Amid sleepless nights, fear grips evacuated border residents
KS News Desk
Baramulla, May 09: As Indias Operation Sindoor continues, life in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir remains paralyzed, with the looming fear of war making daily existence difficult for residents.
Fear is everywherean unsettling uncertainty hangs in the air. People are left wondering: What will happen next? Are we really safe?
The ground situation in Kashmir reflects widespread anxiety, with fear visible on every face. Residents are left waiting and questioning: What will happen next? Are we really safe? Many have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect Kashmir from those who threaten peace.
What is our mistake? Why are we repeatedly victimized? How long must the people of Jammu and Kashmir endure this destruction? We were just beginning to recover from past horrors, rebuilding our lives and businesses in peaceyet again, we are being pushed toward devastation, said a group of shopkeepers in Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
"While we support a strong response to the enemies of peace, the current environment is affecting us deeply. Still, we remain hopeful and have full faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modis government. We trust relief will come soon, and our businesses will flourish again," they said.
Several residents from the border town of Urinow relocated to safer areas in Baramulla and its outskirtsexpressed gratitude toward the administration.
We are thankful for the administrations support during this crisis. Since Wednesday, teams from various civil departments, along with the police, have been ensuring our safety and well-being, they said.
Anjuman, a student, said they are safe now as the Baramulla district administrations efforts have made them feel secure after surviving the initial shelling on Tuesday night.
"My entire family, along with others, was evacuated from Uri, and we are now receiving all necessary facilities," she said.
She also appealed for peace saying that tension between the two nations must end.
"We, the younger generation, do not want to witness such destruction. We dream of a bright and successful future," she said.
Meeru Akther, a mother of three daughters, shared her anguish and said they are proud of nation for giving a befitting reply to the enemies of peace.
"But what is our fault? Why are made to suffer? Our houses are damaged while the family members injured, and helpless," she said.
She appealed to PM Modi for protection.
"We are poor and have already endured enough from cross-border shelling. At least save our younger generation," she said.
Reports from the Tangdar sector indicate that the Kupwara district administration has been relocating residents to safer areas since Wednesday.
Just a week ago, there was laughter and bonfires here, said Imtiyaz Ahmad, who had converted part of his home in Uri into a homestay for trekkers last year. Today, theres only silence, broken by the sound of distant shelling.
For years, border residents lived in fear, but the last four years brought a rare stretch of calm. Locals began to dream beyond mere survival. Young people opened cafs, promoted camping sites on social media, and invited tourists to experience life along the border. In Tangdar and Poonch, tour operators had even started including these areas in their itineraries.
The government had launched promotional campaigns to develop these regions into tourism hubs, but now, everything lies in ruins, locals said, adding that they now live in constant fear of further escalation.
They further said that authorities had instructed them to keep their lights off at night, leaving them no choice but to comply. The lights are off now, they added.
Majeed Khan, another resident of Karnah, said people across the area are living in fear. While many have fled the village, others have chosen to stay. We feel completely suffocated, unsure of what will happen next, he said.
Are we destined to witness destruction, disaster, and hellish situations forever? We beg both nations to leave us in Gods mercy. We have already suffered so muchhow long will we be victims of this gun culture? said a group of youngsters.
They expressed that their elders grew up amid this conflict, and now they long for the beautiful morning of a new beginning filled with peace, prosperity, and development. Alhamdulillah, things were going well, but how long will these enemies of peace make us suffer? How long will they try to snatch our peace? Whats our fault? Why must we bear the brunt of these wars? Why? Why? they added.
They appealed to both nations to maintain peace and to avoid focusing on war, which only brings destruction and makes people victims.
Similar efforts are underway in the Gurez sector, where authorities are assisting families in moving to Bandipora amid the escalating tensions reports said.
Fifteen civilians have been killed, and 59 others injured, as Pakistani troops engaged in cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) for 14 consecutive days. The attacks escalated to heavy artillery fire and mortar shelling on forward villages in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor, officials reported.
