Srinagar: On the Line of Control in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley, the brave female soldiers of the Border Security Forces (BSF) are not only enduring the harsh weather conditions but also confronting the terrorists in the region. These highly specialised female soldiers are carrying out patrolling on the border along with anti-terror operations.&nbsp;In a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, the Border Security Forces (BSF) deputed female soldiers to guard the Line of Control in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley in 2024. BSF had become the first armed force to post specially trained female soldiers at the LoC. These female soldiers are carrying out combat operations in the region.&nbsp;In this area, the temperatures go up to minus 20 degrees, and with an altitude of 14000 ft above sea level, these female soldiers are setting an example for the women of the country. Trained in combat, patrol, night patrol, and controlling the movement of terrorist cadres along the border areas, these female BSF soldiers are inspiring women across the country.&nbsp;For these female soldiers, it's a proud moment as they have set a path for the rest of the female soldiers to be deputed in any part or corner of the country.&nbsp;"These are very tough conditions, and it’s a very sensitive area. And till now, only men would be deputed in these high altitude areas for the protection of the borders. But now women are also being deputed here, and I am one among them, and I feel very, very proud. We get an extra four weeks of training, such as survival training, survival techniques, and to run the latest weapons. We are also trained and first given a proper acclimatization time to tackle the high altitude, low oxygen, and weather conditions," said Ruchi, Assistant Commandant, BSF.&nbsp;The BSF female squad also carries out patrolling and surveillance on the forward posts and near the fencing of the Line of Control. The northern part of the Kashmir Valley border was used actively during Operation Sindoor. This is the bordering area where the Indian Armed Forces destroyed terror camps across the border.&nbsp;The female soldiers of the Border Security Forces have gone through rigorous training in handling the latest arms and ammunition, including rifles like INSAS, AK-47, TAR, and SLR. They have also been trained to work in high altitude areas where there is less oxygen, snow-covered mountains, and minus 20 degrees.&nbsp;''I am very proud of being deputed to the LoC. It was only male soldiers who were deputed on the line of control, and now we have been given a chance to secure the borders. I am very proud of the fact that I’ve been deputed here, and I am making sure to work very efficiently. We have been provided with the best and the latest arms and ammunition. It helps us to prevent infiltration from across the border. My message to the women of the country is that we as women are securing the borders of the country, and I would want more women to join the BSF," said Garima Jatt, soldier, BSF.&nbsp;In recent times, security forces have arrested dozens of women carrying arms and ammunition, as well as narcotics from the bordering areas into the hinterland. And to curb that, these female soldiers are of great help as well. The frisking and checking of women is easier than it was for the male forces to check women along the bordering areas.

On the Line of Control in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley, the brave female soldiers of the Border Security Forces (BSF) are not only enduring the harsh weather conditions but also confronting the terrorists in the region.

Srinagar: On the Line of Control in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley, the brave female soldiers of the Border Security Forces (BSF) are not only enduring the harsh weather conditions but also confronting the terrorists in the region. These highly specialised female soldiers are carrying out patrolling on the border along with anti-terror operations. In a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, the Border Security Forces (BSF) deputed female soldiers to guard the Line of Control in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley in 2024. BSF had become the first armed force to post specially trained female soldiers at the LoC. These female soldiers are carrying out combat operations in the region. In this area, the temperatures go up to minus 20 degrees, and with an altitude of 14000 ft above sea level, these female soldiers are setting an example for the women of the country. Trained in combat, patrol, night patrol, and controlling the movement of terrorist cadres along the border areas, these female BSF soldiers are inspiring women across the country. For these female soldiers, it's a proud moment as they have set a path for the rest of the female soldiers to be deputed in any part or corner of the country. "These are very tough conditions, and it’s a very sensitive area. And till now, only men would be deputed in these high altitude areas for the protection of the borders. But now women are also being deputed here, and I am one among them, and I feel very, very proud. We get an extra four weeks of training, such as survival training, survival techniques, and to run the latest weapons. We are also trained and first given a proper acclimatization time to tackle the high altitude, low oxygen, and weather conditions," said Ruchi, Assistant Commandant, BSF. The BSF female squad also carries out patrolling and surveillance on the forward posts and near the fencing of the Line of Control. The northern part of the Kashmir Valley border was used actively during Operation Sindoor. This is the bordering area where the Indian Armed Forces destroyed terror camps across the border. The female soldiers of the Border Security Forces have gone through rigorous training in handling the latest arms and ammunition, including rifles like INSAS, AK-47, TAR, and SLR. They have also been trained to work in high altitude areas where there is less oxygen, snow-covered mountains, and minus 20 degrees. ''I am very proud of being deputed to the LoC. It was only male soldiers who were deputed on the line of control, and now we have been given a chance to secure the borders. I am very proud of the fact that I’ve been deputed here, and I am making sure to work very efficiently. We have been provided with the best and the latest arms and ammunition. It helps us to prevent infiltration from across the border. My message to the women of the country is that we as women are securing the borders of the country, and I would want more women to join the BSF," said Garima Jatt, soldier, BSF. In recent times, security forces have arrested dozens of women carrying arms and ammunition, as well as narcotics from the bordering areas into the hinterland. And to curb that, these female soldiers are of great help as well. The frisking and checking of women is easier than it was for the male forces to check women along the bordering areas.

These BSF women brave very tough conditions in a very sensitive area.

