Jammu-Kashmir News: Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing heavy snowfall, leaving regions like Srinagar, Doda, Anantnag, and Gund blanketed in snow. The weather has not only transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland but also showcased the famed Kashmiri hospitality as locals stepped up to help stranded tourists.  

#WATCH | J&K: Doda covered in a blanket of snow as the area receives fresh snowfall; tourists were seen enjoying the weather pic.twitter.com/ne1OwcpEW3

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2024

#WATCH | J&K | Anantnag covered in a blanket of snow as the area receives heavy snowfall. pic.twitter.com/L3cemjiBBH

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2024

In Gund, located along the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, locals opened the doors of the Jamia Masjid to shelter a group of travellers from Punjab who were caught in the heavy snowfall on Friday, news agency PTI reported. Their vehicles became stuck, and with no nearby hotels and local houses too small to accommodate them, the mosque provided a warm haven.  

“The Jamia Masjid has a hamaam, which stays warm throughout the night,” explained Bashir Ahmad, a local resident. A video showing the tourists spending the night in the mosque has since gone viral.  

This is the essence of Kashmir. Our holy mosques have opened their doors to stranded tourists, offering shelter without regard for their faith. Those discriminating Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal must learn humanity from us.

Gandhi’s ray of hope still shines in #Kashmir! pic.twitter.com/Z9DefBbzTP

— Muzzafar Shah (@MuzzafarShah1) December 28, 2024

Expressing their gratitude, one tourist said, “We were stuck in the snow, and you came to our rescue. We are extremely thankful to all of you.” Another tourist added, “Everyone should visit Kashmir to experience its hospitality. Everyone here is kind, and it is safe to visit. Please come to this paradise on earth.”  

Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq commended the gesture on X, stating, “It is heartening to see Kashmiris open their mosques and homes to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall. This gesture of warmth and humanity reflects our longstanding tradition of hospitality and helping others in times of need.”  

Heartening to see Kashmiris opening their Masjids and homes to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall. This gesture of warmth and humanity reflects our longstanding tradition of hospitality and help in times of need. pic.twitter.com/pkEeF1oLBG

— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) December 28, 2024

The Jamia Masjid at Gund is less than 10 kilometres from Gagangir, where six people, including five non-local labourers and a local doctor, were killed in a terrorist attack in October this year.  

ALSO READ | Tourist Killed On Jammu-Srinagar NH; 6 Rescued From Snowbound Mughal Road In Poonch

Jammu-Kashmir: Snow Clearance In Full Swing, CM Omar Abdullah Says Trying To Ensure ‘People Are Not Hassled’

Meanwhile, heavy snowfall in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Doda and Anantnag, has disrupted travel. Snow clearance operations are in full swing, with SSP Ganderbal Ragav S personally reviewing efforts in Subdivision Kangan, news agency ANI reported.  

#WATCH | J&K | SSP Ganderbal Ragav S reviewed the snow clearance operations in Subdivision Kangan pic.twitter.com/gBtihRS185

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2024

#WATCH | Snow clearance underway after heavy snowfall in J&K’s Doda pic.twitter.com/3YXLYdPDc2

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2024

Tourist destinations like Doodhpathri and stretches of the Srinagar-Jammu highway also witnessed stranded travellers. However, many tourists embraced the challenge with a positive outlook. “The car ignition isn’t working due to the cold, and we have to push it. But it’s fine; we’re enjoying it,” said a tourist from Haryana waiting for clearance at Qazigund, as quoted by PTI.  

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Ganderbal district to assess the preparedness in providing healthcare and other essential services during the ongoing winter season. 

CM Omar Abdullah said, “I am trying to make sure snow is cleared on roads, people are not hassled, electricity is restored as soon as possible. I am monitoring the situation.”

VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) on heavy snowfall in the state says, “I am trying to make sure snow is cleared on roads, people are not hassled, electricity is restored as soon as possible. I am monitoring the situation.”#JammuandKashmir #snowfall… pic.twitter.com/TD86vctcLq

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 28, 2024

Police and civil administration are assisting stranded tourists by distributing hot drinks and other essentials to keep them warm.