IBTimes

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.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement that the AFSPA will be withdrawn from most Northeastern states next year has reignited the debate over the law in J&K. National Conference leaders, including Minister Sakina Itoo and Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, have urged the Centre to revoke AFSPA from J&K first, arguing that the security situation has improved significantly.

J&K School Education Minister Sakina Itoo has expressed concern over the deployment of nearly 14,000 teachers for census duties, saying it has severely affected the functioning of government schools already grappling with a massive staff shortage. Nearly 15,000 teaching posts are already lying vacant across the Union Territory.

Amid escalating factionalism and allegations of indiscipline within the J&K Congress, the AICC has constituted a three-member enquiry committee to investigate anti-party activities and organisational disputes in the Union Territory. The move follows the summoning of five senior J&K Congress leaders to New Delhi and comes against the backdrop of an intensifying power struggle between two factions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review security and operational arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. With modern surveillance systems, enhanced intelligence coordination, deployment of advanced security equipment, and the launch of a QR code-based Pehchaan App for worker verification, authorities are strengthening preparations to ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and strongly advocated for the early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. The meeting comes days after Omar sought support from INDIA bloc partners for a proposed protest outside Parliament during the monsoon session.

Public outrage is growing in J&K over the use of excessive force by Pakistani authorities against protesters in PoJK. The Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir staged a protest outside the UN office in Srinagar, demanding international intervention and accountability. NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah also urged the United Nations to investigate reports of civilian killings and human rights abuses in PoJK.

Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili and human rights groups have condemned the alleged use of excessive force by Pakistani authorities against protesters in PoJK. While mainstream political parties in J&K have largely remained silent, critics have called for accountability amid reports of civilian deaths, arrests and a widening crackdown across the region.

A special NIA court in Srinagar has issued a proclamation against Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and three other accused in a 1996 terror-related case after they allegedly failed to appear despite arrest warrants. The court directed the accused to appear by July 14 and ordered the publication of the proclamation in accordance with legal procedures.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the technical malfunction that left over 300 tourists stranded mid-air in the Gulmarg Gondola on May 25. The panel has been tasked with examining the sequence of events, identifying possible lapses, assessing compliance with safety standards, and recommending corrective measures.

The BJP on Tuesday criticised the United Nations and international human rights organisations for what it described as their silence over alleged atrocities against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Thousands of beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir could face difficulties from July 1 as private hospitals and dialysis centres have announced plans to stop accepting Golden Cards over pending reimbursements of nearly 275 crore. Private hospitals have accused authorities of prolonged payment delays, violation of NHA guidelines, and failure to address financial distress faced by 135 empanelled healthcare institutions.

In a landmark achievement for India's infrastructure sector, the breakthrough blast at the 13.15-km-long Zojila Tunnel was successfully carried out on Tuesday, connecting the two ends of the strategic tunnel linking Kashmir and Ladakh. Witnessed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the milestone was achieved six months ahead of schedule and brings the dream of all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh closer to reality.

The Congress high command has issued a stern warning to senior Jammu and Kashmir leaders against publicly attacking one another amid escalating factionalism within the party. During a two-hour meeting in New Delhi attended by key leaders, the leadership emphasised discipline and directed leaders to raise grievances through internal party forums.

J&K BJP has rejected Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's proposal for a united political movement to seek the restoration of statehood, asserting that all parties should trust the Centre's commitment on the issue. BJP president Sat Sharma said statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, as assured by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is set to trigger the breakthrough blast at the 13.15-km-long Zojila Tunnel, marking a major milestone in one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects. Located at an altitude of around 11,500 feet, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley, Kargil, and Ladakh, ending decades of winter isolation caused by heavy snowfall.

The Congress high command has summoned five senior Jammu and Kashmir leaders, including Tariq Hamid Karra, Vikar Rasool Wani, and Tara Chand, to New Delhi amid escalating factionalism within the party. The move comes after a series of public attacks, allegations, and a letter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge highlighting a deepening organisational crisis in the Union Territory.

Despite their ongoing political rivalry in Jammu and Kashmir, the ruling National Conference and opposition Peoples Democratic Party have confirmed their participation in the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on June 8.

A young Army officer, Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami, laid down his life while undertaking operational duties in the rugged terrain of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir. As tributes poured in from the Indian Army and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, security forces continued a massive anti-terror search operation in the Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan forest area for the 16th consecutive day.

A political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after PDP president Mehbooba Mufti reviewed the progress of the under-construction AIIMS Awantipora project. Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone questioned her authority to chair a review meeting, accusing her of overstepping constitutional boundaries.

As the Nasha Mukt J&K campaign entered its 55th day, authorities have registered 1,036 FIRs and arrested 1,128 drug smugglers across the Union Territory. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the anti-drug movement had evolved into a people's campaign against narco-terrorism, asserting that drug traffickers and their networks would be dismantled while ensuring rehabilitation and support for addicts.