BSF female soldiers guard LoC, lead anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir

India’s Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for allegedly ‘promoting secessionism and a false narrative,’ about the alleged human rights atrocities committed in the disputed region. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory issued the order which banned prominent books by historians and academics. The most famous of the banned books is&nbsp;Azadi, by Arundhati Roy which includes essays about thousands of people allegedly killed by the Indian armed forces during conflict. The ban also includes <a href="https://www.sup.org/books/asian-studies/colonizing-kashmir">Colonizing Kashmir</a>: State-building Under Indian Occupation&nbsp;by the US-based academic Hafsa Kanjwal and Contested Lands: Israel-Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia, Cyprus and Sri Lanka&nbsp;by Sumantra Bose.&nbsp;&nbsp;This has prompted raids of bookstores across the region to cease the banned books. The irony is that throughout history, banning a book has put the spotlight on it and granted it more readership than ever before.<h2>A Brief Historical Perspective&nbsp;</h2>Many beloved books were banned at some point of time. The english version of the Bible&nbsp;was banned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1524, as it was claimed that the text should only be read in Latin.&nbsp;Similarly, Shakespeare’s Richard II&nbsp;was banned in 1597, as it contained a scene in which the monarch is deposed from his throne, inviting the ire of Queen Elisabeth I.&nbsp;&nbsp;More recently and famously, Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses&nbsp;was banned in 1988, as Islamic clerics declared it blasphemous and copies of it were widely burnt throughout the world, including in India. Oddly, the much loved Harry Potter&nbsp;series by JK Rowling also came under fire in 2019 as some people demanded that it contained mentions of witchcraft and occult practices and thus should be banned. The war against people’s right to read has been a long and global one. But it is fraught with many in-your-face ironies.<h2>Tempting Taboos</h2>Books, once banned, become taboo and forbidden fruit and much like Adam, readers are often compelled to read these texts to see what blasphemies they hold. The Satanic Verses, once it was unbanned in India, saw people queuing up at bookstores to get a copy.More importantly, book bans might have worked in the pre-internet era. But in this digital age, nothing is truly ever banned. Books are easily pirated and downloaded off the Internet and can be read on smartphones and laptops without the country or government ever coming to know. Book bans create interest in often ordinary and previously un-noteworthy works and thus the blasphemy and seditious content finds a wider readership after the banning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Political Overtones</h3>Just like the Kashmir book ban, banning of literature has always had political reasons. Such A Long Journey&nbsp;by Rohinton Mistry was withdrawn from the University of Mumbai’s syllabus after politician Adtiya Thackeray claimed that the books demeaned his grandfather Balasaheb Thackeray and the Marathi culture as a whole. &nbsp;Similarly, India Independent&nbsp;by Charles Bettelheim was banned in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government for criticising the ruling party’s policies post India’s independence. Sometimes, even business interests seem to justify banning. In 1988, The Polyester Prince by Hamish McDonald was banned for allegedly being a ‘shoddy’ biography of business tycoon Dhirubai Ambani, the father of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani.&nbsp;<h3>Don’t go down the Raj way</h3>During British rule, many books, now central to India’s freedom struggle, were banned. The Indian Struggle&nbsp;by Subhash Chandra Bose and Hind Swaraj&nbsp;by our father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, were banned as being seditious. This created quite a stir then and governments of today would do well to understand how sedition then and sedition now is essentially the same, a muzzling of contrary opinions and a silencing of dissenting voices. The right to read must be central to our society and culture. Dissenting and differing voices must be heard to avoid the creation of sycophantic echo chambers. The act of banning books, however controversial they may be, is similar to banning mirrors just because we don’t like our own faces.

India's Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for 'promoting a false narrative.' But banning books never works and is like trying to ban the right to breathe. 

India’s Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for allegedly ‘promoting secessionism and a false narrative,’ about the alleged human rights atrocities committed in the disputed region. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory issued the order which banned prominent books by historians and academics. The most famous of the banned books is Azadi, by Arundhati Roy which includes essays about thousands of people allegedly killed by the Indian armed forces during conflict. The ban also includes Colonizing Kashmir: State-building Under Indian Occupation by the US-based academic Hafsa Kanjwal and Contested Lands: Israel-Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia, Cyprus and Sri Lanka by Sumantra Bose. This has prompted raids of bookstores across the region to cease the banned books. The irony is that throughout history, banning a book has put the spotlight on it and granted it more readership than ever before. A Brief Historical Perspective Many beloved books were banned at some point of time. The english version of the Bible was banned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1524, as it was claimed that the text should only be read in Latin. Similarly, Shakespeare’s Richard II was banned in 1597, as it contained a scene in which the monarch is deposed from his throne, inviting the ire of Queen Elisabeth I. More recently and famously, Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses was banned in 1988, as Islamic clerics declared it blasphemous and copies of it were widely burnt throughout the world, including in India. Oddly, the much loved Harry Potter series by JK Rowling also came under fire in 2019 as some people demanded that it contained mentions of witchcraft and occult practices and thus should be banned. The war against people’s right to read has been a long and global one. But it is fraught with many in-your-face ironies. Tempting Taboos Books, once banned, become taboo and forbidden fruit and much like Adam, readers are often compelled to read these texts to see what blasphemies they hold. The Satanic Verses, once it was unbanned in India, saw people queuing up at bookstores to get a copy. More importantly, book bans might have worked in the pre-internet era. But in this digital age, nothing is truly ever banned. Books are easily pirated and downloaded off the Internet and can be read on smartphones and laptops without the country or government ever coming to know. Book bans create interest in often ordinary and previously un-noteworthy works and thus the blasphemy and seditious content finds a wider readership after the banning. Political Overtones Just like the Kashmir book ban, banning of literature has always had political reasons. Such A Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry was withdrawn from the University of Mumbai’s syllabus after politician Adtiya Thackeray claimed that the books demeaned his grandfather Balasaheb Thackeray and the Marathi culture as a whole. Similarly, India Independent by Charles Bettelheim was banned in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government for criticising the ruling party’s policies post India’s independence. Sometimes, even business interests seem to justify banning. In 1988, The Polyester Prince by Hamish McDonald was banned for allegedly being a ‘shoddy’ biography of business tycoon Dhirubai Ambani, the father of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. Don’t go down the Raj way During British rule, many books, now central to India’s freedom struggle, were banned. The Indian Struggle by Subhash Chandra Bose and Hind Swaraj by our father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, were banned as being seditious. This created quite a stir then and governments of today would do well to understand how sedition then and sedition now is essentially the same, a muzzling of contrary opinions and a silencing of dissenting voices. The right to read must be central to our society and culture. Dissenting and differing voices must be heard to avoid the creation of sycophantic echo chambers. The act of banning books, however controversial they may be, is similar to banning mirrors just because we don’t like our own faces.

