Page 5 - Jammu And Kashmir

VPN services halted in JK's Rajouri for two months over security concerns

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri on Saturday ordered an immediate two-month suspension of all Virtual Private Network (VPN) services in the border district, citing public safety and potential misuse of such platforms for unlawful activities. District Magistrate, Rajouri Abhishek Sharma passed the directive under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), following a communication by police, an official said. Rajouri Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Sikarwar, in his letter, reported unprecedented and suspicious use of VPN services in various areas of the district. Sharma's order highlights concerns that VPNs, by masking IP addresses, bypassing website blocks and firewalls, and transmitting encrypted data, are being used by a significant number of suspicious internet users, the official said. Such activities have the potential to be exploited for anti-national purposes including spreading inflammatory content, coordinating activities prejudicial to .

CM Omar Abdullah hopes December snowfall will revive J&K tourism

In the wake of the Pahalgam attack and Delhi blast, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said 2025 has not been good for tourism, but pinned hope on snowfall reviving the sector and helping attract more visitors to the valley. "This year has not been easy for us from a tourism point of view. Be it Pahalgam, Delhi, and Nowgam, it has had a huge impact on our tourism," Abdullah told reporters here on the sidelines of a tourism event. "The key to (increasing) footfall is snowfall. We had a totally dry November. It is hoped that God will bless us and we will have good snowfall in December. When it snows, we think places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Srinagar will benefit from that, but it is up to God. The sooner it snows, the sooner our winter tourism season will start," he said. The preparations and promotions that needed to be done by the government have been done, the chief minister said. "Promotion is the main thing in tourism. The more promotion and

Srinagar witnesses coldest night of season at -3.9 degrees Celsius

Cold conditions tightened its grip on Kashmir on Wednesday as Srinagar experienced the coldest night of the season at minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, while the mercury settled below the freezing point at most places in the Valley, officials said on Wednesday. The night temperature in Srinagar was 4 degrees below the normal for the season, officials at the local meteorological department said. Konibal in south Kashmir's Pulwama district was the coldest recorded place in the Valley at minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. The Pahalgam tourist resort recorded a low of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature in Gulmarg settled at zero degree Celsius, the officials said. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, recorded minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in north Kashmir settled for a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius. The MeT department has forecast mainly dry weather across Kashmir till December 2, with a possibility of a further fall in the night temperature.

NIA arrests Faridabad man for aiding Red Fort car bomber Dr Umar-un Nabi

The National Investigation Agency has arrested a Faridabad resident for allegedly harbouring Dr Umar-un Nabi, the man who drove the explosive-laden car that blasted outside the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10, killing 15 people. An official spokesperson for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said the agency arrested Soyab, a resident of Dhauj in Haryana's Faridabad, for allegedly providing logistical support to "terrorist Umar Un Nabi" before the Delhi terror bomb blast. Soyab is the seventh accused arrested by the NIA in the case, part of a 'white-collar' terror module busted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. "The agency continues to pursue various leads in connection with the suicide bombing, and has been conducting searches across states in coordination with the respective police forces in a bid to identify and track others involved in the gruesome attack," the spokesperson said in a statement.

J&K has almost 1 billion tonnes of limestone reserves: GSI official

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has estimated that Jammu and Kashmir holds nearly one billion tonnes of limestone reserves, a senior central government official has said. Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Mines Sanjay Lohiya noted that the Union Territory also has significant potential for other key minerals, which the J&K government intends to explore and utilize for the benefit of the people of the region. Expressing satisfaction over Jammu and Kashmir becoming part of India's mineral block auction map with the launch of the first limestone block auction and roadshow here, the official said the Centre would extend full support to accelerate exploration, development and investments in the sector. Union minister G Kishan Reddy, J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah and his deputy Surinder Choudhary jointly launched the e-auction of seven limestone mineral blocks, covering about 314 hectares, across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch here on Monday. "All

