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.

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.