Jammu and Kashmir reviewed its electronic traffic enforcement, revealing Jammu’s fully functional 552-camera network generating Rs 41.46 crore from 416703 challans, while Srinagar’s largely non-functional system, with only 180 of 828 cameras working, has yielded just Rs 1.66 crore from 15295 challans.
PULWAMA
A special NIA court has ordered the forfeiture of a house in Hakripora (Pulwama), after ruling that it was used by banned Jaish-e-Mohammad militants to plan the 2019 suicide attack on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 personnel. Declared “proceeds of terrorism” under the UAPA, the property, registered to the wife of an accused, cannot be transferred. The court held that ownership by the main accused is irrelevant if a property facilitates terrorism. Investigations found the house sheltered JeM recruits involved in the conspiracy. The confiscation was sought by the NIA and approved despite objections from the non-applicant side.
LADAKH
The Home Affairs Ministry has assumed direct control over Ladakh’s project approvals by withdrawing major financial powers earlier held by the Lt Governor, Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners and senior engineers. Approvals for schemes up to Rs 100 crore, formerly with the LG, will now be issued by the Ministry. Sanctioning powers of Deputy Commissioners, Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers have also been centralised. All new proposals must be routed through the Planning Department before reaching the Ministry. Contract approvals remain with the Contract Committee only after Ministry sanction, while procurement powers are retained with local officials within revised financial limits.
KASHMIR
Police across Kashmir conducted large-scale coordinated raids on residences, offices and institutions linked to the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami, including the homes of its former chiefs. Searches took place in Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Awantipora, Kulgam and Handwara as part of efforts to curb separatist networks and dismantle what police described as the “terror ecosystem”. Electronic devices, documents and other materials were seized at several locations, while some searches yielded none. Police said the operations were based on credible inputs, conducted legally, and aimed at preventing radicalisation and ensuring stability. Multiple JeI-linked individuals were questioned, with investigations continuing.
KATRA
Protests continue in Jammu and surrounding districts over the admission of 42 Muslim students to the first MBBS batch at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, though academic activities at the college remain unaffected, and 47 of 50 seats are already filled. Hindu groups argue that an institution funded by donations from Hindu pilgrims should prioritise Hindu students and are demanding minority-institution status for the college.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti has announced an intensified agitation, forming multiple teams for outreach and mobilisation. Organisations, including the Shiv Sena Dogra Front and VHP, have alleged irregularities in the BOPEE-run admission process and called for an Anti-Corruption Bureau probe. The BJP has also sought the scrapping of the admission list, while the administration has strengthened security around the campus amid continuing demonstrations.
MUMBAI
Nita Ambani’s appearance at a temple inauguration wearing a shaded Jamevaar sari by Tarun Tahiliani has renewed national attention on Kashmir’s delicate craft traditions. Embellished with fine kashidakari and paired with vintage Golconda diamonds, the ensemble highlighted the skill of Kashmiri weavers. The moment has brought rare visibility to artisans whose handmade textiles face declining incomes and competition from machine-made imitations.
KATHUA
Families of three men found dead in Ishu Nallah in Kathua nine months ago have begun an indefinite hunger strike, accusing police of failing to deliver justice. Led by Chamail Singh, who lost his son and brother, the families demand the case be handed over to the CBI or NIA, alleging the victims were murdered by terrorists. They say police have delayed the final report, the SIT has produced no results, and post-mortem and forensic findings remain undisclosed. Locals joined the protest after a prayer ceremony, with families vowing to continue until an impartial probe is ordered and the guilty punished.
JAMMU
Jammu and Kashmir entered India’s competitive mineral auction system with its first limestone block auction and roadshow, launched in the presence of Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Seven blocks across Rajouri, Poonch and Anantnag, covering 314 hectares, were offered. The erstwhile state has nearly one billion tonnes of limestone deposits. Officials said the transparent process is aimed at attracting investment, boosting cement production, generating employment and strengthening local revenue, with district mineral funds supporting development and new surveillance systems curbing illegal mining.
