International

US says shot down Iran drones in fresh escalation

WASHINGTON — The United States has said it shot down a pair of Iranian drones threatening the Strait of Hormuz, the latest escalation of violence as the war enters its 100th day with no end in sight. Weeks of indirect talks marked by tit-for-tat threats and sporadic exchanges of fire have failed to secure a […]

Jammu

LG leads ‘Drug-Free J&K’ Padyatra in Poonch, marks completion of all-district outreach

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday joined the ‘drug-free’ padyatra (foot march) in border district of Poonch, marking the completion of the campaign’s outreach across all 20 districts of the Union Territory. Describing the initiative as a people’s movement against substance abuse and narco-terrorism, Sinha reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to […]

Jammu

Tribal rights activist’s arrest sends ‘chilling negative message’: Mehbooba Mufti

SRINAGAR — PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday demanded the release of her party leader and tribal rights activist Talib Chowdhary, saying his arrest sends a “chilling negative message” to the Gujjar-Bakerwal community. “Unfortunate that PDP Leader and leading social activist Talib Chowdhary has been jailed for fighting for the rights of the poor marginalised […]