IBTimes

As thousands of unregistered devotees arrive in Jammu and Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged pilgrims to undertake the Shri Amarnath Yatra only after obtaining a valid registration. The administration has reiterated that RFID access and permission to proceed will be granted only to registered pilgrims, citing Supreme Court-mandated limits on daily pilgrim movement.

A month after Pakistan banned the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), unrest has intensified across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Fresh protests, mass arrests, and viral speeches by JKJAAC leaders have fuelled anti-Pakistan sentiment, with activists accusing Islamabad of suppressing civil rights and intensifying its crackdown ahead of the region's upcoming elections.

The Congress-National Conference alliance has come under fresh strain after J&K Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking action over the alleged assault on Congress MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat by National Conference workers. The incident in Bandipora has intensified concerns over growing tensions between the coalition partners.

The J&K government has banned two controversial books from government school libraries after they were found to contain content allegedly glorifying convicted terrorist Maqbool Bhat and several separatist leaders. The government has suspended eight School Education Department officials, ordered a high-level inquiry, blacklisted the authors and publishers, and directed the immediate withdrawal of the books from schools.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated 23 more individuals, including 17 Pakistani and six Indian nationals, as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The move targets operatives linked to cross-border terror networks such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, aiming to strengthen legal action, disrupt terror financing, and curb recruitment and infiltration.

The informal talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh's Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance ended on a positive note, with all stakeholders signing the minutes of the previous meeting. The breakthrough has paved the way for formal negotiations on constitutional safeguards, governance reforms, reservations, separate services, and other key demands of Ladakh.

A Jammu court has granted ad-interim relief to the Vivek Khajuria-led faction of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), restraining suspended and reinstated president Javed Ahmad Kitab from exercising the powers of his office until the next hearing on July 6.

The RSS has expressed deep anguish over the alleged theft from the donation boxes at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it a serious blow to the faith of millions of devotees. It has demanded exemplary punishment for those found guilty, urged reforms in temple management, and appealed for patience while the investigation is underway.

Eleven-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Asif Mir from Srinagar has created history by becoming the first Indian and the first Asian female driver to be selected for the Formula 1 Academy's prestigious 'Discover Your Drive' development programme. Her remarkable achievement has earned praise from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and is being hailed as a milestone for Indian motorsport.

The Indian National Congress on Thursday suspended senior Jammu and Kashmir leaders Mohammad Anwar Bhat and Bashir Ahmed Khan from the party's primary membership with immediate effect over alleged anti-party activities. The action, approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, comes nearly two weeks after a three-member fact-finding committee completed its initial inquiry into infighting and indiscipline within the J&K unit.

The Ministry of Home Affairs will hold a crucial meeting with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance in Leh today to finalise the broad understanding reached during the May 22 talks on Ladakh's future governance framework

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu, formally commencing the annual pilgrimage. Amid Vedic chants and religious fervour, the Lieutenant Governor wished devotees a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.

With just three days left for the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, Srinagar Police conducted a comprehensive multi-agency mock drill at the Panthachowk transit camp to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen response mechanisms. The exercise, involving different departments, simulated multiple emergency scenarios to evaluate coordination, communication, and operational readiness ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately stop the alleged unauthorised collection of money from livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab, saying the practice is inflating transportation costs and driving up mutton prices in the Union Territory. Citing complaints from traders and findings of an internal inquiry, Abdullah said livestock transport is exempt from GST and sought safeguards to ensure the unhindered movement of consignm

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a 737-page chargesheet against jailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik and four others in the 1990 abduction and murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat. The chargesheet, filed nearly 35 years after the crime, revives one of Kashmir's most prominent terror-era cases and adds to Malik's ongoing legal challenges in other militancy-related cases.

The political battle over alleged backdoor appointments in Jammu and Kashmir intensified as the National Conference government rejected the PDP's allegations, insisting that all recruitments are conducted transparently on merit and that outsourcing is distinct from recruitment. Meanwhile, PDP leader Iltija Mufti questioned the government's outsourcing policy and sought details of contracts awarded to private firms.