A week after arresting a school teacher, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a college lecturer from Uttarakhand as investigations into an alleged Pakistan-linked hawala network gather pace. The probe, which began in Kathua district, has uncovered a multi-state network allegedly used to route funds from Pakistan through multiple bank accounts for anti-national activities.

An innocent man from the R S Pura area of Jammu spent 1 year, 7 months, and 11 days in jail after a false rape case. The Fast Track Court directs inquiry against investigating officers and proceedings against the complainant after finding the prosecution failed to prove the rape charge.

Army, J&K Police, and CRPF continue extensive searches in Manjakot's Dori Mal forest using helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs; no trace of terrorists found yet.

After a seven-hour marathon meeting at Dachigam National Park, National Conference MLAs and MPs resolve to intensify the campaign for statehood and constitutional guarantees, while projecting a united front under Omar Abdullah.

Constructed under the 'Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan', the innovative dam aims to boost irrigation, strengthen water security, and support sustainable agriculture in Ladakh's remote high-altitude villages.

Former J&K Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to political parties and civil society groups across the Union Territory to unite and jointly engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on issues concerning J&K.

For the first time since the outbreak of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in 1990, Jammu and Kashmir recorded zero terror-related fatalities during the month of May. Data from the SATP of SAIR shows that not a single civilian, security personnel, or terrorist was killed in any terror-related incident throughout the month.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened a meeting of NC legislators and five Independent MLAs supporting the ruling alliance on June 3 at his Gupkar residence. The meeting comes amid growing concerns over governance and reported dissatisfaction among some ruling party legislators regarding the functioning of certain ministers.

In a major step to strengthen the anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, the Kishtwar administration has made it mandatory for government employees to submit self-declaration certificates affirming they are not drug addicts, with salary disbursement linked to compliance.

Nearly 500 youth from the Kashmir Valley were among 540 Agniveers who successfully passed out from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Srinagar, during an impressive Attestation and Passing Out Parade.

Security forces intensified anti-terror operations in J&K on Saturday as 'Operation Sheruwali' entered its eighth consecutive day in Rajouri district, where two to three Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in the dense forests of the Manjakote area.

A 24-year-old unemployed youth from Jammu's Satwari area was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information about security forces and military installations with a woman suspected to be linked to Pakistan's intelligence network.

Roads, railway lines and mines disturb wildlife and fragment wildlife habitat. Now, tourism too is adding to the woes of the hapless wildlife.

Budgam Police on Tuesday claimed to have solved the sensational murder case of a 12-year-old girl from Galwanpora village within 36 hours of the crime, arresting a local resident allegedly involved in the offence. The breakthrough came after a scientific and evidence-based investigation conducted by a Special Investigation Team.

Nearly 300 tourists were stranded mid-air after a technical fault halted the Gulmarg Gondola service in north Kashmir. The Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, SDRF, and civil administration launched a large-scale rescue operation, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah closely monitored evacuation efforts.

A 12-year-old girl from Galwanpora village in Budgam, central Kashmir, was found raped and murdered near her home on Sunday morning, triggering widespread public outrage across J&K.

Over one crore citizens participate in awareness programmes; 850 NDPS cases registered, 942 arrests made, and thousands receive counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation support under the comprehensive anti-drug campaign.

A political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after the BJP launched a social media campaign alleging that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been missing for the past ten days amid growing public concerns over power cuts and water shortages. The opposition party shared missing posters and threatened to lodge a missing report with police.

The proposed framework envisages a Union Territory with a legislature, executive and financial powers for elected representatives, and constitutional protections on the lines of Article 371 provisions applicable in Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram.

A pall of grief has descended on Reasi district after the body of 21-year-old MBBS student Gourav Singh, who had gone missing in Russia in December 2025, was recovered nearly five months later.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has issued a strong advisory urging people to exercise caution while sharing personal photographs, videos, and sensitive information on social media. The police warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence, deepfake technology, and morphing tools to create fake identities, extort victims, and damage reputations.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formally invited representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for a Sub-Committee meeting in New Delhi on May 22, reviving the stalled dialogue process on Ladakh's key demands.

Jammu Police have launched an extensive investigation into a suspected international trafficking and prostitution syndicate after the arrest of two Thai women and a special police officer (SPO), allegedly linked to a flesh trade racket operating under the guise of spa and massage services.

Just days before the next round of talks between Ladakh leaders and the High-Powered Committee of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, serious differences have emerged within the Leh Apex Body (LAB). Veteran Ladakhi leader Thupstan Chhewang has questioned the functioning of the organisation, challenged the manner in which his resignation as chairman was accepted.

A major anti-encroachment drive in Samba district has exposed how influential drug lords had illegally occupied State land transferred to the J&K State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (SIDCO) for industrial development in Bari Brahmana.