jammu and kashmir

Samba (J&K), January 9, 2026: A suspicious balloon carrying the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” in Urdu was found in a field in Khanpur village, Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, triggering heightened vigilance among security agencies. According to local reports, residents spotted an armed individual in the area around the same time. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the origin, purpose, and nature of the balloon. Samba district, part of the Jammu division, lies approximately 17–20 km from the India-Pakistan International Border, with its southern boundary directly adjoining Pakistan. Police on Alert in RamgarhThe balloon was recovered from a field in Ramgarh area of Khanpur village on Thursday. Local residents immediately alerted the Ramgarh police, who took...

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: A political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, stated that she will not be forced to chant nationalist slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” or “Jai Shri Ram.” Her remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further intensifying the political climate in the Union Territory. Iltija Mufti made the comments while expressing concern over restrictions on freedom of expression in the region. Her statement comes amid a controversy triggered by the Jammu and Kashmir police launching an investigation against a local cricketer who shared an image online wearing a Palestinian-flagged helmet. Iltija Mufti’s Statement Speaking on the matter, Iltija Mufti said...

Jammu, J&K: In a startling discovery near the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters in Jammu & Kashmir, a China-made sniper rifle attachment was found, which a young child had picked up, mistaking it for a toy. The item was recovered from a heap of garbage in the Sidra area, which is also in close proximity to the offices of CRPF and SSB. Child Discovers Weapon PartAccording to police, the six-year-old boy found the device while playing near a trash pile on Sunday morning. His family initially did not realize the potential danger. Patrol officers noticed the “toy” and were shocked to identify it as a telescopic attachment commonly used in assault and sniper rifles. Authorities immediately secured the device for investigation. Investigation UnderwayJammu Rural Polic...

Kashmir witnessed its first snowfall of the season in the higher reaches, while rainfall drenched the plains on Sunday, bringing a welcome relief to the residents. Srinagar recorded the warmest night of the season so far, with a minimum temperature of 4°C — six degrees above normal, according to the Meteorological Department. Snowfall in Gulmarg and Sonamarg The picturesque hill stations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg saw heavy snowfall, marking the beginning of the 40-day harsh winter period locally known as Chillai Kalan. The rains and snow washed away suspended particulate matter from the air, making breathing easier and the atmosphere noticeably cleaner after nearly three months of drought. Tourists and locals alike rejoiced as the snowfall revived hopes for a festive Christmas and N...

Jammu: The selection of the Jammu & Kashmir football team for the Santosh Trophy 2025 has sparked a controversy over the religion of the players. Allegations of bias in the selection process, particularly favoring players from the Kashmir region over Jammu, have led to protests within the state. The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council had finalized the team for the national championship after a series of matches. However, concerns about fairness in the selection process quickly emerged, prompting the government to constitute a committee to investigate the matter. The panel has been instructed to submit its report within a week. Government Responds Amid Rising Tensions Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly defended the selection process, emphasizing that player selection was...

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday filed a detailed chargesheet in connection with the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 25 tourists lost their lives. The chargesheet squarely blames Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its shadow organisation The Resistance Front (TRF) for planning and executing the attack. According to the NIA, the terror strike that took place on April 22 was a religion-based, Pakistan-sponsored attack aimed at spreading fear and destabilising peace in the region. The 1,597-page chargesheet was submitted before a special NIA court in Jammu, detailing the conspiracy, operational planning, and the role of each accused, supported by scientific and technical evidence collected during an eight-month-long inve...

Mumbai: Director Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, continues to dominate the box office and public discourse a week after its release. While the film has earned widespread praise for its gripping narrative and performances, it has also sparked debate over its political undertones and portrayal of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Amid this polarised reaction, Iltija Mufti, PDP leader and daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has found herself at the centre of controversy after publicly praising the film—an endorsement that surprised many given her political background. Iltija Mufti Praises Film’s Story and Portrayal of Women Sharing her views on social media, Iltija described Dhurandhar as “interesting and well-made,” despite the surr...

New Delhi: Baramulla MP and Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) chief Engineer Rashid, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, staged a one-day hunger strike on the occasion of International Human Rights Day. According to AIP spokesperson Inam-ul-Nabi, Rashid began his symbolic fast on Wednesday morning, ahead of attending the ongoing Parliament session. The party said the objective of his fast was to remind the government of the unresolved issues faced by the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and to urge a “humane and sincere approach” in addressing them. Rashid had already informed the Lok Sabha about his plan to observe the fast on December 10, stating that it was meant to draw attention to the decades-long pain and lingering grievances of the region’s residents. Letter to the Pri...

Srinagar/New Delhi:The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another Kashmiri doctor in connection with the Delhi blast case, intensifying its crackdown across the Kashmir Valley. The arrested individual, Dr. Bilal Nasir Malla, a resident of Baramulla in north Kashmir, is the eighth person to be taken into custody in this case. Doctor Accused of Sheltering Key Terrorist According to the NIA, Dr. Bilal was actively involved in the conspiracy behind the terrorist attack. Investigations revealed that he provided shelter and logistical support to slain terrorist Umar Un Nabi, believed to be the mastermind and suicide attacker behind the 10 November blast near the Red Fort in Delhi. The agency also accused Dr. Bilal of destroying crucial evidence linked to the attack. NIA of...