On Saturday morning, two terrorists were neutralized in an encounter that broke out in the Baramulla area of Jammu and Kashmir. In Uri, the counterterrorism operation is still in progress close to the Line of Control.

Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir: Counter-terrorism operation enters fourth day | India

In India's Jammu and Kashmir security forces have resumed counter terrorism operations in the area following an intense clash between the armed forces and militants which happened on Wednesday.

J&K: India's anti-terrorist offensive in South Kashmir

To completely wipe out the terror networks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India is now focusing on the terror network across the border. Over 4000 terrorists who fled Jammu and Kashmir in the last three decades and are operating from Pakistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are likely to lose their properties in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, around 4,200 terrorists&nbsp;living in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir have been listed as&nbsp;"proclaimed offenders" by the government of India and their properties are being attached.

The government authorities have already started the drive by seizing the properties of these terrorists. Agencies like the National Investigative Agency (NIA) and State Investigative Agency (SIA) have seized dozens of properties in the Kashmir Valley. Jammu and Kashmir Police have also seized over 16 properties in Doda district in the last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-external-debt-of-6247-billion-is-controllable-nirmala-sitharaman-634801">India’s external debt of $624.7 billion is controllable: Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

''Those who have gone and taken shelter in Pakistan were earlier associated with terrorism here and now are running the networks from sitting across the border. We have made a list of those involved and recently in Doda district, we have taken strict action against those and seized their properties and have been listed among fugitives,'' said Dilbag Singh, the Director-General of J&amp;K Police.

According to government officials, the Inspector-General of Registrations and Revenue has already received a list of around 4,200 terrorists living in PoK for the last three decades.

The revenue department would most likely be seizing the properties and also making sure that these properties are neither sold nor bought by anyone. Jammu and Kashmir Police in recent times have also attached properties of those who are found guilty of wilfully providing shelter to the terrorists.

In a recent statement, the LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha also appealed to the locals of Kashmir Valley to not support or provide shelter to terrorists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/well-done-india-saudi-crown-prince-all-praise-for-indias-g20-presidency-as-delhi-riyadh-bond-strengthens-634784">'Well done India': Saudi Crown Prince all praise for India's G20 presidency as Delhi-Riyadh bond strengthens</a>

"I hope the locals in the Kashmir Valley will not give protection or support to any anti-national elements. The rest of the job will be done by the police and security forces. Don't give shelter. It is because of terrorism that people in J&amp;K have been living in fear for decades. And we have made up our mind to completely wipe out the terrorism across Jammu and Kashmir with your support," said Manoj Sinha.

According to the sources,&nbsp;security experts have suggested the government focus on the terror networks and ecosystem both in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Pakistan. They say that only when the grassroots networks of terror groups are wiped out, will Jammu and Kashmir be terror-free.

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To completely wipe out the terror networks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India is now focusing on the terror network across the border. Over 4000 terrorists who fled Jammu and Kashmir in the last three decades and are operating from Pakistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are likely to lose their properties in Jammu and Kashmir.

To completely wipe out the terror networks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India is now focusing on the terror network across the border. Over 4000 terrorists who fled Jammu and Kashmir in the last three decades and are operating from Pakistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are likely to lose their properties in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, around 4,200 terrorists living in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir have been listed as "proclaimed offenders" by the government of India and their properties are being attached. The government authorities have already started the drive by seizing the properties of these terrorists. Agencies like the National Investigative Agency (NIA) and State Investigative Agency (SIA) have seized dozens of properties in the Kashmir Valley. Jammu and Kashmir Police have also seized over 16 properties in Doda district in the last week. Also read | India’s external debt of $624.7 billion is controllable: Nirmala Sitharaman ''Those who have gone and taken shelter in Pakistan were earlier associated with terrorism here and now are running the networks from sitting across the border. We have made a list of those involved and recently in Doda district, we have taken strict action against those and seized their properties and have been listed among fugitives,'' said Dilbag Singh, the Director-General of J&K Police. According to government officials, the Inspector-General of Registrations and Revenue has already received a list of around 4,200 terrorists living in PoK for the last three decades. The revenue department would most likely be seizing the properties and also making sure that these properties are neither sold nor bought by anyone. Jammu and Kashmir Police in recent times have also attached properties of those who are found guilty of wilfully providing shelter to the terrorists. In a recent statement, the LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha also appealed to the locals of Kashmir Valley to not support or provide shelter to terrorists. Also read | 'Well done India': Saudi Crown Prince all praise for India's G20 presidency as Delhi-Riyadh bond strengthens "I hope the locals in the Kashmir Valley will not give protection or support to any anti-national elements. The rest of the job will be done by the police and security forces. Don't give shelter. It is because of terrorism that people in J&K have been living in fear for decades. And we have made up our mind to completely wipe out the terrorism across Jammu and Kashmir with your support," said Manoj Sinha. According to the sources, security experts have suggested the government focus on the terror networks and ecosystem both in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Pakistan. They say that only when the grassroots networks of terror groups are wiped out, will Jammu and Kashmir be terror-free. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India to seize J&K-based properties of 4,000 fugitive terrorists in Pakistan and PoK

Central Reserve Police Force deployed in Jammu and Kashmir have been provided with a wheeled armoured amphibious platform vehicle designed for both land and water.

India: New amphibious vehicle for CRPF in J&K

In a historic milestone, the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir celebrated a grand Independence Day first time in over three decades.

Historic Jammu & Kashmir Independence Day celebrations

Line of Control (Naugam Sector, JK), Aug 15 (PTI) Members of the Border Security Force (BSF) observed Independence Day on Tuesday in this isolated location close to the Line of Control in the Kupwara region of Jammu and Kashmir. The battalion's commanding officer raised the national flag as the jawans sang nationalistic anthems to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the nation's independence.

Jammu and Kashmir: BSF soldiers celebrate independence day in high spirits | India

India is set to celebrate the 76th anniversary of its independence on 15th August. And Srinagar is not far behind, as vibrant preparations are underway at the historical Lal chowk, which has been decked up with the national flag.

India: Hundreds participate in flag march showing changed Kashmir

Since Article 370 was repealed four years ago, the winds and the suns of time have altered in India's Jammu and Kashmir, sweeping the past's dust with them.

India: Kashmir receives record number of tourists

Jammu is set to lead India’s first Cannabis Medicine Project. The project undertaken by the CSIR-IIIM Jammu is in collaboration with a Canadian firm ‘IndusScan'. Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed the importance of the project

India's Jammu kicks off the nation's first cannabis medicine project

Apple production in India is likely to take a major hit this year according to experts, the Apple produce is expected to have as heavy rains and flash floods have wiped out about 122 million dollars worth of fruit.

Excessive rain to cause damage to apple farms in Kashmir

Kashmir Valley, famously known as paradise on Earth, has become one of the top Indian&nbsp;states fighting drug abuse.&nbsp;Thousands of syringes are being used to inject heroin in the Valley by drug abusers on a daily basis. While the government says most of the drugs are sent to Kashmir Valley from across the border, a massive crackdown on drug peddlers has also started across the Union Territory.&nbsp;

In a recent study, Kashmir Valley recently surpassed every other state in India to be among the top two states in the country with regard to drug abuse. And one of the most common drugs used here is Heroin. It was revealed in a study that Kashmir was at the number two slot as far as drug abuse was concerned as the region has left behind Punjab which was considered the hub till recently.

According to a top police official in the Union Territory, over 5,000 cases have been registered in the last few years against drug peddlers. The action is making a difference on the ground, but the drug mafia is so huge that it will take a lot of time for the administration to clean the mess.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-biggest-ever-drug-haul-officials-seize-15000-blots-busts-dark-net-ring-of-drug-traffickers-601283">India's biggest-ever drug haul: Officials seize 15,000 blots, busts 'dark net' ring of drug traffickers</a>

''If we talk about the prevalence, we did a survey last year in which we took samples from all the ten districts of Kashmir Valley. It was done in collaboration with the social welfare department and the Directorate of Health. In the survey, we found the prevalence was around 2.87 per cent and if you compare this to other states, we found it more than Punjab which was considered to be the hub of drug abuse. it equals to around 67000 people, and these were dependent on drugs and mostly on heroin. Which is very alarming and most of them were using injections, '' said Dr Yasir Rather, Professor, Incharge drug de-addiction centre, SMHS, GMC Srinagar.

However, experts say that the coordination between all stakeholders in the valley is showing results on the ground. Not only has the availability of drugs in the markets gone down, but the number of drug users seeking treatment has gone up. The de-addiction centres across the Valley are witnessing an increase in the number of abusers seeking treatment. &nbsp;

''The number of abusers seeking treatment has increased. It could be due to the awareness among people about these patients. There is word of mouth. We use oral substitution therapy which is very useful in heroin addicts. Treatment-seeking behaviours are changing and what we also found out from our patients is that there is a decrease in the availability of the drugs in the valley. Due to that, they think it's better to go for treatment and once the supply gets reduced there is an increase in the prices as well. Heroin was sold for 3000 per gm a few years ago and now the rates have gone up to 6000 per gm. This could be due to the decrease in the supply of heroin. On a daily basis, we see around 150-180 patients. From last year, there is coordination among various stakeholders and due to that there is sharing of information which led to curbing the trafficking and helped in overcoming the issue, '' said Dr Yasir Rather, Professor, Incharge drug de-addiction centre, SMHS, GMC Srinagar.

