In a move aimed at helping families affected by terrorism secure greater educational opportunities, the government has earmarked four MBBS seats under the Central Pool for eligible children and spouses of civilian victims from Jammu and Kashmir for the 2026–27 academic session. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) has now invited applications for the seats, which have been allocated to medical colleges in Bihar, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;According to the notification, one seat each has been allocated at A.N. Magadh Medical College, Gaya, Bihar, and Grant Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, while two seats have been earmarked at Pt. JNM Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;The scheme is open to permanent residents of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir who are spouses or children of civilians killed, permanently disabled or seriously injured in terrorist incidents. Applicants must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or attain the prescribed age by December 31 of the admission year.&nbsp;Candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the National Medical Commission. They are required to have passed Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English individually, besides securing the prescribed aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and meeting the qualifying percentile in NEET-UG 2026.Selection will be made on the basis of the candidate’s rank in NEET-UG 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency. The notification makes it clear that the Ministry of Home Affairs will not conduct any separate entrance examination for the seats.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tharoor-counters-chidambaram-on-brics-summit-says-summit-reflects-india-s-diplomatic-convening-power-1789107458448">Tharoor counters Chidambaram on BRICS Summit, says summit reflects India’s ‘diplomatic convening power’</a>&nbsp;A priority-based system has been prescribed for selection. The first preference will be given to children whose both parents were killed by terrorists. The second priority will cover children whose sole family breadwinner was killed in a terrorist incident, while the third will include children of victims who suffered permanent disability or serious injuries as a result of terrorist activities. The benefit under Priority I and Priority II will be restricted to one child per family.&nbsp;Applicants are required to submit their domicile certificate, NEET scorecard, Class 12 marks certificate, date-of-birth proof and category certificate, wherever applicable. They must also furnish supporting documents including the FIR, death certificate, post-mortem report and an affidavit confirming that no other family member has availed the benefit under the category.&nbsp;Additional certification has been prescribed for Priority II applicants to establish that the deceased was the sole breadwinner of the family. For Priority III, applicants must submit a certificate specifying the nature of the injury or disability, duly verified by the competent police or Home Department authority.&nbsp;BOPEE has clarified that filing an application does not confer any right to selection and that final selection will be made by the competent ministry in accordance with the applicable rules. The reservation policy of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will also apply to the Central Pool seats. Applications must be submitted in duplicate and in person at the BOPEE offices in Jammu or Srinagar by 4:00 PM on September 15, 2026.

The scheme is open to permanent residents of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir who are spouses or children of civilians killed, permanently disabled or seriously injured in terrorist incidents.

In a move aimed at helping families affected by terrorism secure greater educational opportunities, the government has earmarked four MBBS seats under the Central Pool for eligible children and spouses of civilian victims from Jammu and Kashmir for the 2026–27 academic session. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) has now invited applications for the seats, which have been allocated to medical colleges in Bihar, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. According to the notification, one seat each has been allocated at A.N. Magadh Medical College, Gaya, Bihar, and Grant Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, while two seats have been earmarked at Pt. JNM Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The scheme is open to permanent residents of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir who are spouses or children of civilians killed, permanently disabled or seriously injured in terrorist incidents. Applicants must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or attain the prescribed age by December 31 of the admission year. Candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the National Medical Commission. They are required to have passed Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English individually, besides securing the prescribed aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and meeting the qualifying percentile in NEET-UG 2026. Selection will be made on the basis of the candidate’s rank in NEET-UG 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency. The notification makes it clear that the Ministry of Home Affairs will not conduct any separate entrance examination for the seats. Also read: Tharoor counters Chidambaram on BRICS Summit, says summit reflects India’s ‘diplomatic convening power’ A priority-based system has been prescribed for selection. The first preference will be given to children whose both parents were killed by terrorists. The second priority will cover children whose sole family breadwinner was killed in a terrorist incident, while the third will include children of victims who suffered permanent disability or serious injuries as a result of terrorist activities. The benefit under Priority I and Priority II will be restricted to one child per family. Applicants are required to submit their domicile certificate, NEET scorecard, Class 12 marks certificate, date-of-birth proof and category certificate, wherever applicable. They must also furnish supporting documents including the FIR, death certificate, post-mortem report and an affidavit confirming that no other family member has availed the benefit under the category. Additional certification has been prescribed for Priority II applicants to establish that the deceased was the sole breadwinner of the family. For Priority III, applicants must submit a certificate specifying the nature of the injury or disability, duly verified by the competent police or Home Department authority. BOPEE has clarified that filing an application does not confer any right to selection and that final selection will be made by the competent ministry in accordance with the applicable rules. The reservation policy of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will also apply to the Central Pool seats. Applications must be submitted in duplicate and in person at the BOPEE offices in Jammu or Srinagar by 4:00 PM on September 15, 2026.

The scheme is open to permanent residents of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir who are spouses or children of civilians killed, permanently disabled or seriously injured in terrorist incidents.&nbsp;

Govt earmarks four MBBS seats for families of terror victims

A fresh threat issued by a terrorist organisation after Wednesday’s protest in Srinagar has renewed concerns over the safety of Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Kashmir Valley under the Prime Minister’s employment package.The latest threat reportedly includes photographs of Kashmiri Pandit&nbsp;community members who participated in Wednesday’s protest at Lal Chowk, where the employees had gathered to demand their immediate relocation to designated Zewan accommodation in Srinagar.The employees have been seeking the shift for years, citing growing security concerns and a series of threats received by members of the community. The latest development has added urgency to their demand for relocation to secure accommodation.“We are tired of these threat letters. There is a lot of fear among us and our families. Our children are just 5 to 10 years old, and we cannot even allow them to go outside. They are confined to their rooms. It feels like we are living in a jail. The most important thing now is to shift us to these quarters, where at least we will feel safer and know who is coming in and going out. Government officials visited today and assured us that they will expedite the process. They told us that 26 buildings are ready for occupation, so we have asked them why possession cannot be given immediately. There are very few workers at the site, and we want the government to fast-track the remaining work. Our families are under tremendous stress. Even our children are suffering. We just want a safe place where we can live peacefully,” said Vishal, A Kashmiri Pandit Employee.&nbsp;The government has now stepped in and visited the Zewan accommodation facility along with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community to discuss the arrangements for handing over the flats and shifting the employees.According to community members, the government has assured them that the relocation process will be expedited and that employees will be shifted to the facility soon.The Zewan complex comprises around 39 buildings with a total of 936 flats, which have already been allotted to employees appointed under the PM employment package. Authorities say most of the civil work has been completed, with lifts yet to be installed in 12 buildings being the major pending work.“There is immense mental stress among Kashmiri Pandits. We are receiving threats repeatedly, and we can no longer take them lightly. Our demand is genuine—we were promised safe accommodation when the PM package was announced, but we have been living in rented accommodations since 2010. The buildings at 7 are ready. Officials told us today that 26 to 27 buildings are complete, so why can’t the people be shifted into those flats immediately? We are under tremendous fear and pressure. We are not even able to leave our homes or eat properly. This is a pattern, and we don’t know when something might happen. That is why we are asking the government to shift us to these secure locations immediately. We have come to the media because we want our message to reach those responsible and urge them to hand over these flats to us without any further delay.” said Amit, a Kashmiri Pandit Employee.&nbsp;The demand for relocation has become more urgent over the past two months, during which the Kashmiri Pandit community has reportedly received around half a dozen threats. One of the earlier threat letters named six members of the community and warned that they were on the target list of terrorist organisations.Wednesday’s protest was held in the heart of Srinagar, with employees demanding that the government move them to the designated accommodation without further delay. The fresh threat issued after the protest, and the circulation of photographs of some of the protesters, have further heightened security concerns.“There is a sense of fear and anxiety across the entire community. We have been receiving threats since the 1990s, and now that fear has resurfaced. We don’t know where these threats are coming from, and we feel the government has not been able to stop them. Our only demand is that we be shifted to the safe accommodation built for us as soon as possible. We just want to live peacefully in a secure environment. Officials have assured us that the civil work is complete, with only lift installation pending in 13 buildings. We hope the government will now expedite the process and shift us without further delay,” said Ashu, a Kashmiri Pandit Employee.&nbsp;The community is now asking the government to fast-track the remaining work at the Zewan facility and complete the relocation process at the earliest. The employees say the designated accommodation is located within a security-protected complex and would provide them with a safer living environment. &nbsp;

Fresh threats targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees after a Srinagar protest have renewed demands for immediate relocation to secure Zewan accommodation.