India's Jammu and Kashmir has banned 25 books for 'promoting a false narrative.' But banning books never works and is like trying to ban the right to breathe.&nbsp;

Banning books is like banning the right to breathe. It never works. Here’s why!

Indian security forces are carrying out two major anti-terror operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter started between terrorists and security forces in the Dul area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and continued for the second consecutive day. According to the officials, two terrorists are holed up at the operation site. Security forces also blasted one of the natural caves in the area, in which they believe that terrorists could be hiding.The Indian Army had said earlier that "Contact with Terrorists: Alert Indian Army troops, while carrying out an intelligence-based operation, have established contact with terrorists in the general area of Dul in Kishtwar in the early hours of 10 Aug 2025. Gunfire exchanged. Operation under progress, ''Forces are carrying out one more operation in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on the 11th consecutive day. On Saturday, two Indian Army soldiers were killed in the ongoing anti-terror operation called ''Operation Akhal'' in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. The operation has become one of the longest anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley ever.''Update: OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues,'' said the Indian Army.The operation is being carried out by the Indian Army, including the Para Commandos and RR, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF. Security forces had pushed in helicopters and drones to locate hiding terrorists in the area. Forces were using high-tech surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imaging devices, along with elite Para Special Forces brought to carry out the operation.Four anti-terror operations have been carried out by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last two weeks. It started with Operation Mahadev, in which three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were neutralised by the security forces. All three Pakistani terrorists were killed in the forest area of Lidwas in DachigamOne more operation called Operation Shiv Shakti was carried out by security forces in which two terrorists were killed by security forces. These two terrorists were trying to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir via the Line of Control at the Poonch sector, and the forces foiled the bid and killed both the infiltrators. The security remains on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian forces are engaged in two major anti-terror ops in J&K — a second-day encounter in Kishtwar and the 11-day-long Operation Akhal in Kulgam, where two soldiers were killed. 

Indian security forces are carrying out two major anti-terror operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter started between terrorists and security forces in the Dul area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and continued for the second consecutive day. According to the officials, two terrorists are holed up at the operation site. Security forces also blasted one of the natural caves in the area, in which they believe that terrorists could be hiding. The Indian Army had said earlier that "Contact with Terrorists: Alert Indian Army troops, while carrying out an intelligence-based operation, have established contact with terrorists in the general area of Dul in Kishtwar in the early hours of 10 Aug 2025. Gunfire exchanged. Operation under progress, '' Forces are carrying out one more operation in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on the 11th consecutive day. On Saturday, two Indian Army soldiers were killed in the ongoing anti-terror operation called ''Operation Akhal'' in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. The operation has become one of the longest anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley ever. ''Update: OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues,'' said the Indian Army. The operation is being carried out by the Indian Army, including the Para Commandos and RR, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF. Security forces had pushed in helicopters and drones to locate hiding terrorists in the area. Forces were using high-tech surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imaging devices, along with elite Para Special Forces brought to carry out the operation. Four anti-terror operations have been carried out by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the last two weeks. It started with Operation Mahadev, in which three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were neutralised by the security forces. All three Pakistani terrorists were killed in the forest area of Lidwas in Dachigam One more operation called Operation Shiv Shakti was carried out by security forces in which two terrorists were killed by security forces. These two terrorists were trying to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir via the Line of Control at the Poonch sector, and the forces foiled the bid and killed both the infiltrators. The security remains on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian forces are engaged in two major anti-terror ops in J&amp;K — a second-day encounter in Kishtwar and the 11-day-long Operation Akhal in Kulgam, where two soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

Kishtwar operation continues for 2nd consecutive day, blasts at encounter site; Operation Akhal enters day 11

The Jammu and Kashmir police have started conducting inspections of bookshops and booksellers across the Jammu and Kashmir division following the ban on secessionist literature. The police conducted these inspections in various districts, including Srinagar, Sopore, and multiple areas of North Kashmir.&nbsp;In an unprecedented move, the government of Jammu and Kashmir imposed a ban on 25 books authored by famous writers, including Arundhati Roy and Islamic scholar Maulana Abul Ala Maududi. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has said that these books are promoting narratives that spread secessionist sentiment in the region.&nbsp;The government, in a notification, said that "it has come to the notice of the government that certain literature propagates false narrative and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. Available evidence based on investigations and credible intelligence unflinchingly indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation in violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misleading the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State".&nbsp;It further added that "in the above context, 25 books have been identified that propagate false narrative and secessionism in J&amp;K and need to be declared as 'forfeited' in terms of Section 98 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023".&nbsp;The list of banned books includes works by prominent figures such as the late historian AG Noorani, Kashmiri journalist Anuradha Bhasin, Prominent writer Arundhati Roy, David Devdas, and Victoria Schofield.&nbsp;The youth of Kashmir Valley said that books should not be banned, but if they are promoting content that is harmful to society, it's ok to ban them.&nbsp;''The government officials are intellectuals, and if they have taken a decision to ban these books, we support them. I support them," said Nadifa Riyaz, a student.&nbsp;Some of the youngsters also said that banning big authors like Arundhati Roy and A.G. Noorani should not have been done.&nbsp;&nbsp;''The list has big authors, but at the end of the day, it's the decision of the government, but&nbsp;I would not want books to be banned," said Hina Altaf, a student.&nbsp;During the inspections, Jammu and Kashmir Police did not find these books in any of the bookshops. However, the police issued stern warnings to shopkeepers, advising them against stocking or distributing any of the prohibited books in the future.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have started conducting inspections of bookshops and booksellers across the Jammu and Kashmir division following the ban on secessionist literature. 