The Leh Apex Body has distanced itself from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, clarifying that his participation alongside the Cockroach Janata Party is a personal decision and not part of the ongoing agitation by Ladakhi groups. Wangchuk launched the fast over accountability in education and issues concerning Ladakh's environment, culture, and people's welfare.

AIIMS Jammu has successfully performed Jammu and Kashmir's first interstitial brachytherapy procedure on a 26-year-old woman with Stage II vulvar cancer. The advanced organ-preserving treatment marks a major milestone in the region's healthcare sector, enabling patients to access cutting-edge cancer care within the Union Territory while avoiding major surgery.

Banihal Police have busted an interstate ATM card-swapping racket by arresting three Uttar Pradesh residents from Leh, Ladakh. The accused allegedly targeted elderly and illiterate ATM users by posing as helpers, swapping debit cards, and withdrawing money from victims' bank accounts. Police are probing their involvement in similar frauds across the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, long marred by scams and infighting, faces a fresh leadership crisis as rival factions issue conflicting decisions over President Javid Ahmad Kitab's suspension and reinstatement.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Online Drugs Disposal Fortnight Campaign and unveiled the Vision Document on Drug Control (20262029), calling for a ruthless crackdown on drug traffickers and a compassionate approach towards victims. As part of the campaign, enforcement agencies destroyed 209,500 kg of narcotics worth Rs 6,000 crore, while Shah stressed that the next three years would be decisive in India's fight against drugs and narco-terrorism.

A political showdown erupted in J&K as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's allegation that his government made 25,000 backdoor appointments. Omar challenged Mehbooba to produce evidence, accused the PDP-BJP regime of carrying out large-scale illegal recruitments, and claimed data on those appointments would soon be made public.

Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, have dismantled 10 narco-terror modules and arrested 39 operatives, including three Afghan nationals, over the past 25 days. The crackdown led to the recovery of 72 pistols, an AK-47 rifle, two submachine guns, heroin, hawala money, and other incriminating materials.

The fact-finding committee constituted by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to investigate allegations of factionalism, indiscipline, and anti-party activities in the J&K Congress has completed its three-day exercise in Srinagar and returned to New Delhi. The panel interacted with over 70 party leaders from across the Union Territory and is expected to submit its report to the Congress high command shortly.

Buoyed by the success of a territory-wide bandh, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have cautioned the Union Government against delaying the implementation of decisions reached during the May 22 talks.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has crossed the milestone of 50 lakh pilgrims before the end of June, with more than 51 lakh devotees visiting the cave shrine by June 23. The figure marks an increase of 10.86 lakh pilgrims compared to the same period last year, reflecting a sharp rise in footfall and growing enthusiasm among devotees.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau of J&K has charge-sheeted seven individuals, including former Rural Development Department officials and a contractor, in connection with an alleged embezzlement of government funds in Kupwara's Lolab area. Investigations revealed that payments were released for developmental works that either existed only on paper or were executed in violation of norms.

On the 72nd death anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, senior BJP leaders, including Tarun Chugh and Suvendu Adhikari, renewed their demand for a fresh inquiry into his 1953 custodial death in Srinagar. The party also called for the declassification of official records related to both Mookerjee's arrest and death.

With just two weeks left for the commencement of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat has directed security agencies to strengthen surveillance and security arrangements along the pilgrimage route, National Highway, and railway infrastructure. During a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar, he emphasized strict adherence to SOPs, intensified anti-terror operations, and enhanced coordination among agencies.

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have called for a complete shutdown across Ladakh on June 23, alleging that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Territory administration are delaying the implementation of commitments made during the May 22 meeting in New Delhi.

The J&K government has ordered an immediate review of the PMAY-G 2.0 beneficiary list following complaints that several deserving rural families were wrongly excluded from the housing scheme. The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has directed field officers to identify and rectify such cases, warning that officials responsible for negligence or improper verification will be held accountable.

Security forces in Punjab have recovered 42 sophisticated pistols and an AK-47 rifle in separate operations near the Indo-Pak border during the last four days, exposing a suspected cross-border effort to revive terrorism in the state. Investigations have revealed links to foreign-based operatives.

