JAMMU KASHMIR
Omar Abdullah’s joy was short-lived as an announcement on his social media about a salary hike for special police officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir turned into an embarrassment. The ruling National Conference (NC) had to delete the post and sack an official after realising that law and order falls under the Union home ministry, not the Union Territory’s elected government. The deleted post had detailed revised honorariums for SPOs, but the NC later clarified that the hike had not been implemented. The episode drew criticism from political rivals like Sajad Lone and Junaid Mattu, who pointed out the government’s contradiction in claiming credit for something beyond its jurisdiction. The incident fuelled social media mockery, with users ridiculing the NC. The party dismissed Omar’s social media adviser, but questions remained about his identity. The fiasco highlighted the constraints of the hybrid governance model in Jammu and Kashmir.
GUREZ
Eurasian otters once believed nearly extinct in Kashmir, have been spotted in Gurez Valley’s Kishanganga River, marking a significant rediscovery. Camera traps set up by wildlife authorities and a viral video shared by a resident confirmed their presence, reigniting hopes for the species’ revival. Historically abundant in Kashmir, otters (Voudur in Kashmiri) became elusive due to habitat destruction, pollution, and human disturbances. Experts say the species was commonly seen in Kashmir three decades ago, but their numbers plummeted over time. This rare sighting follows earlier evidence from August 2023, when researchers unintentionally captured images of otters while studying musk deer near the Line of Control. While reports from Ladakh and other Kashmiri regions suggested sporadic sightings, photographic documentation remained limited. Classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, Eurasian otters thrive in fast-flowing rivers, feeding primarily on fish. They have been observed at elevations of up to 3,660 metres in the Himalayas. Wildlife officials call this sighting historic, confirming long-suspected reports of their return. The presence of otters in Gurez not only signifies a healthier aquatic ecosystem but also underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect their fragile habitat and ensure their continued resurgence in the region.
MUMBAI
Billionaire Sajjan Jindal announced initiatives to develop Gulmarg into a world-class ski and holiday destination after meeting Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the MICE event. Gulmarg, a major tourist attraction, will host the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in February. Abdullah also engaged with industry leaders in fostering collaborations in sports, fashion, cuisine, wellness, healthcare, and technology. Discussions included golf tourism with Vijay Amritraj, textile revival with Anita Dongre, culinary tourism with Vikas Khanna, and wellness strategies with Mickey Mehra. Tech startups explored innovations to boost entrepreneurship and digital infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Details, of what the billionaire wishes to do is not immediately known.
DELHI
Renowned documentary filmmaker and human rights activist Tapan Kumar Bose passed away on January 30, 2025, at 78. A pivotal figure in South Asia’s human rights movement, Bose used filmmaking to expose injustices and advocate for marginalised communities. His acclaimed works, including An Indian Story (1981) and Beyond Genocide: Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1986), faced censorship but gained recognition globally. Beyond filmmaking, he was instrumental in civil society initiatives, co-founding the South Asia Forum for Human Rights and the Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy. A lifelong advocate for justice, Bose opposed military occupations and championed cross-border peace.
BALTAL
The government has decided to construct a ropeway from Baltal to the Shri Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir, aiming to facilitate the annual pilgrimage, which currently requires either a 38-kilometre trek via Pahalgam or a shorter but challenging 13-kilometre route from Baltal. The proposed 11.6-kilometre ropeway is expected to reduce travel time, ease the journey for pilgrims, and increase accessibility for children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues. Additionally, it could extend the pilgrimage season and attract more devotees. The project, one of 18 ropeways planned for religious and tourist sites, will offer a cost-effective alternative to trekking or expensive helicopter rides. A similar project at Katra fell flat as the ropeway idea was linked to livelihoods. Consultants have been engaged to prepare Detailed Project Reports, and the initiative is anticipated to enhance pilgrimage experiences while providing breathtaking views of the region. Besides, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation has proposed a gondola ropeway from Pahalgam to Baisaran, a scenic meadow surrounded by pine forests, to boost tourism. However, the project has faced opposition from the Jammu Kashmir Forest Department due to concerns over deforestation, as approximately 700-800 conifer trees may be cut down. A revised route passing through the Pahalgam market is under consideration. The two-kilometre-long cable car, expected to rival Gulmarg’s gondola, is touted as a transformative tourism initiative. Besides, a drag lift is planned for Aru Valley to promote winter sports, positioning Pahalgam as a year-round destination. Officials claim the project is environmentally sustainable, though an environmental impact assessment remains uncertain.
DELHI
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah met in New Delhi on January 29, 2025, to discuss the situation in Jammu and Kashmir post-2019 and concerns over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Uniform Civil Code. This rare meeting between two ideologically different leaders signals a shift in Kashmir’s political landscape. Ruhullah stated they plan to engage opposition leaders, including Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, to highlight Muslim concerns. Mirwaiz had earlier presented a memorandum opposing the Waqf Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee and met religious leaders on the issue. The JPC reportedly binned all the reservations and passed the bill in almost original form.
