Jammu and Kashmir

Fresh Legal Blow to Yasin Malik as SIA Files Chargesheet in 1990 Sarla Bhat Murder

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a 737-page chargesheet against jailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik and four others in the 1990 abduction and murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat. The chargesheet, filed nearly 35 years after the crime, revives one of Kashmir's most prominent terror-era cases and adds to Malik's ongoing legal challenges in other militancy-related cases.

8 days ago

Political Slugfest Over Backdoor Appointments Intensifies in J&K

The political battle over alleged backdoor appointments in Jammu and Kashmir intensified as the National Conference government rejected the PDP's allegations, insisting that all recruitments are conducted transparently on merit and that outsourcing is distinct from recruitment. Meanwhile, PDP leader Iltija Mufti questioned the government's outsourcing policy and sought details of contracts awarded to private firms.

8 days ago

J&K LG Performs 'Pratham Puja', Marks Ceremonial Beginning of 57-Day Amarnath Yatra

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the Pratham Puja at the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji, marking the ceremonial commencement of the 57-day Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3. He appealed to devotees to undertake the pilgrimage in large numbers and urged all sections of society to work together to ensure a safe, peaceful, and memorable Yatra for pilgrims.

8 days ago

Ladakhi Groups Distance Themselves from Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar

The Leh Apex Body has distanced itself from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, clarifying that his participation alongside the Cockroach Janata Party is a personal decision and not part of the ongoing agitation by Ladakhi groups. Wangchuk launched the fast over accountability in education and issues concerning Ladakh's environment, culture, and people's welfare.

9 days ago

NIA chargesheets 3 more accused in Red Fort car explosion case

NIA identified Muzafar as a key conspirator and founding member of the Al-Qaeda-linked AGuH Interim terror module, while Zameer Ahmad Ahanger and Tufail Ahmad Bhat allegedly acted as a courier and arms supplier, respectively. The agency said its investigation, backed by forensic evidence, geo-location mapping

10 days ago

AIIMS Jammu Performs J&K's First Interstitial Brachytherapy, Saves Young Woman from Major Surgery

AIIMS Jammu has successfully performed Jammu and Kashmir's first interstitial brachytherapy procedure on a 26-year-old woman with Stage II vulvar cancer. The advanced organ-preserving treatment marks a major milestone in the region's healthcare sector, enabling patients to access cutting-edge cancer care within the Union Territory while avoiding major surgery.

10 days ago

They Offered Help, Then Stole Savings: Interstate ATM Fraud Gang Busted in J&K's Banihal Area

Banihal Police have busted an interstate ATM card-swapping racket by arresting three Uttar Pradesh residents from Leh, Ladakh. The accused allegedly targeted elderly and illiterate ATM users by posing as helpers, swapping debit cards, and withdrawing money from victims' bank accounts. Police are probing their involvement in similar frauds across the region.

10 days ago

Scam-Tainted J&K Cricket Body Plunges Deeper into Crisis as Rival Factions Battle for Control

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, long marred by scams and infighting, faces a fresh leadership crisis as rival factions issue conflicting decisions over President Javid Ahmad Kitab's suspension and reinstatement.

10 days ago

Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti Trade Charges Over Alleged Backdoor Appointments in J&K

A political showdown erupted in J&K as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's allegation that his government made 25,000 backdoor appointments. Omar challenged Mehbooba to produce evidence, accused the PDP-BJP regime of carrying out large-scale illegal recruitments, and claimed data on those appointments would soon be made public.

11 days ago

J&K Congress Crisis: AICC Fact-Finding Panel Completes Inquiry, Report Awaited

The fact-finding committee constituted by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to investigate allegations of factionalism, indiscipline, and anti-party activities in the J&K Congress has completed its three-day exercise in Srinagar and returned to New Delhi. The panel interacted with over 70 party leaders from across the Union Territory and is expected to submit its report to the Congress high command shortly.

12 days ago

Ladakh Groups Warn Centre Against Delays After Successful Bandh, To Chart Next Course Next Week

Buoyed by the success of a territory-wide bandh, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have cautioned the Union Government against delaying the implementation of decisions reached during the May 22 talks.

12 days ago

Vaishno Devi Yatra Crosses 50 Lakh Pilgrims Before June Ends, Records Sharp Surge in Footfall

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has crossed the milestone of 50 lakh pilgrims before the end of June, with more than 51 lakh devotees visiting the cave shrine by June 23. The figure marks an increase of 10.86 lakh pilgrims compared to the same period last year, reflecting a sharp rise in footfall and growing enthusiasm among devotees.

12 days ago

Ghost Works Scam: Seven Booked for Embezzling Funds Worth Crores Through Non-Existent Works in J&K

The Anti-Corruption Bureau of J&K has charge-sheeted seven individuals, including former Rural Development Department officials and a contractor, in connection with an alleged embezzlement of government funds in Kupwara's Lolab area. Investigations revealed that payments were released for developmental works that either existed only on paper or were executed in violation of norms.

12 days ago

Shia Muslim mourners join Muharram procession in J&K's Srinagar

Hundreds of Shia Muslim mourners participated in the Muharram procession in Srinagar on Wednesday, with authorities ensuring elaborate security and traffic arrangements for its peaceful conduct. Mourners commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussain through chest-beating rituals, elegies, and prayers.

13 days ago

BJP Renews Demand for Probe into Dr Mookerjee's 1953 Death, Seeks Declassification of Historical Records

On the 72nd death anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, senior BJP leaders, including Tarun Chugh and Suvendu Adhikari, renewed their demand for a fresh inquiry into his 1953 custodial death in Srinagar. The party also called for the declassification of official records related to both Mookerjee's arrest and death.

14 days ago

Amarnath Yatra: DGP Orders Enhanced Security on Highway, Rail Network; QR Verification System Launched

With just two weeks left for the commencement of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat has directed security agencies to strengthen surveillance and security arrangements along the pilgrimage route, National Highway, and railway infrastructure. During a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar, he emphasized strict adherence to SOPs, intensified anti-terror operations, and enhanced coordination among agencies.

14 days ago

Ladakh Groups Call Bandh Today, Accuse Centre of Backtracking on May 22 Consensus

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have called for a complete shutdown across Ladakh on June 23, alleging that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Territory administration are delaying the implementation of commitments made during the May 22 meeting in New Delhi.

15 days ago

Genuine Homeless Families Left Out of PMAY-G, J&K Govt Orders Immediate Rectification

The J&K government has ordered an immediate review of the PMAY-G 2.0 beneficiary list following complaints that several deserving rural families were wrongly excluded from the housing scheme. The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has directed field officers to identify and rectify such cases, warning that officials responsible for negligence or improper verification will be held accountable.

15 days ago

Jammu Youth Emerging as 'Supari Killers': Chandigarh Murder Case Exposes Alarming Organised Crime Trend

Security agencies have expressed concern that the emergence of "Supari killers" from rural Jammu could strengthen organised crime networks and potentially make vulnerable youths susceptible to exploitation by anti-national elements.

15 days ago

Pacemaker Scam in Kashmir: Cardiologist Suspended as Probe Flags Unnecessary Heart Procedures on Healthy Patients

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended cardiologist Dr. Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah pending an inquiry into allegations of fraudulent PMJAY-SEHAT insurance claims, unnecessary cardiac procedures, patient exploitation, and manipulation of medical records at GMC Anantnag.

17 days ago