Strict Action Against Anti-National Elements Essential for Peaceful Jammu and Kashmir: DGP Nalin Prabhat

DGP Nalin Prabhat

The Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, on Tuesday said that the strictest possible action against anti-national elements is essential to maintain peace and stability in the region.

He stressed the need for foolproof security planning, stronger area domination, and intelligence-based operations to ensure peaceful and incident-free Republic Day 2026 celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The DGP made these remarks while chairing a high-level security review meeting in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. During the meeting, he reviewed the overall security situation and assessed the operational preparedness of the district police.

DGP Nalin Prabhat took a detailed review of law and order arrangements, counter-terror preparedness, crime control measures, and security plans for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. He directed officers to remain on high alert and ensure strong coordination at all levels to prevent any untoward incident.

Addressing senior and field officers, the DGP issued clear instructions to act firmly and decisively against elements posing a threat to public safety and peace. He emphasised zero tolerance towards activities harmful to national security, while also urging the police to maintain a people-friendly and professional approach during operations.

The DGP appreciated the efforts of the Ganderbal Police and encouraged them to continue working with dedication, discipline, and commitment to uphold the rule of law and provide a secure environment for citizens.

The meeting was attended by S J M Gillani, V K Birdi, Rajiv Pandey, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, along with other gazetted officers, station house officers, and district officers of Ganderbal Police.

The DGP concluded by reiterating that maintaining peace and public confidence remains the top priority of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, especially during national events like Republic Day.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

Return of Kashmiri Pandits Essential for Kashmir’s Harmony: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary

Return of Kashmiri Pandits

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday stressed the importance of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits, saying their return is crucial for restoring Kashmir’s beauty, harmony, and social balance.

Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Choudhary referred to the long-standing position of senior National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Dr Farooq Abdullah has always said that if Kashmiri Pandits are rehabilitated in Jammu and Kashmir, there is no doubt that the beauty and harmony of Kashmir will return,” Choudhary said. He added that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is essential for rebuilding trust and strengthening brotherhood in the region.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the centuries-old tradition of communal harmony in Kashmir can only be fully revived when Kashmiri Pandit families return to their homeland with dignity, security, and confidence.

He emphasised that lasting peace and social unity in Jammu and Kashmir depend on inclusive rehabilitation efforts that address the concerns and aspirations of displaced communities.

Choudhary’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on reconciliation, rehabilitation, and long-term peace in the Union Territory, with political leaders repeatedly calling for concrete steps to facilitate the safe and honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

Woman Found Tied Inside Plastic Bag in Rajouri, Rushed to Hospital in Critical Condition

5-Year-Old Girl

A shocking incident came to light in Rajouri district after a 45-year-old woman was found tied with a rope inside a plastic bag, police said on Monday.

The woman has been identified as Azeem Akhtar. According to police, she was discovered late Sunday night by locals in an isolated area of Tandwal. After noticing the suspicious bag, residents alerted authorities and helped rescue her.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Azeem Akhtar was immediately freed and rushed to Government Medical College Hospital Rajouri, where she is undergoing treatment. Doctors said her condition is serious.

Police officials said they are waiting for the woman’s health to improve so that her statement can be recorded. An investigation has been started to find out how she ended up in the bag and who is responsible for the incident.

Officials said further details will emerge once the victim is able to speak.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

J&K Government Exploring Plan to Build Cricket Stadium for National, International Matches: Chief Secretary

The Jammu and Kashmir Government is exploring the possibility of developing a cricket stadium capable of hosting national and international matches, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a two-day National Sports Conference, Dulloo said the government is assessing the feasibility of the project within the Union Territory’s financial capacity. He added that different models are being examined for the development and long-term maintenance of the proposed facility.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The government is considering whether such a project can be undertaken independently or whether collaboration with professional sports bodies would be more effective,” he said.

Dulloo said partnerships with organisations such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), other sports associations, and members of the business community are also being explored to ensure professional management and sustainability of the stadium.

He added that the proposed stadium could help promote sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir, provide better facilities for local talent, and open doors for hosting major sporting events in the region.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

J&K Prepared to Face Cross-Border Threats, Security Situation Largely Under Control: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo

Atal Dulloo

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday said that adversarial elements, including hostile forces from across the border, will continue attempts to create trouble, but security preparedness on the ground remains strong. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said the region faces multiple challenges such as infiltration attempts, harsh weather, and difficult terrain, which are often exploited by hostile elements. Dulloo added that Pakistan and its terror networks keep trying to take advantage of surprise to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Expressing confidence in the security system, he said all agencies are on high alert. The Indian Army, paramilitary forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and intelligence agencies are fully prepared to respond strongly to any conspiracy.