The study also revealed that huge money was involved in the drug industry of the Valley. Doctors say that Rs. 88,000 ($1,065) are being spent every month by each drug user involved in opiates.&nbsp;

The drug abusers in the Valley are seeing a change as well. They say that the drug availability in the market has gone down. The drugs previously were easily available in the Valley, but after the action by the police and administration, there has been a change on the ground. The rates for these drugs have also gone up.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-drugs-worth-12-billion-seized-from-two-cities-former-pilot-among-six-arrested-523308">India: Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized from two cities, former pilot among six arrested</a>

''I started in 2016, I had an accident and was at home and my friends used to visit me and they gave it to me. They didn't even know how to use it. But then we met some people who taught us how to use heroin. I was fully an addict by 2017. One day I went shopping with my fiancé and I started getting withdrawal symptoms. I was part of a bad friend circle, and they pushed me into this. I started from foil to injection. I used to work and had money. During Covid, the rates went up and the availability has been going down. It used to be available easily but now there is a curb. Now it's very difficult to find it. I have been in rehab for the last year. Two years ago, the drugs were available so easily but now it's very difficult. There is a code word called 'pant' the peddlers use to sell it to youngsters. Now it's hardly available. My parents were depressed, and I couldn't bear that and that's why I stopped, '' a drug abuser currently in rehab said.

The study has revealed that most of the drug abusers are in the age group of 17 and 33 and are mostly among the unemployed population. The most commonly used psychoactive substance was opioids among these abusers. The study also shows that in all ten districts, 67, 468 people have dependence patterns on psychoactive substances while 5,204 individuals among them were opioid dependent. Heroin was a predominant illicit drug that was used among opioid users.&nbsp;

Most of the drug abusers in the Valley say that the action needs to be taken against the peddlers and that is how the menace of Drugs could be curbed in the valley. According to them, if the abuser does not get the drugs, it will solve all the issues and they want action to be taken against the ones selling these drugs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/600000-youngsters-in-jammu-and-kashmir-have-become-drug-addicts-study-430035">600,000 youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir have become drug addicts: Study</a>

''With me, I started with medicinal opiates, I shifted to brown sugar, then to heroin. I left a year ago. It was so easily available, especially in the outskirts of Srinagar and the area close to Sangam. Sometimes even girls would sell it to us. Finding the peddler is easy in Kashmir. Police do not keep them arrested for long. They generally arrest the abusers and not the peddlers. A gram of heroin was for 1200 a few years ago and now a gram is being sold for 7000 Indian rupees. People steal to get drugs. I had money and used to get it from that money. &nbsp;Availability is lesser now, but police should act against the peddlers and not the users first. I left for my mother as she went into depression due to me, '' said a drug abuser who is currently in rehab.

There are many deaths caused by the overdose of drugs in the Valley. It's been observed that 30 to 40 per cent of addicts suffer from overdose symptoms. The majority of overdose patients suffered from Hepatitis-C disease where the liver suffered intense damage.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir police have recovered Illicit drugs from various parts of the Union Territory worth crores of rupees in the last few months. The police have also said that most of the drugs supplied come from across the border, Pakistan. Many such consignments were recovered mostly in areas close to the Line of Control (LOC), like Kupwara and Uri. Also, a lot of these drug consignments were dropped via drones from across the International borders in different parts of Jammu. 
 
&nbsp;

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Kashmir Valley, famously known as paradise on Earth, has become one of the top Indian states fighting drug abuse. Thousands of syringes are being used to inject heroin in the Valley by drug abusers on a daily basis.

Kashmir Valley, famously known as paradise on Earth, has become one of the top Indian states fighting drug abuse. Thousands of syringes are being used to inject heroin in the Valley by drug abusers on a daily basis. While the government says most of the drugs are sent to Kashmir Valley from across the border, a massive crackdown on drug peddlers has also started across the Union Territory. In a recent study, Kashmir Valley recently surpassed every other state in India to be among the top two states in the country with regard to drug abuse. And one of the most common drugs used here is Heroin. It was revealed in a study that Kashmir was at the number two slot as far as drug abuse was concerned as the region has left behind Punjab which was considered the hub till recently. According to a top police official in the Union Territory, over 5,000 cases have been registered in the last few years against drug peddlers. The action is making a difference on the ground, but the drug mafia is so huge that it will take a lot of time for the administration to clean the mess. ALSO READ | India's biggest-ever drug haul: Officials seize 15,000 blots, busts 'dark net' ring of drug traffickers ''If we talk about the prevalence, we did a survey last year in which we took samples from all the ten districts of Kashmir Valley. It was done in collaboration with the social welfare department and the Directorate of Health. In the survey, we found the prevalence was around 2.87 per cent and if you compare this to other states, we found it more than Punjab which was considered to be the hub of drug abuse. it equals to around 67000 people, and these were dependent on drugs and mostly on heroin. Which is very alarming and most of them were using injections, '' said Dr Yasir Rather, Professor, Incharge drug de-addiction centre, SMHS, GMC Srinagar. However, experts say that the coordination between all stakeholders in the valley is showing results on the ground. Not only has the availability of drugs in the markets gone down, but the number of drug users seeking treatment has gone up. The de-addiction centres across the Valley are witnessing an increase in the number of abusers seeking treatment. ''The number of abusers seeking treatment has increased. It could be due to the awareness among people about these patients. There is word of mouth. We use oral substitution therapy which is very useful in heroin addicts. Treatment-seeking behaviours are changing and what we also found out from our patients is that there is a decrease in the availability of the drugs in the valley. Due to that, they think it's better to go for treatment and once the supply gets reduced there is an increase in the prices as well. Heroin was sold for 3000 per gm a few years ago and now the rates have gone up to 6000 per gm. This could be due to the decrease in the supply of heroin. On a daily basis, we see around 150-180 patients. From last year, there is coordination among various stakeholders and due to that there is sharing of information which led to curbing the trafficking and helped in overcoming the issue, '' said Dr Yasir Rather, Professor, Incharge drug de-addiction centre, SMHS, GMC Srinagar. The study also revealed that huge money was involved in the drug industry of the Valley. Doctors say that Rs. 88,000 ($1,065) are being spent every month by each drug user involved in opiates. The drug abusers in the Valley are seeing a change as well. They say that the drug availability in the market has gone down. The drugs previously were easily available in the Valley, but after the action by the police and administration, there has been a change on the ground. The rates for these drugs have also gone up. ALSO READ | India: Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized from two cities, former pilot among six arrested ''I started in 2016, I had an accident and was at home and my friends used to visit me and they gave it to me. They didn't even know how to use it. But then we met some people who taught us how to use heroin. I was fully an addict by 2017. One day I went shopping with my fiancé and I started getting withdrawal symptoms. I was part of a bad friend circle, and they pushed me into this. I started from foil to injection. I used to work and had money. During Covid, the rates went up and the availability has been going down. It used to be available easily but now there is a curb. Now it's very difficult to find it. I have been in rehab for the last year. Two years ago, the drugs were available so easily but now it's very difficult. There is a code word called 'pant' the peddlers use to sell it to youngsters. Now it's hardly available. My parents were depressed, and I couldn't bear that and that's why I stopped, '' a drug abuser currently in rehab said. The study has revealed that most of the drug abusers are in the age group of 17 and 33 and are mostly among the unemployed population. The most commonly used psychoactive substance was opioids among these abusers. The study also shows that in all ten districts, 67, 468 people have dependence patterns on psychoactive substances while 5,204 individuals among them were opioid dependent. Heroin was a predominant illicit drug that was used among opioid users. Most of the drug abusers in the Valley say that the action needs to be taken against the peddlers and that is how the menace of Drugs could be curbed in the valley. According to them, if the abuser does not get the drugs, it will solve all the issues and they want action to be taken against the ones selling these drugs. ALSO READ | 600,000 youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir have become drug addicts: Study ''With me, I started with medicinal opiates, I shifted to brown sugar, then to heroin. I left a year ago. It was so easily available, especially in the outskirts of Srinagar and the area close to Sangam. Sometimes even girls would sell it to us. Finding the peddler is easy in Kashmir. Police do not keep them arrested for long. They generally arrest the abusers and not the peddlers. A gram of heroin was for 1200 a few years ago and now a gram is being sold for 7000 Indian rupees. People steal to get drugs. I had money and used to get it from that money. Availability is lesser now, but police should act against the peddlers and not the users first. I left for my mother as she went into depression due to me, '' said a drug abuser who is currently in rehab. There are many deaths caused by the overdose of drugs in the Valley. It's been observed that 30 to 40 per cent of addicts suffer from overdose symptoms. The majority of overdose patients suffered from Hepatitis-C disease where the liver suffered intense damage. The Jammu and Kashmir police have recovered Illicit drugs from various parts of the Union Territory worth crores of rupees in the last few months. The police have also said that most of the drugs supplied come from across the border, Pakistan. Many such consignments were recovered mostly in areas close to the Line of Control (LOC), like Kupwara and Uri. Also, a lot of these drug consignments were dropped via drones from across the International borders in different parts of Jammu. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Thousands affected as Kashmir grapples with drug abuse, police begin major crackdown

A bus carrying 75 pilgrims to Katra from Amritsar fell into a deep gorge on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near Jhajjar Kotli on Tuesday. At least 10 people were killed, while 57 were reported injured, as of the last update.