J&K police probe 'tax evasion' by two educational institutes in Baramulla

Police have initiated a probe into the alleged tax evasion and Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) irregularities by two educational institutions in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. The authorities have also registered a case against another educational institution under the Unlawful activities Prevention Act (UAPA). "Baramulla Police initiated inquiry into Al Huda and Salfia Educational Trusts in Baramulla over Tax evasion/FCRA irregularities & land issues. Probe ongoing," Baramulla police said in a post on its X handle. It said an FIR has been registered under the UAPA against Idarah Fallah-u-Darain society for alleged unlawful activities. "Raids conducted; detentions made & unauthorized donation boxes seized. Investigation ongoing to maintain peace & rule of law," the police added.

J&K to kick off first-ever limestone block auction on November 24

Jammu & Kashmir will conduct its maiden auction of seven limestone blocks under the MMDR Act's post-2015 reforms, with the Centre intervening to speed up the process and open new mineral

J-K LG urges armed forces to stay vigilant amid attempts to disrupt peace

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called on the armed forces to remain vigilant with the "adversary" making desperate attempts to disrupt peace and hinder India's progress. Attending the closing ceremony of a mega eye camp 'Op Drishti' at the Northern Command Hospital in Udhampur, Sinha emphasised that the armed forces should continually adapt to and remain vigilant against the rapidly changing security environment. Over 2,000 persons from far-flung areas of Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar and Ramban were screened, and more than 400 surgeries were performed during the first-of-its-kind eye camp. "I am proud of the selfless service and supreme sacrifices by the Indian Army, the symbol of unity and national integration. The army has contributed to creating a conducive environment for sustainable peace and overall development of the J-K as well as the growth of our country, the Lt Governor said. He commended the Northern ..

J-K CM welcomes additional 50 MGNREGA workdays for calamity-hit panchayats

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday thanked the Centre for increasing the MGNREGA work limit for Jammu and Kashmir, and said this would play a vital role in helping vulnerable communities overcome economic distress in calamity-hit panchayats. The Centre has approved an increase in the number of person-days provided under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for J&K to 150 from 100. Abdullah thanked Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the decision and expressed appreciation for the Centre's swift support to J&K. "This crucial decision will assist thousands of households impacted by recent floods and landslides by ensuring enhanced livelihood opportunities and timely relief," the chief minister said. The enhanced support would play a vital role in helping vulnerable communities overcome economic distress in the calamity-hit panchayats, he said. Abdullah also congratulated Minister for Rural Development and ...

Terror not linked to religion; people should not fall for narratives: BJP

Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Tahir Chowdhary on Saturday said the recent Delhi blast was a terror attack aimed at India, and urged people not to fall for narratives that divide people or demonise any community. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the security agencies investigating the November 10 blast that killed 15 persons in the Red Fort area, and said invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other stringent provisions against the culprits was not only justified but essential. Terrorists want chaos. They want mistrust. They want to weaken our social fabric. Giving this attack a communal colour is exactly what they want. We cannot allow that, Chowdhary said in a statement here. He said the arrests, including individuals detained from Pulwama, indicate a wider conspiracy and show that the attack was neither random nor impulsive. He called the attack a "planned terror strike" aimed at a high-footfall area with immense national symbolism. Coming out

ITBP marks 64th Raising Day in J&K's Udhampur; MoS Home, LG Sinha attend

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on Saturday celebrated its 64th Raising Day in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur with Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha joining the event. Army's northern commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Director General of J-K Police Nalin Prabhat, Director General ITBP Praveen Kumar, Additional Director General, ITBP Mukesh Singh and other senior officials also attended the Raising Day celebrations at the headquarters of 15th Battalion in Udhampur. The MOS Home paid solemn tribute to ITBP martyrs, took the ceremonial salute, and witnessed the grand Raising Day Parade. In his address, the minister extended greetings to all ITBP personnel and commended their exemplary service under extreme Himalayan conditions, highlighting their devotion, dedication, and professionalism in safeguarding the nation. The DG ITBP highlighted the force's significant achievements and emphasised the ITBP's contribution in high-altitude .

