Jammu, Jan 22: State President Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) Vivek Bali on Thursday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, resulting in death of ten Army soldiers. Bali said the devastating incident has plunged the entire region into mourning and triggered an outpouring of grief across the Union Territory. In a statement issued to Kashmir Square, Vivek Bali expressed sorrow over the "unfortunate loss of precious lives" and paid rich tribute to the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the Army soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He said the nation would always remember the outstanding service, dedication, and courage of the fallen soldiers. “I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident. The sacrifice of our brave soldiers will never be forgotten. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families. In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with them in solidarity and support,” Bali said. He said the news left him deeply distressed and shaken. Vivek Bali also saluted the courage and commitment of the Indian Army personnel and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. He said the entire nation stands firmly with the Army and the affected families during this difficult time. The SBSP leader further urged the Government of India to extend compassionate support to the families of the deceased soldiers, including the provision of government jobs to eligible next of kin. He also called for adequate assistance and compassionate care for the injured Army personnel, stressing that the nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to its brave soldiers and their families. 

Srinagar, Jan 22: The Doda incident, which claimed the lives of 10 soldiers and injured several others, has evoked widespread condolences from the J&K government and other political leaders. Earlier today, the Army’s Casper vehicle fell into the gorge near the Khannitop when a team was heading for an operation.  The vehicle went down around 400 meters from the road, resulting in the death of ten soldiers and injuries to ten others as well. In wake of this, J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti have expressed their condolences over the incident. "Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda," office of the J&K LG wrote on X. "We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families," the post reads. LG Manoj Sinha further said that in this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. "10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery," the post reads. Chief Minister also expressed deep grief over the tragic accident involving an Army vehicle at Khannitop on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road. "He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, lauding the swift rescue and evacuation efforts," office of the Chief Minister, J&K wrote on X. Former Chief Minister and president Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her condolences over the incident. "Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from Doda, where an Army vehicle met with an accident, claiming the lives of 10 brave soldiers and leaving several others injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured," Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X. Meanwhile, Indian Army's White knight corps said an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road. "In an unfortunate incident, an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation, slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather, in general area of Doda," White knight Corps wrote on X. "There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment," the post reads.

Srinagar, Jan 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is scheduled to meet today at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu. The meeting will be convened to consider a wide-ranging agenda covering policy decisions, infrastructure projects, administrative reforms, service matters and court-related compliance issues. Top officials said that among the key policy matters, the Cabinet is likely to approve the Excise Policy for 2026–27, as the existing policy expires on March 31, 2026. The Cabinet is also expected to approve the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for undertaking operation and management of the proposed Cruise and Urban Water Transport System on River Jhelum. The SPV will have initial equity contribution of ₹1 lakh each from the Transport Department, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Another major agenda item is the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)/Project Beacon for maintenance and improvement of tracks leading to the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji for the period 2025–28. The proposal includes administrative approval for signing the MoU and undertaking operation and maintenance activities, covering widening of tracks, snow clearance, slope stabilization, construction of shelters, bridges and safety infrastructure to ensure safe movement of pilgrims. The Cabinet is also likely to approve the construction of a residential school for the wards of migratory population at Doombwani in Shopian district, aimed at strengthening educational facilities for migrant families. As part of environmental governance reforms, the Cabinet may take up the proposal for restructuring of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC). On the cooperative sector front, the Cabinet is expected to approve the reference of a dispute between the J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Ltd (JKCHC) and HUDCO to the Administrative Mechanism for Resolution of Disputes (AMRD) of the Government of India, along with approval for initiation of arbitration proceedings. Several service and personnel-related matters are also on the agenda. These include promotion of officers to various scales of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), release of Selection Grade (Non-functional) and Special Scale (Non-functional) in favour of eligible officers, and confirmation of Junior Scale JKAS probationers with relaxation of rules. The Cabinet is further likely to consider the creation of one post of Deputy Legal Remembrancer in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir. Court-related compliance matters also figure on the agenda, including creation of supernumerary posts in pursuance of directions passed in SWP No. 1340/2003 and CP No. 123/2022 (Braham Paul Sharma vs State and others), Implementation of orders dated March 31, 2016, passed by the High Court in SWP No. 487/2005 (Basant Ram vs State of J&K & others). Additionally, the Cabinet may consider relaxation of J&K Civil Service Regulations (Article 38) in the J&K Economics and Statistics (Gazetted) Service for promotion of Kamal Krishan Razdan as Deputy Director (E&S) in compliance with court directions. All decisions taken by the Cabinet will be subject to the approval of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, they added. (KDC)