Initial reports suggest that CRPF, police and emergency services have arrived at the spot. The dead bodies and injured have been taken to Jammu's&nbsp;Government Medical College&nbsp;hospital. A rescue operation is currently underway.&nbsp;

"Those critically injured have been brought to GMC Jammu. 12 others have been admitted at local public health centre," Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jammu Avny Lavasa was quoted as saying by ANI.&nbsp;

Chandan Kohli, SSP Jammu updated the death and injured toll saying eight had died while the rescue operation was underway.&nbsp;

"The bus was going from Amritsar to Katra, towards Mata Vaishno Devi and rolled down the Jhajjar Kotli bridge. The injured people have been shifted to a hospital. All other teams - paramilitary teams and SDRF - are helping the Police. Locals are helping too so that people can be evacuated and rescued," said Kohli.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences over the death as the majority of the pilgrims hailed from the eastern state. He announced an ex-gratia of $2400 (Rs 2 lakh) each to the next of the kin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-major-revamp-in-jammu-and-kashmir-srinagar-gets-smart-city-treatment-580662">WATCH |&nbsp;India: Major revamp in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar gets smart city treatment</a>

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President Dropadi Murmu also shared her grief with the family members of the victims and said it was an extremely unfortunate incident.&nbsp;

"The death of many pilgrims in the bus accident in Jammu is extremely unfortunate. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I wish the injured people a speedy recovery," the president tweeted in Hindi.

The incident comes a day after a tractor trolley fell into a gorge in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu&nbsp;district. Eight people, including six women, were killed in the accident while 26 others suffered serious injuries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A bus carrying 75 pilgrims to Katra from Amritsar fell into a deep gorge on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near Jhajjar Kotli on Tuesday. At least 10 people were killed, while 57 were reported injured, as of the last update.

A bus carrying 75 pilgrims to Katra from Amritsar fell into a deep gorge on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near Jhajjar Kotli on Tuesday. At least 10 people were killed, while 57 were reported injured, as of the last update. Initial reports suggest that CRPF, police and emergency services have arrived at the spot. The dead bodies and injured have been taken to Jammu's Government Medical College hospital. A rescue operation is currently underway. "Those critically injured have been brought to GMC Jammu. 12 others have been admitted at local public health centre," Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jammu Avny Lavasa was quoted as saying by ANI. Chandan Kohli, SSP Jammu updated the death and injured toll saying eight had died while the rescue operation was underway. "The bus was going from Amritsar to Katra, towards Mata Vaishno Devi and rolled down the Jhajjar Kotli bridge. The injured people have been shifted to a hospital. All other teams - paramilitary teams and SDRF - are helping the Police. Locals are helping too so that people can be evacuated and rescued," said Kohli. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences over the death as the majority of the pilgrims hailed from the eastern state. He announced an ex-gratia of $2400 (Rs 2 lakh) each to the next of the kin. WATCH | India: Major revamp in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar gets smart city treatment × President Dropadi Murmu also shared her grief with the family members of the victims and said it was an extremely unfortunate incident. "The death of many pilgrims in the bus accident in Jammu is extremely unfortunate. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I wish the injured people a speedy recovery," the president tweeted in Hindi. The incident comes a day after a tractor trolley fell into a gorge in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district. Eight people, including six women, were killed in the accident while 26 others suffered serious injuries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: At least 10 dead, several injured as bus carrying pilgrims falls into gorge in Jammu

Ahead of the G20 meet that is&nbsp;to be held in Kashmir Valley, the world-famous ski resort Gulmarg is all set to welcome the delegates. Gulmarg has been given a fresh makeover for the event and all necessary arrangements have been put in place.&nbsp;

New hoardings, macadamisation of roads, adding new spots on the way to Gulmarg, renovation of shops, hotels and Gondola and making it tourist friendly are among the very few things that have been added to the beauty of the world-famous Gulmarg ski Resort. the hoteliers in Gulmarg are extremely happy about all the developmental work&nbsp;by the government. They are hopeful the event would eventually mean more tourist arrivals at the ski resort.&nbsp;

''Since the announcements have been made about G20, the development work has been fast-tracked, the roads, and maintenance has been done. I have not seen such development in my seven years of career. Tourism in Gulmarg would be boosted, while the locals will also get a positive mindset, and the image that we have outside can change as well. The developments are very good and will help the tourism sector a lot,'' said Waseem Hassan, a hotelier.&nbsp;

Gulmarg hotels and resorts are fully packed all through the year, and now with the visit of G20 delegates, the stakeholders are expecting it to become the favourite destination of foreigners as well. The event would be a start for Kashmir Valley's promotion as a tourist destination across the world.&nbsp;

''Development is happening very fast and nicely and whatever work was pending has also been finished due to the G20. The development has happened on a great scale, and we are extremely happy about it. We hope they don't shut Gulmarg that day, but we are hopeful that G20 will get us more tourists from international countries. This will be a great promotion for Gulmarg,'' said Mir Fayaz, a local travel agent.&nbsp;

The government and tourism department are finding this opportunity lucky for the Kashmir Valley as Jammu and Kashmir being a tourist place will get promoted not only domestically but at an international level as well. This will also help improve the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

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Ahead of the G20 meet that is to be held in Kashmir Valley, the world-famous ski resort Gulmarg is all set to welcome the delegates. Gulmarg has been given a fresh makeover for the event and all necessary arrangements have been put in place.

Ahead of the G20 meet that is to be held in Kashmir Valley, the world-famous ski resort Gulmarg is all set to welcome the delegates. Gulmarg has been given a fresh makeover for the event and all necessary arrangements have been put in place. New hoardings, macadamisation of roads, adding new spots on the way to Gulmarg, renovation of shops, hotels and Gondola and making it tourist friendly are among the very few things that have been added to the beauty of the world-famous Gulmarg ski Resort. the hoteliers in Gulmarg are extremely happy about all the developmental work by the government. They are hopeful the event would eventually mean more tourist arrivals at the ski resort. ''Since the announcements have been made about G20, the development work has been fast-tracked, the roads, and maintenance has been done. I have not seen such development in my seven years of career. Tourism in Gulmarg would be boosted, while the locals will also get a positive mindset, and the image that we have outside can change as well. The developments are very good and will help the tourism sector a lot,'' said Waseem Hassan, a hotelier. Gulmarg hotels and resorts are fully packed all through the year, and now with the visit of G20 delegates, the stakeholders are expecting it to become the favourite destination of foreigners as well. The event would be a start for Kashmir Valley's promotion as a tourist destination across the world. ''Development is happening very fast and nicely and whatever work was pending has also been finished due to the G20. The development has happened on a great scale, and we are extremely happy about it. We hope they don't shut Gulmarg that day, but we are hopeful that G20 will get us more tourists from international countries. This will be a great promotion for Gulmarg,'' said Mir Fayaz, a local travel agent. The government and tourism department are finding this opportunity lucky for the Kashmir Valley as Jammu and Kashmir being a tourist place will get promoted not only domestically but at an international level as well. This will also help improve the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ahead of G20 meeting, Jammu & Kashmir’s famous ski resort Gulmarg gets a facelift

Five Indian Army soldiers have been killed in an ongoing encounter in the Kandi Forest of the Rajouri sector in the Jammu region. Four more soldiers, including an officer, were injured in the encounter and have been shifted to the hospital for treatment. The Indian army had an input about the presence of terrorists in the area, after which the Indian army launched a major search operation.&nbsp;

The Indian army said that on 03 May 2023 a joint operation was launched based on a&nbsp;specific&nbsp;tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the Kandi Forest in the Rajouri Sector. At about 0730 hours on 05 May 2023, a search team established contact with a group of terrorists well entrenched in a cave. The area was&nbsp;thickly vegetated with rocky and steep cliffs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-2-terrorists-killed-in-baramula-encounter-second-operation-in-24-hours-588830">India: 2 terrorists killed in Baramulla encounter, second operation in 24 hours</a>

''The terrorists triggered an explosive device in retaliation. The Army team has suffered two fatal casualties with injuries to four more soldiers, including an officer, '' said the Indian Army PRO.&nbsp;

Indian Army columns have been conducting relentless intelligence-based operations to flush out a group of terrorists involved in an ambush on an army truck in the Jammu region's Tota Gali area of Bhata Dhurian. Additional teams from the vicinity have been directed to the site of the encounter. The injured personnel have been evacuated to Command Hospital, Udhampur.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-bhutto-india-trip-for-sco-foreign-ministers-meet-this-is-what-he-said-before-departure-588796">Pakistan is committed to the SCO forum, says Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a>

The Indian army says that there is a likelihood that trapped terrorists have been killed in the gunfight. However, the bodies have not been retrieved.&nbsp;

''As per initial reports, a group of terrorists are trapped in the area. There is a likelihood of casualties in terrorist groups. The operation is in progress. Further details are being ascertained,' 'said the Indian Army.&nbsp;

This is the third operation in the Union territory in the last three days.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Five Indian Army soldiers have been killed in an ongoing encounter in the Kandi Forest of the Rajouri sector in the Jammu region. Four more soldiers, including an officer, were injured in the encounter and have been shifted to the hospital for treatment.

