Kishtwar today observed a complete bandh and massive protest following a call given by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS), Kishtwar, against the alleged targeted killing of Hindus and selective attacks on their properties in Bangladesh.

The protest witnessed participation from leaders of various social, religious and political organisations, including Leader of Opposition and MLA Padder–Nagseni, Sunil Sharma.

Following the bandh call, most shops remained closed till around 1:00 PM, while vehicular movement was partially affected in several areas of the town.

Since early morning, protesters gathered at Kokila Chowk, raising anti-Bangladesh and anti-Yunus slogans. The demonstrators staged a dharna and also burnt tyres, leading to temporary disruption of traffic in the area.

Addressing the protesters, President Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS), Kishtwar, Mahant Ram Saran Dass, along with LoP Sunil Sharma and other leaders, expressed serious concern over the recent developments in Bangladesh. They alleged incidents of mob lynching and brutal killings of Hindus, terming them deeply disturbing.

The speakers particularly referred to the lynching of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, stating that the incident has sent shockwaves across the region.

“We want to convey that every Hindu and every Sanatani of this region stands firmly with our Hindu brothers in Bangladesh, who are facing attacks and violence,” Sunil Sharma told media persons during the protest.

The dharna concluded with the burning of an effigy of Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus. Later, a memorandum addressed to the Government of India was submitted to the District Administration, urging the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene immediately and take steps to ensure the safety and protection of minority Hindus in Bangladesh.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet today cleared several key proposals, including allotment of 5 marlas of land to people affected by monsoon rains and floods, infusion of government funds into two cooperative banks, and an increase in pay scale of Village Level Workers (VLWs)—now designated as Panchayat Secretaries.

The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat and was attended by all Ministers and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The meeting lasted over an hour.

In a brief statement on X, the Chief Minister’s Office said the Cabinet considered important administrative and developmental matters. All decisions approved by the Cabinet will be forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final approval.

Sources said the Cabinet approved the proposal to allot 5 marlas of land to families whose houses were extensively damaged due to flash floods and landslides triggered by cloudbursts and heavy monsoon rains in Jammu and Kashmir this year. The land will be provided at the nearest available government land, and the administration has already identified eligible beneficiaries following a detailed assessment.

Large-scale damage to civilian houses, agricultural land, crops and government infrastructure was reported, particularly during heavy rains on August 14 and August 26. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier announced the government’s decision to provide five marlas of land to severely affected families.

The Cabinet also approved the proposal to upgrade the pay level of VLWs/Panchayat Secretaries from Level-2 to Level-4, resulting in an increase of approximately ₹5,000 per month. This long-pending demand was examined and endorsed by the Rural Development Department, with concurrence from the Finance Department.

Additionally, the Cabinet cleared the proposal to infuse ₹118 crore into the Jammu Central Cooperative Bank and Anantnag Central Cooperative Bank to revive their financial health. Both banks have been facing serious financial challenges but play a crucial role in the cooperative sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Cabinet further approved the re-designation of about 20 posts of District Panchayat Officers as Block Development Officers in the Rural Development Department.

Issues related to finances, including central funding and daily wagers, were also discussed during the meeting.

The last Cabinet meeting was held on December 3, during which the government approved the much-awaited new Reservation Policy for Jammu and Kashmir based on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee. The Chief Minister has stated that the policy is currently awaiting approval from the Lieutenant Governor.

As per procedure, all Cabinet decisions of the Union Territory are subject to approval by the Lieutenant Governor.

The Union Territory Cabinet will meet here on Thursday morning to consider several key policy decisions, including approval of a policy for allotment of five marlas of land to people affected by monsoon floods, and infusion of Rs 118 crore into two cooperative sector banks for their revival.

“The Cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held at the Civil Secretariat at 10.30 AM,” official sources told Excelsior.

The meeting will be chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and attended by five Cabinet Ministers along with senior officers.

Land for Flood-Hit Families

Sources said one of the major agenda items is approval of the policy for allotment of five marlas of land to families whose houses were damaged or destroyed due to flash floods and landslides triggered by cloudbursts and torrential rains during the monsoon this year.

“The policy has been finalised after an extensive exercise. Once approved by the Cabinet, it will be sent to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final approval,” the sources said.

Large-scale damage was reported across Jammu and Kashmir during intense rainfall events, particularly on August 14 and 26, affecting residential houses, agricultural land, crops and public infrastructure. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier announced that the Government would provide five marlas of land to families whose houses were extensively damaged.

