SRINAGAR
The ruling National Conference (NC) and its allies passed two resolutions opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill and urging the Centre to respect Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic mandate. This move coincided with growing tensions between the elected government and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha over bureaucratic control. The dispute escalated after the LG unilaterally transferred 48 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) officers, marking the first major reshuffle of middle-rung officials since Omar Abdullah took office in October 2024. The transfers, conducted without the elected government’s input, were perceived as an attempt by the LG to consolidate control over bureaucracy, particularly in law-and-order matters. The NC and Congress criticised the decision, arguing that JKAS officer transfers fall under the state government’s jurisdiction. The Abdullah government had earlier submitted the Business Rules to the L-G office, seeking greater control over deputy commissioners and JKAS officers. However, LG’s recent move, made before the rules were finalised, sparked concerns over his growing influence, especially in the crucial Revenue Department. The ruling coalition warned that such unilateral decisions sent a negative message about governance. As tensions rise, Abdullah has convened a legislative party meeting to address the issue, pressing for the swift approval of the Business Rules to avoid further conflicts.
Sixty-seven lakh beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir receive free rations monthly under PMGKAY to ensure food security.
CHENNAI
Eight traditional Kashmiri products have received Geographical Indication (GI) certification from the GI Registry in Chennai, raising the total to 15. These include Kashmir Namda, Gabba, willow bats, tweed, Crewel, chain stitch, Shikara, and Wagguv. GI registration ensures authenticity, prevents counterfeiting, boosts exports, and enhances market access. The Handicrafts and Handloom Department overcame bureaucratic challenges to secure these certifications and now plans to seek GI status for six more crafts. Efforts are also underway to upgrade testing labs to support QR labelling and quality control, further strengthening Kashmir’s handicraft industry and global market presence.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 67,000 cancer cases between 2018 and 2024, with a steady rise from 12,726 in 2020 to 13,060 in 2021, 13,395 in 2022, 13,744 in 2023, and 14,112 in 2024.
HANDWARA
After 25 years of separation, Mohammad Tufail reunited with his father, Ghulam Ahmed Malla, in Batagund, North Kashmir, in a miraculous homecoming. Ghulam Ahmed had lost contact with his son after his wife died in Kolkata in the late 1990s, leaving him to return to Kashmir alone. Over the years, all hopes of finding Tufail faded. However, fate intervened when Tufail, studying in Kolkata, met Kashmiri students from Kupwara. They contacted Nazir Ahmed Gujar, a Gujar Mahasabha leader, who played a key role in reuniting father and son. Their emotional reunion brought immense joy to the village. Meanwhile, a family in Kulangam, Handwara, faced a heartbreaking Eid tragedy as 27-year-old Mushtaq Ahmad Wani suffered a fatal heart attack while shopping, and his mother, unable to bear the shock, also passed away at home. The twin deaths, following the recent loss of Mushtaq’s father, have left the village in deep sorrow, with his wife and two young children now facing an uncertain future.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 22,110 dog bite cases in 2022, rising to 34,664 in 2023 and 51,027 in 2024.
UDHAMPUR
Former minister and Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party President Harsh Dev Singh accused Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary of misbehaving with him when he submitted a memorandum on poor road conditions. Singh alleged that Choudhary threw the memorandum, questioned his protest, and became agitated when reminded of citizens’ right to demonstrate. He further claimed that Choudhary’s staff physically assaulted him. Singh has lodged a police complaint, but action is pending. Choudhary was unavailable for comment, and a text message seeking his response remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
BRO reopened Zojila Pass in a record 32 days on April 1, with Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan flagging off the first convoy to Ladakh.
JAMMU
Police solved a daylight robbery at a Greater Kailash jewellery store with the arrest of three individuals, including advocate Rahul Sharma, the alleged mastermind. On February 1, two armed men looted 1,500 grams of gold, Rs 35,000 in cash, and a mobile phone from Anand Jewelers. SSP Jammu Joginder Singh said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by SP Jammu South Ajay Sharma cracked the case after two months. The accused planned the heist for a year, inspired by a similar Delhi robbery. Police recovered stolen gold worth over Rs 1 crore, while some evidence remains missing. Further arrests are expected.
