JAMMU
In response to the recent rise in militant activities, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have established 19 specialised counter-terror units across eight districts in the Jammu region. These units, headed by Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs), will be stationed permanently in areas identified as high-risk, including Udhampur, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch. Tasked with handling both counter-insurgency operations and regular law enforcement, the units will focus on combating militancy in the PirPanjal and Chenab mountain ranges. Equipped with the latest resources and training, they will work closely with other security forces to enhance regional security and peace. Besides, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a high-level security review with top officials, including NSA Ajit Doval and Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi. The meeting focused on eliminating militants hiding in the mountains and preventing cross-border infiltration. Security forces recently engaged terrorists in multiple areas, resulting in casualties. Singh called for stricter SOPs, enhanced coordination, and strengthened security in Jammu and Kashmir. The infiltration routes from Pakistan were reviewed, and additional forces, including 3,000 soldiers, Assam Rifles, and BSF jawans, have been deployed to bolster anti-terror operations.
Jammu and Kashmir government has remitted the remaining term of imprisonment of five life convicts – Mohammad Yousaf Shah (Jammu), Des Raj (Jammu), Suresh Kumar (Reasi), Tarseem Lal (Jammu) and Mohammad Bashir (Poonch).
SRINAGAR
The JK and Ladakh High Court has directed the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner to take over the management of the Raghunath Ji Temple in Barzalla and its 159-kanal land. The Deputy Commissioner is to either manage the temple himself or form a committee of officers to oversee its properties. All profits from the land will fund the temple’s maintenance and charitable activities. A bank account will be opened for temple funds, managed by the DC. The court also nullified any future claims by Mahants or disciples on the land and ordered the removal of illegal structures. Additionally, the court directed the district administration to seize another temple property in Barbar Shah. The court ruling follows a petition challenging a 2021 order regarding the temple’s land. Respondents argued that the temple was encroached upon during militancy, with petitioners accused of exploiting their positions to take over the land.
Jammu and Kashmir’s tax revenue increased from Rs 12,753 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 13,900 crore in 2023-24. GST collection rose 12 per cent and excise collection increased 39 per cent in the 2023-24 fiscal against 2022-23.
SRINAGAR
Since 2023, authorities have registered 3190 cases and arrested 4536 individuals in a crackdown on the illegal narcotics trade. The PIT NDPS Act was invoked to detain key figures, leading to 463 detention orders in 18 months. Swift intelligence has aided in intercepting and seizing large commercial quantities of drugs—319 seizures in 2023 and 110 in 2024 (up to June). To prevent pilferage, narcotics are incinerated by court order, with 29306 kg of drugs and 74179 pharmaceuticals destroyed in 2023, and 4365 kg of drugs and 26772 pharmaceuticals destroyed in the first half of 2024. In a total of 43 such cases, the JKP has attached residential houses, landed property, and vehicles, amounting to Rs 10.36 crore since 2023.
JK Police has bagged 50 medals for gallantry and meritorious services on the eve of 78th Independence Day. These include 31 JKP personnel who got medals for gallantry and 17 for meritorious services.
MUMBAI
The makers of Amaran, starring Sivakarthikeyan, have released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing intense scenes shot in Kashmir. Set to the song Anu Vidhaiththa Boomiyile from Vishwaroopam, the video highlights themes of struggle and sacrifice. Amaran, produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films and Sony Pictures, is based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra for bravery in Jammu and Kashmir. The film, inspired by India’s Most Fearless by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh, stars Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, with music by GV Prakash. Amaran releases on October 31 for Diwali.
GANDERBAL
Instances of the judiciary getting in conflict with the administration including the JK police is getting frequent. Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Shyambir Singh, accused of contempt by Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi, finally apologised after being accused of disobeying a court order and targeting the CJM through a personal land inquiry. Singh, a 2018 IAS officer, apologised both in the High Court and CJM’s court, affirming his respect for the judiciary. In another case, Kishtwar’s CJM criticised the JK police for detaining Sher Muhammad under the Public Safety Act (PSA) despite being granted bail. The CJM condemned this as “interference” in justice, questioning whether police authority superseded legal procedures. The police’s actions were tied to the 2019 administrative changes in Jammu Kashmir, following the abrogation of Article 370. Sher’s lawyers filed a contempt petition against the police for ignoring the bail order. These cases reflect growing judicial concerns over police overreach in the region.
