IBTimes

As thousands of unregistered devotees arrive in Jammu and Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged pilgrims to undertake the Shri Amarnath Yatra only after obtaining a valid registration. The administration has reiterated that RFID access and permission to proceed will be granted only to registered pilgrims, citing Supreme Court-mandated limits on daily pilgrim movement.

With just three days left for the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, Srinagar Police conducted a comprehensive multi-agency mock drill at the Panthachowk transit camp to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen response mechanisms. The exercise, involving different departments, simulated multiple emergency scenarios to evaluate coordination, communication, and operational readiness ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Online Drugs Disposal Fortnight Campaign and unveiled the Vision Document on Drug Control (20262029), calling for a ruthless crackdown on drug traffickers and a compassionate approach towards victims. As part of the campaign, enforcement agencies destroyed 209,500 kg of narcotics worth Rs 6,000 crore, while Shah stressed that the next three years would be decisive in India's fight against drugs and narco-terrorism.

A political showdown erupted in J&K as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's allegation that his government made 25,000 backdoor appointments. Omar challenged Mehbooba to produce evidence, accused the PDP-BJP regime of carrying out large-scale illegal recruitments, and claimed data on those appointments would soon be made public.

Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, have dismantled 10 narco-terror modules and arrested 39 operatives, including three Afghan nationals, over the past 25 days. The crackdown led to the recovery of 72 pistols, an AK-47 rifle, two submachine guns, heroin, hawala money, and other incriminating materials.

The fact-finding committee constituted by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to investigate allegations of factionalism, indiscipline, and anti-party activities in the J&K Congress has completed its three-day exercise in Srinagar and returned to New Delhi. The panel interacted with over 70 party leaders from across the Union Territory and is expected to submit its report to the Congress high command shortly.

Buoyed by the success of a territory-wide bandh, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have cautioned the Union Government against delaying the implementation of decisions reached during the May 22 talks.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has crossed the milestone of 50 lakh pilgrims before the end of June, with more than 51 lakh devotees visiting the cave shrine by June 23. The figure marks an increase of 10.86 lakh pilgrims compared to the same period last year, reflecting a sharp rise in footfall and growing enthusiasm among devotees.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau of J&K has charge-sheeted seven individuals, including former Rural Development Department officials and a contractor, in connection with an alleged embezzlement of government funds in Kupwara's Lolab area. Investigations revealed that payments were released for developmental works that either existed only on paper or were executed in violation of norms.

On the 72nd death anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, senior BJP leaders, including Tarun Chugh and Suvendu Adhikari, renewed their demand for a fresh inquiry into his 1953 custodial death in Srinagar. The party also called for the declassification of official records related to both Mookerjee's arrest and death.

With just two weeks left for the commencement of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat has directed security agencies to strengthen surveillance and security arrangements along the pilgrimage route, National Highway, and railway infrastructure. During a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar, he emphasized strict adherence to SOPs, intensified anti-terror operations, and enhanced coordination among agencies.

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have called for a complete shutdown across Ladakh on June 23, alleging that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Territory administration are delaying the implementation of commitments made during the May 22 meeting in New Delhi.

The J&K government has ordered an immediate review of the PMAY-G 2.0 beneficiary list following complaints that several deserving rural families were wrongly excluded from the housing scheme. The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has directed field officers to identify and rectify such cases, warning that officials responsible for negligence or improper verification will be held accountable.

Security forces in Punjab have recovered 42 sophisticated pistols and an AK-47 rifle in separate operations near the Indo-Pak border during the last four days, exposing a suspected cross-border effort to revive terrorism in the state. Investigations have revealed links to foreign-based operatives.

Security agencies have expressed concern that the emergence of Supari killers from rural Jammu could strengthen organised crime networks and potentially make vulnerable youths susceptible to exploitation by anti-national elements.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended cardiologist Dr. Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah pending an inquiry into allegations of fraudulent PMJAY-SEHAT insurance claims, unnecessary cardiac procedures, patient exploitation, and manipulation of medical records at GMC Anantnag.