Five Indian Army soldiers have been killed in an ongoing encounter in the Kandi Forest of the Rajouri sector in the Jammu region. Four more soldiers, including an officer, were injured in the encounter and have been shifted to the hospital for treatment. The Indian army had an input about the presence of terrorists in the area, after which the Indian army launched a major search operation. The Indian army said that on 03 May 2023 a joint operation was launched based on a specific tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the Kandi Forest in the Rajouri Sector. At about 0730 hours on 05 May 2023, a search team established contact with a group of terrorists well entrenched in a cave. The area was thickly vegetated with rocky and steep cliffs. Also read | India: 2 terrorists killed in Baramulla encounter, second operation in 24 hours ''The terrorists triggered an explosive device in retaliation. The Army team has suffered two fatal casualties with injuries to four more soldiers, including an officer, '' said the Indian Army PRO. Indian Army columns have been conducting relentless intelligence-based operations to flush out a group of terrorists involved in an ambush on an army truck in the Jammu region's Tota Gali area of Bhata Dhurian. Additional teams from the vicinity have been directed to the site of the encounter. The injured personnel have been evacuated to Command Hospital, Udhampur. Also read | Pakistan is committed to the SCO forum, says Bilawal Bhutto Zardari The Indian army says that there is a likelihood that trapped terrorists have been killed in the gunfight. However, the bodies have not been retrieved. ''As per initial reports, a group of terrorists are trapped in the area. There is a likelihood of casualties in terrorist groups. The operation is in progress. Further details are being ascertained,' 'said the Indian Army. This is the third operation in the Union territory in the last three days. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five Indian army soldiers killed during anti-terror operations in J&K's Rajouri

At least seven persons&nbsp;were injured in a suspected terror attack after twin explosions rocked Jammu city within a span of 15 minutes in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India’s north on Saturday morning.&nbsp;Additional Director General of Police (Jammu) Mukesh Singh said that the blasts occurred in Narwal area of Jammu.

"The whole area has been cordoned off,&nbsp;senior police officers along with other personnel are at the spot and further investigations are underway. The injured have been rushed to the hospital," another police official said, reports PTI news agency. 
 
Hospital sources said seven people were admitted with splinter injuries and all of them are “stable”.&nbsp; 
 
The twin explosions took place in Yard Number 7 of Transport Nagar in Narwal area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The first blast occurred at around 10.45 am, followed by another explosion, an official in Jammu told the news agency PTI, adding that the whole area was cordoned off and a search operation is underway. 
 
Jaswinder Singh, an eyewitness, said the first blast occurred in a vehicle that was sent to a workshop for repairs, reported PTI.&nbsp;“Fifteen minutes later, another explosion nearby littered the area with damaged parts and garbage,” said Singh, chief of the Motor Spare Parts Association. 
 
Five people were injured in the first blast and two more in the second, he added. 
 
Senior officials of the Army and Security Impact Analysis (SIA) teams reached the spot and&nbsp; sanitisation operation was carried out.&nbsp;Teams of forensic experts, bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs were also pressed into service&nbsp;and collected samples. 
 
The Narwal area of the Jammu city is a commercial hub and remains crowded throughout the day. It has fruit and vegetable market besides many shops of tyres, spare parts, junk dealers and car accessories. 
 
Jammu &amp; Kashmir Lieutenant-General&nbsp;Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the blasts in Narwal, Jammu. Senior police officials briefed the LG about the blast and ongoing investigation. He called for urgent steps to identify the culprits and take action against them. 
 
“Such dastardly acts highlight the desperation and cowardice of those responsible. Take immediate and firm action. No efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Sinha told officials. 
 
The LG also offered his heartfelt sympathies to those injured in the explosions and announced a relief of Rs 50,000 for each injured. He added that the administration would ensure best treatment to the injured and extend every required help to their families. 
 
The blasts have taken place even as security has been beefed up across the Union territory in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra has entered the state. 
 
The yatra has been given a massive security cover, with both police and paramilitary forces ring-fencing Gandhi and his followers while jammers have also been deployed. Reports said that the Congress leader has been advised by security agencies to not walk certain stretches during the yatra in Kashmir.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least seven persons were injured in a suspected terror attack after twin explosions rocked Jammu city within a span of 15 minutes in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India’s north on Saturday morning.

At least seven persons were injured in a suspected terror attack after twin explosions rocked Jammu city within a span of 15 minutes in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India’s north on Saturday morning. Additional Director General of Police (Jammu) Mukesh Singh said that the blasts occurred in Narwal area of Jammu. "The whole area has been cordoned off, senior police officers along with other personnel are at the spot and further investigations are underway. The injured have been rushed to the hospital," another police official said, reports PTI news agency. Hospital sources said seven people were admitted with splinter injuries and all of them are “stable”. The twin explosions took place in Yard Number 7 of Transport Nagar in Narwal area. #WATCH | J&K: Six people injured in two blasts that occurred in Narwal area of Jammu. Visuals from the spot. Police personnel are present at the spot. pic.twitter.com/eTZ1exaICG — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2023 × The first blast occurred at around 10.45 am, followed by another explosion, an official in Jammu told the news agency PTI, adding that the whole area was cordoned off and a search operation is underway. Jaswinder Singh, an eyewitness, said the first blast occurred in a vehicle that was sent to a workshop for repairs, reported PTI. “Fifteen minutes later, another explosion nearby littered the area with damaged parts and garbage,” said Singh, chief of the Motor Spare Parts Association. Five people were injured in the first blast and two more in the second, he added. Senior officials of the Army and Security Impact Analysis (SIA) teams reached the spot and sanitisation operation was carried out. Teams of forensic experts, bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs were also pressed into service and collected samples. The Narwal area of the Jammu city is a commercial hub and remains crowded throughout the day. It has fruit and vegetable market besides many shops of tyres, spare parts, junk dealers and car accessories. Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant-General Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the blasts in Narwal, Jammu. Senior police officials briefed the LG about the blast and ongoing investigation. He called for urgent steps to identify the culprits and take action against them. “Such dastardly acts highlight the desperation and cowardice of those responsible. Take immediate and firm action. No efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Sinha told officials. The LG also offered his heartfelt sympathies to those injured in the explosions and announced a relief of Rs 50,000 for each injured. He added that the administration would ensure best treatment to the injured and extend every required help to their families. The blasts have taken place even as security has been beefed up across the Union territory in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra has entered the state. The yatra has been given a massive security cover, with both police and paramilitary forces ring-fencing Gandhi and his followers while jammers have also been deployed. Reports said that the Congress leader has been advised by security agencies to not walk certain stretches during the yatra in Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Twin explosions rock India’s Jammu and Kashmir, 7 injured

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed multiple terror attacks at the beginning of the new year. Six civilians were killed and ten injured in the twin attacks at the Dangri Village of Rajouri district. In an IED blast earlier today, two children were killed while four more were injured at the same location where the terrorists attacked yesterday.

WION Dispatch | Jammu: Two child killed, several injured in blast in Rajouri region

Four terrorists were killed during an encounter on the outskirts of Jammu in India, the police authorities said on Wednesday. The forces intercepted a truck in which the terrorists were travelling and all four of them were killed in retaliatory fire. The police also said that the truck caught fire during the gun battle and they were able to recover arms and ammunition from the vehicle.

"There was unusual movement of a truck in the area. Police stopped the truck at a check post. As security forces started searching the truck, terrorist hiding inside fired at security forces. All the terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire," Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of police, said.