A fresh threat issued by a terrorist organisation after Wednesday’s protest in Srinagar has renewed concerns over the safety of Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Kashmir Valley under the Prime Minister’s employment package. The latest threat reportedly includes photographs of Kashmiri Pandit community members who participated in Wednesday’s protest at Lal Chowk, where the employees had gathered to demand their immediate relocation to designated Zewan accommodation in Srinagar. The employees have been seeking the shift for years, citing growing security concerns and a series of threats received by members of the community. The latest development has added urgency to their demand for relocation to secure accommodation. “We are tired of these threat letters. There is a lot of fear among us and our families. Our children are just 5 to 10 years old, and we cannot even allow them to go outside. They are confined to their rooms. It feels like we are living in a jail. The most important thing now is to shift us to these quarters, where at least we will feel safer and know who is coming in and going out. Government officials visited today and assured us that they will expedite the process. They told us that 26 buildings are ready for occupation, so we have asked them why possession cannot be given immediately. There are very few workers at the site, and we want the government to fast-track the remaining work. Our families are under tremendous stress. Even our children are suffering. We just want a safe place where we can live peacefully,” said Vishal, A Kashmiri Pandit Employee. The government has now stepped in and visited the Zewan accommodation facility along with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community to discuss the arrangements for handing over the flats and shifting the employees. According to community members, the government has assured them that the relocation process will be expedited and that employees will be shifted to the facility soon. The Zewan complex comprises around 39 buildings with a total of 936 flats, which have already been allotted to employees appointed under the PM employment package. Authorities say most of the civil work has been completed, with lifts yet to be installed in 12 buildings being the major pending work. “There is immense mental stress among Kashmiri Pandits. We are receiving threats repeatedly, and we can no longer take them lightly. Our demand is genuine—we were promised safe accommodation when the PM package was announced, but we have been living in rented accommodations since 2010. The buildings at 7 are ready. Officials told us today that 26 to 27 buildings are complete, so why can’t the people be shifted into those flats immediately? We are under tremendous fear and pressure. We are not even able to leave our homes or eat properly. This is a pattern, and we don’t know when something might happen. That is why we are asking the government to shift us to these secure locations immediately. We have come to the media because we want our message to reach those responsible and urge them to hand over these flats to us without any further delay.” said Amit, a Kashmiri Pandit Employee. The demand for relocation has become more urgent over the past two months, during which the Kashmiri Pandit community has reportedly received around half a dozen threats. One of the earlier threat letters named six members of the community and warned that they were on the target list of terrorist organisations. Wednesday’s protest was held in the heart of Srinagar, with employees demanding that the government move them to the designated accommodation without further delay. The fresh threat issued after the protest, and the circulation of photographs of some of the protesters, have further heightened security concerns. “There is a sense of fear and anxiety across the entire community. We have been receiving threats since the 1990s, and now that fear has resurfaced. We don’t know where these threats are coming from, and we feel the government has not been able to stop them. Our only demand is that we be shifted to the safe accommodation built for us as soon as possible. We just want to live peacefully in a secure environment. Officials have assured us that the civil work is complete, with only lift installation pending in 13 buildings. We hope the government will now expedite the process and shift us without further delay,” said Ashu, a Kashmiri Pandit Employee. The community is now asking the government to fast-track the remaining work at the Zewan facility and complete the relocation process at the earliest. The employees say the designated accommodation is located within a security-protected complex and would provide them with a safer living environment.

Fresh threats targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees after a Srinagar protest have renewed demands for immediate relocation to secure Zewan accommodation.

Kashmiri Pandit employees face fresh threat after wednesday’s Srinagar protest

Srinagar: Jammu &amp; Kashmir got a new Chief Justice on Wednesday with Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati taking oath as the 39th Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh at a solemn ceremony held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar.&nbsp;Justice Bhati was administered the oath of office by Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is also holding additional charge of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;The proceedings were conducted by Shashanka Ala, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, while the Warrant of Appointment of the new Chief Justice was read out by M K Sharma, Registrar General of the High Court of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-mataram-becomes-new-flashpoint-between-congress-and-nc-in-j-k-1788954614998">Vande Mataram becomes new flashpoint between Congress and NC in J&amp;K</a>&nbsp;The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Judges of the High Court, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Chairperson of the J&amp;K Waqf Board, State Election Commissioner, former Chief Justices and Judges, besides senior functionaries from the judiciary, civil and police administration, Bar and academia.A number of sitting and former Chief Justices and Judges from High Courts across the country also attended the ceremony, with a sizeable representation from the Rajasthan High Court. Judges and other dignitaries from the High Courts of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana and Allahabad were also present.&nbsp;The presence of Dr Justice Nupur Bhati, Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and wife of the new Chief Justice, along with his parents, close relatives and other family members, added a personal touch to the otherwise formal occasion.&nbsp;Among the other dignitaries present were the Chief Secretary of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Director General of Police, senior Commissioners and Secretaries to the Governments of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh, Vice-Chancellors of universities, Members of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Executive Members of the Kashmir Advocates’ Association and the J&amp;K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, Law Officers of the High Court, Judicial Officers and officers of the High Court Registry.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-brics-flex-its-collective-clout-at-florida-g20-act-as-bloc-within-a-bloc-1788897945720">Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?</a>&nbsp;The Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, had issued the notification appointing Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh on September 5, 2026.Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati enrolled as an advocate in 1992 and primarily practised before the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur.&nbsp;&nbsp;During his career at the Bar, he handled matters across a wide range of legal fields, including constitutional and writ jurisdiction, service matters, public interest litigation, elections, revenue, mining, education, Panchayati Raj, family and criminal law.&nbsp;Prior to his elevation as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court on November 16, 2016, Justice Bhati served as Additional Advocate General for the State of Rajasthan from October 13 to December 29, 2008, and again from January 6, 2014.

Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was administered the oath of office by Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is also holding additional charge of Jammu & Kashmir. Justice Bhati had enrolled as an advocate in 1992.

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir got a new Chief Justice on Wednesday with Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati taking oath as the 39th Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at a solemn ceremony held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar. Justice Bhati was administered the oath of office by Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is also holding additional charge of Jammu & Kashmir. The proceedings were conducted by Shashanka Ala, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, while the Warrant of Appointment of the new Chief Justice was read out by M K Sharma, Registrar General of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Also Read: Vande Mataram becomes new flashpoint between Congress and NC in J&K The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Judges of the High Court, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, State Election Commissioner, former Chief Justices and Judges, besides senior functionaries from the judiciary, civil and police administration, Bar and academia. A number of sitting and former Chief Justices and Judges from High Courts across the country also attended the ceremony, with a sizeable representation from the Rajasthan High Court. Judges and other dignitaries from the High Courts of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana and Allahabad were also present. The presence of Dr Justice Nupur Bhati, Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and wife of the new Chief Justice, along with his parents, close relatives and other family members, added a personal touch to the otherwise formal occasion. Among the other dignitaries present were the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, Director General of Police, senior Commissioners and Secretaries to the Governments of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Vice-Chancellors of universities, Members of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Executive Members of the Kashmir Advocates’ Association and the J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, Law Officers of the High Court, Judicial Officers and officers of the High Court Registry. Also Read: Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout? The Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, had issued the notification appointing Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on September 5, 2026. Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati enrolled as an advocate in 1992 and primarily practised before the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur. During his career at the Bar, he handled matters across a wide range of legal fields, including constitutional and writ jurisdiction, service matters, public interest litigation, elections, revenue, mining, education, Panchayati Raj, family and criminal law. Prior to his elevation as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court on November 16, 2016, Justice Bhati served as Additional Advocate General for the State of Rajasthan from October 13 to December 29, 2008, and again from January 6, 2014.

Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was administered the oath of office by Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is also holding additional charge of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Justice Bhati had enrolled as an advocate in 1992.&nbsp;

J&K gets new Chief Justice as Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati takes oath

Srinagar: A fresh political dispute has emerged between the Congress and its ally, the National Conference (NC), in Jammu and Kashmir over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at an official event, with the BJP backing the NC and the PDP stressing constitutional freedom.&nbsp;Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal opposed the singing of the full version, saying the shorter version was adopted during the freedom struggle to preserve the song’s inclusive and secular character. He urged allies to respect the understanding reached by the freedom movement’s leaders.&nbsp;J&amp;K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra endorsed the view, saying national symbols should unite India’s diverse population. He argued that the issue was not about patriotism but about the constitutional ethos governing its expression.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iranian-tankers-after-missile-attack-attempts-on-warship-irgc-vows-to-retaliate-1788902833158">US strikes Iranian tankers after missile attack attempts on warship; IRGC vows to retaliate</a>&nbsp;The NC, however, maintained that its position had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song.&nbsp;Sadiq said that if Parliament had made the full version mandatory at government programmes, it had to be followed. He also questioned why Congress was targeting the NC when Congress chief ministers in other states had participated in programmes where the full song was sung.&nbsp;The BJP welcomed the NC’s stand. Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah for standing during the entire national song, calling it a strong message to their INDIA bloc ally, Congress.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-brics-flex-its-collective-clout-at-florida-g20-act-as-bloc-within-a-bloc-1788897945720">Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?</a>&nbsp;The PDP took a constitutional line. Its chief spokesperson Syed Tajamul Islam said standing or remaining seated during Vande Mataram could not be treated as a test of patriotism.&nbsp;The episode has once again brought differences within the INDIA bloc to the fore, with Vande Mataram becoming the latest flashpoint over nationalism, secularism and freedom of conscience in J&amp;K.

