The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has granted the Centre more than a month’s additional time to file its response to petitions challenging the forfeiture of 25 Kashmir-related books.

In an order dated February 11, the Court recorded that objections from one of the respondents were still pending. A bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justices Rajnesh Oswal and Shahzad Azeem observed that while the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir had filed its response and the petitioners had submitted a rejoinder, respondent No. 3 — the Union of India — had not filed its reply despite being granted an opportunity.

The Court noted that there was little justification to defer the proceedings further. However, it accepted the request of the senior counsel appearing for the respondents, who undertook to file objections before the next date of hearing and to provide an advance copy to the petitioners’ counsel.

The matter has now been listed for further hearing on March 25, 2026.

Earlier, in December last year, the High Court had adjourned the hearing after observing that both the J&K government and the Centre had failed to submit their objections despite being given adequate time.

The petitions challenge the legality and constitutional validity of a notification issued by the Home Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and published in the Official Gazette on August 5, 2025 (S.O. 203). The notification declared 25 listed books forfeited on the ground that they allegedly contained material “prejudicial to the security of the State and public order.”

The forfeited titles include works by authors such as Arundhati Roy, A G Noorani, Sumantra Bose, David Devadas and Anuradha Bhasin. The list also features works by Islamic scholars Hasan al-Banna and Abul A’la Maududi.

The petitions have been filed by retired Air Vice-Marshal Kapil Kak, Wajahat Habibullah, Dr. Sumantra Bose, David Devadas, Shakir Shabir and others. They have argued that the impugned notification was issued in violation of statutory safeguards and constitutional guarantees.

In one of the largest cyber fraud crackdowns in Jammu and Kashmir, police have unearthed a massive transnational online investment scam involving over ₹209 crore. A Haryana-based MBBS doctor has been identified as the alleged kingpin among nine persons arrested so far.

Police said they successfully cracked a multi-crore online investment racket that operated through phishing techniques and fake trading platforms. The case was registered at Police Station Ganderbal after a complaint was filed by a resident of Safapora in Ganderbal district.

FIR No. 08/2026 was lodged under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act to probe allegations of identity theft and online cheating by a network of cyber fraudsters.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising subject matter experts to investigate the case.

Fake Investment Websites and Money Trail

During the investigation, police identified several fraudulent online investment websites, including paisavault.com, which lured victims through social media platforms and search engines by promising high returns on coin trading. After investors deposited money, the funds were routed into local bank accounts belonging to individuals from Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Baramulla and other districts.

The accused allegedly controlled these accounts and swiftly transferred funds outside Jammu and Kashmir through multiple layered transactions, including cross-border transfers, to conceal the money trail and evade detection.

Haryana Doctor Arrested at Delhi Airport

Police identified the alleged mastermind as Ekant Yogdutt, also known as “Dr. Morphine,” a resident of Hisar, Haryana. Investigators revealed that he reportedly gained expertise in cyber fraud techniques during his MBBS studies in the Philippines and maintained links with Chinese nationals.

Ganderbal Police arrested him at Indira Gandhi International Airport upon his arrival from China.

Local Network and Bank Account Misuse

The accused allegedly worked in coordination with local operatives in Kashmir who acted as regional heads and account mobilisers. They targeted below poverty line (BPL) account holders and persuaded them to hand over their bank accounts and ATM cards in exchange for monthly payments ranging between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000.

Investigations also pointed to the involvement of certain bank employees who allegedly facilitated the operation by issuing QR codes linked to these accounts. The fraudsters uploaded these QR codes on fake investment websites and circulated fresh ones through Telegram channels and groups.

Whenever cybercrime units across the country froze accounts following complaints, the accused reportedly activated new accounts and uploaded new QR codes to continue the operation.

₹209 Crore Traced So Far

Police have so far collected details of 835 bank accounts and verified transactions in 290 of them, revealing deposits amounting to ₹209 crore from investors across India. Authorities believe the total fraud amount could exceed ₹400 crore after complete verification.

Eight other accused persons from various parts of Kashmir have also been arrested. Further investigation is underway to trace the complete money trail and initiate property attachment proceedings against those involved.

Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against fake investment platforms promising unrealistic returns and warned people against renting out their bank accounts for monetary gain.

Victims can lodge complaints on the official cybercrime portal cybercrime.gov.in or contact the toll-free helpline number 1039.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday ordered the reopening of 14 tourist destinations across the Union Territory that had been closed as a precautionary measure after last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam.

The administration had shut down nearly 50 tourist spots following the April 22 attack at Baisaran Meadow in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists. The decision was taken to ensure public safety amid heightened security concerns.

