‘Our law enforcement agencies are monitoring the anti-India elements and separatists’ ecosystem and if they try to put people’s lives in danger or compromise India’s integrity, we will ensure exemplary punishment for them.’
QAZIGUND
The 2.5-kilometer Jawahar Tunnel, a key gateway to Kashmir, is undergoing major renovations overseen by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Originally constructed in 1954, the tunnel faced severe seepage, lighting, and ventilation issues, prompting a major rehabilitation project starting in July 2023. The Rs 62.50 crore project, aims to modernise the tunnel, enhancing safety, security, and mobility. Key upgrades include new concrete surfaces, advanced ventilation systems, improved lighting, and real-time monitoring through a SCADA system. The renovated tunnel will also feature emergency speaker systems and road sign systems. Although the opening of the Qazigund-Banihal Navyug Tunnel in 2022 reduced its significance, the Jawahar Tunnel remains crucial for certain transport, including hazardous goods. The project, set for completion in 18 months, will further boost the tunnel’s role in both transportation and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
A Division Bench of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, has directed the respondents to complete the creation of 334 posts within 60 days.
MUTHI
The Jammu Development Authority’s demolition of 12 temporary shops belonging to Kashmiri Pandit migrants at Muthi Camp, Jammu, has worsened the plight of this displaced community, living in self-imposed exile since 1989. The shops, vital for their livelihood, were demolished allegedly without prior notice. The lack of effective rehabilitation policies from the central and state governments has left these migrants in despair. Calls have been made for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to restore the shops and hold those responsible accountable. Swift government action is essential to ensure justice and dignity for the affected families.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 4,990 road accidents in ten months, causing 703 deaths and 6,820 injuries.
SAUDI ARABIA
Fifteen players from Jammu and Kashmir are set to feature in the IPL 2025 auction, scheduled for November 24 and 25, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Key players Umran Malik, with a base price of Rs 75 lakh, and Abdul Samad, priced at Rs 30 lakh, are expected to draw significant attention. Last year, only two players from Jammu Kashmir, Abid Mushtaq and Rasikh Salam Dar, secured contracts, both at their base price of Rs 20 lakh. This year, the Jammu Kashmir contingent includes six all-rounders, seven bowlers, and two batsmen, reflecting improved cricketing infrastructure in the region. Notable names include Rasikh Salam, priced at Rs 30 lakh, and uncapped Mujtaba Yousuf, a seasoned IPL net bowler.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded the highest urban youth unemployment rate at 32 per cent among jobseekers aged 15 to 29 during the July-September quarter, according to the PLFS.
LADAKH
India and China are set to convene their Special Representatives meeting on the boundary issue after five years, marking progress in normalising ties. This decision follows the recent disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh’s Depsang and Demchok, signalling a significant step towards de-escalation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed stabilising relations, resuming the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, and reintroducing direct flights during talks at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Both ministers stressed the need to manage differences, focus on mutual respect, and uphold peace in border areas. The disengagement agreement, endorsed by Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, has enabled resumed patrolling after over four years. However, substantial troop deployment along the Line of Actual Control remains. The revived dialogue mechanisms aim to ensure stability and build trust, crucial for long-term peace. Talks at multiple levels are ongoing, focusing on broader de-escalation to restore normalcy in bilateral relations.
Transport authorities in Kashmir have collected a whopping fine of Rs 1.7 crore for traffic violations during the ongoing financial year 2024-25, with Srinagar emerging as the highest contributor.
BUDGAM
It was an election that got him caught. After 30 years, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Nazir Ahmad Wani, a former Hizbul Mujahideen militant, for a 1993 grenade attack on police in Deoband, Saharanpur, injuring four people. Wani, who received militant training on the other side of the Line of Control and Afghanistan (1989–1991), had shifted to Deoband but fled to Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, after securing bail with fake sureties. Identified through recent election images, Wani contested multiple elections, including against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, but lost each time. His election affidavit listed him as a businessman with assets worth Rs 4.3 crore, yet omitted his criminal past. Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and JK Police arrested Wani from Budgam, where he lived under a new identity. Officials noted his confession of involvement in encounters with the Army and his transformation into a civilian life post-militancy. The arrest, facilitated by a fresh non-bailable warrant, follows years of evasion.
Jammu and Kashmir has a total power generation capacity of 1200 MW but currently generates only 200-260 MW, compared to a requirement of 2000 MW.
