BRO, the execution on the ground is largely being carried out by local contractors without proper technical supervision.

“The concerned company must supervise the entire project. Drilling and excavation activities involved in cutting the mountain are highly sensitive and should be carried out strictly under the supervision of qualified engineers. In the absence of such supervision, landslides on this stretch have become the norm,” Ashraf said.

The Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01 is a major infrastructure initiative. Whilst the four-lane project on the Srinagar-Baramulla section is nearing completion, the Baramulla-Uri double-lane widening is still underway and is expected to be completed by 2027.

Several local construction firms are also involved in smaller maintenance and surface works along the route.

The Baramulla-Uri two-lane upgrade forms a crucial component of the Srinagar-Baramulla four-lane project, a flagship initiative of the J&K administration aimed at improving connectivity.

The Srinagar-Baramulla stretch has seen significant progress across major packages, including Narbal-Pattan, Tapper-Sangrama, the Sangrama flyover, and the Delina flyover, covering over 96 hectares of land.

However, locals fear that discrepancies and a lack of monitoring in the Baramulla-Uri section could not only endanger lives but also undermine public trust in the ambitious infrastructure project.

The post Recurring landslides on Baramulla-Uri highway raise safety concerns appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

On Tuesday, the surge in tourist arrivals led to massive traffic congestion, with long jams on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road stretch, particularly from Chandilora to Gulmarg, where vehicles remained stranded for hours.

Traffic Police were seen regulating movement and allowing vehicles in a staggered manner to ease the situation.

Since the onset of winter, Gulmarg had seen comparatively low footfall, causing concern among hoteliers, ponywalas, guides, shopkeepers, and others associated with the tourism sector.

However, the recent snowfall has dramatically changed the scenario, triggering a sharp rise in tourist inflow over the past week.

Hoteliers say the resort is now operating at full capacity.

“All hotels are running on 100 percent occupancy. Almost all hotels are fully booked till January 31,” said a hotel owner in Gulmarg.

The rush was also evident at the Gulmarg Gondola, one of Asia’s highest cable car projects, where long queues of tourists were seen waiting patiently for their turn to enjoy the ride amid snow-clad surroundings.

“On Monday and Tuesday, around 15,000 tourists enjoyed the Gandola ride. All the hotels are fully occupied, and bookings are up to more than January,” Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Ahmad said.

Tourists visiting the resort expressed excitement at witnessing Gulmarg in its winter glory.

“We came here specially to see how Gulmarg looks during snowfall. It is truly a lifetime experience,” said Ashish, a visiting tourist. “The pollution-free environment, scenic beauty, and snow-covered peaks are exactly what we were looking for, and Gulmarg offered all of it.”

Local stakeholders believe the renewed rush marks a strong comeback for winter tourism in Gulmarg after a slow start this season.

However, they urged the administration to strengthen traffic management, parking facilities, and public amenities to ensure a smooth experience for visitors in the coming weeks.

With peak winter still ahead, tourism players remain hopeful that Gulmarg will continue to draw large numbers of visitors, reaffirming its status as Kashmir’s premier winter destination.

“The forecast of more snowfall and upcoming winter games events is likely to further boost the tourist footfall,” said Adil Ahmad, a local shopkeeper.

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The injured were rushed to GMC Baramulla and other health centres in the town, where they were administered anti-rabies vaccine and provided necessary treatment. Some of those shifted to GMC Baramulla have been identified as Vicky, Shazia, Aliya, Mannat, Harleen Kour and Rifat.

According to witnesses, the rabid dog appeared around noon on Jadeed Road and started attacking pedestrians, including women. The incident created panic in the town, with people running for safety.

A group of local youths bravely managed to restrain the dog by covering it with a plastic container and kept it confined for several hours. Later, a team from Municipal Council Baramulla arrived and captured the animal, much to the relief of local residents.

Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a staggering 2,12,968 cases of dog bites between 2022 and 2025, with Jammu and Srinagar districts accounting for the highest numbers.