Srinagar, Jan 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) has announced a physical round of counselling to accommodate 50 MBBS students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Kakryal, Katra into Government Medical Colleges across the Union Territory of J&K. According to an official notification, the counselling will be held on January 24, 2026, with reporting scheduled between 10 am and 11 am at BOPEE offices in Jammu and Srinagar. The move follows directions from the Health & Medical Education Department and the Medical Assessment and Rating Board of the National Medical Commission. The 50 supernumerary seats have been distributed among seven newly established Government Medical Colleges, including Anantnag (8), Baramulla (7), Doda (7), Handwara (7), Kathua (7), Rajouri (7), and Udhampur (7). JKBOPEE has clarified that seat allocation will be carried out strictly on the basis of NEET-UG merit and candidate preferences. Candidates have been advised to bring all original documents, including domicile certificates and admission fee receipts, for verification. Provision has also been made for authorised representatives in exceptional cases.

Srinagar, Jan 21: The former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, Rashmi Ranjan Swain said that J&K effectively functioned under two parallel authorities, India and Pakistan during the peak years of militancy. He further said that militant influence extended deep into civil administration. In an interview, Swain said that the late separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani remained in contact with officers in the civil administration, and that officials often obliged him as well. He said the influence of militant-backed leadership during those years was visible across multiple layers of governance. Sharing figures related to the prolonged conflict, Swain said that  over 47,000 people lost their lives in militancy-related violence over the last 36 years. He said around 22,000 militants were shot dead, while nearly 12,000 civilians were killed by militants.  "Over 6000 personnel from security forces were also killed during this period," he said. The former Police chief described the period between 1999 and 2000 as a turning point in counter-militancy operations. He said political pressure began building up during this time, restricting security agencies from probing the wider militant ecosystem. Swain claimed that while militants were allowed to be neutralised, security forces were not permitted to investigate the sources of the finances, logistics of militants and those propagating anti-India ideology. Swain further said that there was no political interference in anti-militancy operations immediately after the formation of an elected government in 1996, but the approach later changed, weakening the ability of agencies to dismantle the support networks behind militancy. He highlighted the role of forces from the Pir Panjal region and said Rajouri and Poonch contributed some of the finest personnel to the Special Operations Group (SOG). He described them as the cream of the force who fought active militants on the ground. Swain said the prevailing narrative in Kashmir was such that people do not believe that Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq was killed by militants, alleging that false operations were often flagged to shape public opinion.

