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)
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
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.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Arshid Ahmad Malikmalik121arshid@gmail.comThe serene valley of Pahalgam known for its breathtaking landscapes,was shaken to its core by a brutal and inhuman attack that claimed innocent lives and left the nation in shock.On 22 April 2025 afternoon,a group of terrorists in Pahalgam,J&K leaving 26 tourists dead and many more injured.The attack was widely condemned by people across the country with many leaders and citizens expressing their outrage and grief.Even just after the attack the people from every nook and corner of Kashmir mourned and strongly condemned this brutal and inhuman act and we saw candlelight protests from different places of Kashmir in solidarity with the victim families who lost their loved ones in this Coward Act.Besides, we saw some heartwarming stories of Kashmiris helping tourists during this horrific attack.Some Kashmiri Youth took the initiative to help tourists, providing them with medical care and transportation to safe areas.Their actions showed that even in times of crisis,there are individuals who prioritize humanity over adversity.Likewise, Aadil Hussain Shah a pony rider and a sole breadwinner in his home lost his life while attempting to protect tourists by tackling gun men.Another example of bravery was demonstrated by a Kashmiri shawl vendor, Sajad Ahmad Bhat who risked his life to help injured tourists.He carried some to safety on his back and provided water to those in need.Moreover,taxi drivers and hotel owners offered free rides and services to tourists, guiding them to safety.These acts highlights Kashmiri community's commitment to humanity, hospitality and unity even in the face of adversity.These acts of kindness serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the misconception that Kashmiris support to condone violence.Instead, they highlight the community's resilience, empathy and dedication to peace.In the aftermath of this excruciating attack, certain media outlets of our nation,often referred to as "Godi Media" left no stone unturned to sensationalize the stories to grab the attention.They often spread misinformation and promote biased narratives leading to polarization and erosion of trust in the media.In the wake of this attack "Godi Media" claimed that the terrorists selectively targeted Hindus after checking their names.However,the list of victims revealed that 15 out of 26 killed were Muslims, debunking this false narrative.By spreading this unverified claims,these TV Channels aimed to fuel communal tensions and polarization, which could lead to further violence and hatred.This behaviour aligns with a disturbing trend where sections of the media amplify divisive narratives to serve political agendas.Although the tourists who were here and witnessed this attack themselves praised local Kashmiris for their heroic approach in helping them to save their lives.Moreover, the tourists in different parts of the valley are claiming that they are safe and secure.They wanted to convey the message to other parts of India that there is nothing like that which godi media is trying to show through different news channels.They are just spreading misinformation leading to communal violence in the nation.On the next day of this attack,one of the TV Channel of godi media, ABP news anchor Chitra Tripathi faced protests at Ghantaghar Lal chowk after locals said that she was trying to spread fake news about the attack.The protestors including tourism groups,lawyers and civil society members criticized the media particularly for its emphasis on communal issues rather than holding the government accountable.The protests saw slogans condemning terrorism and advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity.The protestors also expressed frustration over the media's selective reporting and the censorship of local voices.From common people to the leaders of the Government in Kashmir, everyone slammed "Godi Media" and hold their anchors responsible for communal disharmony in the nation.With their biased and inflammatory coverage, Kashmiris living across India especially students have been heckled,harrased and faced threats by far-right Hindu groups or even their classmates.From Uttarakhand, Punjab, to Uttar Pradesh, landlords are pushing Kashmiri tenants out; and shopkeepers are refusing to trade with them.Several Kashmiri students are sleeping at airports as they try to make their way home.However,It's essential to hold such media outlets accountable for their actions and promote responsible journalism that prioritizes fact-checking, balance, and accuracy.By doing so, we can work towards creating a more informed and compassionate society where communal harmony and peace are valued.The author has done masters in Political Science from University of Kashmir and is currently a Socio-Political Activist and Chairperson of Liberal Youth Club Soibugh.
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.