J-K LG lays foundation for houses affected by shelling during Op Sindoor

During his visit to Nowshera Sub-Division, Sinha said the foundation stone was laid for the construction of 388 houses in Rajouri. Its construction will be completed within six months

Centre approves increasing MGNREGA work limit to 150 days in J&K for FY26

The Centre has approved an increase in the number of person-days provided under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to 150 for Jammu and Kashmir, a move welcomed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had recommended extending the benefit of additional employment of 50 days over and above the 100 days per household under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the flood, cloud burst, and landslide-affected areas of the Union territory for the 2025-26 financial year. In view of the likelihood of increased demand for employment on public works due to natural calamities, it has been decided to provide up to 50 days of additional employment over and above the 100 days per household in the affected rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir for FY 2025-26, an official release said. Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh ...

J&K Police raid Kashmir Times' office, recover AK rifle cartridges

The State Investigation Agency of the Jammu and Kashmir Police raided the office of the Kashmir Times here on Thursday for allegedly promoting activities against the country and recovered cartridges of AK rifles and some rounds of pistol, among other things. Officials said that SIA sleuths conducted a thorough search of the newspaper's premises and computers after a case was registered against the publication and its promoters. In the raid, the SIA seized cartridges of AK rifles, some rounds of pistol and hand grenade pins, among other items, they said. The promoters of the publication are likely to be questioned, they informed. Reacting to the raid, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary said action should follow only in cases where wrongdoing is established and not for the sake of pressure. "If they have done something wrong, then action should be taken...if you do it only to (build) pressure, then that will be wrong", Choudhary told reporters here.

Terror conspiracy case: J&K Counter-Intelligence Wing raids multiple sites

The Counter Intelligence wing of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday carried out raids at multiple locations in the valley in a terror conspiracy case involving a doctor, officials said. However, the officials said the searches are not linked to the "white collar" terror module or the Delhi blast case. The raids were conducted in the districts of Srinagar, Anantnag and Kulgam. "The searches are about a case involving a doctor, but this is a different case and not linked to white collar terror module or the Delhi blast case," they said. The investigations are underway and further details were awaited, they added.

At least 4 killed, several injured in road accident in J&K's Budgam

Chief Minister has instructed district officials to assist the affected families, provide prompt medical treatment to the injured, and conduct a thorough investigation

Rahul Gandhi expresses grief over deadly explosion at Nowgam police station

An accidental explosion inside the Nowgam Police Station late Friday night left 9 personnel dead and 32 others injured and caused extensive damage

J&K L-G orders probe into cause of Nowgam blast, says 'deeply anguished'

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered a probe into the accidental blast in Nowgam police station, which left nine people dead and 32 others injured. "I have ordered a probe to ascertain the cause of the accidental explosion," Sinha said in an X post. The L-G expressed anguish over the loss of lives in the incident. "Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam police station in Srinagar. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured," he said. Sinha said the government stands in solidarity with the families, friends and loved ones of the departed. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected, he added.

9 killed in Nowgam police station blast; cause being investigated: MHA

An accidental blast at Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar claimed six lives and injured 27 others. The explosion occurred while authorities were extracting samples from a large cache of explosives recently seized in connection with the 'white-collar' terror module case, officials said on Saturday. According to the officials, the blast happened late Friday night, killing six people and injuring 27 -- mostly policemen and forensic officials. The blast occurred while personnel were handling the explosive material that had been brought from Haryana's Faridabad, they said. The material, part of the 360 kilograms of explosives recovered from the rented residence of arrested doctor Muzammil Ganaie, was being sampled as part of the ongoing investigation, the officials said. Six bodies have been retrieved from the scene of the explosion, they said, adding that the deceased are yet to be identified. The bodies have been taken to Police Control Room Srinagar. At least 24 pol

J&K police station blast has links to Faridabad: All you need to know

A blast at a J&K police station killed nine people and injured 27 others while officers handled explosives linked to a Faridabad terror module