The Jammu and Kashmir police have started conducting inspections of bookshops and booksellers across the Jammu and Kashmir division following the ban on secessionist literature. The police conducted these inspections in various districts, including Srinagar, Sopore, and multiple areas of North Kashmir. In an unprecedented move, the government of Jammu and Kashmir imposed a ban on 25 books authored by famous writers, including Arundhati Roy and Islamic scholar Maulana Abul Ala Maududi. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has said that these books are promoting narratives that spread secessionist sentiment in the region. The government, in a notification, said that "it has come to the notice of the government that certain literature propagates false narrative and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. Available evidence based on investigations and credible intelligence unflinchingly indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation in violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misleading the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State". It further added that "in the above context, 25 books have been identified that propagate false narrative and secessionism in J&K and need to be declared as 'forfeited' in terms of Section 98 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023". The list of banned books includes works by prominent figures such as the late historian AG Noorani, Kashmiri journalist Anuradha Bhasin, Prominent writer Arundhati Roy, David Devdas, and Victoria Schofield. The youth of Kashmir Valley said that books should not be banned, but if they are promoting content that is harmful to society, it's ok to ban them. ''The government officials are intellectuals, and if they have taken a decision to ban these books, we support them. I support them," said Nadifa Riyaz, a student. Some of the youngsters also said that banning big authors like Arundhati Roy and A.G. Noorani should not have been done. ''The list has big authors, but at the end of the day, it's the decision of the government, but I would not want books to be banned," said Hina Altaf, a student. During the inspections, Jammu and Kashmir Police did not find these books in any of the bookshops. However, the police issued stern warnings to shopkeepers, advising them against stocking or distributing any of the prohibited books in the future.

In an unprecedented move, the government of Jammu and Kashmir imposed a ban on 25 books authored by famous writers, including Arundhati Roy and Islamic scholar Maulana Abul Ala Maududi.

JK police inspect bookshops following the government ban on 25 books

A day after two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces continued their anti-terror operation in the Kulgam district. According to a report by the Indian news agency PTI, the encounter, which initially began on Friday between the security forces and terrorists, resumed in Kulgam’s Akhal area on Sunday.&nbsp;The overnight gunfight started after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forested region of Akhal in the south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-akhal-kulgam-encounter-underway-in-j-k-security-forces-neutralise-one-terrorist-breaking-news-1754100840521">Operation Akhal, Kulgam: Encounter underway in J&amp;K; Security forces neutralise one terrorist</a>&nbsp;Following an initial exchange of fire on Friday evening, the operation was paused overnight. Officials said that the perimeter was secured, and additional reinforcements were sent to the area. Later, the gunfiring resumed on Saturday morning, resulting in the killing of two terrorists.&nbsp;In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said, "OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact." "One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues," Chinar Corps added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update: OP AKHAL, Kulgam Intermittent and Intense fire fight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the nooze while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues.…&mdash; Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1951460461934997708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Another terrorist killed hours later</h3>The ongoing operation is being done in a joint cooperation of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF, and the Special Operations Group (SOG).&nbsp;Later, officials confirmed that a second terrorist had been neturalised and another was injured. "We suspect one or two more terrorists are still hiding in the area. Operation is on,” senior police officer VK Birdi told NDTV.&nbsp;The operation followed after three of the terrorists who carried out the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22 were killed in encounter by security forces near Srinagar under 'Operation Mahadev'.

The operation ‘Akhal’ under a joint cooperation with the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) is underway. The perimeter has been secured, and additional reinforcements have been sent to the area. 

A day after two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces continued their anti-terror operation in the Kulgam district. According to a report by the Indian news agency PTI, the encounter, which initially began on Friday between the security forces and terrorists, resumed in Kulgam’s Akhal area on Sunday. The overnight gunfight started after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forested region of Akhal in the south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. Also read: Operation Akhal, Kulgam: Encounter underway in J&K; Security forces neutralise one terrorist Following an initial exchange of fire on Friday evening, the operation was paused overnight. Officials said that the perimeter was secured, and additional reinforcements were sent to the area. Later, the gunfiring resumed on Saturday morning, resulting in the killing of two terrorists. In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said, "OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact." "One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues," Chinar Corps added.

The operation ‘Akhal’ under a joint cooperation with the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) is underway. The perimeter has been secured, and additional reinforcements have been sent to the area.&nbsp;

Operation 'AKHAL' continues after two terrorists killed in joint operation in J&K's Kulgam — Details here

In India's Jammu and Kashmir, an encounter between the security forces and terrorists is underway in Kulgam district on Saturday (Aug 2). As per news agency ANI, the encounter is taking place in the Akhal area of Kulgam district. The operation is jointly being carried out by the Special Operations Group (SOG), J&amp;K Police, Army, and CRPF. In a post on X, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps reported that while the Operation Akhal, Kulgam continues, security forces have neutralised one terrorist so far. “Intermittent and Intense fire fight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the nooze while maintaining contact, it said, adding, ”One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far."

