Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for ordering the reopening of 14 tourist destinations in the Union Territory that were closed following the Pahalgam terror attack in April last year.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, Abdullah said he had raised the issue of reopening the closed tourist spots during his recent meetings with the Union Home Minister in Jammu and earlier in Delhi.

“My request was that the areas which have been closed should be reopened. There is no purpose served by keeping these destinations closed. We did not shut these places even during the worst of times,” he said.

Abdullah added that the Home Minister had assured him that the destinations would be reopened and the orders have now been issued. “I am thankful to the Home Minister for that. The local people have suffered losses due to the closure. I hope visitors will now return to these beautiful places,” he said.

On Monday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the reopening of 11 tourist destinations in Kashmir and three in the Jammu region. These sites were among more than 80 locations closed after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

Remarks on BJP MLA and Allegations

Responding to controversial remarks made by BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa, Abdullah said that “the truth has prevailed,” claiming that a case had been registered against Randhawa for allegedly occupying government land.

He also accused BJP leaders of inconsistency between their statements and actions. Referring to Rajya Sabha member Ghulam Ali Khatana, Abdullah alleged that although Khatana represents Jammu and Kashmir and resides here, he spent 90 per cent of his MPLAD funds in Uttar Pradesh.

Ramzan Arrangements and Daily Wagers’ Protests

When asked about electricity supply during the month of Ramzan, the Chief Minister said he would chair a meeting to review all arrangements and ensure that people face minimal inconvenience during the holy fasting month.

On the protests by daily wagers, Abdullah said there was no need for street demonstrations as the government has already announced in the Assembly that they would be regularised this year under a scheduled process.

He cautioned workers against being influenced for political gains and urged them to engage in dialogue. “If they have something to say, they should come and tell me. Street protests are not good for them or their future. We have assured regularisation in a time-bound manner,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday informed the Assembly that no land belonging to Kashmiri migrants has been acquired in the Valley in violation of prescribed legal procedures. He asserted that the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has consistently worked to ensure justice for the displaced community.

Replying to a starred question raised by CPI(M) legislator M Y Tarigami, the Deputy Chief Minister said that as per the report submitted by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, no land has been acquired without following due procedure, including prior notification and verification, and all acquisitions are assessed under applicable land acquisition laws.

Choudhary was replying on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds charge of the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) Department.

2022 Order for PM Package Employees

On the issue of a separate order issued in June 2022 for nearly 6,000 employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Special Package for the Pandit community serving in the Valley, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the order does not adversely affect their service interests. Instead, he said, it strengthens and protects them.

He stated that recruitment and initial appointments of Kashmiri migrants under the Prime Minister’s Package are governed by the J&K Migrants (Special Drive) Recruitment Rules, 2009, along with the creation of 6,000 supernumerary posts sanctioned in 2009 and 2017. These provisions address entry into service and availability of posts.

However, with large-scale appointments under the package, the government felt the need for a structured service management framework. Accordingly, the June 2022 order was issued to regulate seniority, cadre management, postings, and career progression of PM Package employees.

“These provisions are protective and enabling in nature and ensure that PM Package employees are not disadvantaged vis-à-vis regular employees,” he said, adding that there is no inconsistency between previous orders and the 2022 directive.

He further informed the House that proposals for additional service improvements and possible absorption of PM Package employees into the regular cadre are under examination by the General Administration and Finance Departments.

Registration of Migrants

Addressing concerns over delays in provisional registrations of Kashmiri migrants, Choudhary said that on July 12, 2023, the administration decided that in view of the improved law and order situation in the Valley, fresh registrations on security grounds were not justified and no further extensions to provisional registrations would be granted.

He added that a screening committee reconstituted in May 2024 has reviewed all pending cases. Out of 1,263 cases, CID and District Magistrate reports are awaited in only 75 cases, which will be decided immediately after receipt of the reports.

He ruled out any inordinate delay, stating that since the process involves security and threat perception assessments, each case requires detailed verification by the CID and district administration.

Opposition’s Concerns

In his supplementary remarks, Tarigami termed the 2022 order “highly discriminatory,” though he welcomed the government’s initiative to review it. He also urged the government to reassess relief for pensioners, pointing out that the structure fixed in 2018 has not kept pace with inflation.

