CHENAB VALLEY
Acting on the Home Ministry’s directive to dismantle the militant ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have taken significant action. On November 28, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, with approval from an NIA court, attached properties of seven militants in the Kishtwar district. These individuals, now based on the other side of the LOC, were declared proclaimed offenders in September 2023. Non-bailable warrants had been issued last year under various sections of the IPC and UAPA against 13 militants involved in fomenting unrest in the Chenab valley. Meanwhile, the police in Kathua arrested 10 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) during a joint crackdown with the CRPF across 17 locations.
Recent operations in the Jammu region have intensified, leading to over 56 raids in multiple districts, arrests, and the seizure of electronic devices, weapons, and cash. This multi-faceted approach aims to disrupt networks aiding militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba. Investigations and further actions are ongoing.
Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kishtwar attached properties of seven terrorists and identified assets of 29 others operating from a neighbouring country for imminent attachment.
GURUGRAM
Veteran journalist and author ML Kak, originally from Naidyar, Rainawari, Kashmir, passed away at 85 on November 27, 2024, in Gurugram after a prolonged illness. A distinguished journalist and author, Kak began his career with The Tribune following a postgraduate degree in English literature from the University of Kashmir and a diploma in journalism from Punjab University. During his career, Kak served as a correspondent in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. He gained national attention during the Emergency in 1975 when he was arrested after a conflict with Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal. Initially jailed in Hisar, he was later transferred to Central Jail, Srinagar, following intervention by Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi criticised his arrest as an abuse of Emergency powers, ordering his release after 70 days. Kak authored several influential books, including Jailed Without Crime: Untold Story of Emergency, Waves in Kashmir: History of Kashmir and Political Developments, and Away From Homeland: Plight of Kashmiri Pandits Post Migration. His works often explored Kashmir’s socio-political issues, making him a respected voice on regional and national platforms. Kak spent his later years in Jammu and Gurugram, leaving behind a legacy of impactful journalism and literature.
The Srinagar Ring Road project has acquired more than 600 acres of land.
KATRA
Protests against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project in Katra were suspended after talks between stakeholders and government officials, with LG Manoj Sinha assuring consideration of genuine concerns. Demonstrators, including shopkeepers, labourers, and pony owners, oppose the Rs 250-crore ropeway from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, fearing loss of livelihood. They demanded project cancellation or compensation. The strike began on November 22, and escalated two days later with clashes between protesters and police, resulting in injuries to officers and property damage. Police later detained two union leaders, Bhupinder Singh Jamwal and Sohan Chand, for allegedly instigating violence. Both leaders apologised for the unrest but reaffirmed their opposition to the ropeway without adequate compensation. Sinha, also the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, stated that concerns over employment loss would be addressed, though development projects would continue. A committee led by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu is working to build consensus among stakeholders. Meanwhile, protests drew support from political leaders, including Congress representatives Raman Bhalla and Lal Singh, who visited Katra. Tensions briefly flared on Wednesday as police detained demonstrators resisting raids linked to Monday’s violence. Stakeholders have agreed to suspend protests until December 15 to allow further discussions.
The total toll revenue collected from the Srinagar Pathankot national highways (NH 44) in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed Rs 1800.64 crore since the commencement of toll collection.
JAMMU
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has permanently stationed a National Security Guards (NSG) hub in Jammu City to counter potential terror attacks swiftly. This move addresses delays caused by previously airlifting commandos from Delhi or Chandigarh. The NSG complements an anti-terror strategy devised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), focusing on high-rise buildings, security installations, and sensitive public areas. Although the City has robust multi-layered security, officials emphasised emergency preparedness. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and JKP will lead initial responses, with NSG commandos as a backup for prolonged engagements. Security audits have been conducted at malls, government offices, and other critical sites to ensure immediate action in case of attacks.
Under PMAY-U, 26,748 houses were sanctioned, 27,627 grounded, and 23,497 completed in Jammu and Kashmir, with Rs 394.97 crore allocated and Rs 401.79 crore utilised.
