KUWAIT
Five persons from Poonch and Rajouri districts were killed and one critically injured in a road accident near Kuwait City on April 9. The mishap occurred around 6 pm (local time) on Road No 6 at Saad Abdullah when the vehicle carrying six workers collided with another on a busy highway and caught fire. Most occupants were unable to escape and were charred to death on the spot. The deceased were identified as Fareed Ahmed, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohd Khaliq and Mukhtar Ahmed from Surankote in Poonch, and Mumtaz Rashid from Thanamandi in Rajouri. The injured, Mohd Naik, is also from Surankote. Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Sharma confirmed the incident, saying families have sought repatriation of bodies through the Ministry of External Affairs. The victims, all labourers, had been working in Kuwait for several years.
Over the past two years, more than 6.01 lakh reservation certificates were issued in the Jammu division compared to around 1.79 lakh in the Kashmir.
SHALIMAR
In a landmark development, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has successfully cultivated the rare and highly prized morel mushroom (Morchella), locally known as Kangaech or Gucchi, under controlled conditions for the first time, marking a major scientific breakthrough. Traditionally found in high-altitude forest ecosystems during a brief rainy season, the mushroom commands prices ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 per kilogram due to its scarcity and labour-intensive collection process. Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai described the achievement as a “game-changing breakthrough,” shifting dependence from uncertain wild harvesting to a scalable cultivation model. The success was achieved through parallel research by Prof Tariq Ahmad Sofi and his student Kamran Muneer in controlled polyhouse conditions, and Prof Vikas Gupta in open-field environments.
Researchers studied over 1,000 natural sites, analysing soil, microclimate and ecological associations before shortlisting viable strains. Of the ten strains tested, three have successfully fruited so far. Scientists said the species’ complex life cycle, symbiotic behaviour and precise environmental needs have historically made artificial cultivation extremely difficult. The breakthrough is expected to open new avenues in Jammu and Kashmir’s high-value bioeconomy, enabling farmers and entrepreneurs to diversify into a premium crop with strong export demand while reducing pressure on fragile forest ecosystems.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government said 2,147 waste segregation sheds built over three years for Rs 68.14 crore include only 1,491 that are currently functional, highlighting utilisation gaps.
JAMMU
Jammu and Kashmir Police dismissed a woman constable from service over her alleged involvement in a drug-related case, reiterating zero tolerance towards indiscipline within the force. Police follower Shameema Bano, who was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau, Jammu, in June 2021 under provisions of the NDPS Act following seizure of contraband, had been under suspension since then. After completion of a departmental inquiry, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, ordered her removal from service on April 8, 2026, under relevant provisions of the J&K Police Rules.
In the meantime, the administration under LG Manoj Sinha is set to intensify a crackdown on drug networks, focusing on identifying major traffickers, curbing cross-border smuggling and expanding rehabilitation facilities across districts as part of a wider anti-narcotics campaign.
Jammu and Kashmir has Rs 706.09 crore in unspent afforestation funds lying unused under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority as of February 2026.
JAMMU
In a continuation of his zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, LG Manoj Sinha terminated two government employees for alleged links with proscribed militant outfits Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The dismissals, carried out under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution by the General Administration Department, take the total number of such terminations to over 90. Officials said the action is part of an ongoing drive to purge the government machinery of terror elements. Sinha has reiterated his resolve to eliminate terrorism and dismantle support networks embedded within the system.
Defying global tensions, high airfares and erratic weather, Srinagar’s tulip garden has drawn nearly 2.95 lakh visitors since March 16, including 1.55 lakh domestic and 800 foreign tourists.
EDINBURG
Kashmiri researcher Zarak Bhat is in the news after securing a prestigious postdoctoral position at the University of Edinburgh, where she is working on artificial intelligence-driven semiconductor design. Dr Bhat has joined the university’s APRIL AI Hub as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, focusing on using machine learning to accelerate and optimise the design and testing of semiconductor devices. Her work lies at the intersection of AI and electronics, a rapidly emerging field critical to next-generation technologies.
An Electronics and Communication Engineering scholar, she completed her BE from the University of Kashmir, MTech from Jamia Millia Islamia, and PhD from NIT Srinagar, specialising in advanced semiconductor modelling.
Over 2,400 undertrial prisoners in Jammu and Kashmir have been in custody for more than two years, including 275 who have spent over five years awaiting trial or bail.
GULMARG
A viral video from Gulmarg has sparked widespread outrage after showing large quantities of garbage strewn across its snow-covered slopes, allegedly left behind by a film crew. The footage, shared by an Instagram handle Himalayan Edges, shows plastic bottles, food waste, bags and disposable cups dumped at a tourist spot.