While the terrorists were all killed, the truck driver was able to escape and the police told reporters that they are conducting search operations in the nearby villages. The ammunition recovered from the truck included seven AK rifles, one M4 carbine, three pistols and other weapons.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-tax-filings-from-his-us-presidency-years-to-be-made-public-on-dec-30-547284">Trump's tax filings from his US presidency years to be made public on Dec 30</a>

The road was completely sealed off after the encounter, affecting traffic for quite some time.

Earlier, the Jammu police was able to defuse a 15 kg improvised explosive device (IED) in Udhampur to avoid a terrorist attack. According to PTI, the official statement said that it included “cylindrical shaped IED, 300-400 grams of RDX, seven 7.62 mm cartridges and five detonators”.

One person was detained with the police recovering a coded sheet and letter pad page belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group. 
&nbsp;

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Four terrorists were killed during an encounter on the outskirts of Jammu in India, the police authorities said on Wednesday. The forces intercepted a truck in which the terrorists were travelling and all four of them were killed in retaliatory fire.

Four terrorists were killed during an encounter on the outskirts of Jammu in India, the police authorities said on Wednesday. The forces intercepted a truck in which the terrorists were travelling and all four of them were killed in retaliatory fire. The police also said that the truck caught fire during the gun battle and they were able to recover arms and ammunition from the vehicle. "There was unusual movement of a truck in the area. Police stopped the truck at a check post. As security forces started searching the truck, terrorist hiding inside fired at security forces. All the terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire," Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of police, said. While the terrorists were all killed, the truck driver was able to escape and the police told reporters that they are conducting search operations in the nearby villages. The ammunition recovered from the truck included seven AK rifles, one M4 carbine, three pistols and other weapons. Also read | Trump's tax filings from his US presidency years to be made public on Dec 30 The road was completely sealed off after the encounter, affecting traffic for quite some time. Earlier, the Jammu police was able to defuse a 15 kg improvised explosive device (IED) in Udhampur to avoid a terrorist attack. According to PTI, the official statement said that it included “cylindrical shaped IED, 300-400 grams of RDX, seven 7.62 mm cartridges and five detonators”. One person was detained with the police recovering a coded sheet and letter pad page belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group.

India: Four terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir is expanding itself in terms of setting up start-ups. The start-ups are focusing to deliver across Jammu and Kashmir and even reaches to the far-off places. Watch further to know more.

Jammu and Kashmir witness an increase in start-ups

Drones have become farmer's friends as India's Jammu & Kashmir is all set to introduce drones in the agriculture sector. Watch this report for all the details.

WION Climate Tracker | India: Jammu & Kashmir set to introduce drones in the agriculture sector

Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that 40 foreign terrorists have been killed in the Kashmir region in 2022 so far. Most of these terrorists belonged to either Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfits. The director-general of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that most of the leadership of these terror outfits has been wiped out.

He also said that there has been an evident drop in the terror outfit recruitments in the Kashmir Valley. And there is a leadership crisis among these terror groups in the Valley.&nbsp;

"We have managed to destroy the structure of these terror outfits. Pakistan always wants foreign terrorists to hold command of outfits like Lashkar and Jaish. But we have had successful operations this year in which around 40 foreign Pakistani terrorists have been neutralised in various operations. Pakistan is still trying to infiltrate more terrorists into the region and some of these attempts have been successful and we are keeping an eye on that too and soon they will be dismantled too," said J&amp;K DGP Dilbagh Singh.

Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-terrorist-attack-in-jammu-and-kashmir-kashmiri-pandit-shot-dead-525709">India: Terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir; Kashmiri Pandit shot dead</a>

The DGP also said that since the winter is approaching, there would be more attempts by Pakistan to send across foreign terrorists into the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

"The terrorists from across the border will try to infiltrate before the winter and snowfall. But the counter-infiltration grid has been made stronger and no such attempt would be successful," said the DGP.&nbsp;

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, terror recruitment in the Valley has come down. Police say that they have managed to kill most of the top commanders of the terror outfits and it&nbsp;has led to the terror recruitment&nbsp;taking&nbsp;a hit.&nbsp;

"The youngsters of the valley are preferring to make their careers in various fields. Stone pelting has completely stopped and local terror recruitment too has dropped to almost zero," said Singh.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bumper-saffron-harvest-in-kashmir-region-farmers-happy-about-crop-production-529431">Bumper saffron harvest in Kashmir region. Farmers happy with abundant production</a> 
 
One of the major concerns for the security forces in the valley are Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The police are working on a strategy.

"IEDs are low cost for terrorists and are in fact part of a new strategy aimed at inflicting maximum damage to forces and less to militants. Consignments airdropped through drones were seized in Jammu," said DGP.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that 40 foreign terrorists have been killed in the Kashmir region in 2022 so far. Most of these terrorists belonged to either Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfits.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that 40 foreign terrorists have been killed in the Kashmir region in 2022 so far. Most of these terrorists belonged to either Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfits. The director-general of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that most of the leadership of these terror outfits has been wiped out. He also said that there has been an evident drop in the terror outfit recruitments in the Kashmir Valley. And there is a leadership crisis among these terror groups in the Valley. "We have managed to destroy the structure of these terror outfits. Pakistan always wants foreign terrorists to hold command of outfits like Lashkar and Jaish. But we have had successful operations this year in which around 40 foreign Pakistani terrorists have been neutralised in various operations. Pakistan is still trying to infiltrate more terrorists into the region and some of these attempts have been successful and we are keeping an eye on that too and soon they will be dismantled too," said J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh. Also watch: India: Terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir; Kashmiri Pandit shot dead The DGP also said that since the winter is approaching, there would be more attempts by Pakistan to send across foreign terrorists into the Kashmir Valley. "The terrorists from across the border will try to infiltrate before the winter and snowfall. But the counter-infiltration grid has been made stronger and no such attempt would be successful," said the DGP. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, terror recruitment in the Valley has come down. Police say that they have managed to kill most of the top commanders of the terror outfits and it has led to the terror recruitment taking a hit. "The youngsters of the valley are preferring to make their careers in various fields. Stone pelting has completely stopped and local terror recruitment too has dropped to almost zero," said Singh. Also Read | Bumper saffron harvest in Kashmir region. Farmers happy with abundant production One of the major concerns for the security forces in the valley are Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The police are working on a strategy. "IEDs are low cost for terrorists and are in fact part of a new strategy aimed at inflicting maximum damage to forces and less to militants. Consignments airdropped through drones were seized in Jammu," said DGP. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Jammu and Kashmir: 40 foreign terrorists killed this year, terror outfits face leadership crisis

The Jammu and Kashmir's regional political parties have strongly opposed a new order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu region ordering revenue officials to issue certificates of residence to the people residing in the territorial jurisdiction of Jammu “for more than one year.” &nbsp;

This order will enable these people to get entry into the ongoing special summary revision of electoral rolls. &nbsp;

Regional Political parties like National Conference, PDP and Democratic Azad Party have opposed this decision. People's democratic party president Mehbooba Mufti accused the central government of orchestrating demographic change in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"Article 370 has been removed from J&amp;K to pave way for these kinds of things and their 'BJP' main goal is to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir. The 'BJP' is afraid of elections because they know people of Kashmir and Jammu have understood their intentions. They will lose badly here and that's why they are now adding nonlocals to voter lists."

Mehbooba also added that "with the opening of land, jobs and now votes for non-locals, the traditional culture of Kashmiris and Dogras will be ruined. People of Jammu will bear the first blow to Dogra culture, identity, employment &amp; business, BJP's attempts to create religious &amp; regional divisions between Jammu &amp; Kashmir must be thwarted because whether it's a Kashmiri or a Dogra, safeguarding our identity &amp; rights will be possible only if we put up a collective fight.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-dog-kept-fighting-terrorists-in-kashmir-despite-receiving-two-bullet-injuries-524317" hreflang="en">Army dog kept fighting terrorists in Kashmir despite receiving two bullet injuries</a>

The government of Jammu and Kashmir is revising the voter list of the Union territory. New potential voters are being added, while those who have died in the previous years are being taken out. The National Conference has also opposed the move and said that BJP is scared to fight elections in Jammu and Kashmir and that's why they are bringing nonlocal voters.&nbsp;

''The Government is going ahead with its plan to add 25 lakh, non-local voters, in J&amp;K and we continue to oppose this move. BJP is scared of the elections &amp; knows it will lose badly. People of J&amp;K must defeat these conspiracies at the ballot box, '' said National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar.&nbsp;

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad also opposed this decision and said that it will increase the social tension in the Union territory.&nbsp;

''We have always opposed the non-residents' inclusion in the voter list and it will remain as such. Article 370 gave us this provision that no nonlocal can get the voting rights in Jammu and Kashmir. Giving a certificate is all right but giving them voting rights is not right. The social tension will increase a lot by this decision,'' said Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;

The Home Minister of India, Amit Shah had said recently in a rally in North Kashmir's Baramulla district that ''the polls will take place once the summary revision of the voter list is over''.&nbsp;

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The Jammu and Kashmir's regional political parties have strongly opposed a new order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu region ordering revenue officials to issue certificates of residence to the people residing in the territorial jurisdiction of Jammu “for more than one year.