According to data from the Housing and Urban Development Department, Jammu division reported 98,470 dog bite cases, while Kashmir division recorded 1,14,498 cases during the three-year period. In Kashmir division, Baramulla has recorded 18,563 dog bite cases in these three years.

While Srinagar Municipal Corporation has launched a comprehensive sterilisation and immunization drive under the Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme in line with Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, no such initiative has been launched in Baramulla district.

In the absence of such an initiative, the population of stray dogs has increased manifold and complaints are pouring in from different parts of the district about the uncontrolled stray dog population creating panic.

Feroz Ahmad, a resident of Old Town Baramulla, expressed concern over the authorities’ inability to check the dog population. “The growing population of stray dogs is a big concern for people of the town,” he said.

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In the shocking incident, the young man can be seen brutally assaulting his father. The video, which quickly went viral on social media, triggered widespread outrage and strong resentment among the public.

Following the circulation of the video, people urged the Jammu and Kashmir Police to take strict action against the accused. “The video reflects where our society is heading,” wrote a netizen, while reacting to the viral footage. Another social media user commented that “it was deeply unfortunate to see an elderly person being treated in such a manner”, stressing that authorities must take cognisance of the incident and ensure the safety and dignity of senior citizens. “It is ironic and unacceptable in a civilised society that an elderly person is assaulted this way. He is pushed down, and the young man is seen lying on top of him,” another social media user said. Meanwhile, Tangmarg Police confirmed that they have taken cognisance of the incident and detained the accused person for further legal proceedings.

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The main celebrations were held at St Joseph’s Church, located in the premises of St Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Baramulla, which witnessed a large gathering of devotees. The historic Catholic Church, which is completing 100 years of its existence, was beautifully decorated for the occasion, adding to the festive atmosphere. Community members, including children and elders, appeared in colourful attire and participated in special prayers and services held inside the church. The mood throughout the celebration reflected unity, devotion, and gratitude.

Speaking on the occasion, Father Britto said that although the Christian community is small in Baramulla, it has always remained committed to serving society, particularly through the fields of education and healthcare. He said the church at Baramulla has witnessed over a hundred years and is a symbol of peace and harmony.

He said, “The message of Christmas is one of peace, love, and harmony,” and added that the festival reminds people of compassion and coexistence.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Baramulla, the police, defence personnel, and the district administration for standing shoulder to shoulder with the community and ensuring a peaceful and smooth celebration. The celebrations concluded with prayers for communal harmony and the well-being of the entire region, reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood that Baramulla is known for.

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An official of the department said that two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident and that the timber has been seized from their residential houses.

The arrested timber smugglers have been identified as Manzoor Ahmed Wani, son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani, and Ghulam Mohiuddin Dar, son of Abdul Rahim Dar, both residents of Nowgam Khag.

Following the viral video, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Special Forest Division Tangmarg, Feroz Ahmad, constituted a five-member team of forest officials under the supervision of Forester Altaf Ahmad Khan.

The team was directed to immediately proceed to the reported site of suspected forest damage and conduct a comprehensive reconnaissance of the area.

The exercise included identification and enumeration of freshly damaged trees with species-wise classification, physical verification of stumps with hammer marks to prevent tampering, and preparation of an inventory of damaged material with approximate dimensions.

The inspection party was instructed to submit a signed factual report within one day, along with geo-tagged photographs, mapped coordinates of the affected spots, a sequence of findings, and brief recommendations for further action.

“Officials on the spot found fresh damage to a fir tree, following which, through technical and human intelligence, information about the timber smugglers was obtained. A raid was subsequently conducted, leading to the seizure of fresh timber from the culprits’ houses. An FIR has been registered in connection with the incident,” the DFO Tangmarg said.

Notably, a few days ago, a trekker travelling through the area highlighted the damage to the forest.

The video, which later went viral, caught the attention of both the public and officials and showed the axing of several trees in the area.

Multiple tree stumps are visible in the video, indicating the felling of more than one tree, contrary to the forest department’s claim of damage to a single tree.