Dulloo described the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 as largely under control, apart from one major incident — the Pahalgam attack. He said the year reflected strong operational effectiveness and several successes by security forces.

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 last year, with more than a dozen injured.

He said there was visible dominance of security forces across the region and highlighted successful operations, including Operation Mahadev, and the busting of terror modules involved in attacks outside the region.

Referring to recent high-level security review meetings chaired by the Union Home Minister, Dulloo said such reviews are routine. He added that security strategies are continuously reviewed and updated to meet future challenges.

On threats in 2026, the Chief Secretary said hostile elements would keep trying to create unrest, but security forces are ensuring effective control so that terrorists do not succeed.

He also spoke about Pakistan-sponsored drone activities along the border, saying attempts to smuggle weapons and narcotics are a serious threat but are being effectively countered by the Army, Border Security Force, police, and other agencies.

Dulloo said the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir has weakened significantly. Recruitment into terrorist groups is now almost negligible, while incidents like stone-pelting and shutdowns have largely disappeared.

He added that people are moving away from violence, and any effort to revive terrorism will be dealt with firmly to ensure peace and normal life continue in the region. (Media Agencies)

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

Suspected 3-kg IED Recovered and Destroyed During Anti-Terror Operation in Rajouri

bomb

Security forces on Thursday recovered a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (3-kg IED) weighing around three kilograms in Rajouri, officials said.

The recovery was made during an anti-terror operation launched on the basis of specific intelligence inputs. Officials said the operation was carried out in Kakora village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Manjakote Police Station.

During the cordon and search operation, security personnel found suspicious material hidden in a forest area. The material was later examined by the Bomb Disposal Squad, which confirmed it to be an IED.

Officials said the device weighed approximately three kilograms and was destroyed safely through a controlled explosion to avoid any danger to civilians.

Security forces said the timely recovery and destruction of the IED prevented a possible threat and helped maintain safety in the area.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

Kishtwar Administration Takes Action Against Revenue Officials Over Jamabandi Digitisation Lapses

Assistant Executive Engineer suspended

The district administration in Kishtwar has taken strict action against three revenue officials for alleged negligence and poor performance in the digitisation of Jamabandies, a key initiative of the Revenue Department.

As per official orders issued by the Deputy Commissioner, OP Naibat Sohal, Vijay Kumar, who was also holding additional charge of PH Sohal, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

The action followed repeated complaints from the Tehsildar Atholi Paddar regarding Vijay Kumar’s failure to carry out assigned duties properly. The issue was raised several times, including during review meetings held on January 11 and 12 with tehsildars of the district.

According to the order, the official allegedly ignored instructions, failed to complete assigned tasks, and slowed down the progress of Jamabandi digitisation. Despite clear directions from the Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, to speed up the process, no satisfactory progress was reported.

During the suspension period, Vijay Kumar will remain attached with the Marwah Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office and will receive subsistence allowance as per rules, subject to regular attendance. The SDM Marwah has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer and has been asked to submit a detailed report within 30 days.

Meanwhile, the charge of PH Sohal has been handed over to Vijay Kumar Sharma from the SDM Office Paddar, in addition to his existing duties.

In a separate order, the Deputy Commissioner has also directed the withholding of salaries of two Patwaris — Nisar Ahmad Beigh (Patwari Halqa Chenger) and Javeed Iqbal (Patwari Halqa Dehrana) — due to their poor performance in Jamabandi digitisation. Their salaries will remain withheld until further orders.

The district administration said these actions have been taken in public interest to ensure accountability, discipline, and timely implementation of important government initiatives.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

J&K Government Promotes 20 DySP Officers to SP Selection Grade, Including Khurshid Ahmad

Khurshid Ahmad

Deputy Superintendent of Police Khurshid Ahmad is among twenty officers promoted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) Selection Grade by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

According to an official order, the government has approved the placement of Deputy Superintendents of Police from the General Cadre into the Selection Grade, which falls under Level 10A of the Pay Matrix (56,600–1,79,800). Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The approval was granted through Government Order No. 19-Home of 2026, dated January 12, 2026. The decision followed recommendations made by the Home Department’s Selection Committee. A copy of the order is with Kashmir News Service (KNS).

The order states that a total of twenty DySP officers have been placed in the Selection Grade, with promotions taking effect from the dates mentioned individually for each officer.