An Indian Army soldier was also killed in the firing on Thursday.
In Poonch, 13 civilians lost their lives, and 44 others were wounded in ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the External Affairs Ministry confirmed.
United Nations officials stationed in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district have been relocated to safer areas due to intense shelling. The personnel, part of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), were moved as a precautionary measure.
India Strikes Back
The Indian Army retaliated with proportionate force, targeting Pakistani positions responsible for the provocation.
On Thursday, Indian armed forces struck Pakistans air defense infrastructure, destroying Chinese-origin HQ-9 missile systems in Lahore, sources revealed. The operation came in response to Islamabads failed attempt to hit Indian military targets. With their radar systems neutralized, Pakistans air defense in the Lahore sector has been severely compromised.
An official statement read: This morning, the Indian Armed Forces targeted air defense radars and systems at multiple locations in Pakistan. Indias response has been in the same domain and with the same intensity as Pakistans actions. It has been reliably confirmed that an air defense system in Lahore has been neutralized.
The latest hostilities follow Indias high-precision military offensive, Operation Sindoor, which struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) early Wednesday. The operation targeted infrastructure linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
In retaliation, Pakistan shelled civilian areas in the Karnah sector of Kupwara late Wednesday night. Mortar shells and artillery rounds landed near residential zones shortly after midnight, forcing residents to flee. Most civilians in Karnah had already relocated following earlier shelling. One soldier, Dinesh Kumar of the 5 Fd Regt, was killed in the attack.
Earlier, on Tuesday night, Pakistans indiscriminate shelling along the LoC and International Border killed 15 Indian civilians and injured at least 43 in the Poonch and Tangdhar regions. Poonch district bore the brunt of the attacks, accounting for all civilian deaths.
Defense sources confirmed that the Indian Armys swift retaliation in the Kupwara and Rajouri-Poonch sectors inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military installations, with reports indicating heavy enemy casualties.
Meanwhile, Amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions, the Jammu Traders Federation appealed for calm, assuring the public that essential supplies remain available.
The federation has reactivated war rooms to distribute free rations and medicines to border residents affected by the hostilities.
The reassurance came as authorities evacuated hundreds from villages along the LoC and International Border following intense Pakistani shelling.
People are panic-buying due to fear, but there is no need to worry. We have enough rations to last three months, President Jammu Traders Federation, in a statement said.
He emphasized the traders solidarity with the nation, noting that prices of essentials like oil, flour, and rice have been reduced to ease public burden.
Two war roomsone for rations and another for medicineshave been set up to aid border residents. These will provide free supplies to those in need, just as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gupta said.
Ration stocks have already been dispatched across Jammu, and Gupta reiterated: We are fully prepared to handle this situation.
Meanwhile, The closure of Srinagar International Airport, coupled with the shutdown of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to landslides, has severely disrupted travel.
The heightened security situation has impacted other airports in northern and western India, with at least 25 airports temporarily closed. Major airports like Pathankot and Chandigarh, as well as smaller ones in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat, have been affected.
Since the IAFs precision strikes in PoK on May 7 as part of Operation Sindoor, over 300 flights have been canceled. Airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet have suspended operations to and from Srinagar, Amritsar, Leh, and Jammu.
Heavy rains triggered landslides, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar Highwaythe only road link connecting Kashmir to the rest of India. Multiple stretches in Ramban district, including Trishul Morh and Seri Chamba, were affected. Officials reported that restoration efforts were underway but hampered by ongoing rainfall.
In light of escalating tensions, authorities ordered the closure schools, colleges and universities across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday and Saturday.
Minister of Education, Sakina Itoo in a post on X said said that keeping in view the safety of students, all the private and government schools, colleges and universities shall remain closed on Friday and Saturday.
Registrar of KU also said that they have decided to suspend the classwork for Friday.
"If there are any other changes, we will notify the students accordingly," he said.