In the video, a resident calls out tourists and the crew for “disgraceful” behaviour, urging visitors to treat Gulmarg with respect and not turn it into a “dustbin”. He noted that the waste had remained unattended for days despite heavy tourist footfall.
The clip has drawn sharp reactions online, with users demanding strict fines, accountability and regulation of shooting activities, warning that unchecked littering is damaging the fragile ecosystem and tarnishing the region’s image.
In a major ecological warning, 518 of 697 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or significantly shrunk, according to a Comptroller and Auditor General of India report.
KASHMIR
Jammu and Kashmir Police said they have busted a major interstate module of proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba, arresting five persons, including a top commander who had evaded capture for nearly 16 years. The operation, conducted across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, led to searches at 19 locations and recovery of a large cache of arms and incriminating material.
Two Pakistani nationals, Abdullah alias Abu Hureira and Usman alias Khubaib, both categorised as ‘A+’ militants, were among those arrested. Three Srinagar residents were also held for allegedly providing logistical support.
The breakthrough came with the arrest of a suspect in Srinagar on March 31, whose interrogation exposed a deep-rooted network handling safe houses, funding and movement of operatives. Arms, including AK-47 rifles, pistols and grenades, were reportedly seized. Further investigation is underway.
KISHTWAR
The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has settled a nearly five-decade-old dispute by ruling that properties attached to Ziarat Farid-ud-Din Sahib and Ziarat AssrarudDin Sahib in Kishtwar are Wakaf properties, rejecting hereditary ownership claims. The judgment by Sanjay Dhar on April 2, 2026, ends litigation dating back to 1979, when petitioners asserted rights as Sajjada Nasheens. Earlier High Court rulings (1998, 2003) had rejected these claims, while the Supreme Court of India in 2013 ordered a fresh review.
The court relied on the doctrine of “Wakaf by user,” holding that centuries of public religious use established the shrines’ Wakaf status, regardless of formal dedication. It dismissed reliance on historical texts and a 1969 report, citing lack of legal validity, and instead emphasised consistent revenue records showing the shrines as owners.
While denying ownership and share in offerings, the court allowed petitioners to reside on the land as Wakaf lessees. A challenge to Wakaf laws was also dismissed as academic.
SAUDI ARABIA
A 29-year-old Kashmiri nurse, Amjad Ali Bhat from Baramulla, has been detained in Saudi Arabia, reportedly over a social media post. Employed with Saudi Response Plus Medical in Dammam since June last year, he was taken into custody by Saudi civil defence personnel on March 25. Family members said they learned of the detention two days later through his colleagues and have received no official communication on the reasons. They have approached the Ministry of External Affairs seeking intervention for his release. Activists claimed the detention may be linked to a post related to Ali Khamenei, though this remains unconfirmed.
KARGIL
In Kargil’s Kaksar village, a unique trend has emerged as focus shifts from protest to relief and rehabilitation efforts for Iran. A woman’s donation of three hens sparked community-driven auctions, with one egg selling for Rs 6,000 and even a single apple fetching Rs 1.05 lakh in Karkitchoo. Residents said the auctions reflect collective solidarity, turning small household contributions into significant financial support, which is being routed to the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi for rebuilding efforts. The initiative has drawn participation from across Ladakh, including schoolchildren and local traders, highlighting a broader humanitarian response.
In Kashmir, while recent days saw widespread celebrations following a ceasefire in the Iran conflict, the emphasis is gradually shifting towards support and recovery. Leaders and community groups have called for restraint and underscored the need to channel public sentiment into constructive efforts, including aid and long-term rehabilitation initiatives.
UKRAINE
A 23-year-old youth from Jammu, Sachin Khajuria, has died in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, marking the second such fatality from the region in recent weeks and raising concerns over the alleged recruitment of Indian nationals under false pretences. A resident of Pallanwala, Khajuria had travelled to Russia on a student visa but was reportedly lured with promises of a non-combat role before being deployed to frontline positions. His mortal remains reached Jammu on Sunday and were cremated in his native village amid widespread grief.
The incident follows the death of Manjinder Singh, 24, from RS Pura, who was similarly recruited and later killed in January. Families allege both were misled by agents offering high-paying jobs in logistics, but were instead inducted into the Russian Army after brief training.
Officials said several Indian youths were targeted through such networks, with some repatriated after diplomatic efforts. However, a few remain missing, prompting demands for stronger intervention and safeguards against overseas recruitment scams.