KARGIL
Samina Khatoon, #Kargil’s pride, reflects ice hockey aspirations among women in #Ladakh
Fifteen-year-old Samina was the youngest member of Ladakh’s #Ice #Hockey Team at @kheloindia Winter Games 2025 in #Leh@lg_ladakh @dc_Kgl @LAHDC_Kgl @Info_Ladakh @airnewskargil @DDNewslive
1/2 pic.twitter.com/QMj34PvSBk— DIPR Kargil (@DIPR_Kargil) January 28, 2025
Fifteen-year-old Samina Khatoon from Kargil’s Trespone village has become the first female from the area to pursue ice hockey, despite initial opposition from her mother. Inspired by an unused pair of skiing boots, she persevered, balancing school and training since 2020. As the youngest player in Ladakh’s team, she scored in the gold medal match at the 2025 Khelo India Winter Games. Her success reflects a broader shift in Kargil, where families now support women in sports. Initiatives like subsidised equipment and coaching programmes have encouraged female participation, with six women’s ice hockey clubs now active in the district.
KASHMIR
A dry spell in Jammu Kashmir has reduced water discharge, leading to contamination and a rise in jaundice cases, highlighting climate change concerns. In Anantnag’s Gutligund village, 27 Hepatitis-A cases, mostly among children, have been reported, prompting health authorities to launch surveillance and collect samples. Contaminated water from a nearby stream is suspected, with officials urging residents to boil drinking water and maintain hygiene. In Ganderbal, 37 out of 40 tested water springs were found bacteriologically contaminated, prompting authorities to issue an advisory against their consumption. The ongoing water crisis follows an unusually dry Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s harshest winter period, which saw minimal snowfall. The Meteorological Department has now predicted a spell of rain and snow across the region, raising hopes of replenishing water sources. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with investigation teams working to identify contamination sources and implement preventive measures.
RAJOURI
Doctors suspect organophosphate poisoning as the cause of 17 deaths in Jammu Kashmir’s Baddal village after patients showed improvement with atropine injections, a known antidote for such toxins. The deaths, initially linked to food poisoning, affected three related families, while 11 others remain hospitalised but stable. A Lucknow-based lab found traces of toxins, prompting a change in treatment. Authorities declared Baddal a containment zone, relocated villagers, and sealed a contaminated water source. A special investigation team is probing the case, while experts analyse samples. No new cases have emerged in four days, and all hospitalised patients are recovering.
PAHALGAM
The government removed Masarat Hashim as CEO of the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) shortly after he flagged large-scale illegal construction in Pahalgam. Hashim, who was transferred to Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central), had issued notices to around 300 violators, including hoteliers and lodge owners, for building without permission, often breaching environmental norms. His removal follows a pattern, as a former PDA CEO, Syed Sajad Qadri, was also transferred in 2023 after acting against illegal construction. Officials suggest pressure from the hotelier lobby and influential politicians, despite a High Court directive to curb illegal construction in Anantnag district.
SRINAGAR
Farooq Ahmad Mir, a 72-year-old master Kani-shawl weaver from Srinagar, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his lifelong dedication to preserving the intricate craft. His decades of weaving have erased his thumb and finger impressions, making biometric registration impossible. Learning the art from his father at ten, Mir has trained his sons, who, despite higher education, continue the family tradition. His eldest son, Maajid, conducts international workshops on Kashmiri crafts. The Handicrafts Department lauded Mir and other awardees for their contributions to Sozni and Kani weaving, aiming to elevate these crafts globally. A felicitation ceremony is planned.
LONDON
10 years old & already making a name for herself. Atiqa will be racing in the World Series Kart races. It’s where world champions like Max Verstappan have started racing. Perhaps we have a future F1 champ emerging from Kashmir 🏎️. Best of luck Atiqa. https://t.co/7xe4eTmMH2 via…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 26, 2025
Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old karting prodigy from Jammu and Kashmir, is set to make history as the first Indian female to compete in the prestigious World Series Karting (WSK) Championships. Signed by Babyrace, a top karting team, she will race in all three WSK series this year. Atiqa, daughter of former national karting champion Asif Nazir, has already won accolades, including a historic victory in the RMC International Trophy. Motorsport figures, including Narain Karthikeyan, have praised her talent, while Jammu Kashmir leaders have lauded her achievements. Atiqa’s journey signals a bright future for Indian motorsport on the global stage.
DELHI
Manzoor Wangnoo, Chairman of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), was honoured as a special guest by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at the 76th Republic Day Parade for his dedication to water body conservation in Kashmir. He was later recognised as the Best Water Warrior at a special luncheon with Union Minister CR Patil and other officials. Wangnoo credited this honour to the NLCO team and stakeholders behind Mission Ehsaas, which has revived water bodies like Khushalsar and Gilsar. He urged collective action for environmental sustainability, highlighting the power of community-driven efforts in preserving Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem.