Srinagar, Jan 20: A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, along with senior representatives of leading tourism trade associations, met  Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. The delegation held an extensive discussion on the revival of the tourism sector, which continues to face challenges following recent adverse developments. During the interaction, the KCC&I-led delegation submitted a comprehensive memorandum outlining urgent policy and administrative measures required to restore confidence, stabilise operations, and ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism in the Union Territory. The delegation acknowledged that under the able and visionary leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir tourism had earlier reached unprecedented heights, witnessing record tourist arrivals and investments running into several thousand crores of rupees across hotels and allied hospitality infrastructure. Briefing the Lieutenant Governor, KCC&I President Javid Ahmad Tenga highlighted that the tourism sector has been severely impacted after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in mass cancellations, a sharp decline in tourist inflows, and serious financial stress for hoteliers, transporters, tour operators, guides, houseboat owners, and thousands of daily-wage earners. He underlined that the sector was currently grappling with both demand-side challenges and long-pending regulatory bottlenecks. Tourism promotion emerged as the main thrust of the discussions, with the Chamber strongly advocating the launch of an aggressive Pan-India and international tourism promotion campaign to restore confidence and safeguard upcoming tourism seasons. The delegation also urged promotion of Kashmir through the ‘Incredible India’ initiative of the Government of India and sought Leave Travel Concession (LTC) priority for Jammu & Kashmir, terming it a powerful confidence-building and demand-generation measure for domestic tourism. Another major issue discussed in detail was the renewal of registration of hotels, houseboats, and guest houses. The delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor that delays and procedural complexities in renewals are causing severe operational difficulties for hospitality units. He sought immediate implementation of a single-window, time-bound, and digitized renewal mechanism, particularly for houseboats, which he described as the crown jewel of Kashmir tourism. The delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor that there is an urgent need to put in place a well-defined annual calendar for tourism promotion and related events. It was pointed out that at present tourism stakeholders receive invitations for participation at the eleventh hour, often just a day in advance, which makes meaningful participation difficult and undermines the purpose of such events. The delegation emphasised that a structured and pre-announced calendar would enable better planning, wider participation, and more effective promotion of Kashmir as a tourism destination. The delegation further requested that applications for renewal of registrations and licences, where all requisite documents have already been duly submitted, be deemed to be renewed on a provisional basis until final decisions are taken by the competent authority. The delegation also raised concerns regarding extension of lease deeds, issues faced by hotels under LCMA jurisdiction, infrastructure constraints in congested commercial areas such as Lal Chowk, fire safety requirements under Smart City projects, improved airport-level facilitation, waiver of municipal and allied fees for the hospitality sector. Raising another long-pending issue, the delegation strongly pressed for the announcement of a power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers. They highlighted that accumulated power dues, exacerbated by prolonged downturns in tourism, have placed severe financial stress on businesses. A one-time amnesty, they said, would help stabilize struggling establishments, encourage regularization of dues, and support the overall revival of the tourism economy in Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the issues raised would be examined sympathetically. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reviving tourism, improving ease of doing business, and ensuring that genuine stakeholders are facilitated through transparent and efficient systems. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed confidence that under the continued leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir tourism will overcome present challenges and regain its growth trajectory. The Chamber assured its full cooperation with the administration in implementing reforms and revival measures in the larger interest of the economy and livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Jan 20: A day after former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti floated the idea of creating separate divisions for the Chenab and Pir Panchal regions, former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that the idea is a Dixon Plan. Talking to reporters, NC president said that the proposal is a Dixon Plan. “It is a Dixon Plan. You might not know that. The Dixon Plan is an old proposal which envisaged division on the basis of the Chenab river, creating a Greater Kashmir Valley on one side of the river and separating this part,” Farooq said when asked about Mehbooba Mufti’s demand for the creation of separate divisions for the Chenab and Pir Panchal regions. The NC president said that they were against the separation of Ladakh from Jammu & Kashmir. “What benefit Ladakhis got from separation? Today Ladakhis are seeking reunification and are telling that they don’t want UT status,” he said. He said there are many people who want to break the state but they won’t succeed in their designs. (KNO)

Jammu, Jan 20: Ahead of the beginning of the budget session of Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will begin chairing pre-budget consultations with different administrative departments from Tuesday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Finance Minister of J&K, will hold pre-budget consultations with various departments starting today. According to the itinerary prepared by the Finance Department, the Chief Minister will hold consultations with 24 administrative departments, including eight departments for which he himself is the minister in charge, on January 20, 21, and 22. On January 20, he is scheduled to chair meetings of eight key departments headed by him, while on January 21 and 22, he will preside over meetings of departments headed by his cabinet ministers. As per the notice, the Finance Department has asked ministers, the Advisor to the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, and administrative secretaries to attend the meetings. The budget for 2026–27 will be presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on February 6 in the Assembly. This will be the second budget presented by the Chief Minister himself. The budget for the current financial year was presented by him on March 7, 2025, in the House. (KNO)

