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.

Dr. Tahir Rufayee, National Chairman of the National Foundation For Journalism and Media (NFJM), today announced the launch of a Central Helpline – 011-69269620 aimed at enabling the general public to directly connect with the media.

Dr. Rufayee said that the helpline has been established to provide a credible and structured platform where citizens can share public interest issues, social concerns, grievances, and important information with responsible media outlets.

He informed that NFJM currently has around 150 registered media houses from Jammu and Kashmir as its members, making it one of the largest collective platforms of media organizations in the region. Through this helpline, public concerns will be appropriately routed to relevant and verified media institutions for responsible reporting.

The National Chairman emphasized that the initiative is intended to strengthen transparency, amplify public voices, and promote ethical journalism by creating a constructive link between citizens and media professionals.

Dr. Rufayee further stated that NFJM remains committed to democratic values, public accountability, and empowering citizens through credible and responsible journalism.

Helpline Number: 011-69269620

Amid the ongoing public concern and agitation over the allotment of seats at the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), a high-level delegation of the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti on Friday met the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, at Parliament House here.

The delegation apprised the Union Minister in detail about the widespread resentment prevailing across Jammu over the seat-allotment issue and highlighted its serious socio-legal and regional implications. The members conveyed that the controversy has deeply hurt public sentiment, particularly as the institution has been established under the revered name of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi, from which the people of Jammu have high expectations.

The concerns were presented firmly yet constructively, emphasising the need for fairness, transparency, and sensitivity in addressing the issue.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda gave a patient and attentive hearing to the delegation and acknowledged the seriousness of the matter. He assured the members that both the Union Government and the BJP leadership are fully sensitive to the concerns raised.

The Minister categorically stated that the issue would be examined with due seriousness and that a resolution would be arrived at very shortly, keeping in view the legitimate aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu.

The delegation comprised Col. (Retd) Sukhvir Mankotia, Convener, Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti; Purshotam Dhadhichi, President, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jammu & Kashmir; Abhishek Gupta, State Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad; R.K. Chibbar, Member, Advisory Committee, POJK Sewa Samiti; and Deepak Sharma.

Expressing satisfaction over the constructive response of the Union Health Minister, the Sangarsh Samiti reiterated its resolve to pursue the issue in a lawful, democratic and principled manner until a just and acceptable solution is achieved.

Later, the delegation also met Jugal Kishore Sharma, Lok Sabha MP from Jammu, and Sat Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State President. Both MPs assured the Sangarsh Samiti that its demands would be raised at appropriate forums for early resolution.

The delegation further met Delhi-based members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and apprised them of the prevailing situation and public concerns in Jammu.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, has approved the promotion of a number of AGMUT cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officers of the Jammu and Kashmir segment to higher ranks, including three officers to the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP), eight to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), besides granting Selection Grade to nine officers and Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) to six others.

Separate orders issued in this regard stated that all promotions will take effect from January 1, 2026, or from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is earlier.

Promotions to IGP Rank

As per the order, the officers promoted to the rank of Inspector General of Police (Level-14) are:

• Tejinder Singh, presently posted as DIG Rajouri-Poonch
• Abdul Jabbar (on Central deputation)
• Udaybhaskar Billa (on Central deputation)

Abdul Jabbar and Udaybhaskar Billa have been granted proforma promotion.

Promotions to DIGP Rank

Officers promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Level-13A) include:

• Sargun Shukla, CO IR-15th Battalion
• Sandeep Wazir, AIG Personnel, PHQ
• Anita Sharma, CO IR-1st Battalion
• Jatinder Singh Johar, Director Police Telecom, J&K
• Swarn Singh Kotwal, Director SSF J&K
• Zahid Nasim Manhas, CO SDRF-2nd Battalion, Jammu
• Dr Koushal Kumar Sharma, SSP PCR Jammu
• Sandeep Choudhary, currently on Central deputation as SSP NIA (granted proforma promotion)

Selection Grade Granted

The officers granted Selection Grade (Level-13) are:

• Ashish Kumar Mishra (transferred to Delhi on September 9, 2024)
• Nagpure Amod Ashok, SSP Udhampur
• Gurinder Pal Singh, SSP Baramulla
• Altaf Ahmed Shah, on deputation to UT of Ladakh
• Bakar Hussain Samoon, CO IR-23rd Battalion
• Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, SSP Traffic City Srinagar
• Ranjit Singh Samyal, Principal PTTI Vijaypur
• Mohammad Yaseen Kichloo, Principal STC Talwara
• Chandan Kohli, former SSP Jammu, presently on Central deputation (proforma)

Junior Administrative Grade (JAG)

As per another order, the following officers have been granted Junior Administrative Grade:

• Bisma Qazi, CO 2nd Women Battalion
• Tanushree, SSP Pulwama
• Sahil Sarangal, SSP Handwara
• Anayat Ali Choudhary, SSP Kulgam
• Nikhil Borkar, SSP Budgam
• Mohita Sharma, SSP Kathua