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)
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.
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.
'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.
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.
Jammu, Mar 05: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said agriculture and allied sectors hold immense potential for startups, value addition and entrepreneurship programmes in the region. He called upon youth to become job creators instead of job seekers. Addressing a Startup Outreach Programme organised under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu, the Chief Minister, Agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and apiculture together form a strong economic base of the region. “There is a misconception that Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is driven only by tourism. The fact is that agriculture and horticulture contribute significantly to J&K’s Gross Domestic Product," he said. CM Omar told students that government employment opportunities are limited and not everyone can secure a government job. He said the youth must explore innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors where the region already has natural strengths. “We do not have resources like coal, iron ore or oil to set up large-scale industries. We have to build industries around what we already possess, and agriculture offers that opportunity,” he said. The Chief Minister stressed the need for value addition to make agriculture viable, noting that shrinking land holdings and market uncertainties have made traditional farming less sustainable. Citing dairy as an example, he said only a small percentage of milk produced in Jammu and Kashmir undergoes processing, unlike states such as Gujarat where value addition is significantly higher. He said processing milk into products such as paneer and other dairy items increases income and creates employment. He also highlighted opportunities in meat processing, fisheries, honey production, floriculture and horticulture, saying small innovations can open new markets. Referring to a young innovator who improved flower packaging to enhance shelf life, he said such ideas can generate viable enterprises. Encouraging students to take risks, Abdullah said failure should not deter aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing a parallel with global entrepreneur Elon Musk, he said setbacks are part of innovation and learning. The Chief Minister assured institutional and government support for young entrepreneurs and called upon them to harness schemes such as JKCIP and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme to modernise the sector. On the occasion, he launched 808 Kisan Khidmat Ghars aimed at strengthening grassroots agricultural services and felicitated startups and farmers’ producer organisations for their achievements.
Jammu, Feb 22: Senior BJP leader and Jammu MP Sat Sharma on Sunday renewed the call for justice to the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), describing their suffering as a direct result of past political betrayals. Speaking at a gathering in Jammu on 32nd anniversary of Parliament’s historic resolution affirming Jammu and Kashmir’s complete integration with India, Sharma said many families in PoJK still live with deep hope and pain. “There is a dire need to give justice to those old ladies who still make two extra chapatis every night, waiting for the Indian Army to liberate them from atrocities and the clutches of illegal occupation by the ISI and Pakistan,” he said. February 22, 1994, resolution—passed unanimously by both Houses of Parliament—declared that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, including territories under Pakistani control since 1947, is an “integral part of India.” It demanded Pakistan vacate the illegally occupied areas, condemned the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits, and rejected any dilution of India’s sovereignty in the face of continued cross-border terrorism sponsored from across the border. Sharma recalled how certain Kashmir-based leaders and the Congress leadership in Delhi at the time played a role in keeping these regions separated from the rest of Bharat. He appealed to Kashmiris and Dogras on the Indian side to stand in solidarity with their brethren in PoJK, many of whom continue to raise the slogan “Maharaja Gulab Singh Amar Rahe” as a symbol of their enduring connection to the larger Indian identity. The remarks come against the backdrop of repeated waves of public anger in PoJK. In May 2024, protests erupted over inflated electricity tariffs and the withdrawal of wheat subsidies, turning violent and leaving several people dead. The unrest peaked again in late September–early October 2025 when the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) led a massive shutdown and wheel-jam strike across Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Kotli, and other towns. The protesters presented a charter of up to 39 demands, including affordable electricity (despite PoJK generating a large share of Pakistan’s hydropower), subsidised food grains, improved roads, healthcare, education, and greater local control over resources. Security forces responded with force and at least nine people (civilians and police) were killed, more than 200 injured, mobile and internet services suspended, and large parts of the region placed under lockdown. An agreement was eventually signed on October 4, 2025, promising a 25-point package of relief and reforms to be implemented within 90 days. However, reports in early 2026 suggest significant delays, sparking fresh disappointment and sporadic protests. Beyond economic grievances, residents of PoJK routinely face arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, custodial torture, discrimination against religious minorities (particularly Ahmadis and Shias), sectarian violence, severe curbs on freedom of expression, harassment of journalists, and misuse of anti-terror laws. Women and children have reported instances of sexual violence and forced recruitment into militant outfits, adding layers of trauma to daily life. Sat Sharma’s statement reflects a growing sentiment that the time has come for stronger solidarity. With youth-led actions continuing in PoJK—especially against failing education systems, ongoing disappearances, and systemic neglect—the demand for justice and eventual reunion appears to be gaining momentum.
Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has revealed that its prized properties in New Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh are not in its hands-but under occupation. The revelation has raised questions over how assets of such huge financial value slipped out of the state’s control. In a written reply to cut motion of Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in-charge Hospitality & Protocol Department said that 96 kanals of J&K are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Service under administrative control of Ministry of Defence. “The Jammu and Kashmir Government owns a property known as “Kashmir House” spanning 114 Kanals and 11.2 Marlas at Rajaji Marg. Of this, 96 Kanals are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Wing under the Ministry of Defence (Engineer‑in‑chief) and have persistently been taken up with Estates department as well as Ministry of Defence,” the Minister’s reply reads. The Minister said that one Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas of land were successfully retrieved on June 5, 2023. “Out of the remaining land, 1 Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas was under the unauthorized occupation and successfully retrieved on 05.06.2023. Resultantly, 18 Kanals of land is under possession of the Jammu & Kashmir Government at present and has staff quarters over it,” the minister said. The Minister also disclosed that eight Kanals and five Marals of land are under illegal occupation at Damai Ganj, Amritsar. “The Government owns land measuring approximately 32 Kanals and 9 Marlas at Daimganj, Tapai Road, Amritsar, which has been subject to unauthorized occupation," it reads. The minister said that through sustained legal action and orders passed by the Hon’ble District Court, Amritsar, the Government has successfully retrieved approximately 14 Kanals and 11 Marlas from Raminder Singh Buloria and 9 Kanals and 13 Marlas from Balbir Sharma, thereby recovering substantial portions of the land. The Minister said the remaining land measuring two Kanals and 15 Marlas under occupation of Kuldip and approximately five Kanals and 10 Marlas under occupation of Raminder Pal Singh. These two cases are presently under litigation before competent civil courts. “Execution proceedings are ongoing, and the remaining land measuring approximately 8 Kanals and 5 Marlas is expected to be retrieved upon final adjudication, with assistance from the Revenue Department and local authorities,” the Minister’s reply reads. The Minister said the J&K Government has initiated legal proceedings to recover 1251 Kanals of land leased out in 1960 at Haryana. “The Government of Jammu & Kashmir owns land measuring approximately 1251 Kanals and 4 Marlas at Mangla area, District Sirsa, Haryana, which was leased out in the late 1960s to Bajwa Brothers," the reply reads. It reads that due to violation of lease conditions, particularly non-payment of lease rent, the Government initiated legal proceedings before the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court to enforce its ownership rights and secure recovery of possession. "The matter is at the final argument stage,” reads the reply.