#JammuAndKashmir Archives

Mehbooba Mufti Slams NSA Ajit Doval’s ‘Revenge for History’ Remark, Warns of Communal Fallout

January 12, 2026 Editor

Mehbooba Mufti Criticises NSA Ajit Doval’s ‘Revenge for History’ Remark, Warns of Communal Polarisation By: Javid Amin | 11 January 2026 Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday strongly criticised National Security Adviser Ajit Doval over his recent reference to “revenge for history,” warning that such rhetoric from a senior constitutional functionary could have dangerous consequences for India’s social cohesion. Mufti described the remark as a “dog whistle” that normalises communal hatred and risks inciting vulnerable sections of society against minorities.…

Winter Writes in Sub-Zero Ink as Chillai Kalan Enters Peak Phase in Kashmir

January 11, 2026 Editor

Winter Writes in Sub-Zero Ink as Chillai Kalan Peaks, Shopian Coldest at –8.2°C By: Javid Amin | 10 January 2026 Winter Tightens Its Grip as Chillai Kalan Peaks Winter continues to write its story in sub-zero ink across Kashmir. As Chillai Kalan, the coldest 40-day stretch of winter, entered its peak phase, a biting cold wave gripped the Valley on Saturday, with night temperatures remaining well below freezing across most regions, despite marginal overnight relief in a few areas. Clear skies and dry conditions have intensified radiational cooling, keeping Kashmir…

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Barred From Friday Prayers for Third Consecutive Week at Srinagar Jama Masjid

January 10, 2026 Editor

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Says He Was Barred From Friday Prayers for Third Week at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid By: Javid Amin | 09 January 2026 Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric, on Friday said he was prevented for the third consecutive week from leading Friday prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid, alleging that he was placed under house detention by authorities. According to the Mirwaiz, police vehicles and personnel were stationed outside his residence, restricting his movement and preventing him from reaching the mosque. What the Mirwaiz Has Claimed In a…

‘Sold Kashmir for Power?’ AIP Vs Mehbooba Mufti and the Long Shadow of the PDP-BJP Alliance

January 8, 2026 Editor

‘Sold Kashmir for Power?’ — AIP, Mehbooba Mufti, and the Unfinished Reckoning of the PDP-BJP Alliance By: Javid Amin | 08 January 2026 More than seven years after the fall of the PDP-BJP coalition government, the political aftershocks of that experiment continue to reverberate across Jammu and Kashmir. The latest trigger is a sharp and unusually personal attack by the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of having “sold Kashmir for power” and now attempting to justify what they describe as a historic betrayal.…

Festive Tourism Surge Kicks Off 2026 in Jammu & Kashmir as Srinagar, Gulmarg and Vaishno Devi See Record Footfall

January 7, 2026 Editor

Festive Tourism Surge Kicks Off 2026 in Jammu & Kashmir By: Javid Amin | 06 January 2026 Jammu & Kashmir has entered 2026 on a high note, with a remarkable surge in festive tourism across the Valley and Jammu region, signalling a strong revival of the tourism-driven economy. From snow-laden Gulmarg and Sonamarg to the bustling streets of Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, and from Dal Lake shikara rides to the icy pilgrimage routes of Vaishno Devi, the New Year celebrations brought unprecedented footfall and energy to the region. Crowded Destinations, Festive…

NMC Withdraws Recognition of Vaishno Devi Medical College MBBS Course: Regulation, Religion, and the Future of Medical Education in J&K

January 7, 2026 Editor

National Medical Commission Cancels MBBS Approval for Vaishno Devi Medical College After Admission Controversy in J&K By: Javid Amin | 06 January 2026 When Medical Admissions Turn Political Medical admissions in India are normally governed by marks, merit lists, and regulation. But sometimes, they become lightning-rods for political and social tension. That is precisely what happened in Jammu & Kashmir when Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence — a new medical college — admitted its first MBBS batch for 2025–26. Out of 50 seats, 42 candidates were Muslims,…

VPN Crackdown in Jammu & Kashmir: 800 Users Booked, Two-Month Ban Sparks Debate Over Security and Digital Freedom

January 6, 2026 Editor

VPN Crackdown in Jammu & Kashmir: 800 Users Identified, Blanket Ban Sparks Privacy Debate By: Javid Amin | 05 January 2025 A New Digital Flashpoint in Kashmir In a move that has reignited long-standing debates over internet regulation, digital rights, and state security, authorities in Jammu & Kashmir have intensified a crackdown on unauthorized Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage, identifying approximately 800 users across the Valley, registering FIRs, and imposing a two-month blanket ban under emergency prohibitory orders. The administration has justified the decision on grounds of cyber security, public…

Vaishno Devi Sees Steep Fall in Pilgrim Footfall in 2025: What Went Wrong and Why It Matters

December 30, 2025December 30, 2025 Editor

Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Sees 27% Drop in 2025 Amid Security, Weather Concerns By: Javid Amin | 29 December 2025 A Rare Dip at One of India’s Holiest Shrines The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, perched atop the Trikuta hills in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district, has long been regarded as one of India’s most resilient pilgrimage destinations. Even during turbulent political phases, the shrine historically attracted millions of devotees annually. However, 2025 marked a significant departure from this trend. Official figures show that pilgrim footfall dropped below 70 lakh, compared to…

Dulhasti Stage-II Gets Green Signal Amid Indus Treaty Suspension: Power Project or Strategic Pivot on Chenab?

December 28, 2025 Editor

Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project Approved: Chenab, Indus Treaty Suspension & Strategic Impact Explained By: Javid Amin | 27 December 2025 When Power Projects Become Policy Statements The Union government’s decision to grant environmental clearance to the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kishtwar district marks more than just another infrastructure approval. Coming at a time when India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, the clearance signals a decisive shift in how New Delhi approaches water, power, and national security in the…

Seizure of Outside-Registered Vehicles in J&K: A Crisis That Demands Compassionate Governance

December 28, 2025December 28, 2025 Editor

Seizure of Outside-Registered Vehicles in J&K: When Enforcement Overrides Empathy By: Javid Amin | 27 December 2025 A Crisis That Demands Compassionate Governance Across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), enforcement drives targeting vehicles with outside registration numbers have escalated from routine checks to mass seizures — leaving thousands of vehicle owners bewildered, out of pocket, and stuck in administrative labyrinths with little clarity or support. What started as a legitimate regulatory intent—ensuring that all motor vehicles comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and related rules—has in…