JAMMU
The University of Kashmir (KU) and the University of Jammu (JU) have ranked 45th and 50th respectively in the 2024 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Ministry of Education. This marks JU’s first entry into the top 50, while KU’s ranking has slipped from 33rd in 2023. JU has also secured 87th in the overall rankings, with KU at 69th. JU’s improvement in the NIRF rankings is seen as a step toward new opportunities and government privileges. Six other institutes in Jammu Kashmir, including SKUAST and IIT Jammu, were also recognised in their respective categories. SKUAST-K is one of the top agricultural universities in India.
JAMMU
The Jammu and Kashmir police have decided to involve Village Defence Guards (VDGs) from Jammu in combating militant infiltration along the International Border. Traditionally used to defend their local areas, VDGs will now be deployed behind the BSF as a second line of defence. They will receive upgraded arms, including Insas rifles, and night-vision devices. The outgoing DGP RR Swain stated that this move would create a new barrier against infiltration, especially in regions prone to tunnel and river crossings by militants. Currently, Jammu has around 30,000 VDGs, with more being enlisted due to recent militant attacks. However, VDGs have faced accusations of atrocities against Jammu’s minority Muslims. Multiple anti-militancy operations are ongoing, but militants involved in recent attacks have yet to be neutralised. Off late, the officials have been highlighting the work of the VDGs when their role and contribution to the counter-insurgency has remained questionable historically.
JAMMU
In a breakthrough, the Jammu and Kashmir police claimed to have arrested nine militant associates, including the kingpin Mohammad Lateef, for aiding Pakistani militants infiltrating through the Samba-Kathua sector. The arrested individuals are accused of helping guide militants to the upper areas of Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua districts, particularly around the Kailash mountain region. The module provided shelter, food, and logistics to the militants, with some members also accepting money for their assistance. Lateef, a resident of Kathua, is said to have played a critical role in receiving the militants and facilitating their movement across the border. He had been absconding since militants he sheltered were killed in encounters. Over 50 people from mountain shelters were investigated, and those who reported their contact with militants were deemed innocent. They are being tried under the archaic Enemy Agents Act.
DELHI
Kashmir has been named India’s top culinary destination for 2024 in the Godrej Food Trends Report, reflecting its growing appeal in the country’s gastronomic landscape. Renowned for its legendary wazwan cuisine, a traditional multi-course feast featuring delicacies like gushtaba and tabak maaz, Kashmir offers an immersive culinary experience. This culinary tourism surge is driven by travellers seeking authentic food adventures. Beyond traditional feasts, Kashmir is pioneering farm-to-fork experiences, with initiatives like Sagg Eco Village promoting organic farming and sustainable cooking. Visitors engage in harvesting and preparing meals, reconnecting with the origins of their food. While many cities offer Kashmiri dishes, the valley’s serene ambience and deep culinary traditions enhance the experience, making it a sought-after destination for food enthusiasts. This ascent highlights the connection between Kashmir’s rich culture and its evolving culinary prominence.
BEMINA
The Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) reports a current housing shortage of 18,750 units, projected to worsen as the city plans to accommodate an additional 1.1 million people over the next 20 years. This deficit has driven land prices up, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable, particularly for economically weaker sections and low-income groups. Additionally, land purchased on the open market often lacks essential infrastructure, leading to encroachments on environmentally sensitive areas. To address this, the SDA plans to acquire 32,000 kanals of land over two decades, including the development of a major township at Rakh-Gund-Aksha, offering 428 plots. NBCC with whom the SDA is talking for the project suggests allocating only 15 per cent of the residential component for the development of around 3200 affordable houses under the Housing for All initiative. Who will take the rest of it is not known.
JAMMU
Priyanka Pandita was crowned Miss Universe Jammu and Kashmir at a spectacular event held at Vivanta Jammu City Centre, marking a significant milestone in the region’s pageantry. The event, inaugurated by Sana Dua, Jammu’s first Miss India, showcased new standards in fashion and beauty. Judged by Bollywood’s Alankrita Sahai, actor Sahil Salathia, and Sana Dua, the contestants were impressed with their poise and confidence, guided by Image and Beyond by Sana Dua. Priyanka will represent the region at Miss Universe India, with Aishwarya Pansare and Arzoo Sharma as first and second runners-up.
URI
In Dachna, Salamabad (Uri), intense protests have erupted against extensive gypsum mining activities. Villagers have blocked bulldozers and demanded the closure of mines, arguing that these operations are harming their health and environment. Reports indicate a rise in respiratory ailments and tuberculosis linked to mining dust and wastewater pollution. Environmental impacts include deforestation, landslides, and damaged homes and crops. The 2022 report recommended halting mining near the Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, but enforcement is lacking. While mining leaseholders claim legal operations and local employment benefits, residents are concerned about the long-term environmental damage and the future of their community.