Raising the issue of political migrants, he argued that migration was forced by circumstances and not voluntary, and therefore all such cases should be reviewed on humanitarian grounds.

Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Chief Minister rejected allegations of discrimination and reiterated that the government remains committed to justice for all migrants. He described migration as “unfortunate,” adding that while many cases are genuine, some cases have not been found genuine during verification.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday said that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir in the near future.

Speaking to reporters, Meghwal described the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood as sensitive and reiterated the Centre’s commitment on the matter. He said that the Union government remains firm on its assurance regarding the restoration process.

“Our Home Minister has already assured in the Lok Sabha that the rightful process will be followed, and the people will get what is due to them,” he said.

When asked about the timeline for a decision, the minister responded, “I think you will hear some decision on this very soon.”

It may be recalled that in August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status of the region under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday informed the Assembly that more than 17.27 lakh kanals of state land have been encroached across the Union Territory, out of which over 14.29 lakh kanals have been retrieved so far.

Responding to a question tabled by MLA Sham Lal Sharma regarding the status of encroached and retrieved state land, the Revenue Department placed the details before the House.

According to the official reply, in the Kashmir division, 3,27,198.50 kanals of state land have been found encroached, of which 2,16,912.98 kanals have been retrieved.

In the Jammu division, 14,00,049.66 kanals of land were reported as encroached, while 12,12,287.44 kanals have been successfully retrieved.

Overall, a total of 17,27,248.16 kanals of state land were identified as encroached across Jammu and Kashmir, of which 14,29,200.42 kanals have been reclaimed by the authorities so far.

Out of the 44 public sector undertakings (PSUs) in Jammu and Kashmir, 24 are running in losses while four are non-functional, the Union Territory government informed the Assembly on Tuesday.

In a written reply to legislator Javaid Riyaz, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary stated that the Union Territory has 10 profit-making PSUs, 24 loss-making PSUs, four non-functional PSUs, two statutory corporations, and one dormant PSU.

Profit-Making PSUs

The profit-making entities include Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Development Corporation, J&K Bank Financial Services Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Police Housing Corporation, Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited, Ratle Hydroelectric Project Corporation Limited, and Jammu and Kashmir Development Finance Corporation Limited.

Loss-Making PSUs

Among the loss-making PSUs are Jammu and Kashmir Industries Limited, Jammu and Kashmir SC ST and BC Development Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation, Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Power Corporation Limited, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts Sales and Export Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Transmission Company Limited, Srinagar Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, and Jammu and Kashmir Agro Industries Development Corporation Limited.

Other loss-making entities include Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute Foundation, Jammu and Kashmir State Handloom Development Corporation Limited, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir SIDCO Limited, Jammu Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Cements Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation Limited, Jammu Smart City Limited, Srinagar Smart City Limited, and Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Limited.

Statutory and Other Categories

The two statutory corporations — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation and Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation — are also operating at a loss.

The non-functional PSUs include Overseas Employment Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Road Development Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Handloom and Handicrafts RMSO Limited, Tawi Scooters Limited, Himalayan Wool Combers Limited, Jammu and Kashmir IT Infrastructure Private Limited, and International Trade Centre Jammu and Kashmir.

The dormant PSU is Jammu and Kashmir Asset Reconstruction Limited.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the respective administrative departments are examining measures to strengthen and revive sick or loss-making PSUs, including steps related to infrastructure and manpower, to improve their operational and financial performance.

 Three inmates, including two Pakistani nationals, escaped from a juvenile observation home in the RS Pura area this evening after allegedly opening fire on two policemen, who were injured and hospitalised.

Officials said the incident took place around 5:15 PM at the observation home in RS Pura.

The escapees have been identified as:

• Ahsan Anwar of Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan
• Mohammad Sanaullah of Basti Jawewala, Tehsil Dinpur, District Muzaffarabad, Punjab, Pakistan
• Karanjit Singh alias Gugga of Dablehar, RS Pura

According to officials, the trio allegedly fired at the on-duty police personnel using a country-made pistol (desi katta), leaving them injured before fleeing from the premises.

A video of the incident has reportedly gone viral on social media, purportedly showing the attackers targeting the policemen from close range.

Injured Policemen Stable

The injured personnel have been identified as Head Constable Praveen Kumar and SPO Vinay Kumar, both posted at the observation home.