In a significant anti-terror operation ahead of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, security forces arrested five individuals in Kishtwar and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Among those held is a Forest Department employee accused of facilitating terrorist activities, while three youths missing since May 31 were apprehended in Shopian with explosives, ammunition, and other incriminating material.

A woman in J&K's Bandipora district allegedly gave birth on a roadside within 30 minutes of being discharged from a government hospital, triggering public outrage and demands for an inquiry into possible medical negligence. The incident comes amid an ongoing high-level investigation into the death of a pregnant woman at GMC Rajouri, further raising concerns about maternal healthcare services in the Union Territory.

The Indian Army on Friday repatriated a Pakistani national, Asad Khan, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on June 12. After completing legal formalities, Khan was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Aman Setu in Teetwal. The Army described the move as a reflection of its commitment to humanitarian values and military professionalism.

Tension gripped parts of Ladakh after the Youth Wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) alleged that a group of non-local individuals was involved in religious conversion-related activities in remote areas of the Union Territory. Acting on intelligence inputs, Leh Police detained eight persons and registered an FIR, launching a probe into the alleged operation.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced that the long-pending Shahpur Kandi Project on the River Ravi is nearing completion, raising hopes among farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba and Kathua districts. The project is expected to bring irrigation to over 32,000 hectares of barren land in the Kandi belt and benefit thousands of hectares in Punjab's Pathankot district.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the National Conference's proposal to jointly participate in a protest at Jantar Mantar during Parliament's Monsoon Session, describing the ruling party's statehood campaign as an eyewash. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused the NC government of failing to fulfil its election promises and attempting to divert attention from governance issues.

The International Human Rights Foundation has strongly condemned Pakistan's crackdown on peaceful protesters in PoJK, alleging that 32 civilians were killed by security forces between June 8 and 16, 2026. The organization has demanded an independent international investigation into the deaths, including the alleged extrajudicial killing of activist Shahzeb Habib.

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress dissident camp led by Vikar Rasool Wani has temporarily suspended its planned rallies and political programmes following a stern warning from the party high command and the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of indiscipline.

As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign and the 100-day drug-free target set by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with Punjab Police, arrested two alleged drug traffickers in Amritsar and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, and narcotic substances.

The controversial Ganderbal encounter case has resurfaced after authorities exhumed and handed over the body of Rashid Ahmad Mughal, who was killed in an alleged encounter on April 1, to his family nearly two and a half months later. While security forces had described him as a suspected terrorist, his family maintains he was an innocent civilian.

Authorities have identified 155 drug hotspots across Jammu division and arrested 701 drug peddlers as part of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. During a high-level review meeting officials revealed that 598 FIRs had been registered, narcotics worth large quantities seized, and properties worth over 45 crore attached or demolished.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated that the National Conference will go ahead with its planned protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session to demand the restoration of statehood. While expressing hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fulfil the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said there has been no change in the party's protest programme.

With only 19 days remaining for the commencement of the 57-day Shri Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified security preparations. DGP Nalin Prabhat has ordered the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at strategic locations and enhanced surveillance along pilgrimage routes.

Residents of Jammu and adjoining areas are set to receive cooking gas through piped connections as the 237-crore GurdaspurJammu Natural Gas Pipeline Project enters its final phase. With nearly 90 per cent of the work completed, the project is expected to be commissioned next month, paving the way for the supply of piped natural gas (PNG) to households and increased availability of CNG for vehicles.

Three young tourists from Haryana were killed and two others critically injured after a bus collided with their Creta car near IIM Jammu in the Jagti-Karli area on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway early Sunday morning. The victims were returning home after visiting Leh and the Kashmir Valley.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called upon Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the future of a transformed Jammu and Kashmir, describing their journey from displacement to global success as a symbol of resilience and determination.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement that the AFSPA will be withdrawn from most Northeastern states next year has reignited the debate over the law in J&K. National Conference leaders, including Minister Sakina Itoo and Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, have urged the Centre to revoke AFSPA from J&K first, arguing that the security situation has improved significantly.