Meanwhile, several areas of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan are in blackout. The government is constantly monitoring the situation and has destroyed several drones that were sent by the Pakistan armed forces.
In the meantime, the External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar, has confirmed that he spoke to US Secretary Marco Rubio, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and DPM and FM of Italy, Antonio Tajani.
Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined Indias targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation, Jaishankar tweeted. (Courtesy: Webstory/The Varmul Post)
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Calls for strong academic ecosystem Srinagar, March 6: President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 17 candidates from J&K and Ladakh who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination. He termed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the region and a powerful inspiration for the youth. He said that success of these candidates reflect the immense talent, determination, and intellectual potential present among the students of the region. Nazrul Islam Baba emphasised that educational institutions must work collectively to create a robust academic ecosystem that encourages students to aspire for and excel in national-level competitive examinations like the IAS. He stressed that schools should nurture curiosity, discipline, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities from the early stages of education. “Such remarkable achievements demonstrate that our youth possess the capability to compete at the highest national platforms," he said. He said a supportive academic environment, mentorship, and access to quality resources need to be kept available so that more students from J&K and Ladakh can prepare for and succeed in prestigious examinations. PSAJK President further highlighted the need to develop benchmark institutions and academic support systems in the region that can guide and mentor students aspiring for civil services and other competitive examinations. "Creating a culture of excellence and competition within educational institutions will help channelize the talent of the youth towards nation-building roles," he said. He urged educators, parents, and policymakers to work in synergy to foster an environment where students feel motivated to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society. “Every success story from our region becomes a beacon of hope for thousands of young minds. These achievers have shown that with perseverance, dedication, and proper guidance, no dream is beyond reach. Their journey should inspire our students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence,” he added. PSAJK expressed hope that this achievement will ignite a new wave of aspiration among students across schools in J&K and Ladakh, motivating them to prepare for the country’s most competitive examinations and play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
'NC denied security, got people killed & now it wants to play victim' Srinagar, March 31: Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Tuesday made sharp counter-offensive against the National Conference leadership over the ongoing bungalow and security controversy, saying the party that once weaponised security denial as a political instrument had no moral standing to cry foul today. "As for this bungalow, it was neither anyone's inheritance in the past, nor will it be anyone's property in the future," Lone said. "When someone sits in power, they get the delusion that all of this is theirs. When they leave, they realise nothing belongs to them." Lone made clear his continued stay at the accommodation was not a matter of comfort but of necessity. "I have had a tragedy in my house, an assassination and I have a certain level of security. Let them arrange a house of that level for me and I will leave the very next day. I have no fondness for living there." Turning the argument on its head, Lone accused the NC of having systematically weaponised security mechanisms after 1996 while placing political opponents on OGW lists, denying Police Clearance Certificates to thousands and leaving those out of favour exposed to violence. "After 1996, the maximum number of people were put on the OGW list by them. Whoever was not with them was denied security and then left vulnerable to be killed. They have records of that. And now they want to play victims." He recounted a deeply personal episode to illustrate the charge. "When I was taking my father's funeral procession, I was not given security. He was buried just 100 feet from where he was killed," Sajad Lone recalled . Lone said the Divisional Commissioner at the time had warned him of mortal danger, yet the government refused his security request. "Were those who died not human? Did they not deserve security? Where were your principles then?" On Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary's remark that Lone's chair would need washing, Lone was dismissive. "Absolutely, it will have to be washed, he is bringing disrepute to that chair." He added that in the full catalogue of damage done through the erosion of Article 35-A and Article 370, placing the Deputy CM in office ranked among the gravest. Lone also took aim at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directly. "I saw it myself, Omar Abdullah whispered to him to speak, and he stood up. How petty is that? Will this bring statehood? Will this fight for Kashmir?" He said security was important for everyone but "My only point is, who weaponised it first? Today, when something minor happens to you, you raise an uproar like frightened children." "If you are scared, then leave, who asked you to enter politics," he added.