Banihal, May 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL) has floated a tender for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Baglihar Hydro Electric Project Stage-III in Ramban district. According to the tender notice uploaded on the Jammu and Kashmir e-procurement portal, the consultancy tender has been issued under reference number “JKSPDC/BHEP STAGE-III / 01 of 2026 dated 18-05-2026.” The tender pertains to consultancy services for preparation of the DPR and allied technical documents for the upcoming hydroelectric project on the Chenab River. As per the tender details, the bid submission process will begin from May 23, 2026, while the last date for online submission of bids has been fixed as June 27, 2026. Technical bids are scheduled to be opened on June 29, 2026, in Srinagar. The tender document states that the project falls under the consultancy category and will be executed in hybrid mode. An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs 10 lakh and a tender fee of Rs 10,000 have also been prescribed for participating firms. The proposed Baglihar Stage-III project is expected to further strengthen hydroelectric power generation capacity in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab basin, which already hosts several major hydroelectric projects. The existing Baglihar Hydroelectric Project, located near Chanderkoot in Ramban district, is one of the flagship power projects of JKSPDCL with an installed capacity of around 900 MW. Officials said that the new stage of the project will help enhance energy generation and support the Union Territory’s long-term power infrastructure development plans.
Srinagar, May 7: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday expressed hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice if the controversy surrounding alleged malpractices in the West Bengal polls reaches the apex court of the country. Talking to reporters after a meeting of the party's provincial committee, Abdullah said everyone is raising questions over the poll results. "Mamata (Banerjee) is raising questions, Akhilesh (Yadav) is raising questions, everyone is raising questions (on the poll results). I hope they will take this to the Supreme Court and that the Supreme Court will deliver justice on it," the NC chief said. To a question over the unity in the opposition's India bloc, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "India bloc is always operative, it will continue to operate." On the party's meeting, he said several issues, including how to strengthen the party, were discussed. Meanwhile, NC's chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said the meeting of the provincial committee of the party takes place every month and discusses party affairs. "Discussions took place over party affairs, developmental works and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir," Sadiq told reporters. Asked if the cabinet expansion was discussed in the meeting, he said it was not the proper forum as cabinet expansion is the prerogative of the chief minister. "The CM will take a call on it when he deems fit. The meeting discussed party affairs, what MLAs think and what the situation is," Sadiq added.
New Delhi, May 6 : The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday described the North Tech Symposium as a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defence sector, emphasising that the initiative brings together users, industry, and academia under a common platform. In a video message, Lt. Sharma stated that the symposium is being held in the historic city of Prayagraj, situated at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Themed ‘Defence Triveni Confluence’, the event aims to integrate ideas, innovation, and operational experience into the armed forces’ capabilities, he said. For the first time, two frontline commands of the Indian Army have united on one stage to share operational experience, the Army Commander said. He identified the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPDA) as co-participants. Lt Gen Sharma said the symposium will see armed forces, industries, start-ups, innovators, and academic institutions collaborate to find solutions to critical operational challenges. Describing the present as a turning point in a fast-changing battlefield, he observed that innovation not only aids ideas but also shapes them. The Defence Minister’s announcement of the ‘Year of Reforms’ and subsequent joint efforts have reduced the gap between ideas and innovation, Lt Gen Sharma added. He said the initiative is inspired by the principles of ‘Jai’ — Jointness, Independence, and Innovation — which is crucial for modernising combat capability. The symposium provides industry partners a platform to showcase technical capabilities and understand end-user requirements in depth, the Army Commander said, adding that this would enable the Indian defence industry to produce customised weaponry. He emphasised that the event will deliver practical technological solutions for soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. Based on operational challenges faced by the Army, focus teams will ensure clear problem statements, immediate feedback, and practical solutions, Lt Gen Sharma said. He said that the cooperative model brings together end-users, innovation partners, industry, start-ups, and academia, with technical seminars, equipment displays, and army innovations adding value to the event. Lt Gen Sharma also highlighted an unprecedented level of coordination among the armed forces, industry, academia, and government institutions. He expressed gratitude to all participants, government agencies, SIDM, and UPDA, stating that their cooperation had made the project a real success.