JAMMU KASHMIR
With the immense success of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, tulip cultivation is now expanding across Jammu and Kashmir. The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) is establishing a Centre of Excellence for Tulip Cultivation in Anantnag to boost local production and reduce reliance on Dutch imports. The government has allocated Rs 8 crore for this initiative, with a focus on training farmers and developing commercially viable tulip varieties. Meanwhile, Jammu’s largest Tulip Garden in Sanasar is set to open, featuring 1.5 lakh tulips across 25 varieties. In Pulwama, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-IIIM) is spearheading indigenous tulip bulb production to reduce import dependency. Srinagar’s iconic Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest, has already drawn thousands of visitors this season. With scientific advancements and government backing, tulip cultivation is poised to transform the region’s floriculture sector, boosting tourism, employment, and economic growth.
HAZRATBAL
Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Kashmir, with large congregational prayers held at Dargah Hazratbal, but authorities did not permit prayers at Eidgah and Jamia Masjid. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who had announced Eid prayers at Eidgah, claimed he was placed under house arrest and condemned the restrictions. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti termed the ban a failure of the government. Meanwhile, National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq visited Mirwaiz at his residence to extend Eid greetings, marking a rare interaction between mainstream and separatist leaders. The celebrations saw thousands gather at mosques, while preachers urged continued good deeds beyond Ramzan.
GANDERBAL
A Srinagar court has convicted Irfan Ahmad Sheikh of Daribal, Ganderbal, for theft at Jamia Masjid Nowhatta under Section 303(2) BNS. The case, registered as FIR No. 04/2025, followed a complaint by the Awkaf Jamia Committee on January 18 regarding stolen donation box cash. Srinagar Police identified and arrested Sheikh, filing a charge sheet on time. The court sentenced him to a Rs 500 fine and imprisonment until the court’s rise.
JAMMU KASHMIR
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has increased financial aid under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) for poor girls from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it a step towards dignity and empowerment, ensuring the aid reaches beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) before marriage. The scheme takes effect from April 1, 2025. Besides, the government has approved free additional food grains for AAY households with four or more members, reinforcing food security. Each beneficiary in such families will receive up to 10 kg of food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Furthering women’s empowerment, the government launched the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative, offering free bus services for women. Omar Abdullah highlighted his role in promoting gender equality and mobility. Earlier, the administration had also implemented Zero Stamp Duty on property transfers within blood relations, fulfilling an electoral promise. Effective April 1, 2025, the policy covers parents, siblings, children, and grandparents. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to social welfare, economic support, and gender equality in Jammu and Kashmir.
JAMMU
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha stated that the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office in Srinagar is no longer needed. However, he clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs, which will decide on its status. Responding to a query about the office’s relevance amid the changing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha emphasised that the real issue now concerns Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
JAMMU KASHMIR
The elections for four Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to be delayed further, likely taking place after by-polls for two vacant Legislative Assembly seats in Budgam and Nagrota. These by-elections can only occur after the completion of the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls on May 5. Additionally, the nomination of five MLAs to the Assembly remains pending, with the matter before the High Court. The National Conference-led alliance is expected to secure three seats, while the BJP is assured of one. The last Rajya Sabha elections in J&K were held in 2015, with seats remaining vacant since 2021.
KATHUA
A fierce gun battle in the Safiyan Jakhole area of Rajbagh, Kathua, claimed the lives of four police personnel while security forces killed two Pakistani militants. The slain policemen—Head Constable Jagbir Singh, Tariq Ahmed, Jaswant Singh, and Balwinder Singh—were killed while confronting militants in the Ghati heights. Security forces, including the Army, NSG, JKP, SOG, and paramilitary units, have intensified their efforts to neutralise the remaining militants. DGP Nalin Prabhat vowed relentless action against Pakistan-based militant groups, asserting that the JK Police would not rest until these organisations were dealt with. Officials confirmed that the militants were part of a group intercepted in Hiranagar on March 23. The group had fled, leaving behind weapons and explosives. After fresh intelligence, a search operation led to a confrontation in which two militants were killed, but four policemen lost their lives due to the difficult terrain and the militants’ vantage point. Reports indicate that some militants are still at large, with security forces engaged in one of the longest chases in recent years. Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah acknowledged the security challenges and pledged further steps to curb militancy in the region.