The National Conference maintained that its position on Vande Mataram had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq, said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song.

Srinagar: A fresh political dispute has emerged between the Congress and its ally, the National Conference (NC), in Jammu and Kashmir over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at an official event, with the BJP backing the NC and the PDP stressing constitutional freedom. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal opposed the singing of the full version, saying the shorter version was adopted during the freedom struggle to preserve the song’s inclusive and secular character. He urged allies to respect the understanding reached by the freedom movement’s leaders. J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra endorsed the view, saying national symbols should unite India’s diverse population. He argued that the issue was not about patriotism but about the constitutional ethos governing its expression. Also Read: US strikes Iranian tankers after missile attack attempts on warship; IRGC vows to retaliate The NC, however, maintained that its position had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song. Sadiq said that if Parliament had made the full version mandatory at government programmes, it had to be followed. He also questioned why Congress was targeting the NC when Congress chief ministers in other states had participated in programmes where the full song was sung. The BJP welcomed the NC’s stand. Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah for standing during the entire national song, calling it a strong message to their INDIA bloc ally, Congress. Also Read: Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout? The PDP took a constitutional line. Its chief spokesperson Syed Tajamul Islam said standing or remaining seated during Vande Mataram could not be treated as a test of patriotism. The episode has once again brought differences within the INDIA bloc to the fore, with Vande Mataram becoming the latest flashpoint over nationalism, secularism and freedom of conscience in J&K.

The National Conference maintained that its position on Vande Mataram had not changed. The party’s chief spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq, said the party had neither adopted the two-stanza nor the six-stanza version, while insisting that there should be no compulsion on anyone to sing the song.

Vande Mataram becomes new flashpoint between Congress and NC in J&K

Handwara Police, in a joint operation with the Army’s 21 Rashtriya Rifles and 92 Battalion CRPF, have busted a terror module being operated by an ex-terrorist in the Handwara–Kupwara area.According to police, credible information was received regarding the activities of an ex-terrorist who was allegedly operating in a “hybrid” capacity for the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).&nbsp;Acting on the information, a joint team launched an operation at an identified location in Handwara town. Following a security drill, the suspect was apprehended and identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Sultan Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura, Handwara.Police said that a Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession.&nbsp;The arrested individual is an ex-terrorist and had previously been arrested by police in two cases, according to officials. A case, FIR No. 232, under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Handwara.&nbsp;Further investigation is underway to ascertain the broader network of the alleged module and identify any other persons or activities linked to it. &nbsp;

Acting on a piece of information, a joint team launched an operation at an identified location in Handwara town and apprehended the suspect. He has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Sultan Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura, Handwara.

Handwara Police, in a joint operation with the Army’s 21 Rashtriya Rifles and 92 Battalion CRPF, have busted a terror module being operated by an ex-terrorist in the Handwara–Kupwara area. According to police, credible information was received regarding the activities of an ex-terrorist who was allegedly operating in a “hybrid” capacity for the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Acting on the information, a joint team launched an operation at an identified location in Handwara town. Following a security drill, the suspect was apprehended and identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Sultan Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura, Handwara. Police said that a Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession. The arrested individual is an ex-terrorist and had previously been arrested by police in two cases, according to officials. A case, FIR No. 232, under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Handwara. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the broader network of the alleged module and identify any other persons or activities linked to it.

Acting on a piece of information, a joint team launched an operation at an identified location in Handwara town and apprehended the suspect. He has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Sultan Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura, Handwara.

Handwara police bust terror module, ex-terrorist arrested with pistol and ammunition

Fresh threat letters issued in recent months to Kashmiri Pandit employees living and working in the Valley have once again raised security concerns within the community, prompting them to take to the streets in Srinagar on Wednesday. The protesters, many of them employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s Package, gathered in the Lal Chowk area demanding that the government immediately shift them to secured transit camps, citing growing fear over their safety and the disclosure of personal details in some of the threats.&nbsp;The protesters said the latest threats have revived memories of the terror warnings issued against the Kashmiri Pandit community during the 1990s. They are now seeking immediate access to completed accommodation in transit camp at Zewan, along with stronger security arrangements for those still living in rented accommodation across the Valley.&nbsp;Community members said the threat letters have emerged repeatedly in recent months and have created anxiety not only among the employees but also among their families living outside Jammu and Kashmir. They said the government should treat the latest threats as an urgent security concern and complete the remaining transit accommodation on priority.&nbsp;“We have gathered here because we have been waiting for accommodation in the transit camps for years. The government has been assuring us that we will be accommodated, but nothing has happened so far. Now, with these fresh threat letters coming in, our concerns have increased. Our demand is very simple: the buildings that are already ready should be opened and we should be shifted there immediately. Construction on the remaining buildings can continue, but those of us who are living in different locations should be moved to the completed accommodations, where we will be safer. If we are shifted to these transit camps, where the Kashmiri Pandit community is accommodated together, it will also be easier for the government to provide us with proper security. This has become a huge mental stress for us. Our families are constantly worried about whether we have reached home safely. It is especially difficult for families who live outside the Valley to keep reassuring them that everything is fine when we ourselves are living with this fear. Only we know what we are going through.” said Barkha, Kashmiri Pandit Employee.&nbsp;&nbsp;Community members said the current situation has placed the approximately 7,000 Kashmiri Pandits employed under the PM Package in a state of uncertainty, with their primary demand now being relocation to secure transit facilities until the security situation improves.The protesters also raised the issue of unfinished accommodation at the transit facilities. Community representatives said that of the 36 buildings planned across the seven transit camps in Srinagar, 29 have been completed, and demanded that the completed buildings be opened for occupation immediately while construction on the remaining structures is expedited.&nbsp;“Our major demand is something we have been raising with the government for years. We have been here since 2010, it has been 16 years and we still have not been provided safe accommodation. We have been given deadline after deadline: first April, then May, June, July, August, and now the administration has given us September-end as the deadline. I don’t understand why, when some of the buildings are already complete, we cannot be given possession of them. Out of the 39 buildings, 26 are ready for occupation. Why can’t we be shifted to these buildings immediately? Construction on the remaining buildings can continue alongside. September 30 is our deadline. If our demand is not addressed by then, from October 1 onwards, we will be forced to go on strike, including a hunger strike, '' said Ashish Razdan, Kashmiri Pandit Employee.&nbsp;&nbsp;He Further added, ''Every time a threat letter is issued against us, the stress is immense. But more than us, it is our parents and families living in Jammu and other parts of the country who suffer. Imagine seeing the names of your loved ones in a threat letter. Imagine what their families must have gone through. Today, we have gathered a lot of courage to come out and speak to the media. We don’t know what the repercussions could be, but we hope and believe that the security agencies will protect us. These threat letters are traumatic. I cannot even explain the mental horror they cause. For families living in Jammu and other parts of the country, seeing the names of their loved ones being threatened is nothing short of terrifying. It feels like a matter of life and death.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The protesters have urged the administration to treat the recent threats as a serious security concern and take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Kashmiri Pandit employees and their families living in the Valley. They have also warned that if the government fails to shift them to the Zewan transit camp by the September-end deadline, they will launch an indefinite hunger strike from October 1.