This comes as on July 30, an encounter broke out along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir after the Indian Army troops detected suspicious movement near the border fence, said the Army's White Knight Corps. As per officials, Indian troops keeping vigil along the LoC noticed the movement of two individuals under suspicious circumstances in the general area of the Poonch sector. The individuals – suspected terrorists – upon being confronted by Indian soldiers, opened fire, prompting a swift retaliation from the Army. In a post on X, White Knight Corps stated, "White Knight Corps Contact with terrorists. Suspected movement of two individuals was observed by own troops along the fence in gen area of Poonch Sector. Gunfire exchanged." The joint anti-terror operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and Special Operations Group (SOG) is still in progress.

Operation Akhal, Kulgam: Encounter underway in J&K; Security forces neutralise one terrorist

In India's Jammu and Kashmir, an encounter between the security forces and terrorists is underway in Kulgam district on Saturday (Aug 2). As per news agency ANI, the encounter is taking place in the Akhal area of Kulgam district. The operation is jointly being carried out by the Special Operations Group (SOG), J&K Police, Army, and CRPF. In a post on X, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps reported that while the Operation Akhal, Kulgam continues, security forces have neutralised one terrorist so far. “Intermittent and Intense fire fight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the nooze while maintaining contact, it said, adding, ”One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far."

Operation Akhal, Kulgam: Encounter underway in J&amp;K; Security forces neutralise one terrorist

The pilots of a helicopter of the Indian Army's aviation wing disregarded their safety on Wednesday as they rescued a teenager stuck on an island amid a raging river in Jammu and Kashmir. Dramatic visuals&nbsp;showed the pilots dangerously lowering the helicopter almost to the level of the raging river to ensure that the boy could comfortably&nbsp;board the aircraft.&nbsp;The incident took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The boy was stranded on an island the amidst heavily flooded Naushera Tawi river. The Indian Army was called to rescue&nbsp;the boy.&nbsp;The brave pilots, in a tricky rescue mission, lowered the helicopter to dangerous&nbsp;levels. Despite poor weather conditions, the pilots hovered the aircraft in the middle of the Naushera Tawi river on the island, where the teenager had been fighting for his life.&nbsp;The pilots exhibited exceptional skill at negotiating wire obstacles and the river in spate. They had no landing spot, and even a minor error could have proved fatal.&nbsp;However, courageously, they evacuated the boy from the island and landed safely on the bank of the river in spate.&nbsp;This act of courage carried out by the pilots was beyond their call of duty.&nbsp;The pilots belonged to the Army Aviation Corps, the youngest arm of the Indian Army. It was formed on November 1, 1989.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Amidst the raging Naushera Tawi floods, Indian Army aviation pilots bravely rescued a teenage boy stuck on an island . . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Naushera?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Naushera</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajouri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajouri</a> <a href="https://t.co/EuPEFEuZiS">pic.twitter.com/EuPEFEuZiS</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1948027770048803270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;However, courageously, they evacuated the boy from the island and landed safely on the bank of the river in spate.&nbsp;This act of courage carried out by the pilots was beyond their call of duty.&nbsp;The pilots belonged to the Army Aviation Corps, the youngest arm of the Indian Army.

The pilots of a helicopter of the Indian Army's aviation wing disregarded their safety on Wednesday as they rescued a teenager stuck on an island amid a raging river in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The pilots of a helicopter of the Indian Army's aviation wing disregarded their safety on Wednesday as they rescued a teenager stuck on an island amid a raging river in Jammu and Kashmir. Dramatic visuals showed the pilots dangerously lowering the helicopter almost to the level of the raging river to ensure that the boy could comfortably board the aircraft. The incident took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The boy was stranded on an island the amidst heavily flooded Naushera Tawi river. The Indian Army was called to rescue the boy. The brave pilots, in a tricky rescue mission, lowered the helicopter to dangerous levels. Despite poor weather conditions, the pilots hovered the aircraft in the middle of the Naushera Tawi river on the island, where the teenager had been fighting for his life. The pilots exhibited exceptional skill at negotiating wire obstacles and the river in spate. They had no landing spot, and even a minor error could have proved fatal. However, courageously, they evacuated the boy from the island and landed safely on the bank of the river in spate. This act of courage carried out by the pilots was beyond their call of duty. The pilots belonged to the Army Aviation Corps, the youngest arm of the Indian Army. It was formed on November 1, 1989.

The boy was stranded on an island the amidst heavily flooded Naushera Tawi river.

Watch: Army helicopter pilots' daring rescue mission over raging Jammu and Kashmir river

An earthquake was reported in the Jammu and Kashmir region with a magnitude of 3.6 Richter scale and a depth of 9 kilometres. There had been no report of life loss or property damage. The earthquake reportedly hit in the evening at 7:36 pm at a latitude of 32.96 degrees north and a longitude of 74.71 degrees east.&nbsp;

An earthquake was reported in the Jammu and Kashmir region with a magnitude of 3.6 Richter and a depth of 9 kilometres.

An earthquake was reported in the Jammu and Kashmir region with a magnitude of 3.6 Richter scale and a depth of 9 kilometres. There had been no report of life loss or property damage. The earthquake reportedly hit in the evening at 7:36 pm at a latitude of 32.96 degrees north and a longitude of 74.71 degrees east.

An earthquake was reported in the Jammu and Kashmir region with a magnitude of 3.6 Richter and a depth of 9 kilometres.

No casualties, Jammu and Kashmir hit by earthquake of 3.6 Richter

Professor G Madhavi Latha, a civil engineering expert from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was one of the bridge important contributors.

Professor G Madhavi Latha, a civil engineering expert from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was one of the bridge's important contributors.