The Jammu and Kashmir's regional political parties have strongly opposed a new order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu region ordering revenue officials to issue certificates of residence to the people residing in the territorial jurisdiction of Jammu “for more than one year.” This order will enable these people to get entry into the ongoing special summary revision of electoral rolls. Regional Political parties like National Conference, PDP and Democratic Azad Party have opposed this decision. People's democratic party president Mehbooba Mufti accused the central government of orchestrating demographic change in Jammu and Kashmir. "Article 370 has been removed from J&K to pave way for these kinds of things and their 'BJP' main goal is to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir. The 'BJP' is afraid of elections because they know people of Kashmir and Jammu have understood their intentions. They will lose badly here and that's why they are now adding nonlocals to voter lists." Mehbooba also added that "with the opening of land, jobs and now votes for non-locals, the traditional culture of Kashmiris and Dogras will be ruined. People of Jammu will bear the first blow to Dogra culture, identity, employment & business, BJP's attempts to create religious & regional divisions between Jammu & Kashmir must be thwarted because whether it's a Kashmiri or a Dogra, safeguarding our identity & rights will be possible only if we put up a collective fight.” Also read | Army dog kept fighting terrorists in Kashmir despite receiving two bullet injuries The government of Jammu and Kashmir is revising the voter list of the Union territory. New potential voters are being added, while those who have died in the previous years are being taken out. The National Conference has also opposed the move and said that BJP is scared to fight elections in Jammu and Kashmir and that's why they are bringing nonlocal voters. ''The Government is going ahead with its plan to add 25 lakh, non-local voters, in J&K and we continue to oppose this move. BJP is scared of the elections & knows it will lose badly. People of J&K must defeat these conspiracies at the ballot box, '' said National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad also opposed this decision and said that it will increase the social tension in the Union territory. ''We have always opposed the non-residents' inclusion in the voter list and it will remain as such. Article 370 gave us this provision that no nonlocal can get the voting rights in Jammu and Kashmir. Giving a certificate is all right but giving them voting rights is not right. The social tension will increase a lot by this decision,'' said Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad. The Home Minister of India, Amit Shah had said recently in a rally in North Kashmir's Baramulla district that ''the polls will take place once the summary revision of the voter list is over''. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Regional parties oppose govt decision to include non locals staying in J&K for over a year in voter list

Hemant Kumar Lohia, the director general of police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir Prisons Department, was found dead at his friend’s residence on Monday. While the police have launched an investigation into the incident, there were suspicions that he was murdered.

The People's Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF), a terror outfit backed by Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the killing.

In a press release, the terror outfit said, “Our special squad carried out an intelligence based operation in Udaiwala, Jammu, eliminating DG of police, prisons department HK Lohia, a high value target.”

The PAFF has further said that it carried out all recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including attacks on non-locals, and has threatened to carry out more such high-profile operations.

“This is a small gift to their visiting Home Minister amid such a security grid,” the PAFF said, referring to Amit Shah who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-towards-the-east-says-south-korea-522205" hreflang="en">North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the east, says South Korea</a>

According to the official police report, Lohia was found with his throat slit open. He was currently staying at his friend Rajiv Khajuria’s house in Jammu as his own house was under renovation.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, the ADGP further said as quoted by PTI.

Lohia, a 1992 batch IPS officer, was posted at the DGP prisons in August.

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Hemant Kumar Lohia, the director general of police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir Prisons Department, was found dead at his friend’s residence on Monday. While the police have launched an investigation into the incident, there were suspicions that he was murdered.

Hemant Kumar Lohia, the director general of police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir Prisons Department, was found dead at his friend’s residence on Monday. While the police have launched an investigation into the incident, there were suspicions that he was murdered. The People's Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF), a terror outfit backed by Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the killing. In a press release, the terror outfit said, “Our special squad carried out an intelligence based operation in Udaiwala, Jammu, eliminating DG of police, prisons department HK Lohia, a high value target.” The PAFF has further said that it carried out all recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including attacks on non-locals, and has threatened to carry out more such high-profile operations. “This is a small gift to their visiting Home Minister amid such a security grid,” the PAFF said, referring to Amit Shah who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Also read | North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the east, says South Korea According to the official police report, Lohia was found with his throat slit open. He was currently staying at his friend Rajiv Khajuria’s house in Jammu as his own house was under renovation. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, the ADGP further said as quoted by PTI. Lohia, a 1992 batch IPS officer, was posted at the DGP prisons in August.

Terror outfit PAFF claims responsibility for killing Jammu and Kashmir Police's prison chief

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir announced the visit of Union home minister Amit Shah to the state on October 1 and 2. The home minister will be addressing mega rallies in Rajouri district of Jammu region on October 1 and Baramulla district of Kashmir region on October 2. 
 
BJP's Kashmir affairs in charge and former minister Sunil Sharma on Saturday made a formal announcement of Amit Shah's visit. The mega rally in North Kashmir's Baramulla district would be attended by people across the Kashmir region.&nbsp;

“The home minister will be addressing the rally and talking about the various developmental projects undertaken by the government. He will also talk about what the central government is doing on various fronts for the development of J&amp;K,” said Sharma.&nbsp;

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-gets-its-first-multiplex-to-be-opened-to-public-by-september-end-518021">:&nbsp;Kashmir gets its first multiplex, to be opened to public by September end</a>

While talking about elections, Sharma said, "It's a decision to be made by the Election Commission of India, and we (BJP) as a party are always ready for elections here.''

The home minister will also be laying the foundation stone of the first cancer hospital in the Kashmir valley. The hospital is being constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir announced the visit of Union home minister Amit Shah to the state on October 1 and 2. The home minister will be addressing mega rallies in Rajouri district of Jammu region on October 1 and Baramulla district of Kashmir region on October 2.

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir announced the visit of Union home minister Amit Shah to the state on October 1 and 2. The home minister will be addressing mega rallies in Rajouri district of Jammu region on October 1 and Baramulla district of Kashmir region on October 2. BJP's Kashmir affairs in charge and former minister Sunil Sharma on Saturday made a formal announcement of Amit Shah's visit. The mega rally in North Kashmir's Baramulla district would be attended by people across the Kashmir region. “The home minister will be addressing the rally and talking about the various developmental projects undertaken by the government. He will also talk about what the central government is doing on various fronts for the development of J&K,” said Sharma. Read more: Kashmir gets its first multiplex, to be opened to public by September end While talking about elections, Sharma said, "It's a decision to be made by the Election Commission of India, and we (BJP) as a party are always ready for elections here.'' The home minister will also be laying the foundation stone of the first cancer hospital in the Kashmir valley. The hospital is being constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Home minister Amit Shah to visit Jammu & Kashmir, address mega rallies

In India,&nbsp;at least 12&nbsp;people&nbsp;were killed and over a dozen were&nbsp;injured in an accident after a passenger bus fell&nbsp;into a gorge in the Poonch area of Jammu. Reports suggested that an overloaded minibus skidded off the road and fell into a very deep gorge early morning in the Poonch district. Five people are critically injured and they are&nbsp;airlifted to the government hospital in Jammu.&nbsp;

Officials said the accident occurred near the Brari Ballah Sawjian area after the driver of the bus bearing number JK12-1419 lost control. The Bus skidded off the road and rolled several hundred meters into the gorge. Jammu and Kashmir’s LG Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident and announced ex gratia relief.&nbsp;

"Saddened by loss of lives due to a road accident in Sawjian, Poonch. Condolences to bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Rs. 5 lakhs would be given to the next of kin of deceased. Directed Police and Civil authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured," said LG Manoj Sinha.&nbsp;

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The loss of lives due to an accident in Poonch is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured: PM
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The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti also expressed shock over the incident. "Shocked to hear about the unfortunate accident at Sawajian Mandi in Poonch. Deepest condolences to the grieving families &amp; prayers for the injured," said Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

Soon after the accident, locals, police and the army rushed to the spot and launched a massive rescue operation. Those who are injured have been shifted to the hospital.&nbsp;

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In India, at least 12 people were killed and over a dozen were injured in an accident after a passenger bus fell into a gorge in the Poonch area of Jammu. Reports suggested that an overloaded minibus skidded off the road and fell into a very deep gorge early morning in the Poonch district.