Fresh threat letters targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees in the Valley have sparked protests in Srinagar, with employees demanding immediate relocation to completed transit accommodations at Zewan. They have warned of an indefinite hunger strike from October 1

Fresh threat letters issued in recent months to Kashmiri Pandit employees living and working in the Valley have once again raised security concerns within the community, prompting them to take to the streets in Srinagar on Wednesday. The protesters, many of them employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s Package, gathered in the Lal Chowk area demanding that the government immediately shift them to secured transit camps, citing growing fear over their safety and the disclosure of personal details in some of the threats. The protesters said the latest threats have revived memories of the terror warnings issued against the Kashmiri Pandit community during the 1990s. They are now seeking immediate access to completed accommodation in transit camp at Zewan, along with stronger security arrangements for those still living in rented accommodation across the Valley. Community members said the threat letters have emerged repeatedly in recent months and have created anxiety not only among the employees but also among their families living outside Jammu and Kashmir. They said the government should treat the latest threats as an urgent security concern and complete the remaining transit accommodation on priority. “We have gathered here because we have been waiting for accommodation in the transit camps for years. The government has been assuring us that we will be accommodated, but nothing has happened so far. Now, with these fresh threat letters coming in, our concerns have increased. Our demand is very simple: the buildings that are already ready should be opened and we should be shifted there immediately. Construction on the remaining buildings can continue, but those of us who are living in different locations should be moved to the completed accommodations, where we will be safer. If we are shifted to these transit camps, where the Kashmiri Pandit community is accommodated together, it will also be easier for the government to provide us with proper security. This has become a huge mental stress for us. Our families are constantly worried about whether we have reached home safely. It is especially difficult for families who live outside the Valley to keep reassuring them that everything is fine when we ourselves are living with this fear. Only we know what we are going through.” said Barkha, Kashmiri Pandit Employee. Community members said the current situation has placed the approximately 7,000 Kashmiri Pandits employed under the PM Package in a state of uncertainty, with their primary demand now being relocation to secure transit facilities until the security situation improves. The protesters also raised the issue of unfinished accommodation at the transit facilities. Community representatives said that of the 36 buildings planned across the seven transit camps in Srinagar, 29 have been completed, and demanded that the completed buildings be opened for occupation immediately while construction on the remaining structures is expedited. “Our major demand is something we have been raising with the government for years. We have been here since 2010, it has been 16 years and we still have not been provided safe accommodation. We have been given deadline after deadline: first April, then May, June, July, August, and now the administration has given us September-end as the deadline. I don’t understand why, when some of the buildings are already complete, we cannot be given possession of them. Out of the 39 buildings, 26 are ready for occupation. Why can’t we be shifted to these buildings immediately? Construction on the remaining buildings can continue alongside. September 30 is our deadline. If our demand is not addressed by then, from October 1 onwards, we will be forced to go on strike, including a hunger strike, '' said Ashish Razdan, Kashmiri Pandit Employee. He Further added, ''Every time a threat letter is issued against us, the stress is immense. But more than us, it is our parents and families living in Jammu and other parts of the country who suffer. Imagine seeing the names of your loved ones in a threat letter. Imagine what their families must have gone through. Today, we have gathered a lot of courage to come out and speak to the media. We don’t know what the repercussions could be, but we hope and believe that the security agencies will protect us. These threat letters are traumatic. I cannot even explain the mental horror they cause. For families living in Jammu and other parts of the country, seeing the names of their loved ones being threatened is nothing short of terrifying. It feels like a matter of life and death.” The protesters have urged the administration to treat the recent threats as a serious security concern and take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Kashmiri Pandit employees and their families living in the Valley. They have also warned that if the government fails to shift them to the Zewan transit camp by the September-end deadline, they will launch an indefinite hunger strike from October 1.

Fresh threat letters targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees in the Valley have sparked protests in Srinagar, with employees demanding immediate relocation to completed transit accommodations at Zewan. They have warned of an indefinite hunger strike from October 1

Recent fresh threat letters trigger protest: Kashmiri Pandit employees demand immediate shift to Zewan transit camp

Srinagar: In a region where opportunities for young women in competitive sport remain limited, the Chinar Women’s Premier League 2026 is creating a new sporting platform for female athletes from Kashmir and Ladakh, with the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps stepping in to provide them a stage to compete, gain exposure and pursue their sporting ambitions.&nbsp;Organised by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps (15 Corps), the league has brought together 12 women’s cricket teams from across Kashmir, offering young cricketers an opportunity to play in a structured competitive environment and showcase their talent beyond their local grounds.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pa-c-k-of-lies-pakistan-s-ai-victory-video-claims-hits-on-32-iaf-bases-8-aircraft-2-s-400s-and-indian-parliament-1788792189590">Pa(c)k of lies: Pakistan’s AI ‘victory’ video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s and Indian Parliament</a>&nbsp;For many of the participating players, the league represents more than just a cricket tournament. It provides exposure, competitive experience and an opportunity to build confidence and important stepping stones for young athletes aspiring to progress to higher levels of the sport.&nbsp;The initiative is also drawing attention among local communities, particularly young girls, who have welcomed the sight of women taking centre stage in a competitive sporting arena.&nbsp;Locals said platforms such as the women’s league could encourage more girls to take up cricket and other sports, while giving aspiring athletes the confidence to view sport as a serious pursuit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/secret-reactor-in-syria-could-have-been-used-for-nuclear-weapons-says-iaea-after-finding-73-tonnes-of-natural-uranium-1788812570475">‘Secret reactor in Syria could have been used for nuclear weapons,’ says IAEA after finding 73 tonnes of natural uranium</a>&nbsp;“I am here representing the Bandipora team in the Chinar Women’s Premier League. There was a time when women were told that they belonged in the kitchen, but today, we are here on the playground, proving that we belong anywhere we choose to be. We are here to prove our mettle and show what we are capable of. The Chinar Women’s Premier League has given us the confidence to believe that we can compete not just here, but anywhere in the world,” said Khushboo Yaseen, a player.&nbsp;The Army’s involvement has given the tournament an added dimension, with the Chinar Corps using sport as a means of creating opportunities for young women and encouraging greater participation in organised athletics.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/7-foot-python-found-hiding-in-car-s-engine-in-mumbai-rescue-video-goes-viral-1788800825739">7-foot python found hiding in car’s engine in Mumbai; rescue video goes viral | Watch</a>&nbsp;The tournament also marked a significant first with the participation of a women’s cricket team from Ladakh. The inclusion of the team has expanded the league’s reach beyond Kashmir and given women cricketers from the Union Territory an opportunity to compete alongside players from different parts of the region.&nbsp;The participation of the Ladakh team has further strengthened the league’s message of inclusion. Bringing together women players from Kashmir and Ladakh allows athletes from different parts of the region to interact, compete and learn from one another, while creating a sense of sporting camaraderie across geographical boundaries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-kills-wife-stores-her-severed-head-and-chopped-fingers-in-fridge-arrested-1788785818077">Man kills wife, stores her severed head and chopped fingers in fridge; arrested</a>&nbsp;“I have come from Ladakh, and I am very thankful to the Indian Army for providing us with this wonderful opportunity to play. This is the first time we have come to play in Baramulla, and for us, it is not just a dream but a very special opportunity to represent Ladakh at this level. We performed really well, and the people here have been so warm and welcoming. It feels great to be here, play at this level, and represent Ladakh,” said Hakeema Bano, a player from Ladakh.&nbsp;Beyond the results on the field, the league is therefore emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

The league is emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

Srinagar: In a region where opportunities for young women in competitive sport remain limited, the Chinar Women’s Premier League 2026 is creating a new sporting platform for female athletes from Kashmir and Ladakh, with the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps stepping in to provide them a stage to compete, gain exposure and pursue their sporting ambitions. Organised by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps (15 Corps), the league has brought together 12 women’s cricket teams from across Kashmir, offering young cricketers an opportunity to play in a structured competitive environment and showcase their talent beyond their local grounds. Also Read: Pa(c)k of lies: Pakistan’s AI ‘victory’ video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s and Indian Parliament For many of the participating players, the league represents more than just a cricket tournament. It provides exposure, competitive experience and an opportunity to build confidence and important stepping stones for young athletes aspiring to progress to higher levels of the sport. The initiative is also drawing attention among local communities, particularly young girls, who have welcomed the sight of women taking centre stage in a competitive sporting arena. Locals said platforms such as the women’s league could encourage more girls to take up cricket and other sports, while giving aspiring athletes the confidence to view sport as a serious pursuit. Also Read: ‘Secret reactor in Syria could have been used for nuclear weapons,’ says IAEA after finding 73 tonnes of natural uranium “I am here representing the Bandipora team in the Chinar Women’s Premier League. There was a time when women were told that they belonged in the kitchen, but today, we are here on the playground, proving that we belong anywhere we choose to be. We are here to prove our mettle and show what we are capable of. The Chinar Women’s Premier League has given us the confidence to believe that we can compete not just here, but anywhere in the world,” said Khushboo Yaseen, a player. The Army’s involvement has given the tournament an added dimension, with the Chinar Corps using sport as a means of creating opportunities for young women and encouraging greater participation in organised athletics. Also Read: 7-foot python found hiding in car’s engine in Mumbai; rescue video goes viral | Watch The tournament also marked a significant first with the participation of a women’s cricket team from Ladakh. The inclusion of the team has expanded the league’s reach beyond Kashmir and given women cricketers from the Union Territory an opportunity to compete alongside players from different parts of the region. The participation of the Ladakh team has further strengthened the league’s message of inclusion. Bringing together women players from Kashmir and Ladakh allows athletes from different parts of the region to interact, compete and learn from one another, while creating a sense of sporting camaraderie across geographical boundaries. Also Read: Man kills wife, stores her severed head and chopped fingers in fridge; arrested “I have come from Ladakh, and I am very thankful to the Indian Army for providing us with this wonderful opportunity to play. This is the first time we have come to play in Baramulla, and for us, it is not just a dream but a very special opportunity to represent Ladakh at this level. We performed really well, and the people here have been so warm and welcoming. It feels great to be here, play at this level, and represent Ladakh,” said Hakeema Bano, a player from Ladakh. Beyond the results on the field, the league is therefore emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