17 years, no fixed blueprint: Meet Madhavi Latha, the IISc professor behind world’s tallest Chenab bridge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two pioneering railway bridges in Jammu &amp; Kashmir- the Anji bridge which is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Both of these structures form part of the ambitious 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) which is designed to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through an all-weather railway corridor.&nbsp;While the Chenab Bridge, standing 359 metres above the riverbed has already garnered attention for its height and engineering, the Anji Khad Bridge marks a different kind of milestone. Spanning about 725 metres across the deep Anji river valley which is a tributary of the Chenab river, the bridge is the country’s first railway bridge supported entirely by cable-stayed technology. It is located about 80 km from Jammu city in Reasi district and is built over geologically complex Himalayan terrain. It connects the towns of Katra and Raesi. The bridge is engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds of up to 213 km/h.<h2>A First of Its Kind</h2>&nbsp;One of the many interesting features of the bridge is that the Anji Khad Bridge features an inverted Y-shaped pylon that rises 193 metres from its foundation. It additionally supports 96 cables of varying lengths that stabilise the bridge deck. Another testament of its advanced design is that the bridge is about 2,830 feet long and stands 1,086 feet above the ground. The total cable length runs over 653 kilometres and it additionally includes a 12.3-foot service road and footpaths on either side. The bridge is built to handle extreme weather conditions and trains travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h will use this route, significantly improving transit through the region.&nbsp;<h2>Built for Challenging Terrain</h2>&nbsp;Designed with seismic resilience in mind, the bridge used over 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel and was completed in just 11 months. It is also furnished with a sensor-based, integrated health monitoring system to track structural behaviour throughout its life cycle. The location of the bridge, in the young, fragile folds of the Himalayas posed a serious challenge in its engineering making the project one of the most technically demanding in Indian Railways’ history.&nbsp;It is hence, justified to say that both the Chenab and Anji bridges are not just feats of design but, strategic assets. Together, they close a crucial gap in the Kashmir railway link, enhancing movement for civilians, defence forces and trade. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were also present at the event.

The Anji Khad bridge spans the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River. It connects the towns of Katra and Reasi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two pioneering railway bridges in Jammu & Kashmir- the Anji bridge which is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Both of these structures form part of the ambitious 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) which is designed to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through an all-weather railway corridor. While the Chenab Bridge, standing 359 metres above the riverbed has already garnered attention for its height and engineering, the Anji Khad Bridge marks a different kind of milestone. Spanning about 725 metres across the deep Anji river valley which is a tributary of the Chenab river, the bridge is the country’s first railway bridge supported entirely by cable-stayed technology. It is located about 80 km from Jammu city in Reasi district and is built over geologically complex Himalayan terrain. It connects the towns of Katra and Raesi. The bridge is engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds of up to 213 km/h. A First of Its Kind One of the many interesting features of the bridge is that the Anji Khad Bridge features an inverted Y-shaped pylon that rises 193 metres from its foundation. It additionally supports 96 cables of varying lengths that stabilise the bridge deck. Another testament of its advanced design is that the bridge is about 2,830 feet long and stands 1,086 feet above the ground. The total cable length runs over 653 kilometres and it additionally includes a 12.3-foot service road and footpaths on either side. The bridge is built to handle extreme weather conditions and trains travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h will use this route, significantly improving transit through the region. Built for Challenging Terrain Designed with seismic resilience in mind, the bridge used over 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel and was completed in just 11 months. It is also furnished with a sensor-based, integrated health monitoring system to track structural behaviour throughout its life cycle. The location of the bridge, in the young, fragile folds of the Himalayas posed a serious challenge in its engineering making the project one of the most technically demanding in Indian Railways’ history. It is hence, justified to say that both the Chenab and Anji bridges are not just feats of design but, strategic assets. Together, they close a crucial gap in the Kashmir railway link, enhancing movement for civilians, defence forces and trade. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were also present at the event.

The Anji Khad bridge spans the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River. It connects the towns of Katra and Reasi.&nbsp;

'India's first cable-stayed rail link': All about J&K's Anji Khad bridge inaugurated by PM Modi

In the last few years, Jammu&Kashmir have become a hub for drugs. The recent studies revealed that Jammu and Kashmir have 0.6 million people involved in drug-related issues.

India: Heroin, Cocaine and Brown Sugar easily available in Jammu and Kashmi

In a significant development, the Indian army chief is on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir for 2 days. This comes after at least 11 people have lost their lives in India Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists target laborers in the latest attack

A group of foreign envoys are expected to visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the 17th of this month. The visit, which is still in the planning stage, will focus on the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019.

This will be the 3rd such visit of envoys to the Union Territory in the last one year. India had taken a group in January, and another group in February of 2020. During that visit, the envoys had met locals, as well as top administrative leadership of the union territory.

The visit comes even as 4G speed internet has been restored in the union territory. The internet was restored after a gap of 18 months. The decision was welcomed by the U.S. State Department.

The U.S. State Department in a tweet said, "We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu &amp; Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political &amp; economic progress to restore normalcy in J&amp;K."

The focus will also be on how grassroots democracy has taken root in the union territory particularly after the recent DDC elections.

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We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu &amp; Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political &amp; economic progress to restore normalcy in J&amp;K.
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1359504796194131974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the last one year, India has been reaching out to the diplomatic community in Delhi to showcase its Covid action plan as well. Last year more than 50 envoys based in Delhi were taken to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad to show India's pharma plants where Covid vaccines are being manufactured. New Delhi has invited the diplomatic community to take part in its vaccination program as well and has got an enthusiastic response. 3000 foreign diplomats and their families have accepted the invite to get vaccinated. 
&nbsp;

A group of foreign envoys are expected to visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the 17th of this month. The visit, which is still in the planning stage, will focus on the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019.