LADAKH
The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) of Ladakh and Project Himank (BRO) have signed a three-year MoU to use plastic waste for road construction in Leh. Under the agreement, plastic waste collected by the Municipal Committee, Leh, will be supplied to Project Himank, which will compensate the committee as per agreed terms. The initiative, starting with an initial requirement of two metric tons, aims to reduce plastic pollution while creating economic opportunities. This collaboration is expected to address the plastic waste problem in Ladakh and promote environmental sustainability through innovative waste management practices.
KATRA
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has announced the implementation of a long-awaited ropeway project to significantly reduce the travel time for pilgrims from Katra to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Currently a four-to-six-hour trek, the ropeway will enable easier access, particularly benefiting elderly devotees and those unable to complete the 13-km trek. SMVDSB CEO Anshul Garg highlighted that the project, designed to handle increasing pilgrimage numbers—95 lakh visitors last year—will also address local stakeholders’ concerns. Connecting Tarakote Marg to Bhawan, the ropeway promises a smoother, more inclusive journey, with stunning views of the Trikuta hills enhancing the spiritual experience.
KASHMIR
The world-famous Mughal gardens of Kashmir, set against the Zabarwan Hills, are attracting thousands of tourists during autumn, with their Chinar trees spreading a vibrant red carpet. Gardens like Nishat, Shalimar Bagh, Naseem Bagh, and Chinar Bagh are witnessing a significant influx of visitors captivated by the breathtaking visuals of falling leaves and vibrant landscapes. Tourists, many of whom planned their trips months in advance, are drawn to the region’s unique seasonal charm, which contrasts with the rest of India’s limited seasonal variation. Visitors describe the experience as magical and unparalleled, noting the peaceful atmosphere and the surreal beauty that cameras cannot fully capture. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is actively promoting the season, known locally as Harud, through social media influencers and campaigns. The season typically concludes with Srinagar’s first snowfall, as higher reaches have already received snow and more is predicted for November. Kashmir’s autumn, blending vivid natural beauty with cultural allure, continues to be a bucket-list destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable experience.
UDHAMPUR
In a horrific incident in Udhampur district, Suresh Kumar allegedly hacked his mother-in-law, Shanti Devi, to death and critically injured his wife, Lalita, and sister-in-law, Anju, with an axe over a family dispute. The attack occurred on Sunday night at Kiya village. The victims were found in a pool of blood, with Shanti Devi declared dead at a hospital, while Lalita and Anju were referred for further treatment. Kumar fled the scene but was arrested within 12 hours by the police. His brother-in-law, Rakesh, claimed Kumar was intoxicated and had been pressuring his wife to return after a recent quarrel.
SRINAGAR
After nearly 60 years, a Kashmiri-language film, Qouluf, directed by Ali Emran, premiered in a Srinagar cinema hall, marking the return of native-language films to Kashmir. Based on Sufism, Qouluf received widespread acclaim at both the local premiere and international festivals like the Kolkata Film Festival. Emran, a filmmaker from Srinagar, has previously gained recognition with films in both Urdu and Kashmiri, such as Ibtida and Ninth Act. Emran’s work combines philosophical themes and emotional depth. He plans to release a new film, Baand, celebrating Kashmiri folk theatre. Emran is also preparing for his Bollywood debut.
RAJOURI
Maharashtra police, in collaboration with Military Intelligence and the Army, arrested nine individuals from Rajouri district for obtaining security guard jobs with fake arms licenses and carrying firearms. The arrests followed a tip-off regarding potential security risks linked to fake licences, with nine 12-bore rifles and 58 bullets recovered. The main suspect, Sher Ahmed Ghulam Hasan from Rajouri, facilitated the racket by providing fake licences and rifles for Rs 50,000 each. Investigations have not revealed any militant connections, but authorities are probing all angles. Although previous cases involved illegal arms from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, this is the first known link to Jammu and Kashmir. The arrested individuals, working as security guards across Maharashtra, are under investigation, and the authenticity of the weapons and licenses is being verified. A case has been filed under the Arms Act, with further inquiries into the racket continuing.
SRINAGAR
On November 14, two teenage boys, Hamaad and Aseem Sofi, tragically lost their lives and two others were injured in a car accident at Tengpora on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway. The boys, both 17, were driving an SUV that crashed into a stationary truck before hitting a divider. CCTV footage of the incident suggested they were racing and over-speeding. The accident sparked calls for stricter measures against underage driving, with political leaders and civil society expressing concern. The Traffic Police issued warnings to guardians and vehicle owners, stating that allowing minors to drive could lead to imprisonment and fines. They have begun seizing vehicles driven by minors and taking action against offenders.