The league is emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

Army-backed women’s cricket league opens new sporting platform for Kashmir, Ladakh players

For decades, Kashmir has drawn filmmakers with its mountains, lakes, meadows and distinctive cultural landscape, serving as the backdrop for countless stories on the big screen. Now, in a significant shift, the valley is preparing to showcase stories not just shot in Kashmir, but told by filmmakers from Kashmir.Five films helmed by directors from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the J&amp;K Select Section, the competitive category of the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu &amp; Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, being held in the Kashmir Valley.The selection marks an important moment for the region's emerging film culture, bringing local filmmakers and their stories into the competitive programming of an international film festival.The five films Searching for the Grandpa, directed by Mohammad Wali; Arifa, directed by Rohin Ravendran Nair; Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), directed by Siddarth Koul and Ankit Wali; Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir), directed by Kapil Mattoo; and Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar), directed by Baba Tassaduq Hussain offer varied perspectives on life, memory, identity and heritage in Jammu and Kashmir.The films were recommended by the Preview Committee constituted for the festival following a review of submissions and an assessment of their artistic merit and suitability for the competitive section.What makes the selection particularly notable is the range of stories emerging from the region. Rather than presenting Kashmir simply as a picturesque location, the films turn the camera inward, exploring the experiences, memories and social realities of people who have lived through the region's changing landscape.Searching for the Grandpa follows two young siblings in a Kashmiri village on Eid, drawing on themes of childhood, family and memory. Arifa follows a woman returning to her ancestral home in Kashmir, where her return brings back memories of her childhood and her father.In Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), displacement and identity are explored through the story of a Kashmiri migrant family and its enduring connection with the idea of home. Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir) takes a more mysterious route, weaving memory and the supernatural into a story shaped by the scars of Kashmir's past.Meanwhile, Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar) turns to the region's artistic heritage, documenting the life and legacy of a Padma Shri-honoured woodcarver from downtown Srinagar and highlighting Kashmir's traditional craftsmanship and resilience.Together, the films span Kashmiri and Hindi and move across genres and generations, but share a common thread: they place Kashmir's people, memories, traditions and lived experiences at the heart of the narrative.For years, the cinematic gaze on Kashmir has often come from outside, with filmmakers travelling to the valley to capture its landscapes and use them as settings for stories. The inclusion of these five films in the competitive section of an international festival offers a different kind of cinematic moment: Kashmir's own filmmakers are now bringing their stories to the screen and seeking a place in the wider cinematic conversation.The films will form part of the competitive programming of the four-day IFFJK, giving audiences and filmmakers an opportunity to engage with distinctive cinematic voices from Jammu and Kashmir.The festival, therefore, is not only bringing international cinema to the valley; it is also creating a platform for the valley's filmmakers to take their own stories beyond the familiar image of Kashmir as a film location. &nbsp;

Five films by filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the competitive J&K Select Section at IFFJK 2026.

For decades, Kashmir has drawn filmmakers with its mountains, lakes, meadows and distinctive cultural landscape, serving as the backdrop for countless stories on the big screen. Now, in a significant shift, the valley is preparing to showcase stories not just shot in Kashmir, but told by filmmakers from Kashmir. Five films helmed by directors from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the J&K Select Section, the competitive category of the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, being held in the Kashmir Valley. The selection marks an important moment for the region's emerging film culture, bringing local filmmakers and their stories into the competitive programming of an international film festival. The five films Searching for the Grandpa, directed by Mohammad Wali; Arifa, directed by Rohin Ravendran Nair; Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), directed by Siddarth Koul and Ankit Wali; Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir), directed by Kapil Mattoo; and Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar), directed by Baba Tassaduq Hussain offer varied perspectives on life, memory, identity and heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. The films were recommended by the Preview Committee constituted for the festival following a review of submissions and an assessment of their artistic merit and suitability for the competitive section. What makes the selection particularly notable is the range of stories emerging from the region. Rather than presenting Kashmir simply as a picturesque location, the films turn the camera inward, exploring the experiences, memories and social realities of people who have lived through the region's changing landscape. Searching for the Grandpa follows two young siblings in a Kashmiri village on Eid, drawing on themes of childhood, family and memory. Arifa follows a woman returning to her ancestral home in Kashmir, where her return brings back memories of her childhood and her father. In Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), displacement and identity are explored through the story of a Kashmiri migrant family and its enduring connection with the idea of home. Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir) takes a more mysterious route, weaving memory and the supernatural into a story shaped by the scars of Kashmir's past. Meanwhile, Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar) turns to the region's artistic heritage, documenting the life and legacy of a Padma Shri-honoured woodcarver from downtown Srinagar and highlighting Kashmir's traditional craftsmanship and resilience. Together, the films span Kashmiri and Hindi and move across genres and generations, but share a common thread: they place Kashmir's people, memories, traditions and lived experiences at the heart of the narrative. For years, the cinematic gaze on Kashmir has often come from outside, with filmmakers travelling to the valley to capture its landscapes and use them as settings for stories. The inclusion of these five films in the competitive section of an international festival offers a different kind of cinematic moment: Kashmir's own filmmakers are now bringing their stories to the screen and seeking a place in the wider cinematic conversation. The films will form part of the competitive programming of the four-day IFFJK, giving audiences and filmmakers an opportunity to engage with distinctive cinematic voices from Jammu and Kashmir. The festival, therefore, is not only bringing international cinema to the valley; it is also creating a platform for the valley's filmmakers to take their own stories beyond the familiar image of Kashmir as a film location.

Five films by filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the competitive J&amp;K Select Section at IFFJK 2026.