A group of foreign envoys are expected to visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the 17th of this month. The visit, which is still in the planning stage, will focus on the progress made on the ground in the aftermath of the removal of special status for the region in 2019. This will be the 3rd such visit of envoys to the Union Territory in the last one year. India had taken a group in January, and another group in February of 2020. During that visit, the envoys had met locals, as well as top administrative leadership of the union territory. The visit comes even as 4G speed internet has been restored in the union territory. The internet was restored after a gap of 18 months. The decision was welcomed by the U.S. State Department. The U.S. State Department in a tweet said, "We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu & Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political & economic progress to restore normalcy in J&K." The focus will also be on how grassroots democracy has taken root in the union territory particularly after the recent DDC elections. We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu & Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political & economic progress to restore normalcy in J&K. — State_SCA (@State_SCA) February 10, 2021 × In the last one year, India has been reaching out to the diplomatic community in Delhi to showcase its Covid action plan as well. Last year more than 50 envoys based in Delhi were taken to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad to show India's pharma plants where Covid vaccines are being manufactured. New Delhi has invited the diplomatic community to take part in its vaccination program as well and has got an enthusiastic response. 3000 foreign diplomats and their families have accepted the invite to get vaccinated.

As 4G gets restored, foreign envoys expected to visit J&K

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have said that they had input about an infiltration bid by terrorists 15 days prior to the attempt which resulted in the killings of three terrorists and four forces personnel including a Capitan rank officer in Machil sector along the Line of Control in north Kashmir.&nbsp;

Border Security forces today paid tribute to the slain Constable in Budgam and laid a wreath while remembering the sacrifice made by him while fighting terrorists. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorists-woman-killed-crpf-officer-injured-in-srinagar-encounter-328064">Three terrorists, woman killed, CRPF officer injured in Srinagar encounter</a>&nbsp;

Speaking to media after the wreath-laying ceremony of the slain BSF constable who was killed during the initial exchange of fire with the terrorists, Additional Director General of BSF Surinder Pawar said "a patrolling party spotted three shadows after which an exchange of fire took place. Constable Sudhir Kumar was leading from the front and got injured while facing the terrorist."

ADG said that then army reinforcement was called in and a hunt for the other two terrorists was launched. "In the exchange of fire with the terrorists, Captain Ashutosh Kumar and two other army men were martyred."

When asked about the status of infiltration this year, he said only 25 to 30 terrorists managed to enter the valley compared to 135 to 140 last year. &nbsp;"The operation is still on and we are sanitizing the area," he said adding that the troops are alert and ready to foil any more attempts.&nbsp;

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have said that they had input about an infiltration bid by terrorists 15 days prior to the attempt which resulted in the killings of three terrorists and four forces personnel including a Capitan rank officer in Machil sector along the Line of Control in north Kashmir.

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have said that they had input about an infiltration bid by terrorists 15 days prior to the attempt which resulted in the killings of three terrorists and four forces personnel including a Capitan rank officer in Machil sector along the Line of Control in north Kashmir. Border Security forces today paid tribute to the slain Constable in Budgam and laid a wreath while remembering the sacrifice made by him while fighting terrorists. Also read | Three terrorists, woman killed, CRPF officer injured in Srinagar encounter Speaking to media after the wreath-laying ceremony of the slain BSF constable who was killed during the initial exchange of fire with the terrorists, Additional Director General of BSF Surinder Pawar said "a patrolling party spotted three shadows after which an exchange of fire took place. Constable Sudhir Kumar was leading from the front and got injured while facing the terrorist." ADG said that then army reinforcement was called in and a hunt for the other two terrorists was launched. "In the exchange of fire with the terrorists, Captain Ashutosh Kumar and two other army men were martyred." When asked about the status of infiltration this year, he said only 25 to 30 terrorists managed to enter the valley compared to 135 to 140 last year. "The operation is still on and we are sanitizing the area," he said adding that the troops are alert and ready to foil any more attempts.

Operation on LoC in Machil sector still on, forces had inputs 15 days back: ADG BSF

Glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are melting at a "significant" rate, according to a first-of-its-kind study which used satellite data to find that over 1,200 glaciers in the Himalayan region saw an annual reduction in mass of 35 centimetres (cm) on average between 2000 and 2012.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, was carried over the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region, including areas across the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC), and in all 12,243 glaciers were studied for thickness and mass changes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmirs-historical-mughal-garden-to-be-included-into-unesco-world-heritage-list-325776" hreflang="en">Jammu and Kashmir's historical Mughal garden to be included into UNESCO world heritage list</a>

"In general, it was observed that the glaciers in the Pir Panjal range are melting at the higher rate,&nbsp;more than one metre per year, while as the glaciers in the Karakoram range are melting relatively at slower rate, around 10 cms per year," noted Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, corresponding author of the study.

"Some glaciers are even advancing or stable in the Karakoram range. In other mountain ranges like the Greater Himalayan range, Zanaskar range, Shamabari range, Leh ranges, the glaciers are undoubtedly melting but the rate of melting is variable," Romshoo, Dean of Research at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar, told PTI.

The research team, including Tariq Abdullah and Irfan Rashid, both from Geoinformatics Department, University of Kashmir, used two satellite observations made in 2000 by NASA and in 2012 by German space agency DLR.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorist-associates-of-let-arrested-in-jks-bandipora-325964" hreflang="en">Three terrorist associates of LeT arrested in J&amp;K's Bandipora</a>

They employed this data to determine the glacier thickness changes over the entire Upper Indus Basin, comprising of over 12,000 glaciers.