According to an official statement, the latest move follows a comprehensive security review and consultations. With this order, the total number of tourist spots reopened after the temporary closure has risen to 26. Earlier, on September 26, the Lieutenant Governor had directed the reopening of 12 destinations.

In the Kashmir Division, 11 tourist spots have been ordered to reopen immediately. These include Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Dandipora Park, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan, Padpawan, Astanpora, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Thajwas Glacier, Hung Park, as well as Wular Lake and Watlab.

In the Jammu Division, Devi Pindi, Mahu Mangat, and Mughal Maidan have also been reopened with immediate effect.

Additionally, three sites in the Kashmir Division — Gurez Valley, Athwatoo and Bangus Valley — along with Ramkund in the Jammu Division, will reopen once snow clearance operations are completed.

The decision is expected to provide a boost to the tourism sector in the Union Territory while maintaining necessary security measures.

A large number of daily wagers and contractual employees on Monday staged a protest march in Srinagar, demanding regularisation of their services in the Jammu and Kashmir government.

The protesters marched from the Nawa-i-Subah complex to TRC crossing, raising slogans in support of their long-pending demand. Assembling under the banner of the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), the demonstrators carried placards reading, “Nothing short of regularisation in service will be acceptable.”

The employees urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to fulfil the promises made to them and address their grievances without further delay. They said many of them have been working as daily wagers for years without job security or service benefits.

The EJAC had earlier organised a similar protest on February 12 to press for the same demand.

According to employee representatives, more than 60,000 workers in Jammu and Kashmir have been serving as daily wagers and contractual staff for several years and are seeking permanent absorption into government services.

GULMARG, Feb 16: The picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is set to host the second leg of the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) from February 23 to 26, with more than 700 athletes and officials expected to participate.

The snow events will follow the successful completion of the first leg for ice events held in Leh, Ladakh, from January 20 to 26. Officials said the recent snowfall in Gulmarg has created ideal conditions for winter sports competitions.

“There has been good snowfall this winter, which is a boost for skiing and sledging activities. Khelo India Winter Games is being held here, and it will help us earn our livelihood,” said Mohammad Rafeeq Chechi, a ski assistant in Gulmarg.

Gulmarg will host four medal disciplines — Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding. Around 400 athletes are expected to compete in the snow events, with Alpine Skiing drawing the highest number of participants.

In a video message released by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Chechi welcomed participants, saying, “Gulmarg Tayyar hai, Aapka intezaar hai,” expressing readiness and enthusiasm for the event.

Local stakeholders have expressed optimism about the positive impact of the games on tourism and livelihoods. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, a tourist guide from Tangmarg, said that a large number of youth in the region depend on tourism-related activities for income.

“The more the tourists, the better our income. Tourist arrivals had dropped significantly after the Pahalgam terror attack last year. However, visitors have started returning, and we hope the Winter Games will kickstart a good year for tourism in Kashmir,” Wani said.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya recently announced the dates for the Gulmarg leg, noting that the event comes close on the heels of the Winter Olympics. He said this is an ideal time to host the Winter Games in the region.

This marks the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, with all previous editions having been held in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Officials expressed confidence that after the successful first phase in Leh, similar enthusiasm will be witnessed in Gulmarg.

At the conclusion of the KIWG 2025 season, the Indian Army topped the overall medal tally with 18 medals, followed by Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. In the 2026 Ladakh leg, Haryana led the medal standings with four gold medals, all secured by its figure and ice skaters, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Authorities have completed logistical arrangements, and the stage is set for a major winter sporting spectacle in the Valley.

Jammu, February 14: On the solemn occasion marking the anniversary of the Pulwama terror attack, National Chairman of the National Anti Terrorism and Peace Front (NATPF), Sanjay Manhas, paid heartfelt tribute to the brave CRPF personnel who laid down their lives in the 2019 attack.

Remembering the supreme sacrifice of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans who were martyred in the Pulwama attack, Manhas said that the nation will always remain indebted to the courage and dedication of its brave soldiers. He emphasized that their sacrifice continues to inspire every citizen to stand united against terrorism.

In his statement, Manhas reiterated India’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He said that terrorism poses a grave threat not only to national security but also to peace and humanity, and must be fought with collective strength and determination.

“The sacrifice of our Pulwama martyrs will never be forgotten. Their bravery strengthens our commitment to eliminate terrorism and uphold the unity and integrity of the nation,” he said.

Manhas further called upon the youth of the country to channel their energy towards nation-building and to remain vigilant against forces that attempt to disrupt peace and harmony. He stressed the importance of unity, peace, and communal harmony in strengthening the country’s fight against terrorism.

The tribute ceremony concluded with a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs, reaffirming the nation’s pledge to stand strong against terrorism and safeguard the sovereignty of India.