From Filmmakers Coming to Kashmir to Kashmir’s Filmmakers Taking Centre Stage

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has entered a new chapter in its cinematic journey with the Valley hosting its first-ever international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors and cinema professionals from India and across the world.&nbsp;The four-day Kashmir International Film Festival began on Monday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar and will continue until September 10. The festival has drawn around 300 delegates from different parts of India and abroad, according to the Jammu and Kashmir administration.&nbsp;“We all live in troubled times, and we agree that cinema can play a very important role in bringing people together and stimulating ideas. The question is how we move forward by offering not only good-time entertainment, but also thought-provoking films. This is not simply a programme for filmmakers to come together and share what they know. Jammu and Kashmir has always been very close to the heart of the Indian film industry, and for the industry to come back here and reconnect with this part of India—and to see what Kashmir has contributed to cinema—is a very interesting and important idea. The initiative will also provide an opportunity for people from Kashmir to interact with professionals from across the world. They will be able to engage with filmmakers, exchange ideas, and watch films from different parts of the world. It is a chance to see where filmmaking stands today and to understand where cinema can go from here,” said Dorothee, a German filmmaker and journalist.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pa-c-k-of-lies-pakistan-s-ai-victory-video-claims-hits-on-32-iaf-bases-8-aircraft-2-s-400s-and-indian-parliament-1788792189590">Pa(c)k of lies: Pakistan’s AI ‘victory’ video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s and Indian Parliament</a>&nbsp;As part of the festival, 135 films from 41 countries have been selected for screening over the four-day event. Organisers said they received nearly 1,100 submissions from more than 80 countries before the final selection was made by the jury. India has the largest representation with 64 films, followed by France with 13 entries and Iran with eight films.&nbsp;“I think it’s very important because storytelling is incredibly important. There have been many political developments and uncertainties in this region, and in that kind of context, it becomes even more important to remind ourselves of the power of art, culture and storytelling. People have so many stories to tell, and a festival like this provides a platform for those stories to be heard. It also gives producers and filmmakers an opportunity to meet and interact with local people, which is wonderful. At the same time, it gives people like me a chance to come here, discover the films being made in the region and understand the kind of stories that are emerging from Kashmir. Whenever a film festival begins, it is important to bring people from different parts of the world together, give them a great experience and allow them to take that experience back with them. Through word of mouth, more people in the international film industry will learn about the festival. It will be very interesting to see how it grows over the years and how increasingly filmmakers from around the world will want to submit their films,” said Kiko Bank, a Singapore-based film and creative-industry professional.&nbsp;The inaugural session witnessed the participation of several prominent personalities from the Indian and international film fraternity, including Bollywood actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, filmmakers Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Santosh Sivan, along with several other personalities associated with Bollywood and the South Indian film industry.&nbsp;“I’m very excited to see how the festival unfolds over the next few days. My mother is from Kashmir, so I’m very happy to be back in the Kashmir Valley. It has been a long time since I’ve been here, and I’m especially glad to be part of this festival as Kashmir begins this journey. Coming back after such a long time feels like coming home. I’m really excited about what is in store. Filmmakers from around 80 countries have submitted their films, which is a wonderful achievement. It brings together people from across the world through cinema, and it’s wonderful to see Kashmir taking an initiative like this. I’m very happy and honoured to be a part of it,” said Fatima Sana Sheikh, Bollywood actor.&nbsp;The organisers said the festival will provide filmmakers from different countries an opportunity to present their work to a diverse audience while creating opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange. It is also expected to strengthen Kashmir's position on the international film and cultural circuit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-kills-wife-stores-her-severed-head-and-chopped-fingers-in-fridge-arrested-1788785818077">Man kills wife, stores her severed head and chopped fingers in fridge; arrested</a>&nbsp;The festival comes after decades in which Kashmir has remained a popular destination for filmmakers from across India. Organisers say the event marks an effort to move beyond Kashmir's role as a shooting location and establish the Valley as a platform for international cinema, cultural exchange and creative collaboration.&nbsp;“I believe this festival will have a very positive impact. It is an international film festival that will bring Kashmir onto the global cinema map, with filmmakers from across the world coming here to participate. For us as local filmmakers, this is a great opportunity. We are being given a platform where we can tell our own stories and showcase the richness of Kashmir through cinema. It is encouraging to see that some stories from Kashmir have already been selected for the festival. This could pave the way for more regional films to be made here and provide them with a wider platform to reach audiences. We can also learn and draw inspiration from the films being showcased here. Since this is happening for the first time, there may naturally be some scope for improvement, but we should remain optimistic. I believe this festival can become a source of inspiration and encouragement, particularly for the younger generation of filmmakers in Kashmir,” said Mir Sarwar, a Kashmiri Bollywood actor.&nbsp;The festival is also being described as one of the first major international events to be held in Kashmir following the G20-related events hosted in the Valley in 2023.&nbsp;A five-member international jury has been constituted to evaluate the films. It includes acclaimed cinematographer and filmmaker Santosh Sivan, Oscar-winning sound designer and mixer Resul Pookutty known for his work on ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, German filmmaker and journalist Dorothee, Singapore-based film and creative-industry professional Kiko Bank and filmmaker Himanshu Shekhar Khurana of Shoonya Swarupa.&nbsp;Authorities put in place extensive security and logistical arrangements across Srinagar. The focus was laid on venue security, deployment of personnel, access control, surveillance, crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response mechanisms and coordination among various agencies.

As part of the festival, 135 films from 41 countries have been selected for screening over the four-day event. Organisers said they received nearly 1,100 submissions from more than 80 countries before the final selection was made by the jury. 

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has entered a new chapter in its cinematic journey with the Valley hosting its first-ever international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors and cinema professionals from India and across the world. The four-day Kashmir International Film Festival began on Monday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar and will continue until September 10. The festival has drawn around 300 delegates from different parts of India and abroad, according to the Jammu and Kashmir administration. “We all live in troubled times, and we agree that cinema can play a very important role in bringing people together and stimulating ideas. The question is how we move forward by offering not only good-time entertainment, but also thought-provoking films. This is not simply a programme for filmmakers to come together and share what they know. Jammu and Kashmir has always been very close to the heart of the Indian film industry, and for the industry to come back here and reconnect with this part of India—and to see what Kashmir has contributed to cinema—is a very interesting and important idea. The initiative will also provide an opportunity for people from Kashmir to interact with professionals from across the world. They will be able to engage with filmmakers, exchange ideas, and watch films from different parts of the world. It is a chance to see where filmmaking stands today and to understand where cinema can go from here,” said Dorothee, a German filmmaker and journalist. Also Read: Pa(c)k of lies: Pakistan’s AI ‘victory’ video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s and Indian Parliament As part of the festival, 135 films from 41 countries have been selected for screening over the four-day event. Organisers said they received nearly 1,100 submissions from more than 80 countries before the final selection was made by the jury. India has the largest representation with 64 films, followed by France with 13 entries and Iran with eight films. “I think it’s very important because storytelling is incredibly important. There have been many political developments and uncertainties in this region, and in that kind of context, it becomes even more important to remind ourselves of the power of art, culture and storytelling. People have so many stories to tell, and a festival like this provides a platform for those stories to be heard. It also gives producers and filmmakers an opportunity to meet and interact with local people, which is wonderful. At the same time, it gives people like me a chance to come here, discover the films being made in the region and understand the kind of stories that are emerging from Kashmir. Whenever a film festival begins, it is important to bring people from different parts of the world together, give them a great experience and allow them to take that experience back with them. Through word of mouth, more people in the international film industry will learn about the festival. It will be very interesting to see how it grows over the years and how increasingly filmmakers from around the world will want to submit their films,” said Kiko Bank, a Singapore-based film and creative-industry professional. The inaugural session witnessed the participation of several prominent personalities from the Indian and international film fraternity, including Bollywood actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, filmmakers Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Santosh Sivan, along with several other personalities associated with Bollywood and the South Indian film industry. “I’m very excited to see how the festival unfolds over the next few days. My mother is from Kashmir, so I’m very happy to be back in the Kashmir Valley. It has been a long time since I’ve been here, and I’m especially glad to be part of this festival as Kashmir begins this journey. Coming back after such a long time feels like coming home. I’m really excited about what is in store. Filmmakers from around 80 countries have submitted their films, which is a wonderful achievement. It brings together people from across the world through cinema, and it’s wonderful to see Kashmir taking an initiative like this. I’m very happy and honoured to be a part of it,” said Fatima Sana Sheikh, Bollywood actor. The organisers said the festival will provide filmmakers from different countries an opportunity to present their work to a diverse audience while creating opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange. It is also expected to strengthen Kashmir's position on the international film and cultural circuit. Also Read: Man kills wife, stores her severed head and chopped fingers in fridge; arrested The festival comes after decades in which Kashmir has remained a popular destination for filmmakers from across India. Organisers say the event marks an effort to move beyond Kashmir's role as a shooting location and establish the Valley as a platform for international cinema, cultural exchange and creative collaboration. “I believe this festival will have a very positive impact. It is an international film festival that will bring Kashmir onto the global cinema map, with filmmakers from across the world coming here to participate. For us as local filmmakers, this is a great opportunity. We are being given a platform where we can tell our own stories and showcase the richness of Kashmir through cinema. It is encouraging to see that some stories from Kashmir have already been selected for the festival. This could pave the way for more regional films to be made here and provide them with a wider platform to reach audiences. We can also learn and draw inspiration from the films being showcased here. Since this is happening for the first time, there may naturally be some scope for improvement, but we should remain optimistic. I believe this festival can become a source of inspiration and encouragement, particularly for the younger generation of filmmakers in Kashmir,” said Mir Sarwar, a Kashmiri Bollywood actor. The festival is also being described as one of the first major international events to be held in Kashmir following the G20-related events hosted in the Valley in 2023. A five-member international jury has been constituted to evaluate the films. It includes acclaimed cinematographer and filmmaker Santosh Sivan, Oscar-winning sound designer and mixer Resul Pookutty known for his work on ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, German filmmaker and journalist Dorothee, Singapore-based film and creative-industry professional Kiko Bank and filmmaker Himanshu Shekhar Khurana of Shoonya Swarupa. Authorities put in place extensive security and logistical arrangements across Srinagar. The focus was laid on venue security, deployment of personnel, access control, surveillance, crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response mechanisms and coordination among various agencies.

