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.

On the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, the Central Reserve Police Force paid homage to the 40 personnel who lost their lives at Lethpora in south Kashmir.

CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh, after laying floral tributes at the memorial site, said the force remains duty-bound to wipe out all forms of terrorism from the country.

“We lost our 40 brave jawans on this day. We are here near the spot of the attack to pay homage to the martyrs,” Singh told reporters.

Senior officers of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police joined the CRPF leadership in paying tributes to the fallen personnel.

Highlighting the welfare measures undertaken for the families of the martyrs, Singh said the CRPF family and the CRPF Pariwar Kalyan Sanastha continue to stand firmly with them. He said 19 families have been provided housing, while land has been allotted to several others in coordination with respective state governments.

The CRPF is also bearing the full cost of education for the children of the martyrs and will continue to do so. Singh said compassionate appointments will be provided to the children upon reaching adulthood. He added that the families have received approximately Rs 2.25 crore to Rs 3 crore each as government relief.

To address concerns of martyr families, a Veer Pariwar App has been launched, and the CRPF Welfare Directorate maintains regular contact to ensure their needs are met.

The CRPF chief also said the force lost eight personnel in various operations last year and assured that their families are receiving full support.

The Pulwama attack took place on February 14, 2019, when a suicide bomber of Jaish-e-Mohammad rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on the Srinagar–Jammu national highway, killing 40 personnel.

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.

First-time semifinalists Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand will aim to extend their remarkable campaigns as they face traditional powerhouses Bengal and Karnataka respectively in the Ranji Trophy semifinals beginning Sunday.

Jammu & Kashmir vs Bengal: A Date with History

Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by reaching their maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal with a 56-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in Indore. The achievement marks their deepest run in the tournament since their debut in the 1959–60 season.

Seamer Auqib Nabi emerged as the architect of the historic win, returning match figures of 12 for 110. Nabi has enjoyed a prolific season, claiming 46 wickets so far and leading a disciplined bowling unit. Left-arm seamer Sunil Kumar has provided valuable support with 22 wickets.

In the batting department, Abdul Samad has led from the front with 543 runs this season, while experienced skipper Paras Dogra has contributed 484 runs, often anchoring the innings under pressure.

Jammu and Kashmir now face a formidable Bengal side that boasts strength in both batting and bowling.

Sudip Kumar Gharami powered Bengal into the semifinals with a monumental 299 in the quarterfinal against Andhra at Kalyani, setting up an innings-and-90-run victory. Gharami has accumulated 651 runs this season, while Sumanta Gupta (506), Anustup Majumdar (367) and Abhimanyu Easwaran (373) have added solidity to the top order.

Bengal’s bowling attack has been equally impressive. Shahbaz Ahmed leads the side’s wicket tally with 39 scalps. The pace unit features India internationals Mohammed Shami (28 wickets) and Akash Deep (19), alongside Mukesh Kumar, who claimed five wickets in the quarterfinal. SS Jaiswal has also contributed 20 wickets this season.

Bengal will enjoy home advantage as the match will be played at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani.

Uttarakhand vs Karnataka: Clash of Momentum and Legacy

In the other semifinal at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium, Uttarakhand will take on eight-time champions Karnataka.

Uttarakhand secured their place in the last four with a commanding innings-and-six-run win over Jharkhand in Jamshedpur, continuing their rapid rise in domestic cricket. Spinner Mayank Mishra starred with an eight-wicket match haul, including 5 for 22 in the second innings, and currently leads the tournament’s wicket charts with 52 wickets.

Karnataka, meanwhile, advanced after registering a four-wicket victory over Mumbai, the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history with 42 titles.

With history on the line for Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, and legacy at stake for Bengal and Karnataka, the semifinals promise high-intensity battles as teams vie for a place in the prestigious Ranji Trophy final.

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Police posted at Police Station Bemina for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹8,000 from a complainant.

According to an official spokesperson, the ACB received a written complaint alleging that Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, a resident of Newa Pulwama and Investigating Officer of FIR No. 88/2025 registered at Police Station Bemina, had demanded illegal gratification despite the case already having been challaned before the competent court.

The complainant further alleged that the officer threatened to harass him if the bribe was not paid.

Upon receiving the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification which prima facie established the allegations. Subsequently, FIR No. 04/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation was initiated.

During the investigation, a trap team laid by the ACB arrested the accused officer red-handed while he was demanding and accepting ₹8,000 from the complainant. The accused was taken into custody and the bribe amount was recovered on the spot in the presence of independent witnesses.

Further investigation in the case is underway.