The presence of multiple stumps in the video clearly suggests that the damage to the forest area has been ongoing for quite some time.

Although the forest department has claimed damage to a single tree, the multiple stumps narrate a different story, pointing towards more extensive destruction of forest cover.

The viral video evoked strong resentment among viewers, many of whom termed the axing of trees a criminal act and linked deforestation to pollution and the prevailing climate crisis.

“We are witnessing climate change, yet the axing of trees continues, which is one of the main reasons behind it. The forest department must act and take strict action against those involved,” wrote a viewer in response to the viral video.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Forest Officer Tangmarg said that a comprehensive report is being prepared and that strict action will be taken if any official is found to have derelicted duty.

“A report is being prepared. If any employee is found to have derelicted his duty, action will be taken against him,” said Feroz Ahmad, DFO Tangmarg.

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Known locally as Noon Chai Street, this unassuming lane has for decades remained the pilgrimage site for devotees of Kashmir’s iconic pink salt tea—a brew that carries within it centuries of tradition, trade routes, and the simple comfort of ritual.

For 70-year-old Haji Abdul Rashid, the street is more than just a tea stop. It is a ritual. Visiting Baramulla town from his native village, Sheeri, Rashid rarely misses an opportunity to pause here, even on the coldest mornings.

“This place never disappoints,” he says, gently warming his hands around a cup of steaming salt tea.  “When someone wants to drink authentic Noon Chai, this is where they come. The tea served in a traditional samovar has its own taste—nothing compares.”

Noon Chai, Kashmir’s famed pink salt tea, is believed to have travelled into the Valley centuries ago via the Silk Route from Central Asia. Over generations, Kashmiris adapted the brew, adding local milk, salt, and bicarbonate of soda to create its distinctive rose hue, creamy texture, and robust, slightly savoury flavour.

The magic lies in the method: traditionally prepared and repeatedly boiled in a samovar, the tea is considered best when brewed slowly, allowing time to work its alchemy on the leaves.

The Urdu Bazar area, where several small eateries continue this time-honoured tradition, carries echoes of Baramulla’s bustling past. Some octogenarians recall that the street was active even before the 1947 Partition, when Baramulla served as a major trading hub connecting Kashmir to markets beyond. “This used to be a storage and transit point for goods arriving by river from across the border,” recalls Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Old Town Baramulla, his voice carrying the weight of lived history. “Traders and labourers would stop here, and tea sellers opened small shops to serve them salt tea. That tradition never faded—it only deepened.”

Amongst the most familiar names on the street is a modest tea shop founded nearly six decades ago by Abdul Aziz. Though Aziz passed away years ago, his legacy continues through his son, Rafiq, who now runs the establishment with the same quiet dedication.

“My father started this shop about 60 years back,” Rafiq says, stirring a pot that has witnessed generations pass through its doors. “We still serve traditional Noon Chai along with Kashmiri breads like chochwor and bakirkhani. Nothing has changed in the way we prepare it—not the recipe, not the method, not even the samovar.”

Despite shifting food habits and the growing popularity of modern cafés serving cappuccinos and cold brews, Rafiq insists the charm of Noon Chai remains undiminished. If anything, he says, it has gained new admirers.

“From locals to tourists, anyone fond of salt tea comes here,” he explains. “People may eat wazwan or any other elaborate meal elsewhere, but when it comes to salt tea, they return to this street. It’s not about convenience—it’s about authenticity.”

Regular visitors say the authenticity lies not just in the ingredients, but in the intangible qualities that only tradition can impart. The way the tea is poured from the samovar’s brass spout. The weight of the cup in your hands. The unhurried pace with which it’s consumed, often accompanied by animated conversation or comfortable silence.

For Rashid and countless others like him, Noon Chai Street represents something increasingly rare in modern Kashmir—a place where time moves differently, where the old ways are not merely preserved but lived daily, and where a simple cup of pink tea becomes a connection to something larger: history, community, and the enduring rhythms of a culture that knows the value of slowing down.

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