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.

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.