Says displaced Kashmiri Pandits can come here as visitors, don’t think they can stay here Srinagar, Jan 19: The National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that nobody is stopping Kashmiri Pandits from coming back to home, saying they can come anytime and stay in their homes like those who never left the Valley. Talking to reporters, Farooq Abdullah said that he had told them (Kashmiri Pandits) on time to return to their homes and had made a comprehensive rehabilitation policy when he was at the helm. “Then we were not in power. Now it’s the job of New Delhi to rehabilitate them,” he said. He said that it is also up to them (Kashmiri Pandits) who left their homes, they are settled in other parts, have grown old and their children are now studying in schools, colleges and universities. “They can come here as visitors only. I don’t think they will come here to stay,” he added. Farooq Abdullah said hatred was being spread across the country in the name of religion and Hindus and Muslims are divided to win elections. “This nation belongs to everyone and it is known for unity in diversity. Every religion and caste exists here but some people want to fight in the name of religion who can stop them. It is not a new thing,” he said. Referring to Vaishno Devi medical admission row, he said that students were given admission based on NEET score and the majority of them were Muslims, but its approval as medical college was withdrawn. “Who were these people who did this. Who is responsible for the hatred being spread in Jammu in the name of religion. Who is saying that Jammu should be separated,” he questioned. He also said that Pakistan would never stop its actions in Jammu and Kashmir and he has been saying this time and again. “We have confronted Pakistan. Had we desired, we would have gone with Pakistan in 1947, but we chose India. We stayed in Gandhi’s Bharat, but is it his Bharat today. Are people living with ease here, who are fighting religious fights,” he said. (KNO)

Jammu, Jan 19: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather nominated eight Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) as members of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), officials said. According to an order issued by the Assembly Secretariat, the members nominated to the committee include BJP MLA from Paddar–Nagseni and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, National Conference legislators Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mubarak Gul, CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Congress MLA G A Mir, Peoples Conference legislator Sajad Gani Lone, PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, and Independent MLA Choudhary Mohammad Akram. The Business Advisory Committee plays a key role in advising the Speaker on the scheduling of House business and allocation of time for legislative proceedings during Assembly sessions. (KNS)

Jammu, Jan 19: Army helicopters were pressed into service as security forces on Monday resumed a search and cordon operation in Kishtwar district to track down a group of terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of the area, officials said. The operation, launched on Sunday in the Sonnar village area near Mandral–Singhpora in the Chatroo sector, was suspended late Sunday night due to difficult terrain and poor visibility. Officials said the operation had escalated into an exchange of fire during the initial contact, in which eight security personnel sustained injuries after terrorists hurled a grenade.  The injured personnel were shifted to hospital for treatment. With first light, joint teams of the Army, police and paramilitary forces resumed the operation and tightened the cordon to prevent any escape, officials said. Drones and sniffer dogs are being used to comb the densely forested area, while Army helicopters are conducting sorties to maintain aerial surveillance over the operation zone. According to intelligence inputs, two to three terrorists, suspected to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), are believed to be trapped in the area.  Officials said there had been no fresh contact with the terrorists since Sunday’s exchange of fire. The operation was continuing, officials added. (KNS)

Srinagar, Jan 19: Cold conditions persisted across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday, with several places in the Kashmir valley recording sub-zero minimum temperatures, officials said. According to data compiled by Kashmir Weather, Sonamarg emerged as the coldest place in the Kashmir region, recording a minimum temperature of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the famous ski resort, registered a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, while the airport area recorded a lower minimum of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius. Other parts of the valley also witnessed freezing temperatures, with Pulwama recording minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, Shopian minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Anantnag minus 3.9 degrees Celsius and Awantipora minus 4.2 degrees Celsius. Kupwara and Budgam recorded minimum temperatures of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius and minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, respectively, while Baramulla and Bandipora both settled at minus 1.4 degrees Celsius. Pampore recorded a low of minus 4.0 degrees Celsius and Sopore minus 3.0 degrees Celsius.  Kokernag and Ganderbal recorded comparatively higher minimums of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius and minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. In the Jammu region, minimum temperatures remained above the freezing point in most areas.  Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.3 degrees Celsius, while Jammu airport recorded 8.2 degrees Celsius. Banihal recorded a low of 0.7 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah dipped below freezing at minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. In Ladakh, severe cold conditions prevailed with Hanle recording the lowest temperature at minus 14.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Leh at minus 8.0 degrees Celsius and Kargil at minus 6.6 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued cold conditions in the region over the coming days.(KNS)