Rs 118 Cr Infusion in Cooperative Banks

Another important agenda item is the proposal to infuse Rs 118 crore into Jammu Central Cooperative Bank and Anantnag Central Cooperative Bank to revive their operations.

Both banks have been facing financial and operational difficulties, but are considered vital to the cooperative banking sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed funding aims to stabilise and strengthen their functioning.

VLWs Salary Revision, Post Re-designation

The Cabinet will also consider revision of salary levels of Village Level Workers (VLWs) in the Rural Development Department, an issue that has been under discussion for some time.

Additionally, the Cabinet is expected to approve the re-designation of around 20 posts of District Panchayat Officers (DPOs) as Block Development Officers (BDOs).

Finance-Related Discussions

Sources said the Cabinet may also hold preliminary discussions on financial matters, including central funding and budget-related issues, though the 2026–27 budget, to be presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in his capacity as Finance Minister, is still some months away.

The previous Cabinet meeting, held on December 3, approved the new Reservation Policy for Jammu and Kashmir based on recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee. The Chief Minister has since stated that the policy is pending approval with the Lieutenant Governor.

It is pertinent to note that all UT Cabinet decisions require approval of the Lieutenant Governor before implementation.

The 40-day harsh winter period of Kashmir, Chille-i-Kalan, began on a positive note on Sunday as widespread rain lashed the Valley and snowfall covered higher reaches, ending a prolonged dry spell. Mountainous areas of the Jammu region also received the season’s first snowfall and rain, leading to a slight rise in night temperatures.

However, adverse weather conditions severely disrupted air traffic, with 15 flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport and eight flights cancelled at Jammu Airport. Dense fog has continued to envelop the winter capital for the past four to five days, affecting both flight and train operations.

An official at Srinagar Airport said poor visibility and unfavourable weather conditions hampered flight movements until the afternoon, causing inconvenience to passengers, many of whom were stranded. Travellers were advised to stay in touch with airlines for real-time updates.

Director Airport Authority Jammu, S.K. Garg, said eight flights were cancelled and four delayed due to dense fog. These included three Srinagar-bound IndiGo flights, one Air India flight, and several Delhi- and Indore-bound services. Three IndiGo and one Air India flights were delayed.

Snowfall Disrupts Road Connectivity

Rain lashed Srinagar and other parts of the Valley, while higher reaches received several inches of snowfall, leading to the closure of key mountain roads, including:

• Sinthan Road (Anantnag–Kishtwar)
• Mughal Road (Rajouri–Poonch–Shopian)
• Srinagar–Leh Highway
• Srinagar–Gurez Road at Razdhan Top

The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, however, remained operational despite light rain in Ramban and Banihal.

In Jammu region, higher reaches of Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Poonch and Rajouri received fresh snowfall. The Basohli–Bani–Bhaderwah Road was blocked at Chattergalla, while Guldanda and Paddri tourist spots witnessed moderate snowfall. Several springs and streams in Bhaderwah reached freezing point, forming icicles and attracting tourists.

Weather Forecast and Temperature

The Meteorological Department forecast more rain and snowfall over the next 48 hours, particularly over higher altitudes, with light rain expected in the Valley. Cold wave conditions are likely to persist.

Snowfall and rain led to a rise in minimum temperatures across Kashmir. Srinagar recorded its warmest night and coldest day of the season.

• Srinagar: Min 4°C (6°C above normal), Max 6°C
• Gulmarg: Min –1.5°C, Max 3.4°C
• Pahalgam: Min 2.8°C, Max 5.6°C
• Kupwara: Min 3.8°C, Max 5.2°C

Jammu recorded a minimum of 11.5°C and a maximum of 17°C.

Pilgrimage, Traffic Advisory and Rescue

Helicopter services to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine were suspended due to bad weather, though battery cars and on-foot pilgrimage continued normally.

Authorities enforced strict traffic restrictions on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg Road, allowing only vehicles fitted with anti-skid chains. Heavy vehicles were barred completely. Snow clearance operations are ongoing.

Traffic on the Mughal Road was suspended after over three inches of snow accumulated at Peer Ki Gali. Three stranded tea vendors were rescued after the Border Roads Organisation cleared the snow.

Air Quality Improves

The onset of Chille-i-Kalan marked a significant weather shift after weeks of stagnant atmospheric conditions that had caused dense fog and smog. Meteorological officials said rainfall and snowfall helped disperse pollutants, leading to a noticeable improvement in air quality across urban areas.

Chille-i-Kalan, the coldest phase of the Kashmiri winter, lasts for 40 days and is followed by Chille-i-Khurd and Chille-i-Bacha, relatively milder phases.