As part of the festival, 135 films from 41 countries have been selected for screening over the four-day event. Organisers said they received nearly 1,100 submissions from more than 80 countries before the final selection was made by the jury.&nbsp;

Kashmir hosts First International Film Festival; 135 films from 41 countries to be screened

Intern doctors across Jammu and Kashmir continued their agitation for the eighth consecutive day on Monday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing ₹12,300 to ₹30,000. The protest intensified on Monday as intern doctors at Jhelum Valley Medical College in Bemina, Srinagar, began a hunger strike, following what they described as repeated discussions with the administration and assurances that have yet to translate into a formal written order on stipend revision.&nbsp;The protesting doctors said they have been seeking a hike in the internship stipend for several years, arguing that the existing amount has remained unchanged since 2019 despite a substantial rise in the cost of living and the demanding nature of their duties.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-medical-interns-stipend-hike-protest-30000-1788260768765">Kashmir medical interns protest over stipend, demand hike; PDP and Congress show support</a>&nbsp;“We have only been assured that our stipend will be increased after one month, but these have been nothing more than false promises. For the past three years, we have repeatedly been told that our stipend would be increased, but practically speaking, it remains at ₹12,300. Our simple demand is that it be increased to ₹30,000. We also met the Health Minister, who assured us that we should give the government 30 days. But we request the government to issue a formal written order. We do not want verbal assurances anymore. Once the government issues a written order regarding the stipend increase, we will call off our strike.” said Dr Faisal Ashraf, Intern JVC Medical College, Bemina.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/kashmir-row-india-hits-back-at-birmingham-mayor-mea-reaffirms-stand-on-j-k-and-ladakh-1788552297718">KASHMIR ROW | India Hits Back At Birmingham Mayor, MEA Reaffirms Stand On J&amp;K And Ladakh</a> &nbsp;Intern doctors are posted across hospital wards, outpatient departments (OPDs) and emergency services, where they perform essential clinical duties as part of their internship training.&nbsp;Protests were held at government hospitals and medical institutions across the Union Territory, with the interns maintaining that they would continue their agitation until the government formally engages with their representatives or takes a decision on the demand.&nbsp;Several intern doctors have also decided to join the hunger strike from Tuesday as part of an effort to intensify the protest across Jammu and Kashmir. “We are around 125 medical interns here at GMC Jammu, and interns are essentially the backbone of the hospital. If all 125 interns are on the streets protesting, it will have a significant impact on hospital functioning and patient care. Our postgraduate residents and senior residents are already under tremendous pressure because the interns are participating in the protest. It was collectively decided by representatives of all the medical colleges, particularly the 10 government medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, that we would begin a hunger strike on the eighth day of the protest. We had a meeting with representatives of the Health Minister, where we were given a verbal assurance. But we cannot agree to verbal assurances anymore. We want a formal government order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department. The government is asking us to rely on verbal assurances, but around 1,200 interns who are participating in the protest have not agreed to that. We want a written order, and only then can we consider calling off the strike.” said Dr Ahmad Faraz Malik, Medical Intern JVC Medical College, Srinagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;The issue of stipend revision has remained pending for several years. In 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir government constituted a committee to examine the matter. The committee reportedly recommended increasing the monthly stipend to ₹25,000, a proposal that was subsequently acknowledged by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. However, the revised amount has not yet been implemented.&nbsp;The interns said the proposal remains caught in the administrative process, including the requirement for financial concurrence, despite repeated representations and follow-ups with the authorities.&nbsp;Political parties, including the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress, have extended support to the protesting doctors and backed their demand for a revision of the stipend.&nbsp;The interns are seeking the immediate issuance of a government order on the revised stipend, uniform implementation of the approved amount across all government medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, and a mechanism for periodic revision of the stipend in the future.&nbsp;The protesting doctors said they have continued to discharge essential responsibilities, particularly in emergency departments, despite the ongoing agitation. However, they warned that the protest could be intensified further if the government fails to respond to their demands.

MBBS and BDS intern doctors in Jammu and Kashmir escalated their stipend protest on its eighth day by launching a hunger strike, demanding an official order raising their monthly pay from ₹12,300 to ₹30,000. 

Intern doctors across Jammu and Kashmir continued their agitation for the eighth consecutive day on Monday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing ₹12,300 to ₹30,000. The protest intensified on Monday as intern doctors at Jhelum Valley Medical College in Bemina, Srinagar, began a hunger strike, following what they described as repeated discussions with the administration and assurances that have yet to translate into a formal written order on stipend revision. The protesting doctors said they have been seeking a hike in the internship stipend for several years, arguing that the existing amount has remained unchanged since 2019 despite a substantial rise in the cost of living and the demanding nature of their duties. Also read: Kashmir medical interns protest over stipend, demand hike; PDP and Congress show support “We have only been assured that our stipend will be increased after one month, but these have been nothing more than false promises. For the past three years, we have repeatedly been told that our stipend would be increased, but practically speaking, it remains at ₹12,300. Our simple demand is that it be increased to ₹30,000. We also met the Health Minister, who assured us that we should give the government 30 days. But we request the government to issue a formal written order. We do not want verbal assurances anymore. Once the government issues a written order regarding the stipend increase, we will call off our strike.” said Dr Faisal Ashraf, Intern JVC Medical College, Bemina. Also read: KASHMIR ROW | India Hits Back At Birmingham Mayor, MEA Reaffirms Stand On J&K And Ladakh Intern doctors are posted across hospital wards, outpatient departments (OPDs) and emergency services, where they perform essential clinical duties as part of their internship training. Protests were held at government hospitals and medical institutions across the Union Territory, with the interns maintaining that they would continue their agitation until the government formally engages with their representatives or takes a decision on the demand. Several intern doctors have also decided to join the hunger strike from Tuesday as part of an effort to intensify the protest across Jammu and Kashmir. “We are around 125 medical interns here at GMC Jammu, and interns are essentially the backbone of the hospital. If all 125 interns are on the streets protesting, it will have a significant impact on hospital functioning and patient care. Our postgraduate residents and senior residents are already under tremendous pressure because the interns are participating in the protest. It was collectively decided by representatives of all the medical colleges, particularly the 10 government medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, that we would begin a hunger strike on the eighth day of the protest. We had a meeting with representatives of the Health Minister, where we were given a verbal assurance. But we cannot agree to verbal assurances anymore. We want a formal government order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department. The government is asking us to rely on verbal assurances, but around 1,200 interns who are participating in the protest have not agreed to that. We want a written order, and only then can we consider calling off the strike.” said Dr Ahmad Faraz Malik, Medical Intern JVC Medical College, Srinagar. The issue of stipend revision has remained pending for several years. In 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir government constituted a committee to examine the matter. The committee reportedly recommended increasing the monthly stipend to ₹25,000, a proposal that was subsequently acknowledged by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. However, the revised amount has not yet been implemented. The interns said the proposal remains caught in the administrative process, including the requirement for financial concurrence, despite repeated representations and follow-ups with the authorities. Political parties, including the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress, have extended support to the protesting doctors and backed their demand for a revision of the stipend. The interns are seeking the immediate issuance of a government order on the revised stipend, uniform implementation of the approved amount across all government medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, and a mechanism for periodic revision of the stipend in the future. The protesting doctors said they have continued to discharge essential responsibilities, particularly in emergency departments, despite the ongoing agitation. However, they warned that the protest could be intensified further if the government fails to respond to their demands.

MBBS and BDS intern doctors in Jammu and Kashmir escalated their stipend protest on its eighth day by launching a hunger strike, demanding an official order raising their monthly pay from ₹12,300 to ₹30,000.&nbsp;