In India, at least 12 people were killed and over a dozen were injured in an accident after a passenger bus fell into a gorge in the Poonch area of Jammu. Reports suggested that an overloaded minibus skidded off the road and fell into a very deep gorge early morning in the Poonch district. Five people are critically injured and they are airlifted to the government hospital in Jammu. Officials said the accident occurred near the Brari Ballah Sawjian area after the driver of the bus bearing number JK12-1419 lost control. The Bus skidded off the road and rolled several hundred meters into the gorge. Jammu and Kashmir’s LG Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident and announced ex gratia relief. "Saddened by loss of lives due to a road accident in Sawjian, Poonch. Condolences to bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Rs. 5 lakhs would be given to the next of kin of deceased. Directed Police and Civil authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured," said LG Manoj Sinha. The loss of lives due to an accident in Poonch is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 14, 2022 × The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti also expressed shock over the incident. "Shocked to hear about the unfortunate accident at Sawajian Mandi in Poonch. Deepest condolences to the grieving families & prayers for the injured," said Mehbooba Mufti. Soon after the accident, locals, police and the army rushed to the spot and launched a massive rescue operation. Those who are injured have been shifted to the hospital. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: At least 12 dead, several injured in bus accident in Poonch area of Jammu

Security forces in Jammu & Kashmir are on alert as 150 terrorists at LoC are waiting to sneak in from Pak Terror camps. Weapons are being smuggled via drones to help terrorists.

Security forces in Jammu & Kashmir on alert; terror launch pads active across LoC

Once known as the traditional Infiltration route of terrorists coming from across the border and continuous ceasefire violations, North Kashmir's Gurez valley is now India's best offbeat tourist destination. Gurez was recently awarded a national award for being the best offbeat tourist destination in India.

The efforts of the Indian army are paying off. The Indian army along with the civil administration have been working hard to promote Gurez to bring tourists to this part of the Kashmir Valley. Around 0.4 million tourists have visited the Gurez valley since the summer of 2021. Securing the borders and opening the road to Gurez for the tourists has been the Indian Army's priority. And the locals of the place are thankful to the soldiers for helping them with mostly every need of theirs.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-meets-narendra-modi-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-513314">'Friendship can solve any problem': Hasina hails India-Bangladesh ties</a>

''Whatever we have here is because of the Indian Army. We cannot forget what the Indian army has done for the people of Gurez. They live in our hearts. The change that happened in the last few years specially after Jammu Kashmir became a Union Territory, we have Mobile phone service here now. We are thankful to the Indian Army that our daughters are able to give online classes from Gurez. We are thankful to the Indian Army for opening Gurez as the tourist destination. Army is securing the area and are helping us to bring the tourists here and from the last two years we are finally getting a lot of tourists. And we are hopeful we will get more tourists in future, all the projects running here are because of the Indian army,'' said Ghulam Mohamad Lone, Sarpanch, Kanzalwan, Gurez.&nbsp;

There are dozens of new hotels and homestays that have opened in the Gurez Valley. The locals are converting their houses into homestays and allowing tourists to experience the culture and heritage of the Gurez Valley. All these hoteliers and guest house owners are profiting from the tourist arrivals. There are numerous camp sites across the Gurez valley run by the locals. The trekkers from across the world have been visiting and hiking the mountains of the himalayan region. &nbsp;

''We opened in the month of May and we have been able to do a business of around 9 lakh rupees. All the hotels and guest houses were booked. This place had ceasefire violations, shelling but from the last few years it has become peaceful, and it has also become a tourist hub. We are sure our future is bright and there is a lot of talent here. Kashmir is the real heaven and now people are finding new places in the valley to visit. We could have not done anything without the help of the Indian army. The army interacted with the tourists and gave them a different experience of the place,'' said Mohsin Lone, hotelier.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/513381" hreflang="en">Delhi man leaves 77-page suicide note, details how he killed his mother</a>

The Tourism department has been holding festivals and promoting these destinations through road shows and campaigning across India. The tourism department has been helping the locals to convert their houses into homestays. Earlier, people required permission to go to Gurez valley from administration and security forces, which is not required anymore.&nbsp;

''Gurez has become a prominent destination and I want to congratulate the people of Gurez for getting a national award for best offbeat destination. We want to showcase the culture and ethnic varieties of the Gurez to the tourists from across the country and world. It's a paradise of ethnic varieties. We have done it. Gurez has become a great destination for the tourists. We are promoting the places and showcasing this to tourists. We are taking new initiatives and we have got a great response from people. The benefit of the tourism boom will be for the locals of the place,'' said G N Ito, Director of Tourism.&nbsp;

The locals of the Gurez valley are welcoming the tourists with open arms. They have opened their homes to tourists across the world. With the main motive of showcasing the culture and ethnic values of the people of the Gurez.&nbsp;

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Once known as the traditional Infiltration route of terrorists coming from across the border and continuous ceasefire violations, North Kashmir's Gurez valley is now India's best offbeat tourist destination.

Once known as the traditional Infiltration route of terrorists coming from across the border and continuous ceasefire violations, North Kashmir's Gurez valley is now India's best offbeat tourist destination. Gurez was recently awarded a national award for being the best offbeat tourist destination in India. The efforts of the Indian army are paying off. The Indian army along with the civil administration have been working hard to promote Gurez to bring tourists to this part of the Kashmir Valley. Around 0.4 million tourists have visited the Gurez valley since the summer of 2021. Securing the borders and opening the road to Gurez for the tourists has been the Indian Army's priority. And the locals of the place are thankful to the soldiers for helping them with mostly every need of theirs. Also read | 'Friendship can solve any problem': Hasina hails India-Bangladesh ties ''Whatever we have here is because of the Indian Army. We cannot forget what the Indian army has done for the people of Gurez. They live in our hearts. The change that happened in the last few years specially after Jammu Kashmir became a Union Territory, we have Mobile phone service here now. We are thankful to the Indian Army that our daughters are able to give online classes from Gurez. We are thankful to the Indian Army for opening Gurez as the tourist destination. Army is securing the area and are helping us to bring the tourists here and from the last two years we are finally getting a lot of tourists. And we are hopeful we will get more tourists in future, all the projects running here are because of the Indian army,'' said Ghulam Mohamad Lone, Sarpanch, Kanzalwan, Gurez. There are dozens of new hotels and homestays that have opened in the Gurez Valley. The locals are converting their houses into homestays and allowing tourists to experience the culture and heritage of the Gurez Valley. All these hoteliers and guest house owners are profiting from the tourist arrivals. There are numerous camp sites across the Gurez valley run by the locals. The trekkers from across the world have been visiting and hiking the mountains of the himalayan region. ''We opened in the month of May and we have been able to do a business of around 9 lakh rupees. All the hotels and guest houses were booked. This place had ceasefire violations, shelling but from the last few years it has become peaceful, and it has also become a tourist hub. We are sure our future is bright and there is a lot of talent here. Kashmir is the real heaven and now people are finding new places in the valley to visit. We could have not done anything without the help of the Indian army. The army interacted with the tourists and gave them a different experience of the place,'' said Mohsin Lone, hotelier. Also read | Delhi man leaves 77-page suicide note, details how he killed his mother The Tourism department has been holding festivals and promoting these destinations through road shows and campaigning across India. The tourism department has been helping the locals to convert their houses into homestays. Earlier, people required permission to go to Gurez valley from administration and security forces, which is not required anymore. ''Gurez has become a prominent destination and I want to congratulate the people of Gurez for getting a national award for best offbeat destination. We want to showcase the culture and ethnic varieties of the Gurez to the tourists from across the country and world. It's a paradise of ethnic varieties. We have done it. Gurez has become a great destination for the tourists. We are promoting the places and showcasing this to tourists. We are taking new initiatives and we have got a great response from people. The benefit of the tourism boom will be for the locals of the place,'' said G N Ito, Director of Tourism. The locals of the Gurez valley are welcoming the tourists with open arms. They have opened their homes to tourists across the world. With the main motive of showcasing the culture and ethnic values of the people of the Gurez.

Indian army along with administration help make Gurez the best offbeat tourist destination in India

The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been put on security high alert as Amarnath Yatra commences from Jammu region. Amarnath Yatra was cancelled for two years due to covid pandemic. Around 40 thousand additional troops have been brought in from across India for deployment around the Yatra route.

The security forces including BSF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The deployment has been brought in addition to the existing Indian Army, CRPF, BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police already present in Kashmir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salah-abdeslam-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-without-parole-for-role-in-2015-paris-attacks-493107">Paris attacker Salah Abdeslam sentenced to life in prison without parole</a>

The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims, as they set off to Amarnath Cave from Jammu base camp amidst chanting of Vedic mantras. The Lt Governor prayed for the peace, prosperity and a safe spiritual journey for pilgrims on the occasion. The first batch of 4,890 Yatris was flagged off at around 4 in the morning from the Bhagwati Nagar- base camp for Kashmir Valley in a cavalcade of 176 light and heavy vehicles. However, the Government has estimated that 20 thousand Yatri's would take up the Yatra every day. Ten thousand each from two base camps.&nbsp;

''We feel extremely lucky to be among the first batch of Yatris. I have been coming for the last 12 years and I pray for the peace and happiness of the people of our country,'' said a Yatri.&nbsp; 
Security forces said that there would be round the clock Patrolling at all the Yatra routes and National Highways. Aerial surveillance with the help of drones and CCTV's have been put across the Highway routes to keep an extra vigil at both the base camps Nunwan Pahalgam and Baltal Sonmarg.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladmir-putin-issues-warning-to-finland-and-sweden-on-installing-nato-infrastructure-493118" hreflang="en">Putin issues warning to Finland and Sweden on installing NATO infrastructure</a>

The Yatris are provided with Radio Frequency (RFID) tags by administration so as to keep a real time tracking and monitoring. Those who were not provided with the Tags at Jammu will be given the tags at Kashmir base camps. The Jammu and Kashmir government has also set up a 24×7 Information help desk to provide proper Yatra related information to the visitors.