The promotion benefits will also apply to officers who have retired, covering the period from their effective promotion date until their retirement.

Issued with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, the order has been circulated to all concerned departments for implementation.

The officers promoted include Rakesh Kumar, Mohd. Younis, Mohd. Amin Malik, Bupinder Singh, Bharat Sharma, Naseem Akram, Shivam Jaggi, Syed Afaq Ahmed, Umer Urfan, Khurshid Ahmad, Hamidullah Naik, Gazanfer Syeed Lone, Kuldeep Raj, Ravinder Singh, Rishi Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Mahesh Sharma, Nissar Ahmed Ganie, Vijay Singh, and Neeraj Sharma.

The government clarified that these promotions will remain subject to the outcome of any related writ petitions currently pending before competent courts.

JKGBYWC, JKFRC Warn of Public Campaign Over Alleged Harassment of Bakerwal Families in Rajouri

JKGBYWC,

The Jammu & Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Youth Welfare Conference (JKGBYWC) and the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Rights Coalition (JKFRC) have issued a stern warning of a full-scale public campaign, alleging systematic harassment of seven nomadic Bakerwal families in the Mehari Gujjran area of Rajouri District.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In a statement issued to News Agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), the groups accused Forest Department authorities of persistently targeting the families for the past two years under the pretext of protecting forest land. 

The statement was endorsed by Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, Chairman of the JKFRC, and Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, State President of the JKGBYWC, alongside other coalition leaders.

The leadership condemned what they described as a blatant disregard for established law. They asserted that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 explicitly recognizes the traditional rights of such forest-dwelling communities. Furthermore, they argued that the harassment violates Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to life and livelihood.

“Any agency or officer violating these sacred laws must be held accountable under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which is designed to protect marginalized communities from such institutional oppression,” the statement read. It also cautioned that the department’s actions contravene international commitments, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 10 aimed at reducing inequality.

The statement reads that a point of particular contention raised by the organizations is that the targeted families possess valid legal documentation—including Ration Cards, Voter IDs, and Aadhaar cards—all officially registered to the Mehari Gujjran area.

Local representative Shazia Tabasum Choudhary, the Sarpanch of the area, has reportedly been advocating for the families for two years. She claims to have exhausted all administrative avenues to halt the eviction attempts. In a renewed appeal, she has called upon the concerned Minister, the District Administration, and the Tribal Affairs Department to intervene.

“For two years, these families have been uprooted in their search for justice, their livelihoods destroyed and their children’s education severely disrupted,” Choudhary stated, holding the authorities directly responsible for the distress.

The JKGBYWC has urgently appealed to Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana to personally intervene and take strict action against the officers involved. They have also demanded that the Tribal Affairs Department, as the nodal agency for the FRA, immediately recommend the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the concerned forest officials for violating the Act.

Expressing profound disappointment, the organizations criticized the “criminal silence” of the local MLA and other political representatives, emphasizing that advocating for vulnerable, landless communities is a fundamental duty of elected officials.

The groups will no longer tolerate the alleged harassment and are prepared to launch a vigorous public campaign against all parties deemed responsible for the families’ two-year ordeal the statement further reads.(KNS)

EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet in Fake Government Job Scam Case Before Budgam Court

EOW Kashmir

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Budgam in connection with a fake government job scam.

The chargesheet relates to FIR No. 13/2023 registered under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The accused has been identified as Ghulam Nabi Hudda, son of Mohammad Hudda, originally from Satakchay, Kargil, and presently residing at Gasiyar Hawal, Zadibal, Srinagar.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to officials, the case began after a written complaint was received by the Crime Branch. The complainant alleged that in 2021 he came into contact with the accused, who falsely claimed to be a senior government officer.

The accused allegedly promised the complainant and several others that he could arrange government jobs in return for money. Trusting these assurances, the complainant deposited several lakhs of rupees into the accused’s bank account through nine separate transactions.

However, despite repeated promises, the accused neither arranged any government employment nor returned the money. The complainant later realised that he had been cheated.

Following the complaint, Economic Offences Wing Kashmir (earlier known as Crime Branch Kashmir) conducted a detailed investigation into the matter. During the probe, the allegations made by the complainant were found to be prima facie true.

Investigators concluded that the accused had deliberately deceived the complainant with dishonest intentions, causing him serious financial loss. The actions of the accused were found to clearly amount to the offence of cheating under Section 420 IPC.

After completing the investigation, EOW Kashmir submitted the chargesheet before the court for judicial consideration. Further legal proceedings in the case will now be decided by the court.

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