J&K intern doctors intensify stipend protest, begin hunger strike on eighth day

After decades of serving as a favoured destination for filmmakers from across India, Kashmir is set to enter a new chapter in its cinematic journey with the Valley hosting its first-ever international film festival from September 7 to 10.&nbsp;The Kashmir International Film Festival will be held at the Sheri- Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, bringing together films from across the globe. The festival is also being billed as one of the first major international events to be hosted in the Valley after the G20-related events held in Kashmir in 2023.&nbsp;According to the Department of Information, 135 films from 41 countries have been selected for screening at the festival. The organisers said they received around 1,100 submissions from more than 80 countries, following which the jury shortlisted the final entries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/teachers-day-special-7-bollywood-s-most-loved-onscreen-teachers-from-shah-rukh-khan-to-juhi-chawla-1788592741824">Teachers' Day special: 7 Bollywood’s most loved onscreen teachers</a>&nbsp;“Jammu and Kashmir is a land of diverse cultures, regions and religions, and cinema is also about diversity and storytelling rooted in different cultures. There has to be a natural harmony between the two. Jammu and Kashmir was once at the zenith of Bollywood filmmaking, with a large number of films being shot in Kashmir. However, due to certain circumstances, that activity declined over the years. This is a well-intentioned endeavour by the Jammu and Kashmir Government to reconnect the film industry of the country with the Valley, as well as to establish stronger links with the global film industry, '' said Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director, Information Department Kashmir.&nbsp;He Further added, ''In that context, we are organising the inaugural edition of the International Film Festival, with the intention of institutionalising it and making it an annual event, along the lines of major international film festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival.India has immense potential to challenge and compete in the global film market, and we believe Kashmir has the potential to become an important destination for international cinema and film festivals.We have chosen SKICC as the main venue, and there will also be a one-day visit to Gulmarg for line producers and international delegates. The idea is to give them a first-hand experience of Kashmir’s landscapes and showcase the Valley’s potential as a destination for filmmaking.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/salman-khan-loses-patience-with-paparazzi-ahead-of-bigg-boss-20-premiere-this-is-not-my-job-1788592395484">Salman Khan loses patience with paparazzi ahead of Bigg Boss 20 premiere</a>&nbsp;India has the largest representation with 64 films, while France has 13 entries and Iran eight films selected for the festival. The organisers have constituted a five-member international jury comprising eminent figures from the world of cinema and the arts.&nbsp;The jury includes acclaimed cinematographer and filmmaker Santosh Sivan, noted sound designer and mixer Resul Pookutty, known for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, German filmmaker and journalist Dorothee, Singapore-based film and creative industry professional Kiko Bank, and filmmaker Himanshu Shekhar Khurana of Shoonya Swarupa.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/mirzapur-the-movie-box-office-collection-pankaj-tripathi-ali-fazal-s-crime-thriller-earns-this-much-on-day-1-1788583556761">Mirzapur: The Movie box office: How much did the film collect on day 1?</a>&nbsp;“We received around 1,100 entries from 92 countries. We had a preview committee of seven to eight people, all established and well-known names from the industry, who shortlisted 135 films from those entries. From these, we have selected films from different regions, including Europe, the US, and Iran. These films will now be screened, and the jury will evaluate them for the various awards. We have instituted awards, including cash prizes, across three categories. There is an International Category, a Panoramic Category, and a Jammu and Kashmir Category, through which we are also trying to encourage and promote local filmmakers.” said Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director, Information Department Kashmir.&nbsp;The festival is expected to provide a platform for filmmakers from different countries to showcase their work while also placing Kashmir on the international film and cultural circuit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/missed-vikrant-massey-in-mirzapur-the-movie-here-s-what-the-actor-has-to-say-about-the-film-1788542127764">Vikrant Massey urges everyone to watch Mirzapur: The Movie</a>&nbsp;Ahead of the festival, authorities have stepped up security and preparedness measures across Srinagar. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess arrangements for the four-day event.&nbsp;The meeting focused on ensuring comprehensive security and the smooth conduct of the festival, with detailed discussions on venue security, deployment of personnel, access control, surveillance, crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response mechanisms and inter-agency coordination.&nbsp;The meeting was attended by senior officers from the police, CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP, CID, traffic police, security agencies, fire and emergency services, tourism and information departments, among other agencies.&nbsp;The IGP reviewed the overall security preparedness and deployment plans and directed participating agencies to maintain close coordination to ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe and seamless manner.

The Kashmir International Film Festival is expected to be held at the Sheri- Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Read on to know more.

After decades of serving as a favoured destination for filmmakers from across India, Kashmir is set to enter a new chapter in its cinematic journey with the Valley hosting its first-ever international film festival from September 7 to 10. The Kashmir International Film Festival will be held at the Sheri- Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, bringing together films from across the globe. The festival is also being billed as one of the first major international events to be hosted in the Valley after the G20-related events held in Kashmir in 2023. According to the Department of Information, 135 films from 41 countries have been selected for screening at the festival. The organisers said they received around 1,100 submissions from more than 80 countries, following which the jury shortlisted the final entries. Also Read: Teachers' Day special: 7 Bollywood’s most loved onscreen teachers “Jammu and Kashmir is a land of diverse cultures, regions and religions, and cinema is also about diversity and storytelling rooted in different cultures. There has to be a natural harmony between the two. Jammu and Kashmir was once at the zenith of Bollywood filmmaking, with a large number of films being shot in Kashmir. However, due to certain circumstances, that activity declined over the years. This is a well-intentioned endeavour by the Jammu and Kashmir Government to reconnect the film industry of the country with the Valley, as well as to establish stronger links with the global film industry, '' said Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director, Information Department Kashmir. He Further added, ''In that context, we are organising the inaugural edition of the International Film Festival, with the intention of institutionalising it and making it an annual event, along the lines of major international film festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival.India has immense potential to challenge and compete in the global film market, and we believe Kashmir has the potential to become an important destination for international cinema and film festivals.We have chosen SKICC as the main venue, and there will also be a one-day visit to Gulmarg for line producers and international delegates. The idea is to give them a first-hand experience of Kashmir’s landscapes and showcase the Valley’s potential as a destination for filmmaking.” Also Read: Salman Khan loses patience with paparazzi ahead of Bigg Boss 20 premiere India has the largest representation with 64 films, while France has 13 entries and Iran eight films selected for the festival. The organisers have constituted a five-member international jury comprising eminent figures from the world of cinema and the arts. The jury includes acclaimed cinematographer and filmmaker Santosh Sivan, noted sound designer and mixer Resul Pookutty, known for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, German filmmaker and journalist Dorothee, Singapore-based film and creative industry professional Kiko Bank, and filmmaker Himanshu Shekhar Khurana of Shoonya Swarupa. Also Read: Mirzapur: The Movie box office: How much did the film collect on day 1? “We received around 1,100 entries from 92 countries. We had a preview committee of seven to eight people, all established and well-known names from the industry, who shortlisted 135 films from those entries. From these, we have selected films from different regions, including Europe, the US, and Iran. These films will now be screened, and the jury will evaluate them for the various awards. We have instituted awards, including cash prizes, across three categories. There is an International Category, a Panoramic Category, and a Jammu and Kashmir Category, through which we are also trying to encourage and promote local filmmakers.” said Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director, Information Department Kashmir. The festival is expected to provide a platform for filmmakers from different countries to showcase their work while also placing Kashmir on the international film and cultural circuit. Also Read: Vikrant Massey urges everyone to watch Mirzapur: The Movie Ahead of the festival, authorities have stepped up security and preparedness measures across Srinagar. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess arrangements for the four-day event. The meeting focused on ensuring comprehensive security and the smooth conduct of the festival, with detailed discussions on venue security, deployment of personnel, access control, surveillance, crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response mechanisms and inter-agency coordination. The meeting was attended by senior officers from the police, CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP, CID, traffic police, security agencies, fire and emergency services, tourism and information departments, among other agencies. The IGP reviewed the overall security preparedness and deployment plans and directed participating agencies to maintain close coordination to ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe and seamless manner.

The Kashmir International Film Festival is expected to be held at the Sheri- Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Read on to know more.

From Bollywood’s favourite location to global film hub: Kashmir to host first international film festival

Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police on Saturday said that the terrorist neutralised during Operation Ashdar has been identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In a post on X, J&amp;K Police said, “You can run but you can’t hide! The terrorist neutralised during Op Ashdar has been identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national of Lashkar-e-Taiba.”&nbsp;The operation was launched on Thursday following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Ashdar Gali area of Budgam. The joint operation was conducted by the Indian Army, J&amp;K Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).According to the Army’s Chinar Corps, troops conducting the search operation observed suspicious movement in the area. When the suspected terrorists were challenged, they opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire in which one terrorist was neutralised.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/srinagar-police-trace-and-arrest-two-central-jail-escapees-in-rajasthan-1787733661520">Srinagar Police trace and arrest two Central Jail escapees in Rajasthan</a>&nbsp;“Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Search Operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in the general area Ashdar Gali, Budgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised,” the Chinar Corps said in a statement.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorist-killed-in-joint-security-operation-in-budgam-s-ashdar-gali-1788528383607">Terrorist killed in joint security operation in Budgam’s Ashdar Gali</a>&nbsp;An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the operation site. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The operation remains underway, with security forces continuing search and sanitisation efforts in the area to rule out the presence of any other terrorists. The neutralisation of the terrorist is being viewed as a significant success for security forces amid ongoing counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu & Kashmir Police have confirmed that the terrorist killed during Operation Ashdar in Budgam’s Ashdar Gali was Yasir, a Pakistani national linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. 

Jammu & Kashmir Police on Saturday said that the terrorist neutralised during Operation Ashdar has been identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In a post on X, J&K Police said, “You can run but you can’t hide! The terrorist neutralised during Op Ashdar has been identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national of Lashkar-e-Taiba.” The operation was launched on Thursday following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Ashdar Gali area of Budgam. The joint operation was conducted by the Indian Army, J&K Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). According to the Army’s Chinar Corps, troops conducting the search operation observed suspicious movement in the area. When the suspected terrorists were challenged, they opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire in which one terrorist was neutralised. Also read: Srinagar Police trace and arrest two Central Jail escapees in Rajasthan “Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Search Operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in the general area Ashdar Gali, Budgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised,” the Chinar Corps said in a statement. Also read: Terrorist killed in joint security operation in Budgam’s Ashdar Gali An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the operation site. The operation remains underway, with security forces continuing search and sanitisation efforts in the area to rule out the presence of any other terrorists. The neutralisation of the terrorist is being viewed as a significant success for security forces amid ongoing counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police have confirmed that the terrorist killed during Operation Ashdar in Budgam’s Ashdar Gali was Yasir, a Pakistani national linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Terrorist killed in Operation Ashdar identified as Pakistani national: J&K Police

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