J&K School Education Minister Sakina Itoo has expressed concern over the deployment of nearly 14,000 teachers for census duties, saying it has severely affected the functioning of government schools already grappling with a massive staff shortage. Nearly 15,000 teaching posts are already lying vacant across the Union Territory.

Amid escalating factionalism and allegations of indiscipline within the J&K Congress, the AICC has constituted a three-member enquiry committee to investigate anti-party activities and organisational disputes in the Union Territory. The move follows the summoning of five senior J&K Congress leaders to New Delhi and comes against the backdrop of an intensifying power struggle between two factions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review security and operational arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. With modern surveillance systems, enhanced intelligence coordination, deployment of advanced security equipment, and the launch of a QR code-based Pehchaan App for worker verification, authorities are strengthening preparations to ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and strongly advocated for the early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. The meeting comes days after Omar sought support from INDIA bloc partners for a proposed protest outside Parliament during the monsoon session.

Public outrage is growing in J&K over the use of excessive force by Pakistani authorities against protesters in PoJK. The Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir staged a protest outside the UN office in Srinagar, demanding international intervention and accountability. NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah also urged the United Nations to investigate reports of civilian killings and human rights abuses in PoJK.

Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili and human rights groups have condemned the alleged use of excessive force by Pakistani authorities against protesters in PoJK. While mainstream political parties in J&K have largely remained silent, critics have called for accountability amid reports of civilian deaths, arrests and a widening crackdown across the region.

A special NIA court in Srinagar has issued a proclamation against Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and three other accused in a 1996 terror-related case after they allegedly failed to appear despite arrest warrants. The court directed the accused to appear by July 14 and ordered the publication of the proclamation in accordance with legal procedures.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the technical malfunction that left over 300 tourists stranded mid-air in the Gulmarg Gondola on May 25. The panel has been tasked with examining the sequence of events, identifying possible lapses, assessing compliance with safety standards, and recommending corrective measures.

The BJP on Tuesday criticised the United Nations and international human rights organisations for what it described as their silence over alleged atrocities against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Thousands of beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir could face difficulties from July 1 as private hospitals and dialysis centres have announced plans to stop accepting Golden Cards over pending reimbursements of nearly 275 crore. Private hospitals have accused authorities of prolonged payment delays, violation of NHA guidelines, and failure to address financial distress faced by 135 empanelled healthcare institutions.

In a landmark achievement for India's infrastructure sector, the breakthrough blast at the 13.15-km-long Zojila Tunnel was successfully carried out on Tuesday, connecting the two ends of the strategic tunnel linking Kashmir and Ladakh. Witnessed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the milestone was achieved six months ahead of schedule and brings the dream of all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh closer to reality.

The Congress high command has issued a stern warning to senior Jammu and Kashmir leaders against publicly attacking one another amid escalating factionalism within the party. During a two-hour meeting in New Delhi attended by key leaders, the leadership emphasised discipline and directed leaders to raise grievances through internal party forums.

J&K BJP has rejected Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's proposal for a united political movement to seek the restoration of statehood, asserting that all parties should trust the Centre's commitment on the issue. BJP president Sat Sharma said statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, as assured by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is set to trigger the breakthrough blast at the 13.15-km-long Zojila Tunnel, marking a major milestone in one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects. Located at an altitude of around 11,500 feet, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley, Kargil, and Ladakh, ending decades of winter isolation caused by heavy snowfall.

The Congress high command has summoned five senior Jammu and Kashmir leaders, including Tariq Hamid Karra, Vikar Rasool Wani, and Tara Chand, to New Delhi amid escalating factionalism within the party. The move comes after a series of public attacks, allegations, and a letter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge highlighting a deepening organisational crisis in the Union Territory.

Despite their ongoing political rivalry in Jammu and Kashmir, the ruling National Conference and opposition Peoples Democratic Party have confirmed their participation in the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on June 8.

A young Army officer, Lieutenant Beereshwar Goswami, laid down his life while undertaking operational duties in the rugged terrain of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir. As tributes poured in from the Indian Army and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, security forces continued a massive anti-terror search operation in the Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan forest area for the 16th consecutive day.