Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive security review of major religious and heritage sites in Jammu to assess preparedness and existing security arrangements.

Prominent locations reviewed during the exercise included Raghunath Mandir, Bahu Fort and Tirupati Balaji Mandir. The review was conducted jointly with Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, and Inspector General of Police, CRPF Jammu Sector, R Gopala Krishna Rao.

During the review, the officers emphasised the importance of robust multi-layered security, effective crowd management and enhanced use of technology to strengthen surveillance and situational awareness.

The DGP and accompanying officers interacted with personnel deployed at the sites and issued directions to further tighten security, address potential vulnerabilities and ensure seamless coordination among the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, ITBP and other security agencies.

Reiterating the commitment of all security agencies to maintaining peace and security, the DGP stressed the need for proactive planning and regular security assessments.

The review was attended by Deputy Inspector General, JSK Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma; SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh; SSP Security, Rajesh Sharma; SP PC Jammu, Kameshwar Puri; SP South, Ajay Sharma, along with senior officers of the CRPF and ITBP.

National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday strongly condemned attacks on Kashmiris in other States, comparing the perpetrators to extremists and asserting that such ideology has no future.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said there are elements whose intentions are divisive and dangerous. Drawing a comparison with Nazi ideology, he said such extremist thinking ultimately collapses, just as Nazism did in history. He expressed confidence that forces spreading hatred would also meet a similar fate.

The NC president also called for improved relations with neighbouring countries, saying peace and friendship are essential to overcome present challenges. “I pray to God that we become friends with our neighbours and come out of these difficulties,” he said.

Referring to the recent death of Khalid Zia, Abdullah welcomed the presence of India’s External Affairs Minister at the event, describing Bangladesh as a longstanding friend of India and stressing the need to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Responding to a query on the translation of the Indian Constitution into Kashmiri, Abdullah clarified that the Constitution had already been translated into the Kashmiri language several years ago.

On the eve of New Year 2026, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Both leaders expressed their wishes for the citizens’ happiness, prosperity, and overall progress in the coming year.

In a heartfelt message, Manoj Sinha reflected on how the New Year brings renewed hopes and opportunities. He called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to work collaboratively towards building a healthier society. Emphasising the importance of national progress, he urged everyone to dedicate their efforts to the welfare of Bharat. Sinha highlighted that unity and determination are essential to overcoming future challenges. He prayed that the New Year brings joy and prosperity to all citizens of the Union Territory.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed these sentiments, wishing the people of Jammu and Kashmir a year filled with peace, prosperity, and good health. He expressed hope that the New Year would create pathways for optimism and harmony throughout the region.

In his message, Abdullah stated that the occasion serves as a reminder to reflect on the shared aspirations of the community. He reiterated the need for a collective commitment to foster an inclusive and resilient Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister emphasised that every citizen plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future.

Abdullah called particularly on the youth of the region to contribute positively towards peace and sustainable growth. He urged them to actively engage in initiatives that promote stability and foster connections among the diverse communities of J&K. With a vision for a prosperous year ahead, he prayed that 2026 would bring economic growth and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among the people.

Both leaders have sparked a wave of optimism as Jammu and Kashmir prepares to welcome the New Year. Their messages reflect a deep understanding of the region’s challenges and a commitment to driving forward its development.

In embracing the New Year, Sinha and Abdullah inspire the citizens to envision a future full of potential and purpose. As families come together to celebrate, their greetings set a hopeful tone for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Pakistani drone crossed into Indian territory along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district and dropped suspected explosive material, ammunition and narcotics, prompting massive search operations by security forces.

According to official sources, the drone intruded into the Indian airspace in the Khadi Karmada area of Poonch and remained inside Indian territory for more than five minutes before returning across the LoC.

During the incursion, the drone dropped a consignment that included an improvised explosive device (IED), ammunition and drugs.

Soon after the drone movement was detected, the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched extensive cordon and search operations in Khadi Karmada and adjoining areas to trace and secure the dropped items and to rule out any possible terrorist movement on the ground.

A video of the items dropped by the Pakistani drone has surfaced, showing the material recovered from the area.