Security agencies have expressed concern that the emergence of Supari killers from rural Jammu could strengthen organised crime networks and potentially make vulnerable youths susceptible to exploitation by anti-national elements.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended cardiologist Dr. Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah pending an inquiry into allegations of fraudulent PMJAY-SEHAT insurance claims, unnecessary cardiac procedures, patient exploitation, and manipulation of medical records at GMC Anantnag.

In a significant anti-terror operation ahead of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, security forces arrested five individuals in Kishtwar and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Among those held is a Forest Department employee accused of facilitating terrorist activities, while three youths missing since May 31 were apprehended in Shopian with explosives, ammunition, and other incriminating material.

A woman in J&K's Bandipora district allegedly gave birth on a roadside within 30 minutes of being discharged from a government hospital, triggering public outrage and demands for an inquiry into possible medical negligence. The incident comes amid an ongoing high-level investigation into the death of a pregnant woman at GMC Rajouri, further raising concerns about maternal healthcare services in the Union Territory.

The Indian Army on Friday repatriated a Pakistani national, Asad Khan, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on June 12. After completing legal formalities, Khan was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Aman Setu in Teetwal. The Army described the move as a reflection of its commitment to humanitarian values and military professionalism.

Tension gripped parts of Ladakh after the Youth Wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) alleged that a group of non-local individuals was involved in religious conversion-related activities in remote areas of the Union Territory. Acting on intelligence inputs, Leh Police detained eight persons and registered an FIR, launching a probe into the alleged operation.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced that the long-pending Shahpur Kandi Project on the River Ravi is nearing completion, raising hopes among farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba and Kathua districts. The project is expected to bring irrigation to over 32,000 hectares of barren land in the Kandi belt and benefit thousands of hectares in Punjab's Pathankot district.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the National Conference's proposal to jointly participate in a protest at Jantar Mantar during Parliament's Monsoon Session, describing the ruling party's statehood campaign as an eyewash. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused the NC government of failing to fulfil its election promises and attempting to divert attention from governance issues.

The International Human Rights Foundation has strongly condemned Pakistan's crackdown on peaceful protesters in PoJK, alleging that 32 civilians were killed by security forces between June 8 and 16, 2026. The organization has demanded an independent international investigation into the deaths, including the alleged extrajudicial killing of activist Shahzeb Habib.

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress dissident camp led by Vikar Rasool Wani has temporarily suspended its planned rallies and political programmes following a stern warning from the party high command and the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of indiscipline.

As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign and the 100-day drug-free target set by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with Punjab Police, arrested two alleged drug traffickers in Amritsar and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, and narcotic substances.

The controversial Ganderbal encounter case has resurfaced after authorities exhumed and handed over the body of Rashid Ahmad Mughal, who was killed in an alleged encounter on April 1, to his family nearly two and a half months later. While security forces had described him as a suspected terrorist, his family maintains he was an innocent civilian.

Authorities have identified 155 drug hotspots across Jammu division and arrested 701 drug peddlers as part of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. During a high-level review meeting officials revealed that 598 FIRs had been registered, narcotics worth large quantities seized, and properties worth over 45 crore attached or demolished.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated that the National Conference will go ahead with its planned protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session to demand the restoration of statehood. While expressing hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fulfil the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said there has been no change in the party's protest programme.

With only 19 days remaining for the commencement of the 57-day Shri Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified security preparations. DGP Nalin Prabhat has ordered the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at strategic locations and enhanced surveillance along pilgrimage routes.

Residents of Jammu and adjoining areas are set to receive cooking gas through piped connections as the 237-crore GurdaspurJammu Natural Gas Pipeline Project enters its final phase. With nearly 90 per cent of the work completed, the project is expected to be commissioned next month, paving the way for the supply of piped natural gas (PNG) to households and increased availability of CNG for vehicles.

Three young tourists from Haryana were killed and two others critically injured after a bus collided with their Creta car near IIM Jammu in the Jagti-Karli area on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway early Sunday morning. The victims were returning home after visiting Leh and the Kashmir Valley.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called upon Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the future of a transformed Jammu and Kashmir, describing their journey from displacement to global success as a symbol of resilience and determination.