“Special teams have been deputed to verify documents of the vehicles carrying Amarnath pilgrims. We also put special stickers on the windscreen of the vehicles to make it easy for the vehicles and not stop them at any check points.&nbsp;

The 43-day-long Amarnath pilgrimage will commence from the Kashmir base camps on June 30. The Yatra will conclude on August 11 on the occasion of Rakhsha Bandhan.

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The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been put on security high alert as Amarnath Yatra commences from Jammu region. Amarnath Yatra was cancelled for two years due to covid pandemic.

The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been put on security high alert as Amarnath Yatra commences from Jammu region. Amarnath Yatra was cancelled for two years due to covid pandemic. Around 40 thousand additional troops have been brought in from across India for deployment around the Yatra route. The security forces including BSF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The deployment has been brought in addition to the existing Indian Army, CRPF, BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police already present in Kashmir. Also read | Paris attacker Salah Abdeslam sentenced to life in prison without parole The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims, as they set off to Amarnath Cave from Jammu base camp amidst chanting of Vedic mantras. The Lt Governor prayed for the peace, prosperity and a safe spiritual journey for pilgrims on the occasion. The first batch of 4,890 Yatris was flagged off at around 4 in the morning from the Bhagwati Nagar- base camp for Kashmir Valley in a cavalcade of 176 light and heavy vehicles. However, the Government has estimated that 20 thousand Yatri's would take up the Yatra every day. Ten thousand each from two base camps. ''We feel extremely lucky to be among the first batch of Yatris. I have been coming for the last 12 years and I pray for the peace and happiness of the people of our country,'' said a Yatri. Security forces said that there would be round the clock Patrolling at all the Yatra routes and National Highways. Aerial surveillance with the help of drones and CCTV's have been put across the Highway routes to keep an extra vigil at both the base camps Nunwan Pahalgam and Baltal Sonmarg. Also read | Putin issues warning to Finland and Sweden on installing NATO infrastructure The Yatris are provided with Radio Frequency (RFID) tags by administration so as to keep a real time tracking and monitoring. Those who were not provided with the Tags at Jammu will be given the tags at Kashmir base camps. The Jammu and Kashmir government has also set up a 24×7 Information help desk to provide proper Yatra related information to the visitors. “Special teams have been deputed to verify documents of the vehicles carrying Amarnath pilgrims. We also put special stickers on the windscreen of the vehicles to make it easy for the vehicles and not stop them at any check points. The 43-day-long Amarnath pilgrimage will commence from the Kashmir base camps on June 30. The Yatra will conclude on August 11 on the occasion of Rakhsha Bandhan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

High alert across Jammu and Kashmir as Amarnath Yatra starts

In India, it's been a successful year for Jammu & Kashmir police. Over 100 terrorists have been killed in the last five months and among them 30 were foreign terrorists. WION's correspondent Idrees Lone brings us this report from the Kashmir valley.

India: A successful year for Jammu & Kashmir Police

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated some of the major infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir. He visited the Palli panchayat in the Samba district and laid the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth more than 296 million dollars. For more on this, we're joined by Idrees Lone from Srinagar.

Indian PM Narendra Modi launches infra projects in Jammu & Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in collaboration with snowshoe federation today organized a national level tournament in Ski resort Gulmarg. Around 11 teams participated in the tournament from various states of the country. Teams of ITBP and Army participated as well.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has been pushing for various winter sports activities in the valley. They have been adding various new sports activities to the already famous ski and snowboarding and now they have added snow cycling, snow rugby and the latest one is snow race.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-after-2-years-of-lull-indias-vrindavan-drenched-in-colours-as-people-celebrate-holi-463433" hreflang="en">After 2 years of lull, Vrindavan drenched in colours as people celebrate Holi</a>

''There are teams from 11 states and the best thing is that you have teams from 11 states including tropical places like south India's Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. We have three categories for the racing event. And this will be a starting platform for these sportspeople to start their career. Those who win in today's games would be a part of the Indian team who will later represent India at various International Events. '' said Zeeshan Khan, Assistant Director, Tourism Kashmir.&nbsp;

The sports persons from across the country had come for the event. Athletes took this opportunity to be a part of winter sports to further boost their stamina. The athletes from across the country appealed to the government to further develop the infrastructure so Gulmarg can become a learning ground for them.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omar-abdullah-hits-out-at-filmmakers-of-kashmir-files-says-lies-projected-in-the-movie-463421" hreflang="en">Abdullah hits out at Kashmir Files filmmakers, says lies projected in movie</a>

''I am a part of winter sports teams, and I am a bronze medallist from Japan. I have been winning medals for the state for many years now. These winter sports events will further boost players to take up the sports. It will inspire youngsters from across the country to take up sports as their career. Gulmarg is so important for us to perfect our training. '' Muzamil Ahmad, Racer.&nbsp;

An athlete, Vishal Vishnu has been consecutively participating in the run and won Gold this year as well as the last. He says he practices running on the beach.&nbsp;

''I am a runner and have been practising for a long time. I won last year also and this year too. I hope this game is included in the Olympics and we get to participate. '' said Vishal Vishnu.

Gulmarg is being promoted as one of the best winter sports destinations. Many events were organized by the tourism department in the last few years. Now the government is working on developing the infrastructure to create a place where international level tournaments and competitions can be held.&nbsp;

''Snowshoe is one of the fastest picking winter sports games. We as Gulmarg are all over the globe. We are promoting tourism at every level whether it's regarding sports or other activities. We are the best Ski destinations in the world. We are working on building the infrastructure better to organize many more international events. '' said Ghulam Jeelani, CEO, GDA.&nbsp;

The government plans to hold many such events in the future.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in collaboration with snowshoe federation today organized a national level tournament in Ski resort Gulmarg. Around 11 teams participated in the tournament from various states of the country.

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in collaboration with snowshoe federation today organized a national level tournament in Ski resort Gulmarg. Around 11 teams participated in the tournament from various states of the country. Teams of ITBP and Army participated as well. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has been pushing for various winter sports activities in the valley. They have been adding various new sports activities to the already famous ski and snowboarding and now they have added snow cycling, snow rugby and the latest one is snow race. Also read | After 2 years of lull, Vrindavan drenched in colours as people celebrate Holi ''There are teams from 11 states and the best thing is that you have teams from 11 states including tropical places like south India's Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. We have three categories for the racing event. And this will be a starting platform for these sportspeople to start their career. Those who win in today's games would be a part of the Indian team who will later represent India at various International Events. '' said Zeeshan Khan, Assistant Director, Tourism Kashmir. The sports persons from across the country had come for the event. Athletes took this opportunity to be a part of winter sports to further boost their stamina. The athletes from across the country appealed to the government to further develop the infrastructure so Gulmarg can become a learning ground for them. Also read | Abdullah hits out at Kashmir Files filmmakers, says lies projected in movie ''I am a part of winter sports teams, and I am a bronze medallist from Japan. I have been winning medals for the state for many years now. These winter sports events will further boost players to take up the sports. It will inspire youngsters from across the country to take up sports as their career. Gulmarg is so important for us to perfect our training. '' Muzamil Ahmad, Racer. An athlete, Vishal Vishnu has been consecutively participating in the run and won Gold this year as well as the last. He says he practices running on the beach. ''I am a runner and have been practising for a long time. I won last year also and this year too. I hope this game is included in the Olympics and we get to participate. '' said Vishal Vishnu. Gulmarg is being promoted as one of the best winter sports destinations. Many events were organized by the tourism department in the last few years. Now the government is working on developing the infrastructure to create a place where international level tournaments and competitions can be held. ''Snowshoe is one of the fastest picking winter sports games. We as Gulmarg are all over the globe. We are promoting tourism at every level whether it's regarding sports or other activities. We are the best Ski destinations in the world. We are working on building the infrastructure better to organize many more international events. '' said Ghulam Jeelani, CEO, GDA. The government plans to hold many such events in the future.

Gulmarg hosts national snowshoe championship

Most of the places of south Kashmir including parts of the Jammu Kashmir national highway received moderate snowfall. There has also been landslides since the past few days. With this the Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed for traffic.

J&K: Jammu-Srinagar highway shut after valley received fresh spell of snowfall

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