Fresh snowfall on upper reachs, rain in plains in Kashmir

Srinagar: The upper reaches in the Kashmir valley, including world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and forest area in the city outskirts, Harwan, received fresh snowfall while the plains experienced rains resulting in considerable cold.

Heavy rains since morning, coupled with frequent traffic jams and power cuts disrupted normal life in the valley, particularly in the towns and cities.
More than four inches of snowfall was recorded on the ski slopes in the world famous Gulmarg since this morning, a hotel owner told.
He said it was snowing, much to the delight of tourists, mostly from West Bengal.
The ski slopes had turned white, second time during this season so far, he said, adding the upper reaches, including Affarwat, Seven springs and Khilanmarg recorded moderate to heavy snowfall, brightening the chances of early start of skiing courses.
Reports said that moderate to heavy snowfall was received in the higher reaches in north Kashmir districts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora.
The border areas of Keran, Karnah, Machil, Neeru and other villages on the Line of Control (LoC) also received fresh snowfall since early this morning.
Snowfall will close the routes being used by the militants, waiting across the border, to infiltrate into this side.
Senior Army officers said that more than 1000 militants, trained in different camps across the LoC are waiting in launching pads to sneak into this side before the routes are closed due to snowfall.
The plains in north Kashmir, including major towns received rains since this morning, resulting in considerable drop in the temperature.