Jammu, Mar 30: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday urged citizens to draw inspiration from the Prime Minister’s unwavering resolve and march shoulder-to-shoulder in building a strong and prosperous India. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working tirelessly round-the-clock for the nation's welfare. Speaking at the closing ceremony of special phase marking the 150 years of Vande Mataram, here, LG Sinha said PM Modi works tirelessly, round-the-clock, for the nation's welfare. "Let us draw strength from his resolve and stride shoulder-to-shoulder toward a strong, prosperous India," he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that the past decade brought global turmoil and crisis from Ukraine to West Asia plagued most nations, yet, under the able leadership and guidance of PM Modi, India has emerged resilient, sustaining its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy. LG Sinha said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream. “The Union Territory has set new benchmarks in development. It is showcasing profound patriotism through pivotal events like Vande Mataram and Har Ghar Tiranga,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He termed Vande Mataram was India’s identity, strength, and vow and it is not just verses but a profound experience woven into our civilization's fabric. "Vande Mataram singing and related events revives memories of immortal martyrs, honors their sacrifices, and renews our commitment to India's glory," he said. He called upon every section of society to share one dream: making India the world's greatest nation. “We must unite to realize it. When every citizen of J&K UT dedicates themselves to building a developed India, I believe that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the devotion and fervor in Jammu Kashmir towards Vande Matram, reflects how this Union Territory has shed painful chapters, embracing the ideals we have toiled for over the last five-six years. The nation witnessed Jammu Kashmir's stellar contribution during the previous phases of Vande Mataram @150 years commemorative event. In the first phase (November 7-14, 2025), 9 of India's top 10 performing districts were from UT, with Kishtwar at Number 1. In the second (January 19-26, 2026), 6 were from Jammu Kashmir, led by Poonch. The Lieutenant Governor said the overwhelming participation of people of Jammu Kashmir in the previous two phases of Vande Mataram event and embrace of its values signal a transformative power for the future. “I firmly believe a region's greatest strength lies in its ability to envision its future. In Jammu Kashmir, I'm witnessing that potential flourish. It's vital to spread the message that true patriotism is the bedrock of peace and progress. It's a sense of responsibility, a spirit of contribution, assuring us that we can better the world together,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that Vande Mataram symbolized the dream, goal, and resolve generations fought for and the special week-long phase offered moments to reflect at the confluence of history and aspiration, paying tribute to countless sacrifices that grant us today's freedom, unity, and pride. “Vande Mataram inspires us to honor our past, empower our present, and pledge a bright future. This was a UT-level introspection, reviving cultural roots through public participation and enlisting every citizen in nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the political parties, civil society members and all sections of society to join the fight against drug menace and transform Nasha Mukt campaign into People's Movement in Jammu Kashmir. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to the great freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition depicting their historic contributions. The atmosphere was further enriched by the enthralling patriotic performances by the artists of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and students of Cluster University of Jammu. Pertinently, the special phase marking the 150 years of Vande Mataram was organised from March 23 to March 30 2026 to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas and honor the great martyrs of the freedom struggle, whose immense sacrifices paved the way for India's independence. Members of Legislative Assembly, Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretaries, Shaleen Kabra and Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma; Commissioner Secretary, School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma, Vice Chancellors of various universities and senior officials were present. Padma Shri Dr Jitendra Udhampuri; Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; prominent citizens from different walks of life and youth in large number also attended the closing ceremony organised by Culture department.
Jammu, Mar 27: Ruling National Conference (JKNC) legislators on Friday staged a protest inside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly against the US-Israel war on Iran as the House convened for the ongoing Budget Session. The lawmakers, raised slogans, condemning the strikes on Iran and calling them a violation of international norms and an act of aggression. The legislators also held placards and briefly disrupted proceedings, demanding that the issue be acknowledged and discussed. They stated that the developments have hurt public sentiment in the region.