They were initially taken to a healthcare facility in RS Pura and later shifted to Government Medical College Jammu for advanced treatment. Their condition was stated to be stable at the time of filing this report.

“Praveen Kumar has sustained a head injury, while Vinay Kumar suffered an injury near his ear. It is not immediately clear whether the injuries are bullet-related,” a police officer said.

Background of the Accused

Police sources said Ahsan Anwar was detained in 2019 after allegedly crossing over to this side of the border, while Mohammad Sanaullah was detained in 2021 under similar circumstances. Both were subsequently lodged in the juvenile observation home.

The third inmate, Karanjit Singh, was lodged in the facility in 2025 following his arrest along with other members of the “Khauff gang” in connection with the murder of rival gang leader Sumit Jandiyal alias Gataru (37) in the Jewel Chowk area in January 2025.

Case Registered, Manhunt Launched

Taking cognisance of the incident, police have registered FIR No. 39/2026 at Police Station RS Pura under Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant), 262 (escaping lawful custody), 307, and 111 (organised crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 3/25 of the Arms Act pertaining to unauthorised possession and use of firearms.

Specialised police teams have been constituted to trace and apprehend the absconding inmates.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu, Joginder Singh, said that as per procedure, a departmental inquiry will also be conducted. He added that action, including suspension, will follow if any negligence or involvement of police personnel is found in facilitating the procurement of the weapon inside the observation home.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today announced that India will be free from Maoist violence by March 31, 2026, and terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East by 2029.

He made these announcements while addressing the 79th Raising Day celebrations of the Delhi Police in New Delhi.

Security Situation Improving in J&K

Referring to the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Shah said the situation has been steadily improving.

“I can assure the countrymen that Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East will be free of violence by 2029,” he stated.

He noted that before 2014, internal security faced serious challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East and Maoist-affected regions. However, nearly 80 percent of these issues have now been brought under control, he asserted.

Maoist Threat to End by 2026

“The country will be free from Maoist threats by March 31, 2026,” Shah said.

In the North-East, he highlighted that nearly 20 peace agreements have been signed with insurgent groups and over 10,000 youth have surrendered arms and joined the mainstream.

Focus on Drug-Free India and Cyber Security

The Home Minister outlined the Government’s priorities, which include:

• A drug-free India
• Eliminating cyber-terrorism
• Breaking organized crime networks

He emphasized that the Centre is developing a security framework so strong that not even a single infiltrator will be able to cross the borders.

Shah described the last 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “golden era” for India’s internal security.

Modern Security Infrastructure

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will establish a nationwide network of CCTV cameras to create a new security architecture, Shah said. He also stressed:

• Modernisation of security systems along all land borders
• Making the country free from infiltrators
• Full implementation of the three new criminal laws, known as the Nyay Samhitas

Praise for Delhi Police

Lauding the Delhi Police, Shah said the force has protected the nation on several critical occasions, including handling complex cases such as the Parliament attack and the recent bomb blast near the Red Fort.

Earlier, he laid the foundation stones for several projects, including the integrated headquarters of the Special Cell of Delhi Police. He also inaugurated the first phase of the Safe City Project, which includes a modern command and control centre supported by 21,000 CCTV cameras, of which 10,000 have already gone live.

Shah said the Safe City Project will significantly strengthen Delhi’s security framework in the coming years.

Doda, February 15, 2026:

In a major step towards enhancing public safety and strengthening emergency response mechanisms, SSP Doda today flagged off six Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) Dial 112 vehicles from District Police Lines (DPL) Doda.

Under this initiative, each Police Station in District Doda has been provided with a dedicated emergency response vehicle, ensuring swift, effective, and time-bound response to accidents, disputes, crimes, and all distress calls received through Dial 112.

The deployment of these ERSS vehicles is aimed at reducing response time, improving on-ground policing efficiency, and ensuring prompt assistance to citizens in emergency situations. The vehicles are manned by trained police personnel and equipped with essential communication and response tools.

Speaking on the occasion, *SSP Doda* emphasized that public safety remains the top priority of District Police and urged citizens to make responsible use of the Dial 112 emergency service strictly for genuine emergencies. He cautioned that misuse of the emergency helpline through false or prank calls may attract legal action.

District Police Doda remains committed to its motto “People First” and continues to adopt proactive, technology-driven, and citizen-centric measures to ensure safety, security, and public confidence.