SRINAGAR
The Child Guidance and Wellbeing Centre (CGWC) at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) addressed the mental health and neurodevelopmental needs of over 5,500 children across Kashmir in 2022-23. Of the 5,529 new registrations, females accounted for 2,807 cases and males 2,722. The centre recorded over 18,000 visits, including follow-ups. Major diagnoses included anxiety spectrum disorders (14.32 per cent), obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (7.9 per cent), depression (2.7 per cent), and self-harm tendencies (4.9 per cent). The largest number of cases (2,301) originated from Srinagar, while the majority of new cases involved children aged 7-14 years. Family dynamics were the most significant contributing factor (26.73 per cent), followed by socio-economic and political issues (21.73 per cent) and academic stress (15.68 per cent). Besides, the centre also trained 2,190 frontline workers, equipping them to identify and address mental health concerns. Key services include assessments, counselling, and interventions for conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
The dropout rates of girls in secondary and elementary education in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 16.6 per cent and 3.7 per cent in 2019-20, respectively, from 1.6 per cent and 2.5 per cent in 2017-19.
KANGRA
A video surfaced showing Sushma Devi, a Himachal Pradesh Block Development Committee (BDC) member, confronting two Kashmiri shawl sellers, urging them to leave the area and chant Jai Shri Ram to prove their patriotism. The incident, which occurred on November 23, in Kangra district, triggered widespread outrage after being shared on social media. Prominent figures, including Jammu and Kashmir Students Association convenor Nasir Khuehami and political leaders like Altaf Bukhari and Sajjad Lone, condemned the act and called for strict action. Sushma later issued a public apology, stating her actions stemmed from past experiences of feeling unsafe when strangers visited her home. She claimed she intended to protect local women living alone. The traders, Ali Mohammed Mir and his son Firdous accepted her apology and resolved the matter amicably. Despite this, an FIR was registered against her for hurting religious sentiments under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions as many Kashmiris travel to Himachal Pradesh annually to trade goods. Local officials, including Kangra’s Deputy Commissioner and Gander Panchayat leaders, condemned Sushma’s actions, reaffirming Kashmiris’ long-standing presence in the state as traders. The Himachal Pradesh administration pledged to take further action if necessary.
LADAKH
The black-necked crane, a rare and majestic bird, thrives in Ladakh’s high-altitude wetlands, particularly around Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. Revered as sacred symbols of wisdom and purity in Himalayan culture, these cranes hold cultural and ecological significance, often appearing in traditional Buddhist art. They are also Ladakh’s state bird, underscoring their role in the region’s natural heritage. Globally, black-necked cranes inhabit Bhutan, China, Nepal, and parts of India, including Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. In Ladakh, their population is precariously low, with only 66-69 individuals recorded, while Arunachal Pradesh has just 11. These monogamous birds breed primarily in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides a protected environment. However, they face significant threats, especially from free-ranging dogs that disrupt nesting and prey on chicks. This issue is exacerbated by food waste left by security forces stationed along the India-China border, sustaining the dog population.
JEDDAH
In the IPL 2025 auction, three players from Jammu and Kashmir were sold, while 11 others went unsold. Rasikh Salam, a pacer from Kulgam, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for Rs 6 crore, strengthening their fast-bowling attack. Salam, who has previously played for several IPL teams, was selected with a base price of Rs 30 lakh. His journey in cricket began after impressing in the 2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy and earning a spot in the Mumbai Indians camp, despite a two-year BCCI ban in 2019. Abdul Samad, an all-rounder from Jammu, was purchased by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 4.2 crore, while Yudhvir Singh, another all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir, was bought by RCB for Rs 35 lakh. However, Umran Malik, known for his pace, went unsold, along with 10 other players from the region.
DODA
Jammu and Kashmir’s Information and Public Relations (DIPR) department has sought an explanation from a news portal, The Chenab Times, regarding its report on the detention of environmental activist Rehmatullah Padder under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The department accused the portal of presenting the administration in a negative light and warned of action if the portal failed to clarify its position. Padder, booked on November 10 for alleged links to militant activities and multiple FIRs, was said by his family to be targeted for exposing corruption in a sewage treatment project. His detention drew criticism from local MLA Mehraj Malik, who called for a judicial review. The district administration defended the action, stating that Padder was detained based on legal grounds and not due to personal vendettas, urging the public to not be misled.
SAUDI ARABIA
Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Wring on the microblogging platform X, he expressed gratitude for receiving political clearance and mentioned his intention to pray at Al Masjid an Nabawi in Medina. This is his second Umrah trip this year, after previously performing the pilgrimage with his father, Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference (NC). Along with Omar, senior NC leaders, including Farooq Abdullah, Nasir Wani, Javed Dar, Tanvir Sadiq, and Mushtaq Guroo, arrived in Medina for the spiritual journey. Upon reaching Medina, the group visited the Masjid-e-Nabawi, Islam’s second holiest site, offering prayers for the peace and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