"There is no such data (satellite observations) available in the world after 2012. This is a first of its kind study in the region and provides a very good idea about what is happening to the glaciers in the region," Romshoo explained.

Till date, he said, only six to seven glaciers have been studied in the region for thickness and glacial mass changes using field observations.

The researchers noted that while glacier melting is a continuous process and the shrinkage in area of the glaciers is being estimated routinely, thickness and mass changes are not possible always because of the lack of satellite data.

There are also limitations and challenges associated with field based studies in the mountainous Himalaya, they said.

The team noted that during one decade of observation in this study, the region has lost about 70.32 gigatonne of glacier mass, which is "quite significant."

Romshoo noted that the continued melting of glaciers will have significant adverse impacts on every sector of economy in the region and beyond, particularly in the downstream areas which are already water scarce.

"It is pertinent to mention here that the waters emanating from this region are shared between the neighbouring countries in the south Asia," the professor at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, added.

The knowledge generated about the glacier thickness changes across different mountain ranges in the data-scarce Himalayan region is vital for determining the sustainability of water resources in the south Asian region, according to the researchers.

Melting of the glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is going to impact the water, food and energy security with the consequent adverse effect on the dependent livelihoods, they noted.

The researchers explained that the main drivers of the glacial melt in the Himalayan region are increasing temperatures and decreasing snow precipitation, resulting from greenhouse gas emissions from industrialisation and increasing use of fossil fuels the world over.

Romshoo noted that though there is "almost no industrialisation" in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalaya, the mountainous region is facing the brunt of climate change happening globally.

A study, published in the journal Climatic Change on July 29, found that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh may witness a temperature increase of up to 6.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to climate change, warning that the glaciers in this Himalayan region could shrink by 85 per cent if the projections come true.

The latest study was conducted as part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) research project "Centre of Excellence for glacial research in the western Himalaya."

Glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are melting at a "significant" rate, according to a first-of-its-kind study which used satellite data to find that over 1,200 glaciers in the Himalayan region saw an annual reduction in mass of 35 centimetres (cm) on average between 2000 and 2012.

Glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are melting at a "significant" rate, according to a first-of-its-kind study which used satellite data to find that over 1,200 glaciers in the Himalayan region saw an annual reduction in mass of 35 centimetres (cm) on average between 2000 and 2012. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, was carried over the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region, including areas across the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC), and in all 12,243 glaciers were studied for thickness and mass changes. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir's historical Mughal garden to be included into UNESCO world heritage list "In general, it was observed that the glaciers in the Pir Panjal range are melting at the higher rate, more than one metre per year, while as the glaciers in the Karakoram range are melting relatively at slower rate, around 10 cms per year," noted Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, corresponding author of the study. "Some glaciers are even advancing or stable in the Karakoram range. In other mountain ranges like the Greater Himalayan range, Zanaskar range, Shamabari range, Leh ranges, the glaciers are undoubtedly melting but the rate of melting is variable," Romshoo, Dean of Research at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar, told PTI. The research team, including Tariq Abdullah and Irfan Rashid, both from Geoinformatics Department, University of Kashmir, used two satellite observations made in 2000 by NASA and in 2012 by German space agency DLR. Also read: Three terrorist associates of LeT arrested in J&K's Bandipora They employed this data to determine the glacier thickness changes over the entire Upper Indus Basin, comprising of over 12,000 glaciers. "There is no such data (satellite observations) available in the world after 2012. This is a first of its kind study in the region and provides a very good idea about what is happening to the glaciers in the region," Romshoo explained. Till date, he said, only six to seven glaciers have been studied in the region for thickness and glacial mass changes using field observations. The researchers noted that while glacier melting is a continuous process and the shrinkage in area of the glaciers is being estimated routinely, thickness and mass changes are not possible always because of the lack of satellite data. There are also limitations and challenges associated with field based studies in the mountainous Himalaya, they said. The team noted that during one decade of observation in this study, the region has lost about 70.32 gigatonne of glacier mass, which is "quite significant." Romshoo noted that the continued melting of glaciers will have significant adverse impacts on every sector of economy in the region and beyond, particularly in the downstream areas which are already water scarce. "It is pertinent to mention here that the waters emanating from this region are shared between the neighbouring countries in the south Asia," the professor at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, added. The knowledge generated about the glacier thickness changes across different mountain ranges in the data-scarce Himalayan region is vital for determining the sustainability of water resources in the south Asian region, according to the researchers. Melting of the glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is going to impact the water, food and energy security with the consequent adverse effect on the dependent livelihoods, they noted. The researchers explained that the main drivers of the glacial melt in the Himalayan region are increasing temperatures and decreasing snow precipitation, resulting from greenhouse gas emissions from industrialisation and increasing use of fossil fuels the world over. Romshoo noted that though there is "almost no industrialisation" in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalaya, the mountainous region is facing the brunt of climate change happening globally. A study, published in the journal Climatic Change on July 29, found that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh may witness a temperature increase of up to 6.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to climate change, warning that the glaciers in this Himalayan region could shrink by 85 per cent if the projections come true. The latest study was conducted as part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) research project "Centre of Excellence for glacial research in the western Himalaya."

Glaciers in Jammu and Kashmir melting at 'significant' rate: Study

Cherry growers in Kashmir have demanded minimum support price (MSP) as despite the high yield this year farmers are facing massive losses due to limited demand amid the coronavirus pandemic. Watch report.

COVID-19 casts shadow over cherry industry in J&K: Farmers demand minimum support price for govt

The Indian army in Jammu and Kashmir has set up two COVID-19 hospitals with the cooperation of civilian administration to help battle the pandemic. Watch WION ground report from Srinagar.

Indian Army sets up 2 COVID-19 hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir